Guide To Us Type Coins

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95

L ITTLETON’S
COLLECTORS GUIDE TO
U.S. TYPE COINS

Collector Clubs from


Littleton Coin Company

Hold an early copper or silver coin in


your hand and travel back to colonial
times, when news was by word of mouth
or a newspaper printed once a week.
U.S. type coins bring history to life and
tell the tale of America’s past in a way
that few collectibles can. Inspecting the first U.S. coins
Dear Collector,
Hold a Liberty Cap half cent in your hand
and travel back to colonial times. A silver 3¢
piece recalls the Civil War, while the Peace
dollar echoes the glitz and glamour of the
Roaring Twenties.
Genuine U.S. coins not only blaze a path
through America’s history, but they tell the
country’s story in a way that few other
artifacts can. Why? Since our nation’s beginnings, George Washington,
Thomas Edison, our grandparents, parents, and even you today,
have used coins.
Although collecting by date and mint mark is the most popular
way to build a collection, forming a type set is another favorite of
collectors because it is more affordable. Building a U.S. type set
became popular in the 1960s, and collecting this way lets you
enjoy a wide range of coin designs that cut a broad path through
American history.

Have a plan for your collection


It’s always good to have a plan and focus for what you want
to collect. Although there are many ways, building a type
collection is considered by many to be the most individualized.
That’s because there are no “strict” rules; the grade, composition,
design and date collected are as individual as you are. Some build
a U.S. silver dollar type set, others a gold type set, and still
others a comprehensive set of every design for every series of
U.S. coinage. The anticipation of waiting to fill the next space in
your album becomes proud satisfaction as you locate your coins.
Whatever your level of interest or experience, I hope you’ll
find this collectors club booklet on U.S. Type Coins an interesting,
useful, and educational guide to our nation’s coinage.
Sincerely,

David M. Sundman
President

2
INTRODUCTION TO
TYPE COIN COLLECTING
A U.S. type coin set offers collectors an opportunity to show their individuality.
Ultimately, this set should be fun and rewarding to build. But what exactly is
a type set? This set should contain one coin of every major design and
metallic composition within a series. It is arranged by denomination design,
in order of issue. For instance, the Lincoln cent has four major design types:
the Wheat Ears, Memorial, and Union Shield reverses, as well as the four
2009 anniversary designs. Plus, the series saw a significant metal change in
1943 to steel. Depending on the depth and variety a collector wants to
include, each type set can vary quite a bit, so the 1909 V.D.B. could be
included as well as the coins without the initials.
This booklet will give you helpful information every collector needs. But
beyond a few basics, type coin collecting is almost limitless in its variety. As
your knowledge increases, you’ll find your own favorite coins and ways to
build a collection as unique as your imagination!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Half Cents ..................................................................5
Large Cents..................................................................6
Small Cents ................................................................7
Two-Cent Pieces ..........................................................8
Three-Cent Pieces ......................................................9
Nickels ......................................................................10
Half Dimes ................................................................12
Dimes ........................................................................13
Twenty-Cent Pieces ..................................................14
Quarters ....................................................................15
Half Dollars ..............................................................19
Dollars ......................................................................22
continued next page…

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS continued…
Gold Dollars ..............................................................26
Quarter Eagles ..........................................................27
$3 Gold Pieces ..........................................................27
Half Eagles ................................................................28
Eagles ........................................................................29
Double Eagles ..........................................................29
Commemoratives ......................................................30
Bullion ......................................................................33
Caring for Your Coins................................................35

Susan B. Anthony
Dollar
Barber Morgan
Quarter Dollar

Indian Head
Cent
Buffalo Roosevelt
Nickel Dime

Kennedy Two-Cent
Half Dollar Piece Liberty Walking
Liberty Seated Half Dollar
Twenty-Cent
Piece

(On the front cover)

From the cobbled streets of old Boston and Philadelphia to the paved highways that
crisscross our nation today, U.S. coins trace the footsteps of the men and women
who came before us and helped to build America. Hold a U.S. type coin and look
at the design and date, each reflecting its era of issue. The elegant Draped Bust
coins recall the days of colonial America; the beautiful Standing Liberty and
Liberty Walking designs speak of the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, while the
Statehood quarters combine a blend of both modern and older design themes.

4
HALF CENTS 1793-1857
The smallest denomination U.S. coin, yet nearly the size of a modern quarter.
Made of pure copper, the half cent was useful for making change during its
early years of issue. But as time passed and things grew more expensive, the
half cent lost its usefulness, and was abandoned shortly before the Civil War.
Today, all half cents are scarce. All types carry a bust of Liberty on the
obverse and a wreath on the reverse.

LIBERTY CAP FOCUS ON LIBERTY


(LEFT FACING)
1793
Composition: copper
Weight: 6.74 grams
Diameter: approx. 22 mm
Mint: Philadelphia

LIBERTY CAP
(RIGHT FACING)
1794-1797
Composition: copper
Weight: 6.74 grams 1794
5.44 grams 1795-1797
(thin planchets)
Diameter: approx. 23.5 mm
Mint: Philadelphia
1775 Battle of Bunker Hill

DRAPED BUST
1800-1808 1781 British surrender at Yorktown

Composition: copper
Weight: 5.44 grams
Diameter: 23.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CLASSIC HEAD 1787 Constitutional Convention


1809-1836
Composition: copper
1788 Constitution ratified
Weight: 5.44 grams
Diameter: 23.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia 1789
Washington
becomes
president
BRAIDED HAIR
1840-1857
Composition: copper
Weight: 5.44 grams
Diameter: 23 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

