What are pattern coins? These rarely seen experimental pieces illustrate the trials, struggles, and backstage intrigue that preceded so many of the U.S. Mint's regular-issue coins. This guide offers a behind-the-scenes look at the history, rarity, and market values of America's rarest coins.

This comprehensive catalog of experimental and trial pieces issued by the U.S. Mint offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of coin collecting and numismatics. With detailed descriptions and photographs of each piece, as well as historical context and commentary, this book will delight collectors and history buffs alike. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.