LC-2560 US Type Booklet:LC-2560 US Type Booklet - Littleton Coin ...

Dear Collector,Hold a Liberty Cap half cent in your handand travel back to colonial times. A silver 3¢piece recalls the Civil War, while the Peacedollar echoes the glitz and glamour of theRoaring Twenties.Genuine U.S. coins not only blaze a paththrough America’s history, but they tell thecountry’s story in a way that few otherartifacts can. Why? Since our nation’s beginnings, GeorgeWashington, Thomas Edison, our grandparents, parents, and evenyou today, have used coins.Although collecting by date and mint mark is the most popularway to build a collection, forming a type set is another favorite ofcollectors because it is more affordable. Building a U.S. type setbecame popular in the 1960s, and collecting this way lets youenjoy a wide range of coin designs that cut a broad path throughAmerican history.Have a plan for your collectionIt’s always good to have a plan and focus for what you wantto collect. Although there are many ways, building a typecollection is considered by many to be the most individualized.That’s because there are no “strict” rules; the grade, composition,design and date collected are as individual as you are. Some builda U.S. silver dollar type set, others a gold type set, and stillothers a comprehensive set of every design for every series ofU.S. coinage. The anticipation of waiting to fill the next space inyour album becomes proud satisfaction as you locate your coins.Whatever your level of interest or experience, I hope you’llfind this collectors club booklet on U.S. Type Coins an interesting,useful, and educational guide to our nation’s coinage.Sincerely,David M. SundmanPresident2

INTRODUCTION TOTYPE COIN COLLECTINGA U.S. type coin set offers collectors an opportunity to show theirindividuality. Ultimately, this set should be fun and rewarding to build. Butwhat exactly is a type set? This set should contain one coin of everymajor design and metallic composition within a series. It is arranged bydenomination design, in order of issue. For instance, the Lincoln cent hastwo major designs: the Wheat Ears reverse and the Memorial reverse, as wellas a significant metal change in 1943 to steel. Depending on the depth andvariety a collector wants to include, each type set can vary quite a bit, so the1909 VDB could be included as well as the coins without the initials.This booklet will give you helpful information every collector needs. Butbeyond a few basics, type coin collecting is almost limitless in its variety. Asyour knowledge increases, you’ll find your own favorite coins and ways tobuild a collection as unique as your imagination!TABLE OF CONTENTSHalf Cents ........................................................5Large Cents ......................................................6Small Cents ....................................................7Two-Cent Pieces ..............................................8Three-Cent Pieces ............................................9Nickels............................................................10Half Dimes ....................................................12Dimes ............................................................13Twenty-Cent Pieces ........................................14Quarters..........................................................15Half Dollars ....................................................18Dollars ............................................................213

TABLE OF CONTENTS CONTINUED...Gold Dollars ..................................................24Quarter Eagles................................................25$3 Gold Pieces ..............................................25Half Eagles ....................................................26Eagles ............................................................27Double Eagles ................................................27Commemoratives............................................28Bullion ............................................................30Caring for Your Coins ....................................31Susan B. AnthonyDollarBuffaloNickelBarberQuarterRooseveltDimeMorganDollarIndian HeadCentLiberty SeatedTwenty-CentPieceKennedyHalf DollarTwo-CentPieceLiberty WalkingHalf DollarFrom the cobbled streets of old Boston and Philadelphia to the paved highways thatcrisscross our nation today, U.S. coins trace the footsteps of the men and womenwho came before us and helped to build America. Hold a U.S. type coin and lookat the design and date, each reflecting its era of issue. The elegant Draped Bustcoins recall the days of colonial America; the beautiful Standing Liberty andLiberty Walking designs speak of the glamour of the Roaring Twenties, while thenew Statehood quarters combine a blend of both modern and older design themes.4(On the front cover)

HALF CENTS 1793-1857The smallest denomination U.S. coin, yet nearly the size of a modern quarter.Made of pure copper, the half cent was useful for making change during itsearly years of issue. But as time passed and things grew more expensive, thehalf cent lost its usefulness, and was abandoned shortly before the Civil War.Today, all half cents are scarce. All types carry a bust of Liberty on theobverse and a wreath on the reverse.LIBERTY CAP(LEFT FACING)1793Composition: copperWeight: 6.74 gramsDiameter: approx. 22 mmMint: PhiladelphiaFOCUS ON LIBERTYLIBERTY CAP(RIGHT FACING)1794-1797Composition: copperWeight: 6.74 grams 17945.44 grams 1795-1797(thin planchets)Diameter: approx. 23.5 mmMint: PhiladelphiaDRAPED BUST1800-1808Composition: copperWeight: 5.44 gramsDiameter: 23.5 mmMints: Philadelphia1775 Battle of Bunker Hill1781 British surrender at YorktownCLASSIC HEAD1809-1836Composition: copperWeight: 5.44 gramsDiameter: 23.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaBRAIDED HAIR1840-1857Composition: copperWeight: 5.44 gramsDiameter: 23 mmMints: Philadelphia1787 Constitutional Convention1788 Constitution ratified1789Washingtonbecomespresident5

