Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1867
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1891
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / CC
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / D / 1925
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1860
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1878
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST / E PLURIBUS UNUM / CC
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1861
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Obverse Image: Full-length Liberty holding a torch in her right hand and olive branch in left. Capitol Dome in lower left; rays of sun in background; stars around rim.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / S / 1913
Reverse Image: Eagle flying with sun behind.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY DOLLARS / IN GOD WE TRUST
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1855
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / S
Description
This twenty dollar Liberty Head golden double eagle coin was minted in 1855 at the newly established U.S. Mint in San Francisco. James Marshall’s 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill kicked off the California gold rush and changed the wealth and reach of the nation as suddenly gold was in plentiful supply and the population was shifting westward. An Act of Congress on March 3, 1849, authorized the coinage of gold dollars and double eagles by the U.S. Mint, and in 1852 Congress authorized President Millard Fillmore’s plan to establish a mint in San Francisco to remove the need to send the gold back to Philadelphia for minting. The mint opened in 1854, and immediately began producing gold dollars and double eagles. The newly approved double eagle coin was designed by James B. Longacre in 1850 and produced at the mints in Philadelphia and New Orleans. On the obverse, or front, of the coin is the head of Liberty facing left wearing a coronet, inscribed "Liberty." She is surrounded by thirteen stars, representative of the original states, with the engraver’s initials “JBL” at the base of the neck. The date “1885” is below the head. The reverse features a design similar to the Great Seal of the United States. A heraldic eagle holds a scroll which reads "E Pluribus Unum." The eagle protects a shield, which represents the nation, and holds an olive branch and arrows in its talons. The letter “S” denoting the San Francisco mint is below the eagle. Above the eagle are thirteen stars in a halo, together with an arc of rays. The reverse rim reads “United States of America/Twenty D.”
Obverse Text: F. D. KOHLER / STATE ASSAYER / SAC. / CAL. / 1850 / 20 CARAT / 42 DWT. / 12 GRS. / $36.55 CTS
Reverse Image: N/A
Reverse Text: F. D. KOHLER / STATE ASSAYER
Description
The discovery of gold in 1848 at Sutter’s Mill spurred a great wave of migration to California. Hundreds of thousands of people traveled to the territory from around the world to strike it rich. Fierce competition for mining stakes caused tensions among the gold seekers, and resulted in discriminatory actions toward Chinese people. Increasing competition and varied pricing for gold resulted in the creation of the Office of State Assayer, Melter, and Refiner of Gold by Governor Peter Burnett, which tested the ingredients of gold and produced ingots stamped with their value. Frederick D. Kohler, a jeweler and volunteer fire fighter from New York City, moved to California in 1849 and started a private assayer firm with David C. Broderick. When the State Assay Office was created, Governor Burnett appointed Kohler as California’s first and only State Assayer in 1850. Approximately 5,000 ounces of gold were deposited with Kohler on the first day that the State Assay Office opened, with larger quantities following including several counterfeit nuggets. Congress soon replaced the State Assayer Office with the United States Assayer Office in 1851.
Obverse Image: Left-facing Liberty with coiled hair.
Obverse Text: 6 / G. / .3 / S / .7 / C / 7 / GRAMS / 1879 / LIBERTY
Reverse Image: Star.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / E PLURIBUS UNUM / DEO EST GLORIA / FOUR DOL. / ONE STELLA / 400 CENTS
Description
Apparently Lady Liberty’s name is Stella, and she likes to wear her hair two different ways. At least, that is according to two prominent coin engravers of the U.S. Mint during the late 19th century Philadelphia, Charles E. Barber and George T. Morgan.
This four dollar gold coin was minted in 1879 as part of a commission from the U.S. Mint to create a coin with a value comparable to European markets. The coin got its name “Stella,” the Latin word for “Star,” due to the star design on its reverse. Charles E. Barber, chief engraver of the U.S. Mint at the time, designed one version of the Stella coin depicting Lady Liberty with flowing hair on the obverse and a single star on the reverse, which is referred to today as “The Flowing Hair Type.” George T. Morgan, another U.S. Mint employee under Barber designed his own version of Stella, which is the one displayed here. Lady Liberty’s hair is worn coiled, a more reserved depiction of the American symbol of Liberty. Morgan’s version is referred to as “The Coiled Hair Type.”
