Drachmas, Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money

Moving West: 19th-Century America

Remarkable Denominations

Most of these denominations were short-lived experiments that never really caught on. The least popular of all was the 20 cent piece—only produced for a period of four years before it was discontinued.

Copper 2 cents (1871). This denomination was only made from 1864 to 1873.

Silver 3 cents (1871). Silver 3 cent coins were struck from 1851 to 1873.

Nickel 3 cents (1867). Although the denomination failed, the nickel 3 cent coin, struck from 1865 to 1883, is part of the long transition to a base-metal coinage.

Silver 20 cents (1877) showing an eagle. These were only made between 1875 and 1878.

Gold 3 dollars (1875) depicting Liberty wearing a feathered headdress. This denomination was only produced between 1854 and 1889.