LARGE CENTS 1793-1857Along with the half cent, one of the first two coins struck by the UnitedStates, all the large cents were coined at the Philadelphia Mint. With twicethe copper of the half cent, they were large and heavy – greater in size thantoday’s quarter – so a pocketful was quite bulky. As the price of copper roseduring the 1800s, the large cent became too expensive to produce and wasreplaced in 1857 by the small cent.FLOWING HAIR(CHAIN REVERSE & WREATH REVERSE)1793Composition: copperWeight: 13.48 gramsDiameter: approx. 26-28 mmMints: PhiladelphiaLIBERTY CAP1793-1796Composition: copperWeight: 13.48 grams 1793-179510.89 grams 1795-1796(thin planchet)Diameter: approx. 29 mmMints: PhiladelphiaFOCUS ON LIBERTY1795Alexander Hamiltonkilled in duel1800 U.S. capital nowin Washington, D.C.DRAPED BUST1796-1807Composition: copperWeight: 10.89 gramsDiameter: approx. 29 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCLASSIC HEAD1808-1814Composition: copperWeight: 10.89 gramsDiameter: approx. 29 mmMints: Philadelphia1803 Louisiana Purchase doublessize of U.S.1804DuPont buildshis firstgunpowder millCORONET1816-1857Composition: copperWeight: 10.89 gramsDiameter: approx. 28-29 mmMints: Philadelphia1805 Lewis and Clark sight Pacific1806 Zebulon Pike exploresArkansas River, and later climbs thepeak that comes to bear his name.6

SMALL CENTS 1856-DATEAmerica’s first small cent, the Flying Eagle, was introduced in 1856. It wasnicknamed the “white cent” because of its 88% copper and 12% nickelcomposition. Designed by James Longacre, the Flying Eagle cent was minted forjust 3 years before being replaced with the Indian Head cent. Many consider theIndian Head cent, with Liberty in a Native American headdress, the mostbeautiful copper coin. In 1909, the Lincoln cent became America’s first circulatingcoin to portray a president, and is now our longest-running coin design.FLYING EAGLE1856-1858Composition: copper-nickelWeight: 4.67 gramsDiameter: 19 mmMints: PhiladelphiaAmerican LifeINDIAN HEAD1859-1909Diameter: 19 mmMints: Philadelphia,San FranciscoCopper-NickelDate: 1859-1864Weight: 4.67 gramsBronzeDate: 1864-1909Weight: 3.11 gramsLINCOLN1909-DATEDiameter: 19 mmMints: Philadelphia,Denver,San FranciscoBronzeDate: 1909-1982Weight: 3.11 gramsZinc-Coated Steel(Wartime Steel cent)Date: 1943Weight: 2.70 gramsCopper-Plated ZincDate: 1982-DateWeight: 2.5 grams1793 With 45,000 people, Philadelphia is the largest cityIn the late 1700s, familiesare large, 7 or more peopleWartimeSteel Cent1943In colonial America,children over 6 areconsidered “small adults”Average worker earns9¢ an hourCommon professions:cabinetmaker, coachmaker,wheelwrightWheat EarsReverse1909-1958MemorialReverse1959-Date7

TWO-CENT PIECES 1864-1873TWO-CENT PIECE1864-1873Composition: bronzeWeight: 6.22 gramsDiameter: 23 mmMints: PhiladelphiaThe 1864 Coin Act called for a 2¢ copper coin. This Civil War-eracoin was America’s first and only 2¢ piece. It was the first coin tocarry the motto IN GOD WE TRUST. This “odd” denomination coinwas 58 years in the making. First proposed in 1806, it was notactually needed until the coinage shortage of the Civil War pushedit into production.FOCUS ON LIBERTY1860 South Carolina secedes from Union1863South splits when Grantwins Vicksburg1861 Fort Sumter fired upon, Lincolndeclares war1863 LincolndeliversGettysburgaddress1862 Gun with rotatingbarrel patented by Dr.Richard Jordan Gatling1862 Fierce clash in Battle of Shiloh1863Gen. Robert E. Lee winshis greatest victory atChancellorsville1864 USS Sassacus battles Confederateironclad CSS AlbemarleOver 600,000 Americans killed in Civil War8

