Coinage of the United States: A Field Guide

This table provides a quick reference for US coin denominations minted between Early America and 1900, along with significant historical events for context.

Year Span	Historical Context	Coins Minted
1652-1682	Colonial Period: Early attempts at coinage by individual colonies.	Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling (Silver)
1776-1783	American Revolution: Fight for independence from Great Britain.	No official US coinage, use of foreign coins and private tokens. (Details below)
1792-1807	Early Republic: Formation of the US government and westward expansion.	Large Cent (Copper), Half Cent (Copper), Disme (Silver), Draped Bust Dollar (Silver), Capped Bust Dollar (Silver)
1808-1837	Market Revolution: Growth of trade and industry.	Bust Half Dollar (Silver), Bust Quarter Dollar (Silver), Bust Dime (Silver)
1837-1865	Westward Expansion & Sectional Tensions: Trail of Tears, Mexican-American War, rise of abolitionism.	Seated Liberty Dime (Silver), Seated Liberty Half Dollar (Silver), Seated Liberty Quarter Dollar (Silver), Gobrecht Dollar (Silver)
1861-1865	Civil War: War between Northern and Southern states over slavery.	Indian Head Cent (Copper-Nickel), Two-Cent Piece (Bronze), Three-Cent Piece (Nickel), Civil War Token Coinage (variety of denominations)
1865-1890	Reconstruction & The Gilded Age: Rebuilding the South, rapid industrialization, immigration boom.	Shield Nickel (Nickel), Seated Liberty Dollar (Silver), Trade Dollar (Silver), Morgan Dollar (Silver)
1870-1900	The Wild West: Settlement of the Western Frontier.	Carson City & New Orleans Mint Morgan Dollars (Silver), Barber Dime (Silver), Barber Quarter Dollar (Silver), Barber Half Dollar (Silver)

**Additional Notes:**

The coins listed were not minted specifically for the American Revolution but were in circulation during that time.
The value of coins fluctuated greatly due to inflation and a lack of a central banking system.
Barter was a common way to conduct business during this period.

While you won't find official US coins from this era metal detecting or at flea markets, keep an eye out for these:

**Spanish Milled Dollars:** Look for a large silver coin with a cross design and pillars on one side and a crowned monarch on the other. The denomination (usually "VIII") might be visible.
**Colonially Issued Coins:** These are rare, but some, like the Massachusetts Pine Tree Shilling, are valuable. Look for a pine tree design and the denomination stamped on the coin.
**Private Tokens:** These can vary widely. Look for tokens made of brass or copper with inscriptions or designs that indicate the issuing entity (e.g., a store or tavern).

Remember, condition is key for value. Even if you find a coin from this period, it likely won't be in perfect shape. However, a well-preserved coin could be a valuable historical artifact.