US Dollars
US Dollars – a legacy of our nation's past • US Dollar coins tell the story of America in a way that no other artifact can. Why? Because these coins have been used since the nation's beginning. Pathfinders and trendsetters – George Washington, Kit Carson, Teddy Roosevelt, and JFK – you, your parents, grandparents and ancestors have all used US Dollars.
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America's first dollar coins
The first U.S. silver dollar to appear was the Flowing Hair dollar of 1794-95. It was replaced in 1795 by the Draped Bust dollar, which was struck until 1804. After a hiatus of several years, US dollar coins resumed with the Liberty Seated design, followed by the Trade dollar. These coins were issued for use in commerce with China.
The King of America's Coins
Few coins have captured the interest of the public like the Morgan dollar. This US dollar series was named after its designer, George T. Morgan. They circulated mainly in the West, where the cowboys dubbed them "cartwheels" because of their hefty size and weight. These coins were struck at mints that are no longer in service – like Carson City and New Orleans – and the series brought us a number of low-mintage issues as well. In 1964, decades after the Morgan dollar design had been discontinued, a forgotten hoard was discovered in the US Treasury vaults and sold to collectors. Now, more than 140 years later, this series still captivates collectors.
A coin to honor peace
As weary troops returned home at the end of World War I, most nations adopted symbols of peace. The United States chose a silver dollar, with a design selected from a competition among the top medalists of the era. After the production of Peace dollars was stopped in 1935, no US dollar coins were issued until the Eisenhower dollar was introduced in 1971.
Honoring World War II hero and 34th President Dwight D. Eisenhower, this was the first US dollar series struck in a clad composition. These were also America's last large-size dollar coins issued for circulation.
Small-size dollars debut
In 1979, a new, smaller-sized US dollar coin debuted, featuring 19th-century feminist Susan B. Anthony. Struck only from 1979-1981 and again in 1999, this short-lived dollar series is popular with collectors!
After the Anthony dollar came America's first "golden" dollar. Struck in a copper-manganese composition, these coins have honored Sacagawea, Native American contributions, the US presidents in order of service, and US Innovations.