5
LARGE CENTS 1793-1857
Along with the half cent, one of the first two coins struck by the United States,
all the large cents were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. With twice the copper
of the half cent, they were large and heavy – greater in size than today’s quarter
– so a pocketful was quite bulky. As the price of copper rose during the 1800s,
the large cent became too expensive to produce and was replaced in 1857 by
the small cent.
FLOWING HAIR
(CHAIN REVERSE & WREATH REVERSE)
1793
Composition: copper
Weight: 13.48 grams
Diameter: approx. 26-28 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

FOCUS ON LIBERTY
LIBERTY CAP 1800 U.S. capital now in
1793-1796 Washington, D.C.
Composition: copper
Weight: 13.48 grams 1793-1795
10.89 grams 1795-1796 1802
(thin planchet) DuPont builds
Diameter: approx. 29 mm his first
gunpowder mill
Mints: Philadelphia

DRAPED BUST
1796-1807
Composition: copper
Weight: 10.89 grams
Diameter: approx. 29 mm
Mints: Philadelphia 1803 Louisiana Purchase doubles
size of U.S.

CLASSIC HEAD
1808-1814 1804
Alexander Hamilton
Composition: copper
killed in duel
Weight: 10.89 grams
Diameter: approx. 29 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CORONET
1816-1857
Composition: copper 1805 Lewis and Clark sight Pacific
Weight: 10.89 grams 1806 Zebulon Pike explores
Diameter: approx. 28-29 mm Arkansas River, and later climbs the
Mints: Philadelphia peak that comes to bear his name.

6
SMALL CENTS 1856-DATE
America’s first small cent, the Flying Eagle, was introduced in 1856. It was
nicknamed the “white cent” because of its 88% copper and 12% nickel
composition. It was replaced just 3 years later by the Indian Head cent,
which is considered by many to be the most beautiful copper coin. In 1909,
the Lincoln cent became America’s first circulating coin to portray a president.
To mark the 200th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, and the series’ centennial,
in 2009 four new reverse designs were introduced honoring Abraham Lincoln’s
life. Then, in 2010, the ongoing Shield reverse debuted.

FLYING EAGLE INDIAN HEAD LINCOLN


1856-1858 1859-1909 1909-DATE
Composition: copper-nickel Diameter: 19 mm Diameter: 19 mm
Weight: 4.67 grams Mints: Philadelphia, Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
Diameter: 19 mm San Francisco San Francisco
Mints: Philadelphia Copper-Nickel Bronze
Date: 1859-1864 Date: 1909-1982
Weight: 4.67 grams Weight: 3.11 grams
Bronze Zinc-Coated Steel
Date: 1864-1909 (Wartime Steel cent)
Weight: 3.11 grams Date: 1943
Weight: 2.7 grams
Copper-Plated Zinc
2009 Bicentennial Reverse Designs Date: 1982-Date
Issued in 3 month intervals Weight: 2.5 grams

Wartime
Steel Cent
1943

Birthplace in Kentucky: Formative years in Indiana:


released February 12, 2009 on Abe takes a break from rail Wheat Ears
Abraham Lincoln’s birthday splitting to read and learn Reverse
1909-1958

Memorial Reverse
1959-2008

Professional life: the lawyer Presidency in Washington:


and representative stands depicts the U.S. Capitol dome
before the Illinois capitol built during the Civil War. Union Shield
Reverse
Note: special collector versions of the 2009 cents were struck in the
2010-Date
original Lincoln cent composition of 95% copper, 5% tin and zinc.

7
TWO-CENT PIECES 1864-1873
TWO-CENT PIECE
1864-1873
Composition: bronze
Weight: 6.22 grams
Diameter: 23 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

The 1864 Coin Act called for a 2¢ copper coin. This Civil War-era
coin was America’s first and only 2¢ piece. It was the first coin to
carry the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. This “odd” denomination coin
was 58 years in the making. First proposed in 1806, it was not
actually needed until the coinage shortage of the Civil War pushed
it into production.

FOCUS ON LIBERTY
1860 South Carolina secedes from Union

1863
South splits when Grant
wins Vicksburg

1863 Lincoln
1861 Fort Sumter fired upon, Lincoln delivers
declares war Gettysburg
address

1862 Gun with rotating


barrel patented by
Dr. Richard Jordan Gatling

1862 Fierce clash in Battle of Shiloh

1863
Gen. Robert E. Lee wins
his greatest victory at 1864 USS Sassacus battles Confederate
Chancellorsville ironclad CSS Albemarle

Over 600,000 Americans killed in Civil War

8
THREE-CENT PIECES 1851-1889
American Life
SILVER
THREE-CENT PIECE
1851-1873
Composition: 75% silver 1851-1853
90% silver 1854-1873
Weight: .80 grams 1851-1853
.75 grams 1854-1873
Diameter: 14 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans

1858 Stagecoach covers overland


trail from St. Louis, Missouri to
The silver 3¢ piece is the smallest of all Los Angeles, California in 20 days
U.S. silver coins. Because it was struck in
silver, the public hoarded it along with other
coins when the Civil War broke out. Since 1859 America’s first oil well dug in
Titusville, Pennsylvania
the 3¢ pieces were needed to ease the coin
shortage caused by war, the U.S. Mint
1861 First telegram sent across
decided to strike them in copper-nickel. America, from Sacramento, CA to
Washington, D.C.

