Drachmas Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money
(Exhibition Home)
Early America
Introduction
Colonial America - The Continental Currency and State Coinage - Experiments of the Confederation Period - George Washington - Coin Patterns of 1792 - Early U.S. Cents - Early U.S. Silver and Gold
The Continental Currency and State Coinage

In 1775, the Continental Congress, in rebellion against the British monarchy, introduced paper currency in an attempt to meet military expenditures. However, bullion that had been promised by France never appeared and the paper money was rapidly devalued.

After the revolution, many states introduced their own copper coins. These often borrowed elements from the British half penny of King George III (1760-1820), the most commonly used coins in the United States, but entirely new designs were also used.

Continental Currency paper half dollar (1776) showing the 13 linked chains, one for each colony, and sundial motifs of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790).
Pewter Continental Currency pattern.
British copper half penny (1770) of George III with the king's portrait.
British copper half penny (1774) of George III showing the personification of Britannia.
New York copper cent (1787), using the Latin name for the state, Nova Eboraca. Although now independent, New York based this portrait on those of King George III.
Connecticut copper cent (1787) depicting Britannia as the personification of American Liberty. The legend translates as "Independence and Liberty."
Vermont copper cent (1785). Although an independent republic in 1785, Vermont became the 14th state in 1791.
Massachusetts copper cent (1787) with the first usage of the denomination cent.
New Jersey copper cent (1787) using the Latin name for the state, Nova Caesarea. This is the first coin to use the motto e pluribus unum ("out of many [states], one [country]").