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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. 

Die Struck vs Die Cast Coins

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…
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What Was the Gold Standard Act of 1900? 

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…
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What Was the Coinage Act of 1873? 

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…
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why are coins round featured image-a variety of 6 round coins from ancient and modern times

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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Why Are Ancient Coins So Cheap

Why Are Ancient Coins So Cheap? 

Ancient coins are cheap thanks to their abundance, variety, and historical value over intrinsic value.
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gold bars representing the gold reserves of central banks when the signed the Washington Agreement on Gold

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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london gold pool

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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coins in dirt

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 Was the Sherman Silver Purchase Act?  

This article tells the story of the Sherman Silver Purchase Act, an 1890 legislation requiring the U.S. to purchase 4.5 million ounces of silver every
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Why Are Some Quarters Painted Red

Why Are Some Quarters Painted Red? 

In the 1950s and 1960s, business owners painted some quarters red to use as house coins or test coins in arcades, bars, and laundromats.
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What Was the Bretton Woods Agreement?

The Bretton Woods Agreement Act created an international monetary system, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank.
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History of Gold Prices

The history of gold prices reveals its evolution from ancient currency to a modern financial safe haven. Discover key milestones, economic drivers, and why gold
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A List and History of the American Women's Quarters

A List & History of the American Women’s Quarter Series 

The American Women’s Quarters program is a series of quarters released between 2022 and 2025 that feature American women who made history with their achievements
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Gold and the International Monetary Fund

Gold and the International Monetary Fund 

Gold plays a significant role in the International Monetary Fund and how it has historically been used to help low-income countries receive loans and funding.
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History of the Philadelphia Mint

History of the Philadelphia Mint

The Philadelphia Mint’s long and complicated history is vital to the creation of our national currency.
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What is the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985? 

History of the Gold Bullion Coin Act of 1985 and how it led to the production of the American Gold Eagle coin, which is now
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What was the Five Cent Continuity Act? 

The Five Cent Continuity Act was paramount for the Westward Journey Nickel series to commemorate a pivotal moment in the growth of the United States.
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American Silver Eagle Coin

What is the Liberty Coin Act?

The Liberty Coin Act, also known as the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Commemorative Coin Act paved the way for the mintage of commemorative coins and
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Free banking era currency

What Was the Free Banking Era?

Examine the Free Banking Era to uncover its impact on modern finance, where decentralization, innovation, and regulatory challenges converge.
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image of old civil war currency, silver and gold coins

What is the Specie Resumption Act of 1875? 

Discover how the Specie Resumption Act of 1875 restored gold convertibility and stabilized the U.S. economy post-Civil War. A story told in timelines.
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What was the Free Silver Movement?

What was the Free Silver Movement?  

The Free Silver Movement was a moment in American history that called for the unlimited coinage of silver.
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gold and silver coins

What is Bimetallism?

Bimetallism played a significant role in monetary policy. Explore the transition from monometallism to bimetallism that sparked the Free Silver debate nationwide.
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Pile of vintage U.S. coins.

What was the Bland-Allison Act?

The Bland-Allison Act, a reaction to the 1873 Coinage Act's demonetization of silver, led to the creation of the Morgan Silver Dollar.
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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
Read More

History of Gold Prices

The history of gold prices reveals its evolution from ancient currency to a modern financial safe haven. Discover key milestones, economic drivers, and why gold
Read More

What is Bimetallism?

Bimetallism played a significant role in monetary policy. Explore the transition from monometallism to bimetallism that sparked the Free Silver debate nationwide.
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

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