Coins
The U.S. Mint produces both circulating and commemorative coins. Circulating coins include the cent, nickel, dime, quarter-dollar, half-dollar, and dollar, and these are the standard denominations used for everyday transactions.
To honor a person, place, or event, the U.S. Mint also administers Commemorative Coin programs. These coins are legal tender, but they are produced in limited quantities and are not intended for general circulation.
Cash Facts
Although coin designs and metal composition have changed since Congress passed the Coinage Act in 1792, many of the original design elements remain, including the inscription of the words “United States of America” and “Liberty,” and the year the coin was produced.
Coins are manufactured at the U.S. Mint’s Denver and Philadelphia facilities in a complex, multi-step process. Take a virtual tour of the coin-making process by visiting the Mint’s feature, How Coins are Made.
A “numismatist” is someone who collects coins or paper money as a hobby. The U.S. Mint’s website provides a number of resources for anyone interested in collecting U.S. coins.
View the gallery of U.S. coin designs below. Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.