NICKEL
THREE-CENT PIECE
1865-1889
Composition: copper-nickel
Weight: 1.94 grams
Diameter: 17.9 mm
Mints: Philadelphia 1867 Dust rises from Chisholm
Trail as first Texas longhorns pass

1867 Alaska purchased for $7.2 million

The 3¢ nickel, so called because of its


copper-nickel composition, was well
received by the public. This coin helped
the nation retire the unpopular 3¢ paper
notes issued during the Civil War. Once
the majority of notes had been exchanged
for 3¢ coins, and production of 5¢ nickels
and cents increased, the banks needed
fewer 3¢ pieces.
1869 Golden spike connects East
to West

9
NICKELS 1866-DATE
Beginning in 1866, a 5¢ coin of non-precious metal was created. The Shield
nickel was the nation’s first copper-nickel 5¢ coin; prior to this, the first U.S.
5¢ coin, the half dime, was silver. In 1883, the Liberty Head or “V” nickel
began, followed by the extremely popular Buffalo nickel of the early 20th
century, and then by the long-running and current Jefferson nickel.

Obverse Obverse Obverse

Reverse Reverse Reverse

SHIELD LIBERTY HEAD “V” BUFFALO


1866-1883 1883-1913 1913-1938
Composition: copper-nickel Composition: copper-nickel Composition: copper-nickel
Weight: 5 grams Weight: 5 grams Weight: 5 grams
Diameter: 20.5 mm Diameter: 21.2 mm Diameter: 21.2 mm
Mints: Philadelphia Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, Mints: Philadelphia,
San Francisco Denver,
San Francisco

FOCUS ON LIBERTY
First woman’s vote cast 1870 (Wyoming)

1892
Ellis Island opens

1872
Yellowstone
becomes first
national park

1898 Spanish-American War begins when the


USS Maine is destroyed by explosion

10
American Life
1891
New clothes fastener
invented; it’s called
the zipper

1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago

1895 H. G. Wells publishes The Time Machine

JEFFERSON
1938-DATE
Composition: copper-nickel
35% silver 1942-1945
Weight: 5 grams
Diameter: 21.2 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

Monticello Peace Medal


Reverse Reverse
1938-2003 2004

1895 Bicycle sales and women’s hemlines rise

Keelboat American Bison


Reverse Reverse
2004 2005 1904
Ice cream cone introduced
at St. Louis World’s Fair

1906 San Francisco devastated by earthquake

1910 U.S. population reaches 92 million; less


than half have completed high school
Ocean in View Monticello
Reverse Reverse
2005 2006-Date

11
FOCUS ON LIBERTY
1912 Arizona and New Mexico become 47th
and 48th states

1913
Woodrow Wilson
elected president

1917 America enters World War I


1914 World War I begins

HALF DIMES 1794-1873


Minted in fine silver, the famous half dime was the nation’s first 5¢ coin. It
was smaller and weighed less than a nickel. Several design types were issued
long before the U.S. nickel denomination began. From 1866-1873, both the
half dime and nickel were struck. The half dime played an integral role in the
early life of America, and is of great historic and numismatic importance.

FLOWING HAIR
1794-1795
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 1.35 grams
Diameter: 16.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

DRAPED BUST
1796-1805
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 1.35 grams
Diameter: 16.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CAPPED BUST
1829-1837
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 1.35 grams
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

LIBERTY SEATED
1837-1873
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 1.34 grams 1837-1853
1.24 grams 1853-1873
Diameter: 15.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,
San Francisco

12
DIMES 1796-DATE
The 10¢ coin, or dime, follows closely the designs of the half dime through the
Liberty Seated type. All circulating dimes were minted in fine silver until 1964.
Early dimes in higher grades are scarce and expensive, since this denomination
was used extensively compared to quarters and halves. But many early issues
are still available in circulated condition at a more reasonable cost.

DRAPED BUST BARBER


1796-1807 1892-1916
Composition: 89% silver Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 2.7 grams Weight: 2.5 grams
Diameter: 19 mm Diameter: 17.9 mm
Mints: Philadelphia Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
New Orleans, San Francisco

CAPPED BUST MERCURY


1809-1837 1916-1945
Composition: 89% silver Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 2.7 grams Weight: 2.5 grams
Diameter: 18.8 mm Diameter: 17.9 mm
Mints: Philadelphia Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

LIBERTY SEATED ROOSEVELT


1837-1891 1946-DATE
Composition: 90% silver Diameter: 17.9 mm
Weight: 2.67 grams 1837-1853 Mints: Philadelphia,
2.49 grams 1853-1873 Denver,
2.50 grams 1873-1891 San Francisco,
Diameter: 17.9 mm West Point
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans, 90% Silver
San Francisco, Carson City Date: 1946-1964
Weight: 2.5 grams
Clad
Date: 1965-Date
Weight: 2.27 grams

American Life
1912 Workers in textile mills earn $8.76 weekly
for putting in 54 hours
1920
Prohibition sets
off 14 years of
illicit drinking
1912
Titanic sinks 1921 Harding becomes the first U.S.
on maiden president to be broadcast on the radio
voyage
1924 Cartoon Little Orphan Annie runs for
1920 Women earn the right to vote the first time

13
TWENTY-CENT PIECES 1875-1878
The shortest-lived coin denomination in U.S. history! The twenty-cent piece,
minted in 90% fine silver, was struck for circulation only in 1875 and 1876.
A few hundred Proofs were coined in 1877-1878. Soon after the coin’s
appearance, people complained that it was too close in design and size to
the quarter – causing problems in making change. Fewer than 1.4 million
were minted, so the twenty-cent piece is a scarce and treasured item today!

