Embracing numismatics — the study or collection of coins, paper money, and medals—transports you not only to the financial heart but also to the historical and cultural soul of civilizations. Each coin collected is more than a tangible piece of metal; it’s a shard of history, a touchpoint that connects the present to the past, a chronicle of socio-economic transitions, artistic endeavors, and political shifts.
These gleaming pieces of yore invite collectors into a confluence of art, history, and commerce, transforming their holders into guardians of a world’s past and investors in its future. Coin collecting is a pursuit teeming with both aesthetic delights and potential financial rewards. Every collector, novice or veteran, aspires to own coins marked by artistic beauty, enduring popularity, and promising future value.
Yet, amid the plethora of coins that have coursed through the veins of global commerce, a handful command special attention. These select few are distinguished not only by their rarity and beauty but by their historical significance, minting peculiarities, and the captivating tales they tell.
1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent: The Iconic Beginning
Imagine for a moment the early 20th century, as the United States was preparing to commemorate the centennial of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The year was 1909, and a new one-cent coin was conceived, replacing the longstanding Indian Head design with a portrait of Lincoln, the preserver of the Union. The designer, Victor David Brenner, introduced his initials—V.D.B.—in a prominent spot on the reverse, a departure from the custom of a singular initial, and an audacious move that created an immediate stir.
Once the San Francisco Mint had already produced 484,000 of these Lincoln pennies, the backlash led to Brenner’s initials being removed from the subsequent batches. As a result, this early version—the 1909-S V.D.B.—became an instant rarity, its legend only growing with time. Today, this coin represents the dream of many Lincoln penny collectors, embodying scarcity and historical interest in a single, copper disc.
When seeking a 1909-S V.D.B., keep a discerning eye. Pursue specimens free from noticeable defects and opt for coins with rich, deep copper hues—a tribute to their age. Beware of unnaturally bright coins, for they might be victims of chemical dipping.
1921 Peace Dollar: The Silver Symbol of Tranquility
Transitioning from the tumultuous years of the First World War, the United States sought a symbol of peace. Enter the Peace Dollar of 1921, designed by Anthony DeFrancisci, embodying liberty on one side and an American eagle, representative of peace, on the other. It was the brainchild of Farran Zerbe, a former President of the American Numismatic Association, whose vision was to commemorate the peace following the “Great War.”
The first run of the Peace Dollar, minted in high relief, encountered issues. The intricate detail was difficult to strike, leading to shortcomings in coin detail. Moreover, this design went into production late in the year, on December 26, 1921, leaving little time for a sizeable mintage. Consequently, just over a million coins were produced, creating an instant rarity.
Despite the scarcity, the 1921 Peace Dollar, with its historical and symbolic significance, remains within the grasp of the novice collector—provided they’re looking for a circulated example. Its allure lies not only in its beauty and rarity but also in its representation of a nation’s hope for tranquility amid the scars of war.
1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar: The Bland-Allison Legacy
After the ratification of the Bland-Allison Act in 1878, the US economy underwent a notable shift, the act compelling the Treasury to buy a specific amount of silver to be minted into silver dollars. Richard P. Bland and William B. Allison, the political champions of silver, pushed for this legislation, indirectly giving birth to the iconic Morgan Silver Dollar.
George T. Morgan’s design became an enduring symbol of the American West, and the Carson City Mint (CC) embodied that rugged, frontier spirit like no other. Operating from 1870 to 1893, this mint struck only a fraction of Morgan dollars compared to its Philadelphia, San Francisco, and New Orleans counterparts.
The inaugural 1878-CC Morgan Silver Dollar holds a unique charm among collectors. A combination of the mintage’s modest number, the excitement of the first-year issue, and the rich history of the Carson City Mint make this a desirable specimen for any serious numismatist. Collectors tend to value these dollars for their well-struck details and the allure of holding a piece of the Wild West. As with any coin, the value is significantly influenced by condition, and mint-state examples command a premium.
1914-D Lincoln Cent: The Second Rarity
The journey of the Lincoln Cent collection wouldn’t be quite complete without mentioning the elusive 1914-D issue. Introduced five years after the 1909-S V.D.B, it quickly gained a reputation for its rarity due to its surprisingly low mintage of just 1,193,000 pieces, less than one-fourth of the 1909-S V.D.B production.
