Click on the coin description below to see a large image of the coin and the history
behind it. |
IWorld Coins |
Update 4/30/2004 |
cucomiguel@yahoo.com |
Europe |
Asia |
Central America |
Australia |
For centuries, all but the very lowest denominations of coins had intrinsic value;
that is, they contained gold or silver equal to their face value. Most nations,
however, have replaced their precious-metal coins with coins made from inexpensive
metals, having face value only. |
DID YOU KNOW THAT ? |
The Austrian Joseph Eckhel established the field of numismatics in the 16th century |
North America |
South America |
The metallic content of coins can be determined by taking tiny rubbings from the
edges and irradiating them in a nuclear reactor. This is called nuclear activation
trace metal analysis, and can be used to trace the coin's metal to a particular
source (country/mine). |
Spanish milled dollars (8 reales coin) was legal tender in the U.S.A. until 1857.
When the New York Stock Exchange opened in 1792, rates were reported in New York
shillings which were valued at eight to the Spanish milled dollar, hence changes
were reported in eighths. Today, more than two hundred years later, stock
and security price variations are still reported in eighths ! |
Africa |