The story of U.S. circulating coins began long before the opening of a national mint in 1792. Before national coinage, a mix of foreign and domestic coins circulated, both during the Colonial Period and in the years following the Revolutionary War. After Congress established the U.S. Mint in 1792, the Mint struggled for many years to produce enough coins. Finally, production numbers grew to meet the demands of a growing nation, providing some of the most beloved circulating coin designs.
"Coins: A History of Change" was a travelling exhibit that gave visitors a brief overview of the history of the US Mint, as well as the history of circulating coins in America – their design, production process, and historic significance. Through a number of interactives designed by The Design Foundation, visitors are given a glimpse into the US Mint's role in American history, as well as the chance to design a coin. They are also allowed to explore a database in which they can examine designs through time.