TWENTY-CENT PIECE
1875-1878
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 5 grams
Diameter: 22 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, San Francisco

American Life
1882 Electric iron invented; early models
weighed 15 pounds

1886 Coca-Cola invented by John


Pemberton in Atlanta, Georgia

1868 The modern typewriter patented

1876
Alexander Graham 1888 Kodak amateur camera introduced
Bell shows off
the telephone

14
QUARTERS 1796-DATE
Because of the practice of cutting up the Mexican 8 Reales coin into eight
parts, thus the “Pieces of Eight” name, the U.S. quarter, as ¼ of a dollar,
became known as “two bits.” As a silver coin of substantial size until 1964,
the quarter has always been popular – both in circulation and among
collectors. A variety of quarter designs has been minted since 1796, and
many collectors try to assemble at least one coin of each type, shown here.

DRAPED BUST American Life


1796-1807
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 6.74 grams
Diameter: 27.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CAPPED BUST
1815-1838 1793 With 45,000 people, Philadelphia
is the largest city
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 6.74 grams
In the late 1700s, families are large,
Diameter: 27 mm 1815-1831 containing 7 or more people
24.3 mm 1831-1838
Mints: Philadelphia
In colonial America, children over 6
are considered “small adults”
LIBERTY SEATED
1838-1891 Average worker earns 9¢ an hour
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 6.68 grams 1838-1853
6.22 grams 1853-1873
6.25 grams 1873-1891
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,
San Francisco, Carson City

BARBER
1892-1916
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 6.25 grams
Diameter: 24.3 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
New Orleans,
San Francisco

STANDING LIBERTY
1916-1930
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 6.25 grams Common professions: cabinetmaker,
Diameter: 24.3 mm coachmaker, wheelwright
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

15
QUARTERS continued…
On December 1, 1997, the 50 State Quarters Program was born. This program
honored every state in the Union with a different commemorative quarter
showing Washington on the obverse and a design unique to the issuing state
on the reverse. The quarters were issued from 1999-2008 at the rate of about
one every 10 weeks, in the order that each state joined the Union or ratified
the Constitution. Then, in 2009, six designs were issued under a new one-year-
only program honoring the District of Columbia and five U.S. Territories.

WASHINGTON STATEHOOD, D.C. & NATIONAL PARK


1932-1998 U.S. TERRITORIES 2010-2021
Diameter: 24.3 mm 1999-2009 Composition: clad
Mints: Philadelphia, Composition: clad Weight: 5.67 grams
Denver, Weight: 5.67 grams Diameter: 24.3 mm
San Francisco Mints: Philadelphia,
Diameter: 24.3 mm
90% Silver Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, Denver,
Date: 1932-1964 San Francisco San Francisco
Weight: 6.25 grams
Clad
Date: 1965-1998 FOCUS ON LIBERTY
Weight: 5.67 grams

1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt 1944


elected president Eisenhower
commands
D Day landing
Eagle on coast of
Reverse France

1941 Mount
Rushmore completed

Bicentennial 1945 Victory in Europe


Reverse
1776-1976 16 million Americans in
1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor uniform during WWII

16
American Life RELEASE DATES FOR THE STATEHOOD, D.C. &
U.S. TERRITORIES QUARTER PROGRAMS
1929 Stock Market crashes,
Black Tuesday

1930 Population in U.S. now


122 million

1931 World’s then tallest


building, the Empire State,
constructed

1999 2003 2007


Delaware................1787 Illinois ....................1818 Montana ................1889
Pennsylvania ..........1787 Alabama ................1819 Washington ............1889
New Jersey ............1787 Maine ....................1820 Idaho......................1890
Georgia ..................1788 Missouri ................1821 Wyoming................1890
Connecticut............1788 Arkansas................1836 Utah ......................1896
2000 2004 2008
1933 Unemployment reaches Massachusetts ......1788 Michigan ................1837 Oklahoma ..............1907
25 percent Maryland................1788 Florida....................1845 New Mexico ..........1912
South Carolina........1788 Texas ....................1845 Arizona ..................1912
New Hampshire ......1788 Iowa ......................1846 Alaska ....................1959
Virginia ..................1788 Wisconsin ..............1848 Hawaii....................1959
2001 2005 2009
New York................1788 California................1850 District of Columbia
North Carolina........1789 Minnesota ..............1858 ..............................1800
Rhode Island ..........1790 Oregon ..................1859 Puerto Rico............1898
Vermont ................1791 Kansas ..................1861 Guam ....................1898
Kentucky ................1792 West Virginia ..........1863 American Samoa....1900
The U.S. Virgin
1934 Dust bowl throughout 2002 2006 Islands ....................1917
the Midwest Tennessee ..............1796 Nevada ..................1864 The Northern
Ohio ......................1803 Nebraska................1867 Mariana Islands ......1947
1937 Joe Louis takes Louisiana ..............1812 Colorado ................1876
heavyweight boxing crown Indiana ..................1816 North Dakota..........1889
Mississippi ............1817 South Dakota..........1889

17
QUARTERS continued…
Following the immense popularity of the Statehood, D.C. and U.S. Territories
quarters, the America’s National Park quarter series debuted in 2010. Scheduled
to end in 2021, this coin series honors a national park or historic site in each
of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the 5 U.S. Territories. Five new
designs are issued per year, in the order the parks and sites were established
as federally protected areas.

