The first coins were developed in the ancient kingdom of Lydia (modern-day Turkey) around 600 BCE, made from a naturally occurring mixture of gold and silver called electrum.
The motto "In God We Trust" first appeared on U.S. coins during the Civil War era in 1864. It has since become a standard feature on most American coins.
Most coins are made from base metals like copper, nickel, zinc, and aluminum, but some higher denomination coins contain precious metals like gold, silver, and platinum.
During the Great Depression, unemployed artists carved intricate designs onto buffalo nickels, creating unique pieces known as "hobo nickels."
Throughout history, there have been some unusual coin denominations, including the 20-cent piece and the half-cent, which were once minted in the United States.
Some ancient Chinese coins featured a square hole in the center, allowing them to be strung together for easy transportation.
Many modern coins have edge lettering, which includes inscriptions or mottos along the rim. This feature helps prevent counterfeiting and adds an extra layer of security.
In the past, coins were sometimes counterstamped with additional markings or designs to indicate their value or authenticity. These counterstamps can provide valuable historical information.