THREE-CENT PIECES 1851-1889SILVERTHREE-CENT PIECE1851-1873Composition: 75% silver 1851-185390% silver 1854-1873Weight: .80 grams 1851-1853.75 grams 1854-1873Diameter: 14 mmMints: Philadelphia, New OrleansAmerican LifeThe silver 3¢ piece is the smallest of allU.S. silver coins. Because it was struck insilver, the public hoarded it along with othercoins when the Civil War broke out. Sincethe 3¢ pieces were needed to ease the coinshortage caused by war, the U.S. Mintdecided to strike them in copper-nickel.1858 Stagecoach covers overlandtrail from St. Louis, Missouri toLos Angeles, California in 20 days1859 World’s first oil well dug inTitusville, Pennsylvania1861 First telegram sent acrossAmerica, received in Sacramento,CaliforniaNICKELTHREE-CENT PIECE1865-1889Composition: copper-nickelWeight: 1.94 gramsDiameter: 17.9 mmMints: Philadelphia1867 Dust rises from ChisholmTrail as first Texas longhorns pass1867 Alaska bought for $7 millionThe 3¢ nickel, so called because of itscopper-nickel composition, was wellreceived by the public. This coin helpedthe nation retire the unpopular 3¢ papernotes issued during the Civil War. Oncethe majority of notes had been exchangedfor 3¢ coins, and production of 5¢ nickelsand cents increased, the banks neededfewer 3¢ pieces.1869 Golden spike connects Eastto West9

American Life1891New clothes fastenerinvented; it’s calledthe zipper1892 Columbian Exposition in Chicago1895 H. G. Wells publishes The Time MachineJEFFERSON1938-DATEComposition: copper-nickel35% silver 1942-1945Weight: 5 gramsDiameter: 21.2 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San FranciscoMonticelloReverse1938-2003Peace MedalReverse20041895 Bicycle sales and women’s hemlines riseKeelboatReverse2004American BisonReverse20051904Ice cream cone introducedat St. Louis World’s Fair1906 San Francisco devastated by earthquake1910 U.S. population reaches 92 million; lessthan half have completed high schoolOcean in ViewReverse2005MonticelloReverse200611

FOCUS ON LIBERTY1912 Arizona and New Mexico become 47thand 48th states1913Woodrow Wilsonelected president1914 World War I begins1917 America enters World War IHALF DIMES 1794-1873Minted in fine silver, the famous half dime was the nation’s first 5¢ coin. Itwas smaller and weighed less than a nickel. Several design types were issuedlong before the U.S. nickel denomination began. From 1866-1873, both thehalf dime and nickel were struck. The half dime played an integral role in theearly life of America, and is of great historic and numismatic importance.12FLOWING HAIR1794-1795Composition: 89% silverWeight: 1.35 gramsDiameter: 16.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaDRAPED BUST1796-1805Composition: 89% silverWeight: 1.35 gramsDiameter: 16.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCAPPED BUST1829-1837Composition: 89% silverWeight: 1.35 gramsDiameter: 15.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaLIBERTY SEATED1837-1873Composition: 90% silverWeight: 1.34 grams 1837-18531.24 grams 1853-1873Diameter: 15.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,San Francisco

DIMES 1796-DATEThe 10¢ coin, or dime, follows closely the designs of the half dime through theLiberty Seated type. All circulating dimes were minted in fine silver until 1964.Dimes in higher grades are scarce and expensive, since this denomination wasused extensively compared to quarters and halves. But many early dimes arestill available in circulated condition at a more reasonable cost.DRAPED BUST1796-1807Composition: 89% silverWeight: 2.7 gramsDiameter: 19 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCAPPED BUST1809-1837Composition: 89% silverWeight: 2.7 gramsDiameter: 18.8 mmMints: PhiladelphiaLIBERTY SEATED1837-1891Composition: 90% silverWeight: 2.67 grams 1837-18532.49 grams 1853-18732.50 grams 1873-1891Diameter: 17.9 mmMints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,San Francisco, Carson CityBARBER1892-1916Composition: 90% silverWeight: 2.5 gramsDiameter: 17.9 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,New Orleans, San FranciscoMERCURY1916-1945Composition: 90% silverWeight: 2.5 gramsDiameter: 17.9 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San FranciscoROOSEVELT1946-DATEDiameter: 17.9 mmMints: Philadelphia,Denver,San Francisco,West Point90% SilverDate: 1946-1964Weight: 2.5 gramsCladDate: 1965-DateWeight: 2.27 gramsAmerican Life1912 Workers in textile mills earn $8.76 weeklyfor putting in 54 hours1912Titanic sinkson maidenvoyage1920 Women earn the right to vote1920Prohibition setsoff 14 years ofillicit drinking1921 Harding becomes the first U.S.president to address the nation over radio1924 Cartoon Orphan Annie runsfor the first time13