2010 2016
State Site State Site
Arkansas Hot Springs National Park Illinois Shawnee National Forest
Wyoming Yellowstone National Park Kentucky Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
California Yosemite National Park West Virginia Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Arizona Grand Canyon National Park North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt National Park
Oregon Mt. Hood National Forest South Carolina Fort Moultrie
2011 (Fort Sumter National Monument)
Pennsylvania Gettysburg National Military Park 2017
Montana Glacier National Park Iowa Effigy Mounds National Monument
Washington Olympic National Park District of Columbia Frederick Douglass National Historic Site
Mississippi Vicksburg National Military Park Missouri Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Oklahoma Chickasaw National Recreation Area New Jersey Ellis Island National Monument
2012 Indiana George Rogers Clark National Historical Park
Puerto Rico El Yunque National Forest 2018
New Mexico Chaco Culture National Historical Park Michigan Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Maine Acadia National Park Wisconsin Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
Hawaii Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park Minnesota Voyageurs National Park
Alaska Denali National Park Georgia Cumberland Island National Seashore
2013 Rhode Island Block Island National Wildlife Refuge
New Hampshire White Mountain National Forest 2019
Ohio Perry’s Victory & Intl. Peace Memorial Massachusetts Lowell National Historical Park
Nevada Great Basin National Park Northern Mariana
Maryland Ft. McHenry National Monument Islands American Memorial Park
& Historic Shrine Guam War in the Pacific NHP
South Dakota Mount Rushmore National Memorial Texas San Antonio Missions NHP
2014 Idaho Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness
Tennessee Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2020
Virginia Shenandoah National Park American Samoa National Park of American Samoa
Utah Arches National Park Connecticut Weir Farm National Historic Site
Colorado Great Sand Dunes National Park U.S. Virgin Islands Salt River Bay NHP & Ecological Preserve
Florida Everglades National Park Vermont Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP
2015 Kansas Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Nebraska Homestead National Monument of America 2021
Louisiana Kisatchie National Forest Alabama Tuskegee Airmen National Historic Site
North Carolina Blue Ridge Parkway
Delaware Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
New York Saratoga National Historical Park NHP – National Historical Park

18
HALF DOLLARS 1794-DATE
Though the half dollar is almost forgotten today, it was once the major silver
coin of circulation. At one time, a half dollar was often more than a person
made in a day’s labor. To have one, or perhaps two, was a significant stash of
money. Because the half dollar is used less and less today, it will only grow
in popularity with collectors.

FOCUS ON LIBERTY

FLOWING HAIR
1794-1795
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 13.48 grams
Diameter: approx. 32.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

1812
“Mr. Madison’s
DRAPED BUST War” (War of
1796-1807 1812) begins
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 13.48 grams
Diameter: approx. 32.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia
1820 Maine becomes 23rd state

1823 Monroe doctrine passed –


U.S. stands firm, Americas off limits
to the rest of the world

CAPPED BUST
1807-1839
Mints: Philadelphia
89% Silver
Date: 1807-1836
Weight: 13.48 grams
Diameter: approx. 32.5 mm 1825 Erie Canal completed
90% Silver
Date: 1836-1839
1836 Mexican War, the Republic
Weight: 13.36 grams
of Texas is born
Diameter: 30 mm

19
HALF DOLLARS continued…
American Life
By 1895, over 300 automobiles
have been sold in the U.S.

1903 First Model A sells for $850

LIBERTY SEATED
1839-1891
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 13.36 grams 1839-1853
12.44 grams 1853-1873
12.50 grams 1873-1891
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Mints: Philadelphia,
1908 Henry Ford builds the Model T New Orleans,
San Francisco,
Carson City

BARBER
1927 Charles Lindbergh crosses 1892-1915
the Atlantic Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 12.50 grams
Diameter: 30.6 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
New Orleans,
San Francisco

1937 Germany’s passenger airship


Hindenburg ignited as it attempted
to dock in Lakehurst, NJ

LIBERTY WALKING
1916-1947
During World War II, more and Composition: 90% silver
more women began working Weight: 12.50 grams
outside the home. Diameter: 30.6 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

20
FRANKLIN KENNEDY
1948-1963 1964-DATE
Composition: 90% silver Diameter: 30.6 mm
Weight: 12.50 grams Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
Diameter: 30.6 mm San Francisco
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, 90% Silver
San Francisco Date: 1964
Weight: 12.50 grams
40% silver
Date: 1965-1970
Weight: 11.50 grams
Clad
FOCUS ON LIBERTY Date: 1971-Date
Weight: 11.34 grams
1948 Truman wins presidency

1949 Berlin air lift

1953 Korean War ends

Eagle
Reverse

1960
Kennedy becomes
youngest president

Bicentennial
1963 Kennedy assassinated Reverse
1776-1976

21
DOLLARS 1794-DATE
Early silver dollars represent the remarkable era in America’s history when
the colonies united to form what would become one of the greatest nations
on earth. Since precious silver ore was scarce in that era, the dollars of
that period have very low mintages. Silver dollars were not minted between
1804 and 1836, so those that still circulated were scarce and hoarded.
In addition to the early dollars pictured, a number of so-called “Gobrecht”
dollars were issued from 1836-1839, and served as patterns for the
Liberty Seated dollar.

