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U.S. Coins

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United States coins have been circulating for over 227 years since the first official coins were struck after the Mint Act of 1792 was signed by George Washington. American coins are among the most popular and widely collected coins in the world. The story of America is told through each coin’s design over the decades, with each denomination representing a moment in time in U.S. history and economics. Every coin holds a story of its time and history, as a tangible piece of monetary art, proudly displaying its legacy and beauty, forever sealed in precious metals. U.S. coinage shares the American story, from early commerce to today’s complex financial systems. American coins tell stories about the social and economic issues prominent in the times in which they were minted. When you hold a coin, you’re holding history in your hands. Keep reading to learn more about United States coinage and browse our extensive U.S mint coin selection!

History of U.S Coinage

The official currency of the U.S. is the American dollar as outlined in the Mint Act of 1792. For most practical purposes, the U.S. dollar is divided into 100 smaller cent units, over multiple denominations from the penny to the dollar. The Mint Coinage Act of 1792 authorized production of ten different coin denominations.

Gold coins included:

The Eagle with a face value of $10
The Half Eagle at $5
the Quarter Eagle at $2.50.

Silver denominations included:

the $1 Dollar
.50₵ Half Dollar
.25₵ Quarter
.10₵ Dime (called a dismes at the time)
.5₵ Half Dime (which later became the Nickel).

At the lower end of the U.S. coin scale was copper coinage, which included:

The .01₵ Cent (known as the Penny today)
The .005₵ Half Cent (which ended in 1857).

What are US Coins Made Of?

Today, the U.S. Mint strikes a wide variety of coinage in Copper, Nickel, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Palladium. Some coins are minted for general circulation, while other special coins are minted just for collectors.

Modern U.S Coinage

Popular U.S. coins include the Gold American Eagle, American Buffalo, American Silver Eagle, Proof Sets and Commemorative Coins. The U.S. Mint is the sole manufacturer of legal tender coins within the United States and continues to make coins. The Mint is responsible for producing coins utilized in circulation for the nation’s trade and commerce. The Mint also produces coin-related products that include proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins, i.e. Congressional Gold Medals and silver and gold bullion coins.

Circulating US Coin Collectibles

Circulating coins are the coins that the United States Mint produces for everyday transactions and are the types of coins you will see in your pocket change, like Lincoln cents, Roosevelt dimes, and America the Beautiful quarters. Collector’s versions of circulating coinage are included aspart of the United States Mint’s annual coin sets. Other coins that do not enter general circulation like the Kennedy half dollar, the American Innovation $1 Coin Program, the Native American $1 Coin Program, and the Presidential $1 Coin Program are all collectables that are still produced and can still be used as legal tender.

Rare U.S Coins

There are many different denominations, coin types, and dates that qualify as rare U.S. coins and a variety of ways in which to collect them. Rare U.S. coins span a 141 year period from the start of the U.S. Mint to the Gold Recall Act, which was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933 and made it illegal to own gold, except for rare and collectible coins. American coins are some of the most collectible in the world and there are many U.S. coins available for any budget.

What US Coins Are Worth Money?

According to invaluable.com as of May 27, 2021, when it comes to the rarest U.S. coins, there are some that are still in circulation such as the 1943 Lincoln Copperhead Penny which is worth as much as $10,000. There are a few types of pennies that are worth quite a bit. At $1,800, there is the 1955 Double Die Penny and the 1969-S Lincoln Cent with Doubled Die Obverse which has an estimated value of $120,000. Although not nearly as much, the 1982 No Mint Mark Roosevelt Dime is worth around $300 and the 2005-D 5C Speared Bison Jefferson Nickel, which has a value of $1,265, are among the rare U.S. coins.

US Mint Coins for Sale at GOVMINT

When you buy US Coins at govmint.com you can rest assured that you are buying authentic United States coinage. We offer free shipping on orders of $149 or more and have a 30-day return policy for all non-bullion items. You can view our return policy here. Browse our website govmint.com or call 1-800-642-9160 to see how United States Mint Coins can enhance your coin collection today.

U.S. Coins: History, Collectibility & Modern Coinage

United States coins have been part of American life for more than 230 years. Since the Mint Act of 1792, U.S. coinage has reflected the nation’s growth, values, and artistry. Each design tells a story of American history, from early Liberty portraits to modern commemoratives.

At GOVMINT, we offer a wide selection of authentic U.S. coins — spanning early copper and silver issues, 19th-century designs, and modern releases from the U.S. Mint.

History of U.S. Coinage

The Mint Act of 1792 authorized America’s first official coins and established the dollar as the nation’s standard unit of currency. Early denominations included:

Gold coins: $10 Eagle, $5 Half Eagle, $2.50 Quarter Eagle
Silver coins: $1 Dollar, 50¢ Half Dollar, 25¢ Quarter, 10¢ Dime (then called a disme), and 5¢ Half Dime (later replaced by the nickel)
Copper coins: 1¢ Cent and ½¢ Half Cent (discontinued in 1857)

These first issues introduced enduring motifs like Liberty and the American eagle, designs that remain iconic symbols of U.S. coinage.

What Are U.S. Coins Made Of?

U.S. coins have been struck in many metals across history:

Early issues: gold, silver, and copper
Modern circulation: copper-nickel alloys
Collector issues: silver, gold, platinum, and palladium

Today, the U.S. Mint produces both coins for everyday transactions and specially struck editions for collectors.

Modern U.S. Coins

The U.S. Mint continues to create coins that are widely collected around the world. Popular modern issues include:

American Eagle Coins (Gold, Silver, Platinum, and Palladium)
American Buffalo Gold Coins
Annual Proof and Mint Sets
Commemorative Coins celebrating American history and achievement

Circulating & Collector U.S. Coins

Circulating coins include the familiar Lincoln cent, Jefferson nickel, Roosevelt dime, Washington quarter, and Kennedy half dollar. Many are also available in collector sets such as annual proof and uncirculated editions.

The Mint has also issued limited-run collector programs such as the Presidential $1 Coin Program, Native American $1 Coins, and the American Innovation $1 Series.

Scarce & Historic U.S. Coins

Over two centuries of coinage history have produced many scarce and collectible U.S. coins. Collectors often seek:

Early copper and silver issues from the 18th and 19th centuries
Classic gold coinage struck before 1933
Low-mintage varieties and design types

These coins remain central to U.S. numismatic history and represent different eras of American coinage.

Shop U.S. Coins at GOVMINT

When you purchase from GOVMINT, you’re assured of authentic U.S. coinage. We provide:

Free shipping on orders of $149 or more
A 30-day return policy on all non-bullion items
A trusted source for collectors nationwide

Browse our selection online at GOVMINT.com or call 1-800-642-9160 to explore official U.S. coins for your collection.

U.S. Coins FAQ

What is the oldest U.S. coin?
The first official U.S. coins were struck in 1793, beginning with the copper half cent and large cent.

What are U.S. coins made of?
Modern circulation coins are typically copper-nickel alloys. Collector coins may also be struck in silver, gold, platinum, or palladium.

What U.S. coins are collected today?
Many collectors focus on early copper and silver coins, pre-1933 gold issues, modern American Eagles, Mint and Proof Sets, and limited commemorative series.

Are all U.S. Mint coins legal tender?
Yes. All coins produced by the U.S. Mint are legal tender in the United States, though many collector issues are intended primarily for collecting.

Where can I buy authentic U.S. coins?
You can shop a wide selection of authentic coins directly from GOVMINT.com, a trusted retailer of U.S. and world coinage.