TWENTY-CENT PIECES 1875-1878The shortest-lived coin denomination in U.S. history! The twenty-cent piece,minted in 90% fine silver, was struck for circulation only in 1875 and 1876.A few hundred Proofs were coined in 1877-1878. Soon after the coin’sappearance, people complained that it was too close in design and size tothe quarter – causing problems in making change. Fewer than 1.4 millionwere minted, so the twenty-cent piece is a scarce and treasured item today!TWENTY-CENT PIECE1875-1878Composition: 90% silverWeight: 5 gramsDiameter: 22 mmMints: Philadelphia, Carson City, San FranciscoAmerican Life1882 Electric iron invented; early modelsweighed 15 pounds1886 Coca-Cola invented by JohnPemberton in Atlanta, Georgia1868 The typewriter invented1876Alexander GrahamBell shows offthe telephone1888 Kodak amateur camera introduced14

QUARTERS 1796-DATEBecause of the practice of cutting up the Mexican 8 Reales coin into eightparts, thus the “Pieces of Eight” name, the U.S. quarter, as 1⁄4 of a dollar,became known as “two bits.” As a silver coin of substantial size until 1964,the quarter has always been popular – both in circulation and amongcollectors. A variety of Quarter designs has been minted since 1796, andmany collectors try to assemble at least one coin of each type, shown here.DRAPED BUST1796-1807Composition: 89% silverWeight: 6.74 gramsDiameter: 27.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCAPPED BUST1815-1838Composition: 89% silverWeight: 6.74 gramsDiameter: 27 mm 1815-183124.3 mm 1831-1838Mints: PhiladelphiaLIBERTY SEATED1838-1891Composition: 90% silverWeight: 6.68 grams 1838-18536.22 grams 1853-18736.25 grams 1873-1891Diameter: 24.3 mmMints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,San Francisco, Carson CityBARBER1892-1916Composition: 90% silverWeight: 6.25 gramsDiameter: 24.3 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,New Orleans, San FranciscoSTANDING LIBERTY1916-1930Composition: 90% silverWeight: 6.25 gramsDiameter: 24.3 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San Francisco15

QUARTERS (CONTINUED)On December 1, 1997, the 50 State Quarters Program was born. This programhonors every state in the Union with a different commemorative quartershowing Washington on the obverse and a design unique to the issuing stateon the reverse. The quarters were issued beginning in 1999, continuing until2008 at the rate of about one every 10 weeks, in the order that each statejoined the Union or ratified the Constitution (dates shown on facing page).WASHINGTON1932-1998Diameter: 24.3 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San Francisco90% SilverDate: 1932-1964Weight: 6.25 gramsCladDate: 1965-1998Weight: 5.67 gramsWASHINGTON(50 STATE)1999-2008Composition: cladWeight: 5.67 gramsDiameter: 24.3 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San FranciscoFOCUS ON LIBERTYEagleReverse1932Franklin D. Rooseveltelected president1944EisenhowercommandsD daylanding oncoast ofFrance1941 MountRushmore completedBicentennialReverse1776-19761941Attack on Pearl Harbor1945 Victory in Europe16 million Americansin uniform during WWII16

American Life1929 Stock Marketcrashes, Black TuesdayRELEASE DATES FOR THE 50 STATECOMMEMORATIVE QUARTER PROGRAM1930 Population in U.S.now 122 millionDelaware New Hampshire New York2000Massachusetts 1788Maryland 1788South Carolina 1788New Hampshire 1788Virginia 17881999Delaware 1787Pennsylvania 1787New Jersey 1787Georgia 1788Connecticut 17882001New York 1788North Carolina 1789Rhode Island 1790Vermont 1791Kentucky 17921931 World’s then tallestbuilding, the Empire State,constructedTennessee2002Tennessee 1796Ohio 1803Louisiana 1812Indiana 1816Mississippi 1817Missouri2003Illinois 1818Alabama 1819Maine 1820Missouri 1821Arkansas 1836Florida2004Michigan 1837Florida 1845Texas 1845Iowa 1846Wisconsin 18481933 Unemployment reaches25 percent1934 Dust bowl throughoutthe Midwest1937 Joe Louis takesheavyweight crownCalifornia2005California 1850Minnesota 1858Oregon 1859Kansas 1861West Virginia 18632008Oklahoma 1907New Mexico 1912Arizona 1912Alaska 1959Hawaii 1959Nevada2006Nevada 1864Nebraska 1867Colorado 1876North Dakota 1889South Dakota 1889Montana2007Montana 1889Washington 1889Idaho 1890Wyoming 1890Utah 1896TidBits Did you know...There are an estimated 140 millionStatehood quarter collectors?17