FLOWING HAIR
1794-1795
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 26.96 grams
Diameter: approx. 39-40 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

DRAPED BUST
1795-1804
Composition: 89% silver
Weight: 26.96 grams
Diameter: approx. 39-40 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

LIBERTY SEATED
1840-1873
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 26.73 grams
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,
Carson City, San Francisco

22
Large-Size Dollars 1873-1978
The large-size U.S. dollar coins of 1873-1978 are among the most
recognized of the entire series. These include Trade, Morgan and Peace
silver dollars, as well as clad Eisenhower dollars. Peace dollars were the
last dollar series struck for circulation in 90% silver. America’s last
traditional-sized dollar was the Eisenhower. This popular coin was minted
in both clad and in 40% silver from 1971-1976. The silver issues were
struck at the San Francisco Mint through 1976; then, the composition
switched to clad for the remainder of the series.

TRADE
1873-1885
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 27.22 grams
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, FOCUS ON LIBERTY
Carson City,
San Francisco

MORGAN
1878-1921 1965 American soldiers see
combat in Vietnam
Composition: 90% silver
Weight: 26.73 grams
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Mints: Philadelphia,
New Orleans,
Carson City,
Denver,
San Francisco

1969 Eagle lands on the moon

PEACE 1986 The Iran-Contra Affair


1921-1935
Composition: 90% silver 1972 Nixon becomes first
Weight: 26.73 grams president to visit Red China
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, 1974 Following the Watergate
Denver, scandal, Nixon resigns
San Francisco

1989 The Berlin Wall comes down

1991 Gulf War ends

23
DOLLARS continued…
EISENHOWER
1971-1978
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
40% Silver
Date: 1971-1976
Weight: 24.59 grams
Clad
Date: 1971-1978
Weight: 22.68 grams

Eagle Bicentennial
Reverse Reverse
1776-1976

Small-Size Dollars 1979-Date


In 1979, America’s small-size Susan B. Anthony debuted. Depicting the tireless
crusader for women’s rights, this new dollar was 30% smaller than earlier dollar
coins. Issued for just three years, then once again in 1999, this design gave way
to the more modern Sacagawea “golden” dollar in 2000. Since then, all traditional
U.S. dollar coins have been issued in this distinctive copper-manganese alloy.
Beginning in 2007, coins debuted honoring former U.S. presidents in order of
service. Sacagawea dollars shifted in 2009 to the Native American dollar series.
Each coin features a one-year-only design honoring contributions to life in the U.S.

SUSAN B. ANTHONY
1979-1981, 1999
Composition: clad
Weight: 8.1 grams
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

SACAGAWEA
2000-2008
Composition: copper-manganese
Weight: 8.1 grams
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

24
NATIVE AMERICAN
2009-DATE
Composition: copper-manganese
Weight: 8.1 grams
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver,
San Francisco

Agriculture Reverse Government Reverse Diplomacy Reverse


Woman Tending Garden Hiawatha Belt Peace Pipe
2009 2010 2011

Presidential and Native American dollars feature edge lettering. The


original 2007-2008 issues featured the date, mint mark, and
mottoes E PLURIBUS UNUM and IN GOD WE TRUST. On Presidential
dollars released from 2009 on, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST moved to
the obverse. Native American dollars have the same inscriptions as
later Presidential coins.

PRESIDENTIAL
2007-DATE
Composition: copper-manganese
Weight: 8.1 grams
Diameter: 26.5 mm George Washington
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, 2007
San Francisco

James Monroe William Henry Harrison


2008 2009

Millard Filmore Andrew Johnson


2010 2011

25
GOLD DOLLARS 1849-1889
From 1795 to 1933, the U.S. produced $2.50, $5, $10, and later, beginning
in 1850, $20 gold coins. Because early gold pieces minted between 1795 and
1834 contain some of the rarest dates, many collectors choose to start their
collections with Classic Head gold pieces. With the discovery of gold in
California, new denominations were added to the U.S. gold coin roster.
Minted in one of the world’s most precious metals, these historic coins were
designed by some of the finest artists of the day.

The discovery of gold in California in 1848 gave birth to the gold dollar.
Minted from 1849-89, this denomination had three distinct designs: the
Type I Liberty Head, the Type II Indian (Small Head) and the Type III Indian
(Large Head).

LIBERTY HEAD $1 GOLD INDIAN HEAD $1 GOLD


1849-1854 1854-1889
Composition: 90% gold Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 1.672 grams Weight: 1.672 grams
Diameter: 13 mm Diameter: 15 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega,
New Orleans, San Francisco New Orleans, San Francisco
Small Head type shown above

American Life 1859 Large silver deposit discovered


at Virginia City, Nevada, called the
Comstock Lode

1849
California
gold rush

1897 Gold lures miners to Klondike


goldfields in Alaska and Canada

26
QUARTER EAGLES 1796-1929
The first U.S. quarter eagles were struck in 1796. Until the advent of the
gold dollar, they were the smallest denomination gold coin. It was not until
1908 that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added.

CAPPED BUST CAPPED HEAD


$2.50 GOLD $2.50 GOLD
(LEFT AND RIGHT FACING) 1821-1834
1796-1808 Composition: 91.67% gold
Composition: 91.67% gold Weight: 4.37 grams
Weight: 4.37 grams Diameter: approx. 18.5 mm
Diameter: approx. 20 mm

CLASSIC HEAD $2.50 GOLD


1834-1839
Composition: 89.92% gold,
90% gold (1837-1839)
Weight: 4.18 grams
Diameter: 18.2 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans

CORONET $2.50 GOLD


1840-1907
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 4.18 grams
Diameter: 18 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco

INDIAN HEAD $2.50 GOLD


1908-1929
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 4.18 grams
Diameter: 18 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver

$3 GOLD PIECES 1854-1889


The short-lived $3 gold piece was another denomination created due to
the influx of gold from California. Supposedly, this coin was created to
make it easy to buy a sheet of stamps. Today, all $3 gold coins are scarce.

