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APMEX offers a fine selection of Colonial Coins and Currency.
Before the American Revolution, the American colonies relied upon foreign coins such as Spanish Milled Dollars and British circulating coins in order to transact business in America. This proved unreliable at best as there were no standard denominations and the supply was inadequate. A number of the colonies decided to strike their own coins while still others contracted with private individuals and companies to mint coins for them. Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont were prolific is issuing their own coinage with New Jersey actually having hundreds of varieties. As time progressed, more standardized coins were issued to offer a coinage accepted by all of the colonies. Hibernia coins were minted by different private minters and a series of pieces used to honor former General and now President George Washington were struck. Additionally, Nova Constellatio pieces and Fugio Cents were produced as experiments to offer a Federal coinage.
There are two major type of Colonial Currency - Continental Currency and Currency issued by each of the Colonies. Both of these types of notes served as monetary experiments that entangled the colonies in controversy and political disputes. During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress issued their own currency in order to pay the army and all of their foreign and domestic debts. The Colonies issued currency to pay their debts to the Federal Government and to serve as a medium of exchange within their borders.
While the public strongly preferred silver and gold coins to transact their business, their reluctant acceptance of this paper money gave rise to the expression "Not worth a Continental." Needless to say, these coins and notes are some of the most historic pieces that one can own and are highly desirable and scarce.
When you purchase these coins and currency, you are truly holding pieces of "History in Your Hands."
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