HALF DOLLARS 1794-DATEThough the half dollar is almost forgotten today, it was once the major silvercoin of circulation. At one time, a half dollar was often more than a personmade in a day’s labor. To have one, or perhaps two, was a significant stash ofmoney. Because the half dollar is used less and less today, it will only growin popularity with collectors.FOCUS ON LIBERTYFLOWING HAIR1794-1795Composition: 89% silverWeight: 13.48 gramsDiameter: approx. 32.5 mmMints: PhiladelphiaDRAPED BUST1796-1807Composition: 89% silverWeight: 13.48 gramsDiameter: approx. 32.5 mmMints: Philadelphia1812“Mr. Madison’sWar” (War of1812) begins1820 Maine becomes 23rd state1823 Monroe doctrine passed, U.S.stands firm, Americas off limits tothe rest of the worldCAPPED BUST1807-1836Mints: Philadelphia89% SilverDate: 1807-1836Weight: 13.48 gramsDiameter: approx. 32.5 mm90% SilverDate: 1836-1839Weight: 13.36 gramsDiameter: 30 mm1825 Erie Canal completed1836 Mexican War, the Republicof Texas is born18

American LifeBy 1895, over 300 automobileshave been sold in the U.S.1903 First Model A sells for $8501908 Henry Ford builds the Model TLIBERTY SEATED1839-1891Composition: 90% silverWeight: 13.36 grams 1839-185312.44 grams 1853-187312.50 grams 1873-1891Diameter: 30.6 mmMints: Philadelphia,New Orleans,San Francisco,Carson City1927 Charles Lindbergh crossesthe AtlanticBARBER1892-1915Composition: 90% silverWeight: 12.50 gramsDiameter: 30.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,New Orleans,San Francisco1932Amelia Earhartfirst woman tofly solo acrossAtlanticLIBERTY WALKING1916-1947Composition: 90% silverWeight: 12.50 gramsDiameter: 30.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San Francisco19

HALF DOLLARS (CONTINUED)FRANKLIN1948-1963Composition: 90% silverWeight: 12.50 gramsDiameter: 30.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San FranciscoFOCUS ON LIBERTY1948 Truman wins presidencyKENNEDY1964-DATEDiameter: 30.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San Francisco90% SilverDate: 1964Weight: 12.50 grams40% silverDate: 1965-1970Weight: 11.50 gramsCladDate: 1971-DateWeight: 11.34 grams1949 Berlin air lift1953 Korean War endsEagleReverse1960Kennedy becomesyoungest president1963 Kennedy assassinatedBicentennialReverse1776-197620

DOLLARS 1794-DATEEarly silver dollars represent the remarkable era in America’s history whenthe colonies united to form what would become one of the greatest nationson earth. Since precious silver ore was scarce in that era, the dollars of thatperiod have very low mintages. Silver dollars were not minted between 1804and 1836, so those that still circulated were scarce and hoarded. In additionto the early dollars pictured, a number of so-called “Gobrecht” dollars wereissued from 1836-1839, and served as patterns for the Liberty Seated dollar.FLOWING HAIR1794-1795Composition: 89% silverWeight: 26.96 gramsDiameter: approx. 39-40 mmMints: PhiladelphiaDRAPED BUST1795-1804Composition: 89% silverWeight: 26.96 gramsDiameter: approx. 39-40 mmMints: PhiladelphiaLIBERTY SEATED1840-1873Composition: 90% silverWeight: 26.73 gramsDiameter: 38.1 mmMints: Philadelphia, New Orleans,Carson City, San Francisco21

