A Mint Timeline

It's the 18th century, and the colonies are breaking free from England.  A new country!  But what about money? How can they pay for their war against England?

In 1775, John Hancock suggests that Congress issue bills of credit.  People could exchange these paper notes for silver Spanish milled dollars after the war.

Colonists already used lots of currencies.  But if the colonies win, should they use British pounds after the war?  Spanish milled dollars?  ...Or invent a whole new currency?

Congress set the other coins' values to the Spanish milled dollar.  Jefferson says that should be our new nation's money.  But in 1785, Congress invents a new dollar—worth a Spanish milled dollar—and decides which metals it will be made from.  Now they just need someone to make it!

Check out Making a Mint next!