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Learning Guide
History

History

The history of coins and currency dates back over 5,000 years to the first known use exchanged currency for bartered good and services. As you are building your collection, learn the stories of some of the most famous coins in the world. 

Remembering Joel Iskowitz: Storyteller & Artist 

Remembering Joel Iskowitz: Storyteller & Artist 

Joel Iskowitz leaves behind one of the most prolific design legacies in numismatic history. He designed more than 50 coins…
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What Was the Gold Reserve Transparency Act? 

What Was the Gold Reserve Transparency Act? 

The Gold Reserve Transparency Act would require an independent audit and assay of all federal gold reserves, including Fort Knox, every five…
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The Denver Mint Robbery of 1922 

The Denver Mint Robbery of 1922 

What began as a routine pickup outside the Denver Mint became a daylight ambush that left one guard dead and…
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A stamp on a silver product.

The National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of 1906: How America Standardized Precious-Metal Markings 

Hallmarks and stamps like 14K and 925/sterling represent a legal standard that did not always exist. Before the National Gold and Silver Stamping Act of
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A collection of coins that feature Lady Liberty sit on a table.

Origins of Lady Liberty on U.S. Coins 

Lady Liberty has appeared on U.S. coins since the 1790s, her portrait shifting from the youthful Flowing Hair designs to the striding figure on the
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A gold JFK dollar showing both obverse and reverse against a dark background.

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005: A Framework for Modern Dollar Coinage 

The Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005 created a dollar coin program featuring U.S. presidents in the order they served, beginning with George Washington in
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An 1857 cent coin on a table.

The Coinage Act of 1857 and the Drive for a Unified American Currency 

Before 1857, Americans often paid with a mix of U.S. and foreign coins, and the same piece could be valued differently from one shop to
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Three pieces of eight of varying quality against a canyon background.

What is a Piece of Eight?

The Spanish silver dollar, or piece of eight, powered global trade for centuries and served as the weight and silver standard for early U.S. coinage.
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Gold bars on a table.

The Toronto Gold Heist 

In April 2023, thieves used a fake airway bill and insider access to steal millions in gold and cash from Toronto Pearson Airport. The brazen
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Liberty coin and George Washington quarter with "In God We Trust" inscription.

“In God We Trust” on U.S. Currency: Origins and History  

The motto “In God We Trust” was born in wartime and cemented in law. Its place on U.S. currency reflects the nation’s struggle to balance
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1865 two-cent coin

What Was the 1864 Coinage Act?  

The Coinage Act of 1864 signaled a shift in U.S. policy with new coins, federal control, and the first use of a motto that still
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What Was the Trillion-Dollar Coin Proposal? 

The trillion-dollar coin proposal could offer a unique way for the U.S. to pay bills without raising the debt ceiling. However, it has sparked debate
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The History of U.S. Coins

This article explores the history of U.S. coins from their beginnings to today's currency. From designs to denominations, U.S. coins have gone through many iterations,
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What Was the Silver Purchase Act of 1934?

The Silver Purchase Act of 1934 aimed to stabilize the U.S. economy by increasing silver reserves and requiring citizens to deliver certain silver to the
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What Was the Coinage Act of 1834?

The Coinage Act of 1834 redefined gold and silver values, encouraging gold coin circulation and reducing silver’s domestic use. This pivotal law supported President Jackson’s
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What Was the Pittman Act of 1918?

Explore the impact of the Pittman Act of 1918 on silver coinage, wartime economics, and the evolution of U.S. precious metals policy. Learn how millions
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Die Struck vs Die Cast Coins

Die struck coins are made using an engraved stamp pressed into the coin with significant force, while die cast coins are made using molten metal
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What Was the Gold Standard Act of 1900? 

The Gold Standard Act of 1900 officially placed the U.S. on the gold standard, requiring all paper money to be backed by gold reserves. President
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What Was the Coinage Act of 1873? 

The Coinage Act of 1873 removed the silver dollar from circulation and put the U.S. on the gold standard. While supporters saw it as economic
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Why Are Coins Round? 

Ever wondered why coins are almost always round? Discover the historical, practical, and scientific reasons behind the enduring circular shape of coins, plus fascinating examples
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What was the Washington Agreement on Gold? 

The Washington Agreement on Gold, signed in 1999 by 15 European central banks, set strict limits on gold sales to prevent market instability and preserve
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The London Gold Pool Collapse of 1968 

The London Gold Pool, created in 1961 to stabilize gold prices, collapsed in 1968 under economic pressures and speculation. This failure weakened the Bretton Woods
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How Much Gold is in Texas? 

While placer gold deposits can be found commonly throughout Texas, the Lone Star State is not a major source of gold. There are no official
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Top 22 Famous Coin Hoards 

Have you ever dreamed of finding a treasure chest or valuable coin hoard? This article covers the top 22 famous coin hoards found throughout history.
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What is a Piece of Eight?

The Spanish silver dollar, or piece of eight, powered global trade for centuries and served as the weight and silver standard for early U.S. coinage.
Read More

The Toronto Gold Heist 

In April 2023, thieves used a fake airway bill and insider access to steal millions in gold and cash from Toronto Pearson Airport. The brazen
Read More

The History of U.S. Coins

This article explores the history of U.S. coins from their beginnings to today’s currency. From designs to denominations, U.S. coins have gone through many iterations,
Read More

What Was the Coinage Act of 1834?

The Coinage Act of 1834 redefined gold and silver values, encouraging gold coin circulation and reducing silver’s domestic use. This pivotal law supported President Jackson’s
Read More

Why Are Coins Round? 

Ever wondered why coins are almost always round? Discover the historical, practical, and scientific reasons behind the enduring circular shape of coins, plus fascinating examples
Read More

More Guides for You

What is Bullion?

Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium all come in various forms and sizes to create a variety of options for investors and collectors.  

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What Is an Eagle

Since the U.S. Mint’s American Eagle program began in 1986, Gold and Silver Eagles have remained a popular choice among both investors and collectors

Learn More

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