DOLLARS (CONTINUED)The U.S. dollar coins of the late 19th century to date are the most recognizedof the entire series. These include Trade, Morgan and Peace silver dollars, aswell as Eisenhower, Anthony and Sacagawea dollars. Peace dollars were thelast dollar series struck for circulation in 90% silver. America’s last traditionalsizedollar was the Eisenhower. This popular coin was minted in both cladand in 40% silver from 1971-1976. The silver issues were struck at theSan Francisco Mint through 1976; then, the composition switched to clad forthe remainder of the series. In 2007 the first four Presidential dollars wereissued. Honoring our nation’s highest-ranking officials in order of service, theprogram is expected to continue through 2016. Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea,and Presidential dollars are the smallest U.S. dollars released for circulation,while the American Eagle silver dollar introduced in 1986 is the largest.Although American Eagles bear the $1 denomination, they’re worth morebecause they’re struck in 99.93% fine silver. (For information on AmericanEagle silver dollars, see page 30.)TRADE1873-1885Composition: 90% silverWeight: 27.22 gramsDiameter: 38.1 mmMints: Philadelphia,Carson City,San FranciscoFOCUS ON LIBERTYMORGAN1878-1921Composition: 90% silverWeight: 26.73 gramsDiameter: 38.1 mmMints: Philadelphia,New Orleans,Carson City,Denver,San FranciscoPEACE1921-1935Composition: 90% silverWeight: 26.73 gramsDiameter: 38.1 mmMints: Philadelphia,Denver,San Francisco1965 American soldiers seecombat in Vietnam1969 Eagle lands on the moon1986 The Iran-Contra Affair1972 Nixon becomes firstpresident to visit Red China1974 Watergate, Nixon resigns1989 The Berlin Wall comes down1991 Gulf War22

EISENHOWER1971-1978Diameter: 38.1 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver,San Francisco40% SilverDate: 1971-1976Weight: 24.59 gramsCladDate: 1971-1978Weight: 22.68 gramsEagleReverseBicentennialReverse1776-1976SUSAN B. ANTHONY1979-1981, 1999Composition: cladWeight: 8.1 gramsDiameter: 26.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, San FranciscoSACAGAWEA2000-DATEComposition: copper-manganeseWeight: 8.1 gramsDiameter: 26.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, San FranciscoPRESIDENTIAL2007-DATEComposition: copper-manganeseWeight: 8.1 gramsDiameter: 26.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco23

GOLD DOLLARS 1849-1889From 1795 to 1933, the U.S. produced $2.50, $5, $10, and later, beginning in1850, $20 gold coins. Early gold pieces minted between 1795 and 1834 containsome of the rarest dates, so many collectors choose to start their collections withClassic Head gold pieces. With the discovery of gold in California, newdenominations were added to the U.S. gold coin roster. Minted in one of theworld’s most precious metals, these historic coins were designed by some of thefinest artists of the day.The discovery of gold in California in 1848 gave birth to the gold dollar. Mintedfrom 1849-89, this denomination had three distinct designs: the Type I LibertyHead, the Type II Indian (Small Head) and the Type III Indian (Large Head).LIBERTY HEAD $1 GOLD1849-1854Composition: 90% goldWeight: 1.672 gramsDiameter: 13 mmMints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega,New Orleans, San FranciscoINDIAN HEAD $1 GOLD1854-1889Composition: 90% goldWeight: 1.672 gramsDiameter: 15 mmMints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega,New Orleans, San FranciscoAmerican Life1857 Large silver deposit discoveredat Virginia City, Nevada, called theComstock Lode1849Californiagold rush1897 Gold lures miners to Klondikegoldfields in Alaska and Canada24

QUARTER EAGLES 1796-1929The first U.S. quarter eagles were struck in 1796. Until the advent of the golddollar, they were the smallest denomination gold coin. It was not until 1908that the motto IN GOD WE TRUST was added.CAPPED BUST $2.50 GOLD(LEFT AND RIGHT FACING)1796-1808Composition: 91.67% goldWeight: 4.37 gramsDiameter: approx. 20 mmCAPPED HEAD $2.50 GOLD1821-1834Composition: 91.67% goldWeight: 4.37 gramsDiameter: approx. 18.5 mmCLASSIC HEAD $2.50 GOLD1834-1839Composition: 89.92% gold,90% gold (1837-1839)Weight: 4.18 gramsDiameter: 18.2 mmMints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New OrleansCORONET $2.50 GOLD1840-1907Composition: 90% goldWeight: 4.18 gramsDiameter: 18 mmMints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San FranciscoINDIAN HEAD $2.50 GOLD1908-1929Composition: 90% goldWeight: 4.18 gramsDiameter: 18 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver$3 GOLD PIECES 1854-1889The short-lived $3 gold piece was another denomination created due to theinflux of gold from California. Supposedly, this coin was created to make iteasy to buy a sheet of stamps. Today, all $3 gold coins are scarce.INDIAN HEAD $3 GOLD1854-1889Composition: 90% goldWeight: 5.015 gramsDiameter: 20.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, Dahlonega, New Orleans, San Francisco25

