What Are the Different Types of U.S. Coins?

The United States Mint produces six main types of circulating coins: penny (1¢), nickel (5¢), dime (10¢), quarter (25¢), half-dollar (50¢), and dollar ($1). In addition to these everyday coins, the Mint also issues bullion coins (such as American Eagles and Buffalos), commemorative/numismatic coins, and proof or uncirculated sets designed for collectors. Together, these categories make up the different types of U.S. coins in use today and in the collector’s market.

Current Circulating U.S. Coins

The United States currently produces six main denominations for circulation:

• Penny (1¢) – Features Abraham Lincoln on the obverse.
• Nickel (5¢) – Displays Thomas Jefferson and Monticello.
• Dime (10¢) – Honors Franklin D. Roosevelt with a torch, oak, and olive branch on the reverse.
• Quarter (25¢) – Shows George Washington and various reverse designs, including the 50 States and America the Beautiful series.
• Half-Dollar (50¢) – Bears John F. Kennedy’s portrait with the Presidential Coat of Arms on the reverse.
• Dollar ($1.00) – Includes designs like the Sacagawea “Golden Dollar” and Native American series.

Bullion Coins (For Collectors & Stackers)

Bullion coins are struck to exact metallic weights and purities (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and are popular with people who collect or stack precious-metal pieces. The U.S. Mint’s best-known bullion programs include the American Eagle gold and silver coins and the American Buffalo gold coin. These are made to a guaranteed fineness and offered in standard weights (for example, 1 oz silver American Eagles).

Commemorative & Numismatic Coins

When Congress authorizes special issues, the Mint strikes commemorative coins honoring events, people or anniversaries. These are limited runs, often struck in silver coins or gold coins, and produced primarily for collectors rather than circulation. Numismatic coins (broader term) include limited issues, proof versions and specially packaged sets.

Proof & Uncirculated Coin Sets

• Proof coins are specially made for collectors: polished blanks and dies, multiple strikes, mirror backgrounds and frosted details — they’re sold in annual proof sets.
• Uncirculated sets contain coins with a higher-quality finish than circulation strikes and are packaged for collectors. The U.S. Mint sells both proof and uncirculated sets each year.

Historical / Obsolete Denominations

The Mint has produced other denominations in the past that no longer circulate, including:

• Half Cents
• Two-Cent Pieces
• Three-Cent Pieces
• Half Dimes
• 20-Cent Pieces

These are important to numismatists and often appear in specialized collections and auctions. Collectors of dollar coins may also explore Eisenhower silver dollars, which remain a popular collectible despite being obsolete in circulation.

Conclusion

U.S. coins are more than currency — they’re history, art and a huge collecting world. Whether you want everyday circulating coins, proof sets, commemoratives, or bullion pieces to add to a stack, there’s a clear category and path to begin collecting. Use trusted sources and start small: a focused collection grows into something meaningful.

For authenticated pieces, explore opportunities to buy U.S. coins that match your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the six circulating U.S. coins?

Penny (1¢), Nickel (5¢), Dime (10¢), Quarter (25¢), Half-Dollar (50¢), Dollar ($1).

2. Are half-dollars still minted?

Yes — but since 1971 the Kennedy half-dollar is copper-nickel clad and in recent years many half-dollars are produced mainly for coin sets and collectors.

3. What is a bullion coin?

A bullion coin is struck to a guaranteed metal weight and purity (for example, the American Eagle silver 1 oz .999) and is commonly sold to collectors and stackers.

4. What’s the difference between proof and uncirculated coins?

Proof coins are finished with mirror fields and frosted designs and are struck for collectors; uncirculated coins have a higher-quality finish than circulation strikes but aren’t proof.

5. Can I still buy newly minted U.S. coins?

Yes — the U.S. Mint sells current proof sets, bullion products and collector sets via its online store.

6. Are there obsolete U.S. coins I should know about?

Yes — historical issues include half cents, two-cent pieces, three-cent pieces, half dimes and 20-cent pieces; these are primarily of interest to numismatists.

7. How do I protect my coin collection?

Use acid-free holders, coin capsules, and archival albums. Store in a dry, stable environment and avoid touching coin faces. (General collecting best practice.)