During the time of its mintage, numismatic interest was not particularly high, and many of these pennies slipped into circulation, subsequently worn down over the years. It wasn’t until later that coin enthusiasts recognized the significance of this rarity. Thus, finding a 1914-D Lincoln Cent in good condition today is a numismatic triumph.
This coin offers a challenge to the dedicated collector, the hunt for a 1914-D in fine condition often forming the thrilling crux of their pursuit. But this challenge is not insurmountable. With careful examination and some patience, you can uncover a 1914-D Lincoln Cent to add historical heft and rarity to your collection, marking you as a serious contender in the arena of coin collecting.
1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel: The Unique Misstrike
One of the most famous numismatic oddities, the 1937-D 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel, is a product of happenstance and human intervention. Struck at the Denver Mint, this peculiar nickel derives its name from an overzealous attempt to smooth a worn die used in the minting process. The result? A buffalo seemingly standing on three legs.
What may have initially been seen as an error, the numismatic community soon came to regard as a collectible curiosity. The 3 Legged Buffalo Nickel captures the whimsy and unpredictability of coin production. Despite its unusual nature, or perhaps because of it, this nickel is among the most sought-after twentieth-century American coins. For numismatists who love a story, this one-legged buffalo presents an opportunity to own a piece of numismatic folklore, marking an exciting departure from conventional coinage.
1916-D Mercury Dime: A Renaissance Piece
In the world of American dimes, few are as respected or as sought-after as the 1916-D Mercury Dime. The coin was designed by Adolph A. Weinman, whose work was influenced by the French Beaux-Arts movement, resulting in a distinctly Renaissance flavor. Hence, the coin is often referred to as the ‘Mercury’ Dime due to Liberty’s resemblance to Mercury, the Roman messenger god.
However, it is the ‘D’ mintmark that makes this dime a key rarity. With a mintage of just 264,000, the 1916-D Mercury Dime is one of the scarcest 20th-century coins. Locating one in good condition can be a significant feat, as many were circulated extensively before their rarity was recognized. For those lucky enough to find one, it can serve as the crowning glory of any dime collection.
A well-preserved example of the 1917 Type 1 Standing Liberty Quarter can command high premiums and is a valuable addition to any collection. However, even more circulated specimens offer a tangible connection to a fascinating moment in America’s past, highlighting the intertwining of societal values and numismatic art.
1932-D Washington Quarter: Commemorating the Father of America
The Washington Quarter made its debut in 1932 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth. Despite its ubiquitous presence in today’s change, its early versions, specifically those minted in Denver (D) and San Francisco (S), are highly sought after due to their low mintages.
The 1932-D Washington Quarter, with a mere mintage of 436,800, stands as one of the key dates in the entire quarter series. Its place of honor is cemented in every collection, and finding one in excellent condition can bring much satisfaction and potential value. It’s not just a quarter—it’s a piece of history that connects us to the founding principles of the nation, personified by George Washington himself.
1908 St. Gaudens Arabic Numerals No Motto: The Gold Standard in Numismatics
Few coins in the realm of numismatics command as much respect and admiration as the Saint-Gaudens Gold Double Eagles. These coins represent the zenith of American coin design and are often considered the most beautiful U.S. coins ever minted. Among these, the 1908 No Motto variant, bearing Arabic numerals, is a must-have for any serious collector.
Designed by the eminent sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens at President Roosevelt’s behest, the coin is a testament to the Art Nouveau movement, with Lady Liberty striding confidently forward, bearing an olive branch and a torch. The absence of the motto “In God We Trust”—which was later added in the same year—sets this version apart. This coin is a shining example of the golden era of American coinage, symbolizing the perfect marriage of art and commerce.
The numismatic journey is one of discovery and appreciation—discovery of history, art, economics, and society, all imprinted on these tiny metal disks. Each coin we’ve explored, from the iconic 1909-S V.D.B. Lincoln Cent to the revered 1908 St. Gaudens Arabic Numerals No Motto, tells a story much larger than their physical size suggests. Collecting these coins is not just about the potential financial investment. It’s about owning a piece of history, cherishing the stories they tell, and passing them onto future generations.