Through out its minting history dozens of beautiful and historic coins have been produced by the United States. Not only for their value, but for their stunning designs, some stand out. Additionally, these coins illustrate the artistry of their time, and are symbols of important moments in American history. Here are some of the most beautiful U.S. coins ever made whether you’re a collector or interested in just how beautiful coins can be.
Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle
One of the most beautiful American coins ever made was this gold coin minted from 1907 to 1933. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed it and we have Lady Liberty striding forth, one hand holding a torch, the other holding an olive branch. It has a collector’s preference for intricate design and great attention to detail.
Walking Liberty Half Dollar
Another artistic triumph produced in 1916 – 1947, a Walking Liberty Half Dollar. Adolph A. Weinman designed it, and it shows Lady Liberty strolling toward the sun, her wearing the flag of America. The mountain side of the coin features a majestic eagle perched out on a mountain. The beauty of this coin has caused its design to be used on the modern American Silver Eagle bullion coin.
Morgan Silver Dollar
The Old West is symbolized by the Morgan Silver Dollar, struck between 1878 and 1921. Featuring on the obverse a portrait of Liberty by George T. Morgan, based on that modelled by Anna Willess Williams. On the reverse we see a bold eagle with outstretched wings. To this day, it’s one of the most collected U.S. coins.
Buffalo Nickel
Nickel, also known as the Indian Head Nickel was struck from 1913 to 1938. In a way James Earle Fraser designed this coin, with a profile of a Native American chief on the obverse and an iconic American buffalo on the reverse. It is a stirring and realistc and rugged design, which looks like an image of early 20th century America.
Seated Liberty Dollar
The classic 19th century coin, the Seated Liberty Dollar was minted from 1840-1873. Christian Gobrecht designed it, and shows Lady Liberty seated on a rock holding a shield and a pole with a liberty cap. The design of this coin evolved over time, but this coin was a beloved part of U.S. numismatic history.
Peace Dollar
Issued from 1921 to 1935 to mark the end of World War I, the Peace Dollar is a coin minted from just after de Francisci designed the obverse which bears a profile of Liberty, beribboned and crowned with rays of light. On the reverse we see an eagle perched on a rock holding an olive branch. Popular for its beauty and its folder as a note of peace.
Indian Head Gold Eagle
The Indian head gold eagle, designer Bela Lyon Pratt, was produced from 1908 to 1929, this $10 gold coin has an unusually and startling design. The obverse shows Liberty wearing a Native American war bonnet, the reverse an eagle in a proud stance atop a branch. It has its particularity, the incuse design, where the visible images seem sunken in the surface, rather than raised.
Draped Bust Dollar
The Draped Bust Dollar was minted from 1795 to 1804, but was one of the first coins minted in the United States. It shows Liberty in fabric, flowing hair, with a portrait by Robert Scot. On the reverse are an eagle, wreathed, and the establishment date. The artwork on this coin reflects the neoclassical artistry to which it belongs.
Barber Quarter
From 1892 through 1916, the Barber Quarter, designed by Charles E. Barber, was minted. The obverse shows a head of Liberty, wearing a cap and holding out a laurel wreath. On the reverse, there is an eagle that holds arrows and olive branch. Out of the gate criticized for its plainness, the coin is now regarded for its stately design.
Mercury Dime
The Mercury Dime, designed by Adolph A. Weinman, and produced from 1916 to 1945, pictured Liberty in a winged cap for a symbol of freedom of thought. On the reverse we see a fasces, a Roman symbol of authority and an olive branch, a symbol of peace. It’s tiny, but nonetheless beloved for its symbolism and elegant design.
| Coin Name | Year of Minting | Designer | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle | 1907–1933 | Augustus Saint-Gaudens | Lady Liberty Striding |
| Walking Liberty Half Dollar | 1916–1947 | Adolph A. Weinman | Liberty Walking Toward Sun |
| Morgan Silver Dollar | 1878–1921 | George T. Morgan | Liberty’s Portrait |
| Buffalo Nickel | 1913–1938 | James Earle Fraser | Native American Chief & Buffalo |
| Peace Dollar | 1921–1935 | Anthony de Francisci | Liberty’s Crown of Light |
FAQs
Q. Why are Saint Gaudens Double Eagles so valuable?
A. Augustus Saint-Gaudens designed the Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle and the coin is prized for its intricacy, and its pre-1933 gold coin history, from rarest specimens that have seen the auction block achieve auction prices into the six figures.
Q. Why are Buffalo Nickels considered by collectors?
A. It is due to the depiction of a Native American and an American buffalo which is indicated by the Buffalo Nickel – as the piece represents a big era in American history. Its rugged design and superlative features make it a great collector’s gem.
Q. What was the importance of the Peace Dollar?
A. The Peace Dollar was minted to commemorate the end of World War I, but symbolizes peace and prosperity. Highly collectible for its beautiful design and historial context.
Q. Why is the Mercury Dime special?
A, Teotihuacan had an elegant representation of Liberty with a winged cap (representing the freedom of thought) and peace and authority on the reverse; the Mercury Dime is such a coin.