Smithsonian Institution

Established in 1846, the Smithsonian consists of museums and research centers. The museums, which include the famous Air and Space Museum, the National History Museum, and the National Zoo, among others, host some of the most important national treasures. Among the many priceless treasures that they house are rare coins and plans for coins that were created by some of the most famous numismatic designers in the history of American coinage. In recent years, GovMint.com has teamed up with the Smithsonian to revive these coins and designs and to bring them to collectors. In doing so, we have made pieces that were previously inaccessible a part of the collections across America. These pieces are perfect for collectors who have a deep appreciation for the artistry and history of American numismatics.

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7 Items

Smithsonian Barber Dragon

Late in the 19th century, Szechuan Province in China needed new equipment for their mint. Ferracute Machine Company, which was in New Jersey, made the winning bid. The agreement included designs from Charles Barber. Inspired by China’s Kwangtung Dollar, he sculpted dies in five denominations. Unfortunately, the Szechuan Mint flooded after the equipment and dies arrived, but just a few coins were struck. The dies were destroyed beyond the point of recovery, but the patterns remain stored at the museum of the Shanghai Mint and the Smithsonian. Using those patterns, we revived the designs and now offer rounds struck from brass that bring those historic designs to you!

Smithsonian Morgan Proof

George T. Morgan is best known for the Morgan silver dollar to which he lent his name. Perhaps the most famous designer in numismatic history, his work is recognized – and even sometimes collected – even by those who have no other interest in coins. For decades, his sketchbooks sat idly in the Smithsonian's vaults. When they were finally examined, though, they revealed a treasure trove of designs that never made it to production.

His designs for the US Trade Dollar (1873-1885) were of particular interest. Trade dollars were struck for international use, not circulation within the U.S, but Morgan’s designs were never struck onto these coins. His obverse design featured a young Liberty wearing a Phrygian cap. Although her hair extended below, it was not as long or full as the hair of Liberty on his Silver Dollar. The reverse featured a familiar them of an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch. Now, collectors have the chance to own this coin that never was in 10 g of .999 fine silver. These rounds have been struck as proofs to ensure that collectors have the best opportunity to examine these remarkable designs.

Smithsonian Gold Certificates

Gold certificates were first issued in 1863 while the nation was divided by war. They continued to be issued into the Great Depression. In 1933, though, President Franklin Roosevelt made private gold ownership illegal, and with it, private ownership of gold certificates.

While ordinary citizens could no longer own the certificates, banks could. In fact, they were often used to conduct the type of high dollar transactions that are today almost always conducted electronically. In 1934 gold certificates were the highest dollar denomination ever issued by the US government at $100,000.

As part of GovMint.com’s partnership with the Smithsonian, we struck 5,000 of these, each one from 100 mg of .999 fine gold. The Smithsonian's sun logo features next to the portrait of Woodrow Wilson on the obverse. These certificates make for fantastic conversation pieces and can bring a fascinating piece of American and economic history to any collection.