Currency History
91 articles
Rare 1861-O Half Dollar Reveals Civil War Coinage Mystery
A unique 1861-O Liberty Seated Half Dollar, struck as the US fractured in 1861, links three governments and challenges long-held beliefs about Civil War-era coin production at the New Orleans Mint
Jersey's Coinage: From Wartime Shortages to Decimalization and Royal Change
Jersey's coins and banknotes reveal a century of political upheaval, wartime occupation, and monetary reform, from rare royal issues to the transition to decimal currency and the latest commemorative coins
Finest 1879 Quintuple Stella to Return at Heritage's 2026 Auction
A rare 1879 Quintuple Stella gold coin, the best-preserved of only five ever made, will be auctioned by Heritage in 2026 after nearly two decades off the market, highlighting a unique episode in US monetary history
How the 1824 Central American 8 Reales Outlived Its Republic
The 1824 Central American Republic 8 Reales silver coin became a symbol of independence and unity, surviving long after the federation that issued it dissolved, and even circulating in the United States as legal tender
Seventeen New Collector Coins Explore History and Innovation in 2026
A new series of seventeen collector coins for 2026 highlights global history, engineering, and cultural heritage, with limited mintages and advanced minting techniques drawing attention from numismatists and collectors worldwide
1921-D Walking Liberty Half Dollar Remains a Key US Coin
The 1921-D Walking Liberty half dollar stands out for its low mintage and heavy circulation, making it one of the most sought-after US coins of the 20th century and a benchmark for collectors tracking rare American silver coinage
Parsons Coin Club Marks America 250 With Commemorative Exhibits
The Parsons Coin Club in Kansas is showcasing coins and medals reflecting key moments in American history, including America 250, at the Parsons Public Library throughout September, with special events and educational resources for the community
US Mint Issues 9/11 Memorial Half Dollars with Special Privy Mark
The US Mint has delivered 2,983 Enduring Liberty half dollars, each featuring a unique 9/11 memorial privy mark, to the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, marking a significant numismatic tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks
How Foreign Coins Shaped Early U.S. Money and Circulation Rules
Foreign coins once played a central role in U.S. commerce, with legal status and circulation rules evolving over time. This article examines how these coins entered, influenced, and eventually exited the American monetary system
How Bullion Coins Became a Global Collecting Trend
Bullion-priced gold and silver coins are not just investment assets-they have become a foundation for collectors worldwide, offering a way to build diverse collections while tracking metal values and market premiums
1848 Gothic Florin Pattern Returns to Spotlight After "Godless Florin" Scandal
A rare 1848 Gothic Florin Pattern, central to Britain's early decimalization and the "Godless Florin" controversy, will be auctioned in 2026. Its story reveals how a single coin design ignited debate over tradition, religion, and monetary reform.
1899 $2 Silver Certificate: The Mini-Porthole's Rare Signature Pair
The 1899 $2 Silver Certificate, known as the Mini-Porthole, stands out for its unique design and the rare combination of Napier and McClung signatures, linking the note to a pivotal era in American monetary and social history
Ten Commemorative Coins Highlight Global Aspirations for 2026
A new wave of commemorative coins from ten countries marks milestones in peace, human rights, and environmental protection, reflecting how currency design can capture national memory and global ideals
The 1866 Liberty Seated Dime: A Reconstruction-Era Coin Rarity
Struck in just 8,000 pieces on a single day, the 1866 Liberty Seated Dime from Philadelphia stands as a rare survivor of America's turbulent Reconstruction period, reflecting both monetary upheaval and collector intrigue
Why the US Has Never Issued a True Commemorative Banknote
While commemorative coins are a familiar part of US currency, the country has never released a limited-edition commemorative banknote. Other nations have embraced this practice-so what holds the US back from joining them
How the Harmony Hoard Shaped US Half Dollar Collecting
A vast cache of early US half dollars, discovered in Pennsylvania and linked to the Harmony Society, continues to influence coin collecting and the availability of historic silver coins today
What Specie Means for Coins, Hard Money, and Conservation
Specie refers to coins made of gold or silver, but its meaning and treatment in numismatics go further. This article explains how specie, hard money, and coin conservation intersect, and what collectors should know about restoration and value.
How the U.S. Mint Balanced Coin Die Hardness and Durability
In the late 1800s, the U.S. Mint faced a technical challenge: making coin dies hard enough to resist wear, but tough enough to avoid cracking. This article explains the methods used to extend die life and ensure reliable coin production
Delaware's Three-Date Half Dollar Sets $19,200 Auction Record
A rare 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar, notable for its three distinct dates and complex history, has achieved a record $19,200 sale, highlighting the enduring appeal and layered story behind this commemorative U.S. coin
1857-S Double Eagle Survives Shipwreck and 131 Years Underwater
A rare 1857-S Liberty Head Double Eagle, graded MS-65, resurfaced after spending over a century on the Atlantic seabed following the S.S. Central America disaster, linking numismatic history to a pivotal moment in US finance
Unique 1906 Liberty Nickel Die Cap Struck on Cent Planchet Surfaces
A one-of-a-kind 1906 Liberty Head nickel die cap, mistakenly struck on an Indian Head cent planchet, has emerged as the only known U.S. type coin die cap off-metal, combining exceptional condition with a remarkable collector pedigree
How the 1923 Lincoln Porthole $5 Note Became a Collector Icon
The 1923 Lincoln Porthole $5 Silver Certificate stands out for its bold design, limited release, and unusual history, making it one of the most sought-after large-size U.S. banknotes among collectors and currency historians
Rare 1912 Buffalo Nickel Electrotrials to Be Auctioned in 2026
Two experimental 1912 Buffalo nickel electrotypes, created by James Earle Fraser to convince U.S. Treasury officials of his design, have resurfaced and will be offered at auction in 2026, providing a unique glimpse into American coin history
Constans II's Coins: How a Byzantine Emperor's Image Tracked Crisis
The coinage of Constans II offers a rare visual record of a ruler's aging and the Byzantine Empire's turmoil, from dynastic upheaval and religious conflict to the emperor's assassination and the collapse of key frontiers
How Half Dimes Shaped Early U.S. Coinage and Monetary Policy
Half dimes, minted in silver from 1794 to 1873, reveal how the United States transitioned from foreign coins to a national decimal system and adapted to changing economic realities, including the rise of nickel coins
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