The first officially sanctioned coinage to circulate in the United states was the Spanish Real, or piece of eight. See my listing under US silver coins for the history and photo of this coin. It was recognized until 1857. But as early as 1762, the colonists had began minting their own coinage, using British denominations as a guide. During this time, there were countless types of coins and tokens minted for use in daily business activities. It wasn't until 1781 that the government adopted the Articles of Confederation that provided that Congress should be a regulatory agency with regard to state-issued coinage. Finally in 1792, the units used today of dollar, and it's fractional units were adopted. The very first officially minted US coin was the Half-disme (dime), struck at the newly built Mint in Philidelphia in July 1792. The rest is history. I am pleased to offer you a variety of collectible American coins. Collecting Coins is a most rewarding and educational hobby that is appropriate for all ages. All coins are presented in As-Found condition with no cleaning or other alterations. A note regarding coin grading: I am not a certified Numismaticist and unless a coin is specifically described as officially graded, the grades assigned to the coins I offer are based strictly on personal observation using the Official A.N.A. Grading Standards For United States Coins by the American Numismatic Association as a guideline. Grading is not an exact science and is largely based on the opinions of the expert. Several experts are likely to give slightly differing grades of the same coin. So, while I can guarantee a coin's authenticity, I can not guarantee the coin's grade. The grade is offered for informational and descriptive purposes only.

Old American

Item #	Description	Price
Click for more detail... LargeCent	Very Worn Large Cent This example of a Large Cent is so heavily worn that the date is not legible. From what details are visible, it appears that this coin is either a Coronet (1816-1839) or possibly a Braided Hair (1840-1857). But it appears from careful analysis that this particular coin only has 13 stars based on the spacing between the ones still visible up the left edge of the coin. There are five stars visible between the bottom of the bust and the tip of the coronet implying that a total of 13 would be correct for this coin. If that is the case, then this coin could only be a rare 1817 Coronet. Another feature that points to a Coronet is that on the reverse, the Words One Cent have obvious spacing between the words and the wreath. In the later Braided Hair Variety, the lettering is heavy and both the top right point of the letter E and the lower curve of the letter C are in contact with the wreath. However, the coronet should have a center dot, and this particular coin doesn't show the dot. Whether it wasn't there to begin with or is just worn from visibility, I can't tell. So, given the diagnostics, this coin is more likely a Coronet than a Braided Hair, but given the poor condition of the obverse of the coin, I can't be certain. And, even though this coin is in poor condition, it is so very rare in all grades so it remains a worthy collectible. Specs: WT: 10.89g; Composition: 100% copper; Diameter: 28mm; smooth edge. Note, 1817 was the only year of the 13 star variety of which this coin appears to be. I plan to try a pencil etching to see if more details can be revealed, and if so, I'll update this description accordingly.	Your Price: $8.00
Click for more detail... 1865P3Cent	Rare 1865-P Nickel Three-Cent Piece Nickel Three-Cent Pieces were struck from 1865-1889. This coin, dated 1865, a rare first year issue, has no mint mark, as all three-cent pieces of this era were struck at Philidelphia. Specs: WT: 1.94g; Composition: .750 copper, .250 nickel; Diameter: 17.9mm; plain edge. This coin is in VF-20 (very Fine) condition with at least 3/4 of the hair details showing. Listed elsewhere in MS-64 (Uncirculated) condition for $315.00	Full Price: $90.00 48 % off! Your Price: $46.99
Click for more detail... 1936BuffNick	1936 Buffalo Nickel Classic Buffalo nickel dated 1936. Struck 1913-1938. Officially call the Indian Head Nickel. The interesting thing about this design is the reverse, so popularly believed to be a buffalo, hence the name, is truely a Bison. The obverse features a composite portrait of a Plains Indian. This design is reknown for it's too-high relief resulting in very weak strikes that result in heavliy worn features, especially the dates. This coin is in typical condition for the date.	Your Price: $9.99
Click for more detail... 1938BuffNick	1938 Buffalo Nickel Classic Buffalo nickel dated 1938. Struck 1913-1938. Officially call the Indian Head Nickel. The interesting thing about this design is the reverse, so popularly believed to be a buffalo, hence the name, is truely a Bison. The obverse features a composite portrait of a Plains Indian. This design is reknown for it's too-high relief resulting in very weak strikes that result in heavliy worn features, especially the dates. This coin is in typical condition for the date.	Your Price: $9.99