When collectors and history enthusiasts search for information about the department of the treasury 1789 coin value, they often encounter a fascinating world of commemorative pieces, historical medals, and modern tributes that span over two centuries. Understanding the true value of these items requires careful examination of their origins, authenticity, and condition.
Historical Context of 1789 and the Treasury Department
The year 1789 holds immense significance in American history as the year George Washington became the first President of the United States and the federal government was officially established. The Department of the Treasury was created on September 2, 1789, making it one of the oldest executive departments in the U.S. government. However, it’s crucial to understand that the department of the treasury 1789 coin value is often tied to commemorative pieces rather than official currency from that exact year.
During this pivotal period, the United States was still developing its monetary system. The country relied heavily on foreign coins, colonial currencies, and various forms of barter. Official U.S. coinage wouldn’t begin in earnest until the establishment of the U.S. Mint in 1792, making any authentic 1789 federal coins extremely rare or non-existent.
Types of Department of Treasury 1789 Items
Commemorative Coins and Medals
The majority of items that collectors encounter when researching the department of the treasury 1789 coin value are actually commemorative pieces created decades or even centuries after 1789. These items serve as historical tributes rather than authentic period currency.
Bronze commemorative coins and tokens are among the most common items found in this category. These pieces typically feature:
- The Department of Treasury seal or related imagery
- The date 1789 prominently displayed
- Various patriotic symbols and inscriptions
- Bronze or similar metal composition
The value of these commemorative pieces generally ranges from $5 to $15 for standard examples, depending on their condition, rarity, and specific design. While not historically significant as authentic 1789 currency, they hold value as collectible items and educational pieces.
Historical Peace Medals
One of the most notable authentic historical pieces from this era is the “1789 George Washington Indian Peace Medal.” These medals were actually distributed during Washington’s presidency as diplomatic gifts to Native American leaders. They represent genuine historical artifacts from the period and command significantly higher values than modern commemoratives.
Peace medals from the Washington administration are considered extremely valuable due to their:
- Authentic historical provenance
- Rarity and limited production
- Significant role in early American diplomacy
- Connection to the first presidency
Values for authentic Washington Peace Medals can range from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their size, condition, and documentation.
The Fugio Cent: America’s First Official Coin
While not directly related to the department of the treasury 1789 coin value, the Fugio Cent of 1787 deserves mention as America’s first official coin. Authorized under the Articles of Confederation, these coins predate the Treasury Department but represent the earliest attempts at federal coinage.
Fugio Cent Characteristics and Values
The Fugio Cent features:
- A sundial design with the motto “Fugio” (meaning “I fly”)
- Thirteen linked rings representing the original colonies
- The phrase “We Are One”
- Various design varieties and striking differences
Value ranges for Fugio Cents:
- Lower grades (Good to Very Good): $200 – $800
- Middle grades (Fine to Very Fine): $800 – $3,000
- Higher grades (Extremely Fine and above): $3,000 – $15,000+
- Rare varieties: Can exceed $50,000
The accessibility of lower-grade Fugio Cents makes them surprisingly affordable for collectors interested in owning America’s first official coin, though pristine examples command premium prices.
Modern Presidential Dollar Commemoratives
A significant source of confusion regarding the department of the treasury 1789 coin value comes from modern commemorative coins created as part of the Presidential $1 Coin Program launched in the 2000s.
George Washington Presidential Dollars
These modern coins honor President Washington and bear the dates 1789-1797, representing his years in office. However, these coins were actually minted between 2007-2016, not in 1789. Key characteristics include:
- Golden-colored appearance (manganese-brass composition)
- Portrait of George Washington
- Presidential years 1789-1797 on the reverse
- Edge lettering with mint mark and date
Values of Presidential Dollars
The value of these modern commemoratives varies significantly:
Circulated examples:
- Face value: $1.00
- Collector premium: Minimal to $2-3
Uncirculated examples:
- Standard strikes: $2-5
- Proof versions: $5-15
Error coins:
- Missing edge lettering: $25-100+
- Double strikes or other errors: $50-500+
Other 1789-Era Coins and Currency
While researching the department of the treasury 1789 coin value, collectors may encounter various other items from the period that circulated in early America but weren’t issued by the federal government.
