U.S. Coins

By far the most popular collectibles in the hobby, American coins have endless stories to tell.

Moving Up (Part 1)

Moving Up (Part 1)

January 7, 2025

Read time 4 min read

John Reich was not successful in his early attempts to secure a full-time position as an engraver at the U.S. Mint.

Moving Up (Part 1)
Mint Unveiled (Part 2)

Mint Unveiled (Part 2)

December 6, 2024

Read time 3 min read

The chief engraver of the United States Mint was running 
a side business with a private coiner in California.

Mint Unveiled (Part 2)
Mint Unveiled (Part 1)

Mint Unveiled (Part 1)

November 19, 2024

Read time 3 min read

Newly discovered ledgers uncover fascinating details about one of the few private companies striking gold coins in 1849.

Mint Unveiled (Part 1)
Dental Impressions

Dental Impressions

October 17, 2024

Read time 4 min read

Back in the 1800s, dentist William W. Light turned budding prospector countermarked coins to promote his practice.

Dental Impressions
Clamshell Money

Clamshell Money

October 10, 2024

Read time 3 min read

With coins in short supply in the early 1930s, desperate Americans sought creative alternatives to fill the need.

Clamshell Money
Too Little, Too Late

Too Little, Too Late

August 5, 2024

Read time 4 min read

The 1859-S silver dollar failed to replace 
the 8 reales as the denomination of choice in China, and the coin is a scarce commodity today.

Too Little, Too Late
Middle Ground

Middle Ground

July 9, 2024

Read time 5 min read

In the 1800s, the United States Mint experimented with small-cent designs that would achieve a happy medium.

Middle Ground
Where’s the Gold? (Part 2)

Where’s the Gold? (Part 2)

June 3, 2024

Read time 5 min read

A continuing feud between Mint Engraver James B. Longacre and Mint Coiner Franklin Peale affected the quality of 1849 gold coins.

Where’s the Gold? (Part 2)
Where’s the Gold? (Part 1)

Where’s the Gold? (Part 1)

May 2, 2024

Read time 5 min read

In the mid-19th century, gold dollars were slow to progress at the U.S. Mint. Infighting at the coining facility did little to help matters.

Where’s the Gold? (Part 1)
A Curious Character

A Curious Character

April 2, 2024

Read time 5 min read

The Standish Barry threepence has an intriguing history, and the key to its purpose can be found in the date on its obverse.

A Curious Character
Isn’t It Ironic?

Isn’t It Ironic?

March 11, 2024

Read time 9 min read

The Confederate States of America might have inadvertently produced coinage that celebrated the liberation of slaves.

Isn’t It Ironic?
Getting Roped In

Getting Roped In

March 4, 2024

Read time 4 min read

A Philadelphia dentist’s desirable collection, which includes a rare half dollar, hit the auction block in 1851.

Getting Roped In