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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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All History Resources

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Who is Susanna Blunt?

This Answer offers a short biography of Susanna Blunt and explains which coins you may have seen her design work on.
Read More

Who was John R. Sinnock? 

This Answer covers John R. Sinnock, who served as the eighth Chief Engraver for the US Mint and describes some of the notable medals and
Read More

What was Executive Order 6102? 

This Answer covers Executive Order 6102, which required individuals and companies in the United States to surrender their gold.
Read More

Who was James Earle Fraser? 

This Answer covers the life and career of James Earle Fraser and describes part of the journey that led him to produce one of the
Read More

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
Read More

What was the Beau Street Hoard? 

This Answer gives a brief history around the Beau Street Hoard and describes the coins found on spa district of Bath in 2007.
Read More

Who was Robert Scot? 

This Answer covers the life and career of Robert Scot, the First Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. He designed one of United States most
Read More

How Much Does It Cost to Produce Current Circulating U.S. Coins? 

This Answer breaks down by cost per unit, seigniorage per dollar, and total seigniorage for the 2023 fiscal year.
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More

What Coins Were in the West Point Time Capsule? 

This Answer explores coins found in the time capsule that was discovered at West Point in 2023.
Read More

What is the Largest Denomination of U.S. Currency? 

Have you ever seen a $10,000 bill? This Answer breaks down the largest denominations of United States currency throughout the years.
Read More

Who is on the Nickel? 

This Answer provides a brief history of the 5-cent coin and describes the artists who sculpted the portrait you will find on a nickel today.
Read More

How Has Counterfeiting Changed the Face of U.S. Currency? 

This Answer covers the multitude of changes to American currency and law as a direct result of counterfeiting from 1652 to the present day.
Read More

Why do so Many World Mints Have a Royal Prefix? 

This Answer provides historical context and explanation for the royal prefix found on many mints today.
Read More

Why are Grains Used as a Weight in Precious Metals? 

This Answer provides a brief history of the grain unit of weight and explains why it is necessary to use this ancient unit in today’s
Read More

Who is on the Dime? 

This Answer covers the portrait on the dime that has been issued continuously since 1946 and provides a theory about the model used for the
Read More

Who is on the 100 Dollar Bill? 

This Answer provides a comprehensive list of portraits used on the $100 bill from 1861 to the present day.
Read More

Who was James B. Longacre? 

This Answer provides a brief history of James B. Longacre’s career at the U.S. Mint, as well as some of the iconic coins he designed.
Read More

What Coins Did the New Orleans Mint Produce? 

This Answer covers the coins produced by the New Orleans Mint, including those issued under the Confederacy.
Read More

Who was Victor David Brenner? 

Have you ever heard of the V.D.B. Lincoln penny? This Answer provides a brief history of his life and explains his role in the creation
Read More

Who is Susanna Blunt?

This Answer offers a short biography of Susanna Blunt and explains which coins you may have seen her design work on.
Read More

Who was John R. Sinnock? 

This Answer covers John R. Sinnock, who served as the eighth Chief Engraver for the US Mint and describes some of the notable medals and
Read More

What was Executive Order 6102? 

This Answer covers Executive Order 6102, which required individuals and companies in the United States to surrender their gold.
Read More

Who was James Earle Fraser? 

This Answer covers the life and career of James Earle Fraser and describes part of the journey that led him to produce one of the
Read More

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
Read More

What was the Beau Street Hoard? 

This Answer gives a brief history around the Beau Street Hoard and describes the coins found on spa district of Bath in 2007.
Read More

Who was Robert Scot? 

This Answer covers the life and career of Robert Scot, the First Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint. He designed one of United States most
Read More

How Much Does It Cost to Produce Current Circulating U.S. Coins? 

This Answer breaks down by cost per unit, seigniorage per dollar, and total seigniorage for the 2023 fiscal year.
Read More

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.
Read More

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.
Read More

What Coins Were in the West Point Time Capsule? 

This Answer explores coins found in the time capsule that was discovered at West Point in 2023.
Read More

What is the Largest Denomination of U.S. Currency? 

Have you ever seen a $10,000 bill? This Answer breaks down the largest denominations of United States currency throughout the years.
Read More

Who is on the Nickel? 

This Answer provides a brief history of the 5-cent coin and describes the artists who sculpted the portrait you will find on a nickel today.
Read More

How Has Counterfeiting Changed the Face of U.S. Currency? 

This Answer covers the multitude of changes to American currency and law as a direct result of counterfeiting from 1652 to the present day.
Read More

Why do so Many World Mints Have a Royal Prefix? 

This Answer provides historical context and explanation for the royal prefix found on many mints today.
Read More

Why are Grains Used as a Weight in Precious Metals? 

This Answer provides a brief history of the grain unit of weight and explains why it is necessary to use this ancient unit in today’s
Read More

Who is on the Dime? 

This Answer covers the portrait on the dime that has been issued continuously since 1946 and provides a theory about the model used for the
Read More

Who is on the 100 Dollar Bill? 

This Answer provides a comprehensive list of portraits used on the $100 bill from 1861 to the present day.
Read More

Who was James B. Longacre? 

This Answer provides a brief history of James B. Longacre’s career at the U.S. Mint, as well as some of the iconic coins he designed.
Read More

What Coins Did the New Orleans Mint Produce? 

This Answer covers the coins produced by the New Orleans Mint, including those issued under the Confederacy.
Read More

Who was Victor David Brenner? 

Have you ever heard of the V.D.B. Lincoln penny? This Answer provides a brief history of his life and explains his role in the creation
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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