Colonial and State Issues
Several states continued issuing their own coins into the late 1780s:
- Connecticut Coppers (continued through 1788)
- New Jersey Coppers (through 1788)
- Massachusetts Cents and Half Cents (through 1788)
Foreign Coins in Circulation
The early United States relied heavily on foreign currency, including:
- Spanish colonial reales and pieces of eight
- British copper coins
- French colonial issues
- Various European silver coins
These foreign coins were legal tender in the early United States and may be found with 1789 dates, though they weren’t issued by American authorities.
Determining Authentic Value
To accurately assess the department of the treasury 1789 coin value for any specific item, collectors must follow a systematic approach:
Step 1: Identification
Determine the exact nature of the item:
- Is it a modern commemorative piece?
- Could it be an authentic historical medal?
- Is it a foreign coin that circulated in early America?
- Might it be a modern reproduction or fantasy piece?
Step 2: Authentication
Verify authenticity through:
- Professional numismatic evaluation
- Comparison with known authentic examples
- Historical documentation research
- Metallurgical analysis if necessary
Step 3: Condition Assessment
Evaluate the item’s condition:
- Wear patterns and circulation evidence
- Surface preservation and luster
- Any damage, cleaning, or alterations
- Overall eye appeal and completeness
Step 4: Market Research
Research current market values:
- Recent auction results for similar items
- Dealer price guides and catalogs
- Online marketplace completed sales
- Professional appraisal services
Professional Evaluation and Grading
For items with potential significant value, professional evaluation is essential. Third-party grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) provide:
- Authenticated attribution
- Standardized condition grading
- Protective encapsulation
- Market confidence and liquidity
When to seek professional evaluation:
- Items potentially worth more than $100
- Pieces with unclear attribution or authenticity
- Coins or medals with apparent rarity indicators
- Items inherited or acquired without documentation
Market Trends and Collecting Interest
The market for items related to the department of the treasury 1789 coin value reflects broader trends in American historical collectibles:
Factors Affecting Values
Positive influences:
- Increased interest in American history
- Educational and commemorative appeal
- Accessibility of lower-priced items
- Connection to founding era narratives
Limiting factors:
- Abundance of modern commemoratives
- Confusion between authentic and modern pieces
- Limited precious metal content in most items
- Varying quality and production standards
Conclusion
Understanding the department of the treasury 1789 coin value requires careful distinction between authentic historical pieces, modern commemoratives, and related items from the founding era. While most items bearing these markings are affordable commemorative pieces valued between $5-15, authentic historical medals and coins from the period can command substantial premiums.
Collectors interested in this area should focus on education, proper identification, and professional evaluation when dealing with potentially valuable pieces. The intersection of American history, numismatics, and commemorative art makes this a fascinating collecting area, whether pursuing affordable modern tributes or investing in genuine historical artifacts.
Remember that the true value of any collectible extends beyond monetary considerations to include historical significance, educational value, and personal satisfaction. Whether owning a $10 commemorative bronze piece or a museum-quality Washington Peace Medal, these items connect us to the founding moments of American financial and governmental institutions.
How much is a 1789 Department of Treasury coin worth?
When? The coin is composed of 20.7 grams of bronze. These were produced between 1970-1997. In Uncirculated condition the usually fetch between $3-$6.
Who was the Department of Treasury in 1789?
At the inauguration of the constitutional government in 1789 Alexander Hamilton (1757- 1804), George Washington’s former military aide and a renowned financier, was appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury and thus he became the architect of the structure of the Department.
Does the Department of Treasury coin money?
The Department of the Treasury operates and maintains systems that are critical to the nation’s financial infrastructure, such as the production of coin and currency, the disbursement of payments to the American public, revenue collection, and the borrowing of funds necessary to run the federal government.
Are Denver mint coins worth anything?
Great question! The Denver, CO Mint (D Mintmark)
While the $20 pieces are quite valuable, the other three are relatively inexpensive (for Territorial gold coins). In April 1863, the building, assaying and minting equipment was purchased by the U.S. Treasury and for the next 33 years, the facility was operated as an assay office.