Colonial Values
Early American money – such as colonial, post-colonial and continental coins – was a much more chaotic affair than the system we have in place today. Many coins from this time period are very rare and expensive.
Immune Columbia Pieces – 1785
The 1785 Immune Columbia pieces are a puzzling group of unofficial copper coins tied to Vermont. Explore the five recognized varieties and the few surviving
Higley or Granby Coppers – 1737 – 1739
Granby or Higley Coppers were privately struck in Connecticut from 1737 to 1739. Discover their bold designs, changing mottos, and the many die combinations that
Hibernia-Voce Populi Coins – 1760
Learn how Ireland’s Voce Populi farthings and halfpennies emerged and explore their possible journey to the American colonies.
Half Disme – 1792
The 1792 Half Disme ranks among the first silver coins struck by the United States. Explore the coin’s origins, its Liberty-and-eagle design, and how these
Gloucester(VA) Token – 1714
The Gloucester Token or Shilling remains an early colonial mystery, with historians debating its intended use to this day. Learn about the few surviving specimens,
Georgius Triumpho Token – 1783
The Georgius Triumpho Token was struck in England and shipped to America to ease coin shortages before a U.S. Mint existed. Learn how this laurel-crowned
George Washington Draped Bust Tokens – 1783
Learn how George Washington Draped Bust Tokens were likely struck in England, giving them a surprising backstory for an early American-themed issue.
Fugio Coppers – 1787
Read to learn more about the design, history, and value of the 1787 Fugio cent.
French New World Issues – 1721 – 1722
King Louis XV’s June 1721 edict introduced copper 9 Deniers coins, or Copper Sou, struck at Rouen and La Rochelle for use in the French
French New World Coinage – 1717 – 1720
In 1720, France issued copper and silver coins for use throughout its Canadian, Louisiana, and Caribbean colonies after earlier minting efforts fell short. These coins,
French New World Coinage – 1670
King Louis XIV’s 1670 edict introduced new Five and Fifteen Sols silver coins and authorized a copper Two Deniers double for use across French possessions.
French Colonies Issues – 1767
The 1767 copper Un Sou has two varieties, and both are hard to find. Learn about the design varieties for each and which French colonies
Franklin Press Token – 1794
The Franklin Press token is an historic coin and is part of the British Conder Token series. Learn about the design inspiration for this collectible
Disme – 1792
Learn about the historic Disme; a silver and copper coin that was only minted for one year.
Continental Currency Dollar – 1776
Learn about how the 1776 Continental Dollar and how it borrows imagery from Benjamin Franklin’s Continental Currency notes.
Confederatio Coppers – 1785 – 1786
The eight “Confederatio” coppers feature distinct patriotic motifs and were intended for everyday circulation. Learn why surviving pieces are now sought after by collectors.
Castorland Medals – 1796
The Paris Mint struck gold, silver, and copper Castorland medals for use in the short-lived French settlement of Castorland in northern New York during the
Carolina Elephant Token – 1694
The 1694 Carolina Elephant Token has a mysterious past, and scholars are still debating its origin.
Birch Cent – 1792
The 1792 Birch Cent is named for Robert Birch, an engraver at the early U.S. Mint. Struck soon after the Coinage Act of 1792, this
Bar Copper Cent – 1785
Learn how the Bar Copper Cent served as one of the earliest unofficial American coinages in post-Revolutionary America.
American Plantation Tokens – 1688
Learn how 1688 American Plantation Tokens were struck for the British colonies in America.
The 1785 Immune Columbia pieces are a puzzling group of unofficial copper coins tied to Vermont. Explore the five recognized varieties and the few surviving
Granby or Higley Coppers were privately struck in Connecticut from 1737 to 1739. Discover their bold designs, changing mottos, and the many die combinations that
Learn how Ireland’s Voce Populi farthings and halfpennies emerged and explore their possible journey to the American colonies.
The 1792 Half Disme ranks among the first silver coins struck by the United States. Explore the coin’s origins, its Liberty-and-eagle design, and how these
The Gloucester Token or Shilling remains an early colonial mystery, with historians debating its intended use to this day. Learn about the few surviving specimens,
The Georgius Triumpho Token was struck in England and shipped to America to ease coin shortages before a U.S. Mint existed. Learn how this laurel-crowned
Learn how George Washington Draped Bust Tokens were likely struck in England, giving them a surprising backstory for an early American-themed issue.
Read to learn more about the design, history, and value of the 1787 Fugio cent.
King Louis XV’s June 1721 edict introduced copper 9 Deniers coins, or Copper Sou, struck at Rouen and La Rochelle for use in the French
In 1720, France issued copper and silver coins for use throughout its Canadian, Louisiana, and Caribbean colonies after earlier minting efforts fell short. These coins,
King Louis XIV’s 1670 edict introduced new Five and Fifteen Sols silver coins and authorized a copper Two Deniers double for use across French possessions.