HALF EAGLES 1795-1929First released in 1795, the U.S. gold half eagles have nine design types,of which 4 major ones are shown below. In 1866, the Coronet style waschanged to include the motto.CAPPED BUST $5 GOLD(RIGHT FACING)1795-1807Composition: 91.67% goldWeight: 8.75 gramsDiameter: approx. 25 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCAPPED BUST $5 GOLD(LEFT FACING)1807-1812CAPPED HEAD $5 GOLD1813-1834Composition: 91.67% goldWeight: 8.75 gramsDiameter: approx. 25 mm 1813-182923.8 mm 1829-1834Mints: PhiladelphiaCLASSIC HEAD $5 GOLD1834-1838Composition: 89.92% gold 1834-183790% gold 1837-1838Weight: 8.36 gramsDiameter: 22.5 mmMints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, DahlonegaCORONET $5 GOLD1839-1908Composition: 90% goldWeight: 8.359 gramsDiameter: 22.5 mm 1839-184021.6 mm 1840-1908Mints: Philadelphia, Charlotte, Dahlonega, Carson City,Denver, New Orleans, San FranciscoINDIAN HEAD $5 GOLD1908-1929Composition: 90% goldWeight: 8.359 gramsDiameter: 21.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, New Orleans, San Francisco26

EAGLES 1795-1933The U.S. gold eagles were first issued in 1795, but from 1805 to 1837, thisdenomination wasn’t issued, due to the scarcity of its precious metal. In1866, the Coronet style was changed to include the motto.CAPPED BUST $10 GOLD1795-1804Composition: 91.67% goldWeight: 17.5 gramsDiameter: approx. 33 mmMints: PhiladelphiaCORONET $10 GOLD1838-1907Composition: 90% goldWeight: 16.718 gramsDiameter: 27 mmMints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver,New Orleans, San FranciscoINDIAN HEAD $10 GOLD1907-1933Composition: 90% goldWeight: 16.718 gramsDiameter: 27 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, San FranciscoDOUBLE EAGLES 1850-1933With the influx of gold from California, the $20 double eagle became the largestregularly issued U.S. coin denomination.CORONET $20 GOLD1850-1907Composition: 90% goldWeight: 33.436 gramsDiameter: 34 mmMints: Philadelphia, Carson City, Denver,New Orleans, San FranciscoSAINT-GAUDENS $20 GOLD1907-1933Composition: 90% goldWeight: 33.436 gramsDiameter: 34 mmMints: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco27

U.S. COMMEMORATIVESOfficial U.S. commemorative coins are authorized by the Act of Congress tohonor important persons, locations and events in U.S. history. Commemorativeshave been struck in both silver and gold, and more recently, clad. They areminted only in very small numbers compared to regular coinage. After 1954, noU.S. commemoratives were produced until 1982, when the George Washingtonhalf dollar was issued to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Washington’sbirth. Official U.S. issues should not be confused with so-called“commemoratives” produced by private organizations, which are medals, notcoins. Shown below are a few of these historic designs.American Life1956 Elvis shocks America1962 John Glenn becomes firstAmerican to orbit EarthISABELLAQUARTER DOLLAR18931964 Beatles drive Americanteenagers wild1973Oil embargo,gas pricessoar1979 Three Mile Island disasterCOLUMBIANEXPOSITIONHALF DOLLAR1892-18931980 Mt. Saint Helens erupts1984 Ferraro becomes first womannominee for VPCALIFORNIADIAMONDJUBILEEHALF DOLLAR19251992The WorldwideWeb is born1997 Minimum wage $5.15 an hour1997Pathfinder landson MarsOREGON TRAILMEMORIALHALF DOLLAR1926-193928

ROANOKE ISLAND,NORTH CAROLINAHALF DOLLAR1937CARVER-WASHINGTONHALF DOLLAR1951-1954GEORGE WASHINGTON250TH ANNIVERSARYHALF DOLLAR1982WEST POINT BICENTENNIALSILVER DOLLAR2002SESQUICENTENNIAL OFAMERICAN INDEPENDENCE$2.50 GOLD QUARTER EAGLE192629

