When we think of money today, we picture sleek quarters, dollar bills bearing the faces of U.S. presidents, and digital wallets on our phones. But during the 1800s, the American monetary system was far from standardized. It was a time of transition—from handcrafted coins and competing currencies to the foundation of what we now recognize as the modern U.S. dollar.
Here’s a fascinating look at what money looked like during the 19th century—and what some of it might be worth today.
Gold Coins: Eagles and Slugs
Gold was king in the early U.S. economy. Starting in the 1790s, coins like the $2.50 quarter eagle, $5 half-eagle, and $10 eagle began circulating, all featuring Lady Liberty on the front and an eagle on the back.
By the mid-1800s, thanks to the California Gold Rush, new denominations emerged:
- The $1 gold piece
- The $20 double eagle
- And the massive, rarely seen $50 “slug”, an octagonal coin used primarily in California
Unique denominations like the $3 gold piece and the $4 Stella (with a five-pointed star design) were minted in limited quantities and are now highly sought after by collectors. In pristine condition, these coins can fetch tens of thousands of dollars today.
Silver Coins: Seated Liberty and the Elusive Trime
The 1800s also saw a wide range of silver coinage, including the half-dime, dime, quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. Most 19th-century silver coins featured the figure of Seated Liberty, holding a shield and a pole topped with a cap.
One of the most unusual coins of the era was the 3-cent silver “trime”, minted from 1851 to 1873. At just 14mm in diameter, it was the smallest U.S. silver coin ever made—and notably lacked the eagle design that was standard on most coinage. The Morgan Dollar, introduced in 1878, became a lasting symbol of silver-backed currency and remains popular among collectors today.
Copper Coins: From Half-Cents to “In God We Trust”
Copper coins filled out the lower end of the economy. Among the earliest minted coins after the Coinage Act of 1792 were the large cent and half-cent, which featured various Liberty designs. By 1857, the cent was resized to the dimensions we use today, and the half-cent was discontinued.
Other notable copper pieces included the 2-cent coin, which debuted in 1864 with the first-ever appearance of the motto “In God We Trust.” While these coins are no longer in circulation, many examples still exist and can sell for $10 to $100, depending on condition.
“Greenbacks”: Early U.S. Paper Currency
To fund the Civil War, the federal government issued a new form of money: greenbacks, named for their green-inked backs that helped prevent counterfeiting. These United States Notes debuted in 1861 and 1862 and were much larger than today’s paper bills, measuring 7 3/8″ by 3 1/8″.
Designs featured prominent figures such as Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase and President Abraham Lincoln, along with intricate background patterns and long blocks of text. Original greenbacks in decent condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction today.
Confederate Notes: A Currency Without Backing
On the other side of the Civil War, the Confederacy created its own currency, commonly known as “greybacks.” Printed in a range of values from 10 cents to $1,000, these notes often lacked reverse designs and varied widely in size and detail.
Many depicted Confederate leaders, Southern women, and symbolic images of agriculture or victory. However, they were produced on low-quality paper, prone to counterfeiting, and not backed by tangible reserves—meaning they became worthless by the end of the war. Still, Confederate notes are prized by collectors today, particularly those in good condition or with unusual denominations.
Silver Certificates: Paper You Could Trade for Coins
Beginning in 1878, the government introduced silver certificates—paper currency that could be redeemed for silver dollars. These notes resembled greenbacks but featured elegant engravings and allegorical imagery.
The most famous are the 1896 “Educational Series”, with dramatic illustrations like “History Instructing Youth” on the $1 note and “Electricity as the Dominant Force in the World” on the $5. Another notable piece: the 1886 $1 Silver Certificate, the only U.S. paper bill to feature a woman—Martha Washington—on the front.
Depending on rarity and condition, some of these certificates can sell for $500 to over $10,000 in today’s collector market.
Then vs. Now: What’s Changed?
Modern U.S. currency is now standardized in size, color, and denomination, with anti-counterfeiting features like watermarks, color-shifting ink, and security threads. We use far fewer denominations today—just 1¢ to $1 coins and $1 to $100 bills, compared to the sprawling variety in the 1800s.
But the spirit of design—Lady Liberty, American eagles, historical figures, and symbolic art—remains a proud thread running through both centuries of American money.
Whether it was a gleaming gold eagle or a finely etched silver certificate, 19th-century money reflected a growing, experimenting nation. These artifacts tell stories not only of economic policy and political change, but also of artistic craftsmanship and innovation.
