8 Fun Facts About Coins That Will Amaze You Numismatic Wonders

Oldest Coins

The first coins were developed in the ancient kingdom of Lydia (modern-day Turkey) around 600 BCE, made from a naturally occurring mixture of gold and silver called electrum.

"In God We Trust"

The motto "In God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War era in 1864. It has since become a standard feature on most American coins.

Coinage Metal Composition

Most coins are made from base metals like copper, nickel, zinc, and aluminum, but some higher denomination coins contain precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum.

Hobo Nickels

During the Great Depression, unemployed artists carved intricate designs onto buffalo nickels, creating unique pieces known as "hobo nickels."

Ridiculous Denominations

Throughout history, there have been some unusual coin denominations, including the 20-cent piece and the half-cent, which were once minted in the United States.

Hole-in-the-Center Coins

Some ancient Chinese coins featured a square hole in the center, allowing them to be strung together for easy transportation.

Edge Lettering

Many modern coins have edge lettering, which includes inscriptions or mottos along the rim. This feature helps prevent counterfeiting and adds an extra layer of security.

Counterstamping

In the past, coins were sometimes counterstamped with additional markings or designs to indicate their value or authenticity. These counterstamps can provide valuable historical information.