How to Identify U.S. Coins
United States coins were first produced in Philadelphia in 1792. Coins were designed for easy recognition in monetary transactions. Coins are marked with embossed letters and mottoes or with distinctive edges. Find the distinguishing eagle mandated by law on every U.S. coin larger than a dime. Weight and metal are another means of identifying U.S. coins.
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Things You'll Need
- Coin collector's reference book, such as "The Official Red Book: A Guide Book of United States Coins 2009" by R.S. Yeoman
Instructions
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How to Identify U.S. Coins
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Discover the Indian Head penny, in circulation from 1859 to 1909. With a smooth edge, it was designed with a laurel wreath on the backside. By 1860, an oak wreath replaced it with a small shield above. "ONE CENT" was placed on both at the center. The front side showed UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Liberty wore a Native American ("Indian Head") headdress faced to the left. LIBERTY was embossed on the headdress. The production date was stamped below.
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Recognize the Indian Head or Buffalo nickel, circulated from 1913 to 1938. Plain edged, the backside displays an American bison. Over the bison are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and E PLURIBUS UNUM. Below is FIVE CENTS. On the obverse is a composite of three Indian chiefs in profile. LIBERTY is stamped to the right of the profile. Soon after production FIVE CENTS, which was highly embossed, wore away with usage. The coin was made of copper and nickel.
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Single out the Mercury dime circulated from 1916 to 1945. Composed of silver and copper, the front represents a mythological Liberty in a winged cap, symbolizing freedom of thought. On the reverse is a set of rods bound in bundles with a battle ax (fasces), an ancient symbol of authority. Placed beside the fasces is an olive branch. The mint mark appears on the reverse below and to the left of the fasces.
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Recognize the Barber quarter dollar from 1892 to 1916. Liberty capped with a laurel wreath faces right on the obverse. Above is IN GOD WE TRUST. Below is the date of production. Seven stars are on her right and six on her left. On the reverse, the eagle has outstretched wings holding an olive branch with 13 leaves in his right claw, a bundle of 13 arrows in his left. In his beak, a ribbon states E PLURIBUS UNUM.
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Spot the Liberty Head Quarter Eagle, distributed from 1840 through 1907, mostly gold. Liberty faces left. A cornet on her head is inscribed with LIBERTY. Thirteen six-point stars circle her. Centered below her is the date. On the reverse, an eagle faces right. Its wings are outstretched with its body covered by a Union shield. The eagle holds an olive branch in its right claw, three arrows in its left. Above is CAL. and below is 2 ½ D.
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Become familiar with the Franklin half dollar issued from 1948 through 1963. LIBERTY is inscribed above the portrait of Benjamin Franklin who side profile faces the right. Below the portrait is IN GOD WE TRUST with the date found on the right. On the reverse of the Liberty Bell are three inscriptions; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (above), E PLURIBUS UNUM (left) and HALF DOLLAR below. To the right of the bell is the small eagle.
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Tips & Warnings
Take pictures of collected coins for identification, cataloging and insurance. Keep coins in specialized coin holders to keep them in good condition. Check on condition and rare markings if coins are for investment.
Purchase coins from certified coin dealers and auction houses. Find coins at flea markets, coin shows and online from other collectors.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit JerryPDX iStockphoto, United States Mint Images
