They are usually silver half dollars, but dollars and gold coins also have been issued. These were usually copper pieces struck during the 17th and 18th centuries, and served as circulating coins in the years prior to America's independence. Before the first U.S. mint opened in 1793, coins used were issued by the individual states, private coiners, or foreign mints. Two designs are attributed to Benjamin Franklin. Today, these fascinating relics of Americana are quite rare.
Patterns are trial or experimental pieces struck as examples of a proposed design.
Most of the designs or patterns were never adopted for regular-issue coins and were struck in very limited quantities. People who appreciate history, geography, languages, or culture will find unlimited opportunities in the field of world coins. The invention of coinage meant the end of barter and the beginning of international commerce. Greek coins were silver drachms and tetradrachms, and gold staters. The coins are miniature sculptures of great beauty depicting gods and goddesses of the city as well as many animals, especially lions, eagles and bulls.