The Art of American Coinage: Reflecting Values from 1792 to Today

Presenter: Russ Bega

Coins are more than just a medium of exchange—they are miniature works of art that embody the values, beliefs, and ideals of the societies that create them. In this talk, we’ll explore how U.S. coinage, from 1792 to today, tells the evolving story of American identity. We’ll trace the changing depictions of Liberty and how her image evolved in a rapidly changing world. We’ll examine the symbolic meaning of her trappings, the contradictions of anti-slavery imagery on coins before the Civil War, and the complex representation of American Indians. Through these small objects, we’ll uncover how coins have both shaped and mirrored the nation’s cultural and political history.