UNITED STATES BULLIONFrom ancient times into the later years of the 20th century, coins have beenrepresentative of their precious metal content. Beginning with U.S. gold coinsin 1933, this tradition ended. Later, in 1965, with the advent of clad coins,90% silver coins disappeared, too. It was not until 1974 that it became legalto own gold again, which helped shape collecting today.Nowadays, no country issues gold and silver coins for circulation, butmany of the world’s leading nations, including the United States, issuebullion coins. In the fall of 1986, the United States Mint released the firstgold American Eagles, followed by silver American Eagles in December. Justover a decade later in 1997, the U.S. Mint released the first platinum Eagles.And in 2006, the first 99.99% pure gold coins to be stuck by the U.S. Mintwere released. These $50 gold Buffalo coins displayed a design reminiscentof James Earle Fraser’s beloved Buffalo nickel.SILVER AMERICAN EAGLE1986-DATEComposition: 99.93% silverWeight: 31.101 gramsDiameter: 40.6 mmMints: Philadelphia, San Francisco, West PointGOLD AMERICAN EAGLE1986-DATEComposition: 91.67% goldMints: Philadelphia, West PointTenth-Ounce Gold $5 Weight: 3.393 grams Diameter: 16.5 mmQuarter-Ounce Gold $10 Weight: 8.483 grams Diameter: 22 mmHalf-Ounce Gold $25 Weight: 16.966 grams Diameter: 27 mmOne-Ounce Gold $50 Weight: 33.931 grams Diameter: 32.7 mmPLATINUM AMERICAN EAGLE1997-DATEComposition: 99.95% platinumMints: Philadelphia, West PointTenth-Ounce Platinum $10 Weight: 0.10005 oz. Diameter: 16.5 mmQuarter-Ounce Platinum $25 Weight: 0.2501 oz. Diameter: 22 mmHalf-Ounce Platinum $50 Weight: 0.5003 oz. Diameter: 27 mmOne-Ounce Platinum $100 Weight: 1.0005 oz. Diameter: 32.7 mm30

CARING FOR YOUR COINSProper handling and storage of coins is not difficult, and willmaintain the natural condition and value of collectible coins.Appropriate care also helps preserve your coins for the benefit offuture collectors.Handling: Coins should be held by their edges between thumband forefinger (see picture). This will protect coin surfaces anddesigns from fingerprints and the natural oils in fingers or palms thatcan be corrosive over time. In fact, many experienced collectorsprefer to use soft cotton gloves when handling their high-qualityUncirculated or Proof coins.A wide variety of coin holdersand albums is available fromLittleton for easy viewing andexamination of both sides of acoin without actual handling.Cleaning: Impropercleaning, more than anythingelse, has harmed valuablecoins. High-qualityUncirculated and Proof coinsshould never be cleaned, as improper cleaning can cause permanentloss of original mint finish and color (and permanent loss of value).Experts can easily detect an improperly cleaned coin. Mostexperienced collectors and dealers agree that coins should only becleaned by experts.Storage: High humidity, air pollution, salt air, and temperatureextremes can sometimes affect the surfaces of coins. It is best tostore coins in protective holders or albums, and to keep them in anarea of relatively uniform temperature. As your collection becomesmore valuable, you may choose to store some or all of your coins ina safe-deposit box. If you choose to keep your collection in yourhome, we recommend that you check with your insurance companyto ensure that your collection is covered for its full replacement cost.Please note: The clear coin wrappers used by Littleton aresealed to provide protection of coins during delivery, and easyidentification and examination without removal. You can store yourcoins in the clear wrappers, or you can remove them for placementin albums, holders, or other storage containers. When returningcoins, we prefer that you keep them in the original wrappers.Littleton’s exclusive Showpak ® packaging was designed forpermanent storage and protection of your coins, and cannot beresealed once opened.31

YOU’LL BUILD NICE COLLECTIONSWITH LITTLETON’S EXCLUSIVE CLUBSOver the years, we’ve developed a wide variety of exclusive collectorclubs tailored to fit your individual needs. As a Club Member, you’llalways receive these special benefits…• Affordable monthly shipments to fit your budget• You see each coin FREE for 15 days before youdecide – We trust you!• There’s no obligation to purchase – EVER, andno membership fee!• Your coins are hand selected for eye appeal –you’ll get the best value for your dollar!• Each coin is delivered right to your door – so youconveniently add to your collection in the comfortof your own home.• Get FREE gifts and special collecting opportunities!• You’ll earn Profit Shares – trade them in forFREE coins, paper money, and collecting supplies!Littleton’s 45-Day Money BackGuarantee of SatisfactionYou must be completely satisfied with everypurchase you make from Littleton. If not, simplyreturn it within 45 days for a prompt exchangeor refund, whichever you prefer.To explore other Littleton Collector Clubs,call our friendly Customer Service staff at1-800-645-3122or visit us on the web atLittletonCoin.com1309 Mt. Eustis RoadLittleton, NH 03561-3735LC-2560 1/07©2004, 2007 LCC, LLC