INDIAN HEAD $3 GOLD


1854-1889
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 5.015 grams
Diameter: 20.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco

27
HALF EAGLES 1795-1929
First released in 1795, the U.S. gold half eagles have nine design types,
of which 4 major ones are shown below. In 1866, the Coronet style was
changed to include the motto IN GOD WE TRUST.

CAPPED BUST $5 GOLD CAPPED BUST $5 GOLD


(RIGHT FACING) (LEFT FACING)
1795-1807 1807-1812
Composition: 91.67% gold
Weight: 8.75 grams
Diameter: approx. 25 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CAPPED HEAD $5 GOLD


1813-1834
Composition: 91.67% gold
Weight: 8.75 grams
Diameter: approx. 25 mm 1813-1829
23.8 mm 1829-1834
Mints: Philadelphia

CLASSIC HEAD $5 GOLD


1834-1838
Composition: 89.92% gold 1834-1837
90% gold 1837-1838
Weight: 8.36 grams
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega

CORONET $5 GOLD
1839-1908
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 8.359 grams
Diameter: 22.5 mm 1839-1840
21.6 mm 1840-1908
Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega,
Carson City, Denver, New Orleans,
San Francisco

INDIAN HEAD $5 GOLD


1908-1929
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 8.359 grams
Diameter: 21.6 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans,
San Francisco

28
EAGLES 1795-1933
The U.S. gold eagles were first issued in 1795, but from 1805 to 1837, this
denomination wasn’t issued, due to the scarcity of its precious metal. In
1866, the Coronet style was changed to include the motto.

CAPPED BUST $10 GOLD


1795-1804
Composition: 91.67% gold
Weight: 17.5 grams
Diameter: approx. 33 mm
Mints: Philadelphia

CORONET $10 GOLD


1838-1907
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 16.718 grams
Diameter: 27 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver,
New Orleans, San Francisco

INDIAN HEAD $10 GOLD


1907-1933
Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 16.718 grams
Diameter: 27 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco

DOUBLE EAGLES 1850-1933


With the influx of gold from California, the $20 double eagle became the
largest regularly issued U.S. coin denomination.

CORONET $20 GOLD SAINT-GAUDENS $20 GOLD


1850-1907 1907-1933
Composition: 90% gold Composition: 90% gold
Weight: 33.436 grams Weight: 33.436 grams
Diameter: 34 mm Diameter: 34 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver, Mints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
New Orleans, San Francisco
29
U.S. COMMEMORATIVES
Official U.S. commemorative coins are authorized by the Act of Congress to
honor important persons, locations and events in U.S. history. Commemoratives
have been struck in both silver and gold, and more recently, clad. They are
minted only in very small numbers compared to regular coinage. After 1954, no
U.S. commemoratives were produced until 1982, when the George Washington
half dollar was issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Washington’s
birth. Official U.S. issues should not be confused with so-called “commemoratives”
produced by private organizations, which are medals, not coins. Shown below
are a few of these historic designs.

American Life
1956 Elvis shocks America ISABELLA
QUARTER DOLLAR
1893
1962 John Glenn becomes first
American to orbit Earth

1964 Beatles drive American


teenagers wild

1973
Oil embargo, COLUMBIAN
gas prices EXPOSITION
soar HALF DOLLAR
1892-1893
1979 Three Mile Island disaster

CALIFORNIA
1980 Mt. Saint Helens erupts DIAMOND JUBILEE
HALF DOLLAR
1984 Geraldine Ferraro becomes 1925
first woman nominee for VP

1992
The Worldwide
Web is born

1997 Minimum wage $5.15 an hour


OREGON TRAIL
MEMORIAL
HALF DOLLAR
1997 1926-1939
Pathfinder lands
on Mars

30
ROANOKE ISLAND,
NORTH CAROLINA
HALF DOLLAR
1937

CARVER-WASHINGTON
HALF DOLLAR
1951-1954

GEORGE WASHINGTON
250TH ANNIVERSARY
HALF DOLLAR
1982

WEST POINT BICENTENNIAL


SILVER DOLLAR
2002

SESQUICENTENNIAL OF
AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE
$2.50 GOLD QUARTER EAGLE
1926

31
NEW COMMEMORATIVES

LEWIS AND CLARK


BICENTENNIAL
SILVER DOLLAR
2004

Scientist Founding Father

BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TERCENTENARY


SILVER DOLLARS
2006

JAMESTOWN ABRAHAM LINCOLN


400TH ANNIVERSARY BICENTENNIAL
SILVER DOLLAR SILVER DOLLAR
2007 2009

SAN FRANCISCO
OLD MINT CENTENNIAL GOLD $5
2006

32
UNITED STATES BULLION
From ancient times into the later years of the 20th century, coins have been
representative of their precious metal content. Beginning with U.S. gold coins
in 1933, this tradition ended. Later, in 1965, with the advent of clad coins,
90% silver coins disappeared, too. It was not until 1974 that it became legal
to own gold again, which helped shape collecting today.
Nowadays, no country issues gold and silver coins for circulation, but
many of the world’s leading nations, including the United States, issue
bullion coins. In the fall of 1986, the United States Mint released the first
gold American Eagles, followed by silver American Eagles in December. Just
over a decade later in 1997, the U.S. Mint released the first platinum Eagles.
And in 2006, the first 99.99% pure gold coins to be struck by the U.S. Mint
were released. These $50 gold Buffalo coins displayed a design reminiscent
of James Earle Fraser’s beloved Buffalo nickel. In 2010, the U.S. Mint also
began issuing large, 3-inch diameter collector versions of the National Park
quarters, struck in 5 ounces of 99.9% pure silver.

