The coinage of the United States has no modern rival in aesthetic richness. Our numismatic heritage includes such masterpieces as the primitively beautiful coins of the struggling young republic, the dignified Neoclassic designs that dominated the 19th century, magnificent medals by the leading sculptors of the early 1900s, and remarkable commemorative coins of yesterday and today. By exploring America's numismatic art, Cornelius Vermeule offers new understanding of the shaping of the nation, and brings new respect to our least understood art form.