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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 Was George T. Morgan? 

Do you know who designed your favorite coins? This article is about George T. Morgan and the Morgan Silver Dollar.
Read More

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.
Read More

About the Bicentennial Quarters

Do you remember the 1976 Bicentennial quarters? These coins were created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Read More

When was Silver Discovered?

Humans have used silver for millennia. Though much of its history is lost, records show its use in the Americas and Mediterranean since 5000 BCE.
Read More

History of the 1000 Dollar Bill

Do you know the history of the 1000 dollar bill? From rarities to common issues, this article covers the history and varieties of the U.S.
Read More

When did the U.S. Mint Stop Issuing Silver Coins?

The U.S. Mint has issued coins with a broad range of silver content through the years. When did the US stop issuing silver coins for
Read More

When did the U.S. Mint Stop Making Wheat Pennies?

Explore the years the Wheat Penny celebrating President Abraham Lincoln was minted and the last year it was produced.
Read More

History Of U.S. Currency: Military Payment Certificates (MPCs)

Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) served as a currency exclusively for United States military personnel stationed overseas, notably during periods of conflict such as the Vietnam
Read More

History Of United States Currency: Small-Sized Notes

Learn about the small-sized currency the U.S. Mint started producing in 1928 and how American notes have evolved into what we use today.
Read More

History of United States Obsolete Currency

Obsolete currency, or broken bank notes, are a popular type of currency to collect. Learn about the history of United States obsolete currency in this
Read More

How Much are (Vintage!) Silver Dollars Worth?

American Silver Dollars are some of the most popular coins in the world, but figuring out that silver dollar's worth can be difficult.
Read More

Who Is Wilma Mankiller On The Quarter?

Quite possibly the most popular quarter in the American Women Quarters Program, Wilma Mankiller joined Sally Ride and Maya Angelou in coin history.
Read More

Lesher Referendum Dollars 1900 – 1901 

Learn more about the history and tensions in America that resulted in the creation of the Lesher Referendum Dollars.
Read More

Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation 1935 Tokens

Learn about the fascinating history of the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation 1935 tokens.
Read More

Confederate Coinage – 1861

Explore the fascinating history of Confederate coinage, from its origins to the rare coins struck during the Civil War. Learn how the Louisiana Mint played
Read More

Why Were Krugerrands Illegal?

There is a misconception that Krugerrands are illegal even though they have been legal to import since 1991. Learn more about the political history of
Read More

Queen Elizabeth’s Long History on World Coins

Since her coronation at age 25, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on coins of all denominations, from one-penny pieces to two-pound coins. Her image on every
Read More

In Remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II

Born April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth was only 25 years old when she ascended to the throne in February 1952 following her father's death.
Read More

Queen Elizabeth’s Passing Brings Change to Coins

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th, 2022 was felt around the world.
Read More

The Eccentric Millionaire & The Secret Silver Dollar Hoard

Throughout the years, individuals for one reason or another seek to build coin collections. Many are driven by the joy of the treasure hunt, while
Read More

Price of Silver Today and Throughout History

The price of silver today and throughout history reveals key trends and major events, from the Hunt Brothers' spike to rising demand for solar panels
Read More

Who Was George T. Morgan? 

Do you know who designed your favorite coins? This article is about George T. Morgan and the Morgan Silver Dollar.
Read More

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.
Read More

About the Bicentennial Quarters

Do you remember the 1976 Bicentennial quarters? These coins were created to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Read More

When was Silver Discovered?

Humans have used silver for millennia. Though much of its history is lost, records show its use in the Americas and Mediterranean since 5000 BCE.
Read More

History of the 1000 Dollar Bill

Do you know the history of the 1000 dollar bill? From rarities to common issues, this article covers the history and varieties of the U.S.
Read More

When did the U.S. Mint Stop Issuing Silver Coins?

The U.S. Mint has issued coins with a broad range of silver content through the years. When did the US stop issuing silver coins for
Read More

When did the U.S. Mint Stop Making Wheat Pennies?

Explore the years the Wheat Penny celebrating President Abraham Lincoln was minted and the last year it was produced.
Read More

History Of U.S. Currency: Military Payment Certificates (MPCs)

Military Payment Certificates (MPCs) served as a currency exclusively for United States military personnel stationed overseas, notably during periods of conflict such as the Vietnam
Read More

History Of United States Currency: Small-Sized Notes

Learn about the small-sized currency the U.S. Mint started producing in 1928 and how American notes have evolved into what we use today.
Read More

History of United States Obsolete Currency

Obsolete currency, or broken bank notes, are a popular type of currency to collect. Learn about the history of United States obsolete currency in this
Read More

How Much are (Vintage!) Silver Dollars Worth?

American Silver Dollars are some of the most popular coins in the world, but figuring out that silver dollar’s worth can be difficult.
Read More

Who Is Wilma Mankiller On The Quarter?

Quite possibly the most popular quarter in the American Women Quarters Program, Wilma Mankiller joined Sally Ride and Maya Angelou in coin history.
Read More

Lesher Referendum Dollars 1900 – 1901 

Learn more about the history and tensions in America that resulted in the creation of the Lesher Referendum Dollars.
Read More

Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation 1935 Tokens

Learn about the fascinating history of the Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corporation 1935 tokens.
Read More

Confederate Coinage – 1861

Explore the fascinating history of Confederate coinage, from its origins to the rare coins struck during the Civil War. Learn how the Louisiana Mint played
Read More

Why Were Krugerrands Illegal?

There is a misconception that Krugerrands are illegal even though they have been legal to import since 1991. Learn more about the political history of
Read More

Queen Elizabeth’s Long History on World Coins

Since her coronation at age 25, Queen Elizabeth II appeared on coins of all denominations, from one-penny pieces to two-pound coins. Her image on every
Read More

In Remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II

Born April 21, 1926, Queen Elizabeth was only 25 years old when she ascended to the throne in February 1952 following her father’s death.
Read More

Queen Elizabeth’s Passing Brings Change to Coins

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th, 2022 was felt around the world.
Read More

The Eccentric Millionaire & The Secret Silver Dollar Hoard

Throughout the years, individuals for one reason or another seek to build coin collections. Many are driven by the joy of the treasure hunt, while
Read More

Price of Silver Today and Throughout History

The price of silver today and throughout history reveals key trends and major events, from the Hunt Brothers’ spike to rising demand for solar panels
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.  

Learn More

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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