The 1767 copper Un Sou has two varieties, and both are hard to find. Learn about the design varieties for each and which French colonies
The Franklin Press token is an historic coin and is part of the British Conder Token series. Learn about the design inspiration for this collectible
Learn about the historic Disme; a silver and copper coin that was only minted for one year.
Learn about how the 1776 Continental Dollar and how it borrows imagery from Benjamin Franklin’s Continental Currency notes.
The eight “Confederatio” coppers feature distinct patriotic motifs and were intended for everyday circulation. Learn why surviving pieces are now sought after by collectors.
The Paris Mint struck gold, silver, and copper Castorland medals for use in the short-lived French settlement of Castorland in northern New York during the
The 1694 Carolina Elephant Token has a mysterious past, and scholars are still debating its origin.
The 1792 Birch Cent is named for Robert Birch, an engraver at the early U.S. Mint. Struck soon after the Coinage Act of 1792, this
Learn how the Bar Copper Cent served as one of the earliest unofficial American coinages in post-Revolutionary America.
Learn how 1688 American Plantation Tokens were struck for the British colonies in America.
Washington – Grate Token – 1793
Thomas Wyon’s 1793 Washington Grate token is often collected alongside American colonial issues. Produced in multiple varieties, this British trade token occupies a recognized place in early American numismatics.
French Billon Coinage – 1709 – 1760
Learn about how France’s recession in the 17th century led to the striking of billon coinage in the country.
Auctori Plebis Tokens – 1787
The mysterious 1787 Auctori Plebis Token circulated in colonial America and remains an intriguing example of early U.S. coinage. Learn why this token is a noteworthy addition to any colonial-era collection.
Wood’s Hibernia Coinage – 1722 – 1724
Wood’s Hibernia halfpennies and farthings were a royal-patent copper coinage that circulated outside Ireland, entering everyday trade in several colonial American ports.
Washington President – Born VA – 1792
With multiple edge styles and several rare varieties, the “President / Born in Virginia” tokens remain a notable offshoot of the Washington series.
Washington Cents – 1792
Struck in a few different metals and surviving in very small numbers, these pieces capture a pivotal moment in the debate over what early U.S. coins should look like.
Washington Cent -1791
1791 Washington cents quickly drew attention in early America. Their story hinges on an ambitious proposal and a decisive reaction that reshaped what U.S. coinage would become.
Washington – Unity States Token – 1783
The 1783 “Unity States” token is a later Birmingham-made issue that circulated in the United States into the 19th century.
Washington – Ugly Head Satirical Token – 1784
Learn about the a long-fueled debate over whether this token was a sincere tribute made from limited skill or an intentional bit of satire aimed at George Washington.
Washington – Success Medals
Struck in two sizes with several die varieties, their uncertain purpose and relatively few known examples sustain continued interest among early American token collectors.
Washington – North Wales Halfpenny – 1795
The 1795 Washington North Wales halfpennies were produced in England by Birmingham token makers. They are known minting a small set of reverse and edge varieties and incorrectly spelling George Washington’s name on every coin.
Washington – Liberty and Security Tokens – 1795
The Washington Liberty and Security tokens are collected today for their several distinct varieties. However, Washington’s stated opposition to portraits on circulating coinage prevented any prospect of official adoption.
Washington – Getz Patterns – 1792
The 1792 Washington-Getz patterns were commissioned under Robert Morris and modeled on earlier Washington cent designs. Learn about the five known pattern types and the political push behind them, even as Washington’s portrait sparked renewed debate.
Washington – Double Head Cent – (Undated)
Undated Double Head Washington cent’s long circulation history makes them a small but fascinating footnote in early American coinage.
Virginia Halfpennies – 1773 – 1774
Learn how these royal coppers soon became part of the complex history of early American coinage.
Theatre at New York – 1797
The 1797 Theatre at New York token is a standout large-format issue traced to Birmingham, England. Learn about the theatre that inspired the design and the people behind the creation of this token.
Talbot, Allum & Lee Cents – 1794 – 1795
Learn how these store tokens crossed paths with the early U.S. Mint and became a distinctive chapter of post-Revolutionary coinage.
Standish Barry 3 Pence – 1790
The 1790 Standish Barry 3 Pence is a Baltimore-made silver mystery, with only a small number struck and even fewer known today.
St. Patrick or Newby Coinage – (1646-1660)
Mark Newby brought copper coins to colonial New Jersey, where they later gained legal tender status by the General Assembly. Learn about the halfpenny and farthing varieties with their unique designs.
Silver Center Cent – 1792
The 1792 Silver Center Cent was a bold early experiment at the brand-new U.S. Mint, sparked by Thomas Paine’s idea to blend copper and silver into a practical cent.
Rosa Americana Coinage – 1722 – 1733
William Wood’s Rosa Americana coinage was an early effort to supply the American colonies with bath metal halfpennies, pennies, and twopence under a royal patent. These rose-themed issues saw limited acceptance, which influenced their brief production run.
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