Today’s dollars might be more uniform, but they stand on the shoulders of bold and beautiful designs that helped shape American currency.
Money can certainly buy real estate, which is certainly an appreciating asset. Call us at the Licata Group to see how we can help you gain wealth in northern or central Virginia!
- The $1 gold piece
- The $20 double eagle
- And the massive, rarely seen $50 “slug”, an octagonal coin used primarily in California
Unique denominations like the $3 gold piece and the $4 Stella (with a five-pointed star design) were minted in limited quantities and are now highly sought after by collectors. In pristine condition, these coins can fetch tens of thousands of dollars today.
Silver Coins: Seated Liberty and the Elusive Trime
The 1800s also saw a wide range of silver coinage, including the half-dime, dime, quarter, half-dollar, and dollar. Most 19th-century silver coins featured the figure of Seated Liberty, holding a shield and a pole topped with a cap.
One of the most unusual coins of the era was the 3-cent silver “trime”, minted from 1851 to 1873. At just 14mm in diameter, it was the smallest U.S. silver coin ever made—and notably lacked the eagle design that was standard on most coinage. The Morgan Dollar, introduced in 1878, became a lasting symbol of silver-backed currency and remains popular among collectors today.
Copper Coins: From Half-Cents to “In God We Trust”
Copper coins filled out the lower end of the economy. Among the earliest minted coins after the Coinage Act of 1792 were the large cent and half-cent, which featured various Liberty designs. By 1857, the cent was resized to the dimensions we use today, and the half-cent was discontinued.
Other notable copper pieces included the 2-cent coin, which debuted in 1864 with the first-ever appearance of the motto “In God We Trust.” While these coins are no longer in circulation, many examples still exist and can sell for $10 to $100, depending on condition.
“Greenbacks”: Early U.S. Paper Currency
To fund the Civil War, the federal government issued a new form of money: greenbacks, named for their green-inked backs that helped prevent counterfeiting. These United States Notes debuted in 1861 and 1862 and were much larger than today’s paper bills, measuring 7 3/8″ by 3 1/8″.
Designs featured prominent figures such as Treasury Secretary Salmon P. Chase and President Abraham Lincoln, along with intricate background patterns and long blocks of text. Original greenbacks in decent condition can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars at auction today.
Confederate Notes: A Currency Without Backing
On the other side of the Civil War, the Confederacy created its own currency—commonly known as “greybacks.” Printed in a range of values from 10 cents to $1,000, these notes often lacked reverse designs and varied widely in size and detail.
Many depicted Confederate leaders, Southern women, and symbolic images of agriculture or victory. However, they were produced on low-quality paper, prone to counterfeiting, and not backed by tangible reserves—meaning they became worthless by the end of the war. Still, Confederate notes are prized by collectors today, particularly those in good condition or with unusual denominations.
Silver Certificates: Paper You Could Trade for Coins
Beginning in 1878, the government introduced silver certificates—paper currency that could be redeemed for silver dollars. These notes resembled greenbacks but featured elegant engravings and allegorical imagery.
The most famous are the 1896 “Educational Series”, with dramatic illustrations like “History Instructing Youth” on the $1 note and “Electricity as the Dominant Force in the World” on the $5. Another notable piece: the 1886 $1 Silver Certificate, the only U.S. paper bill to feature a woman—Martha Washington—on the front.
Depending on rarity and condition, some of these certificates can sell for $500 to over $10,000 in today’s collector market.
Then vs. Now: What’s Changed?
Modern U.S. currency is now standardized in size, color, and denomination, with anti-counterfeiting features like watermarks, color-shifting ink, and security threads. We use far fewer denominations today—just 1¢ to $1 coins and $1 to $100 bills, compared to the sprawling variety in the 1800s.
But the spirit of design—Lady Liberty, American eagles, historical figures, and symbolic art—remains a proud thread running through both centuries of American money.
Whether it was a gleaming gold eagle or a finely etched silver certificate, 19th-century money reflected a growing, experimenting nation. These artifacts tell stories not only of economic policy and political change, but also of artistic craftsmanship and innovation.
Today’s dollars might be more uniform, but they stand on the shoulders of bold and beautiful designs that helped shape American currency.
Money can certainly buy real estate, which is certainly an appreciating asset. Call us at the Licata Group to see how we can help you gain wealth in northern or central Virginia!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods, VA, or property in Virginia, we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “What is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contacting Pat Licata. To view available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site. To view available properties in Northern and Central Virginia, visit our website at licatagroup.com.