Colonial Coins

The first coins to circulate in the 13 colonies were brought over by the early settlers from England. These included halfpennies, farthings (quarter pennies), shillings, and sixpences. Spanish silver coins were also popular, especially in the southern colonies where there was more trade with Spain and Latin America. As the 13 colonies began to mint their own coins, they often used designs that were similar to those found on English and Spanish coins.