Rosenthal Collectibles: US Coinage

United States

A brief outline of all of the different types of US Coinage

½ Cents (1793-1857):

Half cents are an interesting part of United States coin history because they were part of the start of fractional coinage.

Earliest Known US Half Cent:

Draped Bust Half Cent:

Classic Head Half Cent:

Braided Hair Half Cent:

1 Cents (1793-Present):

Large Cents (1793-1857):

They were minted from 1793 to 1857 at the mint in Philadelphia, which was the only US mint at that time.

Flowing Hair, Chain Reverse (1793):

Flowing Hair, Wreath Reverse (1793):

Liberty Cap (1793-1796):

Draped Bust Large Cent (1796-1807):

Classic Head Large Cent (1808-1814):

Liberty Head Large Cent - Matron Head (1816-1839):

Liberty Head Large Cent - Braided Hair (1839-1857):

Flying Eagle Cents (1856-1858):

It was the first small sized penny or one cent US coin. It gets its name from the eagle on the obverse (front) of the coin.

Indian Head Cents (1859-1909):

On the front of this US coin is the head of a Native American wearing a featherhead dress with the word "LIBERTY" on it.

Wheat Cents: (1909-1958)

Lincoln Memorial Cents: (1959-2008)

Lincoln Cent (1909 to date):

Lincoln cents are the longest-running US coin series as well as being very popular in United States Coin Collecting.

2 Cents (1864-1873):

They were made of 95% copper and 5% tin and zinc and is a little bit smaller than the quarter we know today.

3-Cent Pieces (1851-1889):

From (1851-1864): These 3 cent pieces were 75% Silver.

Then in 1865, they were changed to copper, nickel, and alloy metal 3 cent pieces.

The earlier of these coins were made of 75% silver, then beginning in 1865 other three cent coins were made of a copper/nickel alloy They were also known as the three cent nickel.

5 Cents (1866-Present):

Shield Nickels (1866-1883):

Shield nickels were made of 75% copper and 25% nickel, and were produced from 1866 to 1883. A shield is featured on the front (obverse) and the numeral 5 surrounded by stars on the reverse.

Liberty (V) Nickels (1883-1912):

It was made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. It featured a bust if "Liberty" on the front and the Roman Numeral "V" on the reverse.

Buffalo Nickels (1913-1938):

Buffalo nickels were made from 1913 to 1938 and are made of 75% copper and 25% nickel. They feature an Indian bust on the obverse of the coin.

Jefferson Nickels (1938 to date):

This coin was the third coin made by the United States that featured a US President.

Half Dimes (1794-1873):

Half dimes are 90% silver five cent US coins, also referred to as a half disme. They were first made in 1792. This was the year before the first US Mint actually opened up for business.

Flowing Hair Half Dime:

Seated Liberty Half Dime (No Stars):

Seated Liberty Half Dime (With Stars):

10 Cents (1796-Present):

Dimes were first produced in 1796 and until today, they are the most highly collected US coin type.

Bust Dime (1796-1837):

Seated Liberty Dime (1837-1891):

Barber or Liberty Head Dime (1892-1916):

Mercury or Winged Liberty Head Dime (1916-1945):

Roosevelt Dime (1946 to date):

20 Cent Pieces (1875-1878):

A greatly criticized and disliked coin by the public, the Twenty Cent Piece only saw production for general circulation the first 2 years of minting (1875-1876) with only proofs minted the remaining 2 years (1877-1878). The 20 cent coin is pretty Rare in any condition.

25 Cents (1796-Present):

Quarters with a denomination of twenty five cents, or a quarter of a dollar, were authorized for minting in 1792, however the first quarter coins were not issued until 1796. There are many types of US quarter types issued.

Bust Quarter (1796-1838):

Seated Liberty Quarter (1838-1891):

Barber or Liberty Head (1892-1916):

Standing Liberty Quarter (1916-1930):

Washington Quarter (1932 to date):

50 Cents (1794-Present):

Half dollars were first minted in 1794 and till today, they are still being minted in the United States. There are many types of half dollars in the US coinage.

Flowing Hair Half Dollar (1794-1795):

Bust Half Dollar (1796-1839):

Seated Liberty Half Dollar (1839-1891):

Barber or Liberty Head Half Dollar (1892-1915):

Liberty Walking Half Dollar (1916-1947):

Ben Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963):

Kennedy Half Dollar (1964 to date):

$1 Coins (1794-Present):

Dollar coins have been minted since 1794 and they are one of the most sought after United States coins for collectors. Some of these coins sell for more than $10 million in auctions.