Eagles, oak branches, stars and arrows…
Exploring the symbolism on U.S. coins

When it comes to coinage designs, we all have our favorites.

Maybe you love the Mercury dime’s depiction of Liberty in a winged cap. Perhaps you prefer the classic Saint-Gaudens $20 Gold Double Eagle. Or the new Silver American Eagle, with its Liberty Walking and Landing Eagle designs.

Or, it might be Buffalo/Indian Head nickels or Morgan dollars that send your imagination soaring.

Whichever U.S. coins you love best, let me ask you a question: How much do you really know about their designs? Not the histories of the coins and designs, but the actual components themselves.

The fact is, U.S. coins are not merely artistic. They’re also filled with symbolic imagery – much of which trace back to Ancient Greece and Rome.

Mercury dime with Liberty in winged cap
and a Roman fasces

Sometimes, a symbol’s meaning is well known. The olive branch, for instance, is commonly used to represent peace. And many seasoned collectors know the winged cap worn by Liberty on Mercury dimes symbolizes freedom of thought.

But do you know what the fasces on the coin’s reverse represents?

The fasces is just one of many symbols on U.S. coins whose meaning is often missed, even by longtime collectors. So – as we recently did with the language and anatomy of coins – let’s take a quick look at…

Common symbols on U.S. coins

Coins are more interesting – and exciting – the more we understand their designs. So to help you get the most from your hobby, here are the meanings behind some of the most common symbols found on U.S. coins…

Two Cent Piece with Union shield
and laurel wreath

• Arrows – War
• Bald Eagle – United States of America (national bird)
• e pluribus unum – Latin for “Out of Many, One” (national motto)
• Fasces – Ancient Roman symbol of an axe bound within a group of wooden rods; symbolizes strength through unity
• Laurel or Wreath – Victory
• Liberty Cap – Liberty or freedom; may be shown worn or atop a pole (from the caps given to freed Roman slaves)
• Oak Branch – Strength and independence
• Olive Branch – Peace
• Stars – States of the Union
• Stars and Clouds – America as a new nation (when shown together)
• Torch – Liberty
• Union Shield – Congress and the original 13 colonies (from the Great Seal of the United States)
• Winged Cap – Freedom of thought

How many did you know?

Of the symbols above, how many do you recognize from the U.S. coins you have in your collection? And how many meanings did you know? Do you have any particular favorites, or symbols we didn’t cover you have questions about?

Let us know in the comments below!

P.S. – Whether you’re new to the hobby or a veteran collector, Littleton’s Learn Center is a great resource. You’ll find collecting guides, checklists, answers to frequently asked questions, and much, much more – including tips on how to properly care for your collection. Just go to: LittletonCoin.com/Learn