Early U.S. Coinage

The first coins of the United States

Not many of us can afford to own examples of the earliest U.S. coins. Mintage figures were often very low and some are so scarce that it is difficult even to find pictures of them, never mind have an opportunity to own.

By the way, many of the coin pictures here are Courtesy of Heritage Auction Galleries/www.ha.com. If you are one of those people who can afford this sort of collecting (or if you just enjoy looking at beautiful and expensive pieces), Heritage Auctions is a great place to browse.

In March of 1791, Congress resolved that a mint should be established and that the President (then George Washington, of course) should make that happen. Notice the simple language and lack of detailed instruction of the resolution below; it’s very different from any Act of Congress you’d read today. Basically, Congress wanted a Mint and the rest was up to the President.

III. Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That a mint shall be established under such regulations as shall be directed by law.

Resolved, That the President of the United States be, and he is hereby authorized to cause to be engaged, such principal artists as shall be necessary…