Four Unique Pattern Coins Housed at the Smithsonian

By Blanchard and Company, Inc …… Updated and reformatted Feb 2026

Rare and historic U.S. pattern coins at the Smithsonian 

The Smithsonian stands as the largest museum complex on the planet, and within this remarkable institution, the treasured National Numismatic Collection resides at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

Not only does the National Numismatic Collection hold extraordinary depth, but it also contains approximately 1.6 million monetary objects, making it the largest money collection in the world. Because of its vast size, curators cannot display many of its legendary coins, and as a result, the public rarely sees them.

Among its holdings, the Smithsonian safeguards some of our nation’s most unique and celebrated pattern coins for present and future generations. By definition, pattern coins feature experimental designs struck strictly for evaluation. Only after officials approve a design does the Mint authorize the coin’s production for circulation.

Together, the four historic rarities highlighted below rank among the greatest numismatic treasures preserved in the Smithsonian’s collection in our nation’s capital.

$5 Gold Pattern Coin (1865)

Christian Gobrecht created the stunning 1865 Half Eagle gold $5 pattern coin, showcasing both artistic refinement and symbolic strength. On the obverse, Lady Liberty faces left, wearing a coronet inscribed LIBERTY. Surrounding her portrait, thirteen stars represent the original states, while the date 1865 appears just below the bust.

Meanwhile, the reverse delivers a bold and dramatic design. A powerful eagle spreads its wings wide, and a protective shield covers its breast. In its talons, the eagle firmly grasps three arrows and an olive branch, symbolizing both military readiness and the desire for peace. Above the eagle’s head, the motto IN GOD WE TRUST appears prominently on a flowing scroll.

Remarkably, the Mint struck only two examples of this rare pattern, and today, the Smithsonian proudly preserves one of them.

$50 Gold Dollar Pattern (1877) – The Half Union

The California gold rush energized the economy and, as a result, San Francisco business leaders urged the United States Congress to authorize high-denomination gold coins so bankers could count large sums more efficiently. In fact, 1877 saw the production of more U.S. pattern coins than any other year in American history.

Against this backdrop, Chief Engraver William Barber designed the impressive 1877 $50 gold pattern coin—better known as the Half Union—which stands as the largest U.S. pattern coin ever struck. Although Mint officials never released the coin for circulation, the Smithsonian now preserves this legendary pattern, ensuring its legacy endures for future generations.

50-Cent Pattern Coin (1891) at the Smithsonian

Charles E. Barber, the sixth Chief Engraver of the United States Mint and the son of William Barber, shaped the look of American coinage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From 1879 to 1917, he created many of the nation’s most recognizable and enduring designs. Along the way, he also produced numerous experimental patterns, including two distinctive 50-cent pattern coins in 1891. Today, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History preserves both pieces.

On the first 50-cent pattern, Barber placed a Capped Head of Liberty facing right on the obverse, encircling her portrait with stars and positioning the date below. In contrast, the reverse presents a bold eagle beneath a constellation of stars and clouds—often referred to as the “glory”—all framed by an elaborate wreath.

Meanwhile, on the second 50-cent pattern, Barber adopted a far more ambitious composition. The obverse displays a full-length Lady Liberty facing left, while an imposing eagle rises in the background. Radiating rays spread across the upper half of the coin, drawing the viewer’s eye outward from the center. However, despite its dramatic effect, some critics at the time described Barber’s design as “cluttered.”

5-Cent Pattern (1913) – The Buffalo Nickel

The 1913 Indian Head 5-cent pattern coin is a beloved rarity in the numismatic community, fondly known as the “Buffalo nickel”. Designed by James E. Fraser, the magnificent artwork on the obverse is an instantly recognizable right-facing profile of a Native American man, with a Buffalo on the reverse with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA around the top and FIVE CENTS at bottom.

The memorable Buffalo nickel design was almost abandoned amid protests from the American vending machine industry, who thought the coin wouldn’t work within their machines properly. Fortunately, their concerns were unfounded. The Philadelphia Mint produced this arresting pattern coin in 1913 and while it is currently not on view, it is stored safely at the Smithsonian Museum.

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In the video below, CoinWeek took a tour behind the scenes of the National Numismatic Collection to see many of these patterns and other coins not currently on display

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