For all those who are interested in American History, antique American coins are a great source of information. These coins were designed and manufactured keeping in mind the prevailing situation and social system of America and therefore, they give a fine glimpse of American civilization of the past. Antique American coins are found in many well known museums.



Old America was ruled by many intelligent men and many instances of bravery are found in American history. These coins were manufactured either in the order of the president himself or as a memorandum or tribute to certain important statesmen and ministers. These coins reflect not only the history of a president, but also the skills and expertise of the coin designers too. The artists designing these coins were so skilled that the exact images of the presidents and statesmen were artistically portrayed in each coin, like a historical imprint.

During the colonial period and early days of the American Republic, America did not produce its own coins. During that time, the majority of coins in circulation in America were actually minted by European nations. These were often in the form of Trade Dollars, such as the Dutch "Dog Dollar" and the Spanish "Pieces of Eight."

The United States began producing its own coins since 1792. The first US Mint (coin producing factory) was located in Philadelphia and that plant is still in operation today. Mints for gold coins were established in both Charlotte, North Carolina and Dahlonega, Georgia from 1838 to 1861. Two other mints operating in early America are the New Orleans, Louisiana Mint, which operated from 1838 to 1909 and the Carson City, Nevada Mint, which operated from 1870 until 1893. In addition, a San Fransisco Mint opened in 1854 and a Denver Mint in 1906. These two, as well as the Philadelphia location, remained in operation until this very day. The last American gold coins were minted in 1933 during the Great Depression. At that time, gold coins were recalled from U.S. citizens which is why each one is so scarce today.

Sometimes coins are so rare, that only 5 or so remain anywhere. In such cases, they are termed "condition census" and can often be very valuable. A coveted coin like this is highly valued today, and in a hot coin market in the future, it could command any price at an auction. The rarest of fine American coins are simply irreplaceable, and their future value cannot be over-estimated. For that reason, they make ideal long-term investments.