SILVER AMERICAN EAGLE


1986-DATE
Composition: 99.93% silver
Weight: 31.101 grams
Diameter: 40.6 mm
Mints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, West Point

GOLD AMERICAN EAGLE


1986-DATE
Composition: 91.67% gold
Mints: Philadelphia, West Point

Tenth-Ounce Gold $5 Weight: 3.393 grams Diameter: 16.5 mm


Quarter-Ounce Gold $10 Weight: 8.483 grams Diameter: 22 mm
Half-Ounce Gold $25 Weight: 16.966 grams Diameter: 27 mm
One-Ounce Gold $50 Weight: 33.931 grams Diameter: 32.7 mm

PLATINUM AMERICAN EAGLE


1997-DATE
Composition: 99.95% platinum
Mints: Philadelphia, West Point

Tenth-Ounce Platinum $10 Weight: 0.10005 oz. Diameter: 16.5 mm


Quarter-Ounce Platinum $25 Weight: 0.2501 oz. Diameter: 22 mm
Half-Ounce Platinum $50 Weight: 0.5003 oz. Diameter: 27 mm
One-Ounce Platinum $100 Weight: 1.0005 oz. Diameter: 32.7 mm

33
U.S. BULLION continued…

SILVER AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARK


2010-DATE
Composition: 99.9% silver
Weight: 5 ounces
Diameter: 3 inches
Mints: Philadelphia

GOLD AMERICAN BUFFALO


2006-DATE
Composition: 99.99% (24K) gold
Mints: West Point

Tenth-Ounce Gold $5 Weight: 3.110 grams Diameter: 16.5 mm


Quarter-Ounce Gold $10 Weight: 7.775 grams Diameter: 22 mm
Half-Ounce Gold $25 Weight: 15.552 grams Diameter: 27 mm
One Ounce Gold $50 Weight: 31.103 grams Diameter: 32.7 mm

GOLD FIRST SPOUSE


2007-DATE
Composition: 99.99% (24K) gold
Weight: ½ ounce
Diameter: 26.5 mm
Mints: West Point

34
CARING FOR YOUR COINS
Proper handling and storage of coins is not difficult, and will maintain
the natural condition and value of collectible coins. Appropriate care
also helps preserve your coins for the benefit of future collectors.
Handling: Coins should be held by their edges between thumb
and forefinger (see picture). This will protect coin surfaces and
designs from fingerprints and the natural oils in fingers or palms that
can be corrosive over time. In fact, many experienced collectors prefer
to use soft cotton gloves when
handling their high-quality
Uncirculated or Proof coins.
A wide variety of coin holders
and albums is available from
Littleton for easy viewing and
examination of both sides of a
coin without actual handling.
Cleaning: Improper
cleaning, more than anything
else, has harmed valuable
coins. High-quality
Uncirculated and Proof coins should never be cleaned, as improper
cleaning can cause permanent loss of original mint finish and color
(and permanent loss of value). Experts can easily detect an
improperly cleaned coin. Most experienced collectors and dealers
agree that coins should only be cleaned by experts.
Storage: High humidity, air pollution, salt air, and temperature
extremes can sometimes affect the surfaces of coins. It is best to store
coins in protective holders or albums, and to keep them in an area of
relatively uniform temperature. As your collection becomes more
valuable, you may choose to store some or all of your coins in a safe-
deposit box. If you choose to keep your collection in your home, we
recommend that you check with your insurance company to ensure
that your collection is covered for its full replacement cost.
Please note: The clear coin wrappers used by Littleton are sealed
to provide protection of coins during delivery, and easy identification
and examination without removal. You can store your coins in the
clear wrappers, or you can remove them for placement in albums,
holders, or other storage containers. When returning coins, we prefer
that you keep them in the original wrappers.
Littleton’s exclusive Showpak® packaging was designed for
permanent storage and protection of your coins, and cannot be
resealed once opened.

35
YOU’LL BUILD NICE COLLECTIONS
WITH LITTLETON’S EXCLUSIVE CLUBS
Over the years, we’ve developed a wide variety of exclusive collector
clubs tailored to fit your individual needs. As a Club Member, you’ll
always receive these special benefits…
• Affordable monthly shipments to fit your budget
• You see each coin RISK FREE for 15 days before
you decide – We trust you!
• There’s no obligation to purchase – EVER, and
no membership fee!
• Your coins are hand selected for eye appeal –
you’ll get the best value for your dollar!
• Each coin is delivered right to your door – so you
conveniently add to your collection in the comfort
of your own home.
• Get FREE gifts and special collecting opportunities!
• You’ll earn Profit Shares – trade them in for
FREE coins, paper money, and collecting supplies!

Littleton’s 45-Day Money Back


Guarantee of Satisfaction
You must be completely satisfied with every
purchase you make from Littleton. If not, simply
return it within 45 days for a prompt exchange
or refund, whichever you prefer.

For more informative Littleton Collector Guides,


call our friendly Customer Service representatives
Monday - Friday, 7:30 A.M. - 9:00 P.M. ET at

1-800-645-3122
or visit us on the web at
LittletonCoin.com/collectorguides

1309 Mt. Eustis Road


Littleton, NH 03561-3735
LC-2560 8/11 ©2004-2011 LCC, LLC

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