However, the idea of an American international currency was never implemented. Congress rejected the concept, and therefore the coins were only minted for two years. The Stella remains the only four dollar U.S. coin ever minted. Newspapers of the era printed rumors that some Congressmen fashioned the Stellas into necklaces to give to their mistresses and Madams. Some surviving coins do show evidence of having been made into jewelry. Regardless of what happened to the Stellas after minting ceased, many numismatists consider the gold Stellas one of the most famous and popular American denominations. They are also quite rare, as there were only roughly 425 Flowing Hair Type Stellas and 20 Coiled Hair Types ever minted.
One (1) nomisma histamenon (solidus) coin, Basil II Bulgaroktonos
Byzantine Empire, 976 - 1025
Obverse Image: Portrait bust of Christ wearing nimbus cross ornamented with two crescents in its upper quarters, pallium and colobium; raising right hand in benediction and in left hand holds the book of Gospels; all encased in triple border.
Obverse Text: IhS / XIS / REX / REGNANTINM
Reverse Image: Portrait busts of Basil on left with short beard wearing loros of square pattern, and Constantine VIII on right, beardless wearing plain chlamys; both brothers are crowned and hold between them a long cross; all encased in triple border.
Obverse Image: Liberty wearing a coronet and facing left. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1854
Reverse Image: Heraldic eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest. Scrolls on either side of eagle, ring of 13 stars above eagle's head, rays of sun above stars.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / TWENTY D. / E PLURIBUS UNUM / O
Description
The 1854-O double eagle is one of the great classics of the Liberty Head series. Today, there are probably fewer than 35 examples known in all grades. Most of the 1854-O double eagles seen have graded just Very Fine or Extremely Fine. The 1854-O double eagle has always been in great demand, but with the recent interest in the field of double eagles, the 1854-O issue has become nearly priceless. Probably the finest example known was found in the wreckage of the S.S. Republic.
Obverse Image: Left facing Liberty with hair tied in a bun and wearing a coronet. 13 stars around.
Obverse Text: LIBERTY / 1854
Reverse Image: Eagle with wings outstretched clutching arrows and branch in talons, shield over chest with vertical stripes on bottom part and horizontal stripes on top part.
Reverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / FIVE D. / S
Description
The mint struck eagles and double eagles in some quantity (about 124,000 and 141,000, respectively). But it only minted a handful of quarter eagles (less than 250), and hardly more half eagles. The piece shown here is arguably the finest known. San Francisco expanded production in the next few years, adding silver coinage to the gold, and gradually assumed its position as a major producer of the nation's money.
Made of California gold, this rare coin was one of the first produced at the U.S. Mint branch in San Francisco. The mintmark, "S," is stamped on the reverse. California gold initially had to be shipped for coining to the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia, an expensive, slow, and risky undertaking. Meanwhile, private mints made coins that could be used in local markets. With the opening of the San Francisco Mint in 1854, gold could be converted quickly and efficiently into U.S. legal tender.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1/2 POND / 1895 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.
The South African War (also known as the Second Boer War) between the British and the ancestors of European immigrants (Boers) living in the South African Republic, took place from 1899 to 1902. Toward the end of the war, the remaining fighters for the South African Republic fled into the countryside to a place called Pilgrim’s Rest. They melted down gold bars and gold nuggets and minted their own coins to assert their independence from the British. The fighters used old farm machinery and accessible chemicals to melt the gold down and make it pliable enough to shape into coins. Their hand-chiseled dies produced 968 coins, which are often referred to as “veldpond” because they were made in the South African veld (the Afrikaans word for field) and their denomination is one pond.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1/2 POND / 1897 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1 POND / 1894 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1 POND / 1897 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1 POND / 1893 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.
Reverse Image: Coat of arms of the South African Republic.
Reverse Text: 1 POND / 1895 / EENDRAGT MAAKT MAGT
Description
This coin features a portrait of Paul Kruger, the president of the South African Republic (also known as the ZAR or Transvaal) from 1883 to 1900. Kruger descended from a group of European (primarily Dutch) immigrants known as Boers (Afrikaners), who colonized the Cape of Good Hope and surrounding areas beginning in the 1600s. To escape British rule, they moved eastward into South Africa to establish a self-governing South African Republic. Kruger rose to global prominence for his leadership in resisting British intrusion into the Transvaal and, ultimately, fighting the British in the South African War (1899–1902). Shortly after the British won the war, the South African Republic was renamed the Transvaal Province and was joined with other British colonies in the region under the Union of South Africa. This coin was produced during Kruger’s presidency, shortly before the war.