Poll Question: What coin illustrates the American identity to you? Why?

The Walking Liberty, which is also one of the first collectible coins my dad ever gave me.

Kele Johnson, Dallas, Texas

The coin that most symbolizes America to me is the Walking Liberty half dollar. The eagle and Miss Liberty together depict a strong, free, and growing nation, beautifully illustrated on a large coin worthy of the design.

Louis Ludiciani, Cumberland, R.I. 

Many countries depict liberty, freedom, natural wonders, heroes, and famous people. The U.S. does this too.

Something unique to the United States that no country yet has done finally made it to our coins, fifty years late. Other countries of the world recognized the event on their coins in 1969. The moon landing coins of 2019 commemorating the event should have been on our circulating coinage a long time ago. 

Richard Bumpus, Marion, Mass.

I believe the most special coin of America is the Walking Liberty half dollar. There are other coins that would qualify, but my favorite has an amazing amount of detail on both the obverse and reverse sides. I would believe that I am not alone in making my decision.

James Faulkerso, Hillsboro, Mo.

The Walking Liberty represents American Liberty to me. Its design is quintessentially American.

Name and Address withheld

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar is the standout winner. First, because the SBA and moon landing themes demonstrate pride in our bravery, ambition, and progress. And second, because it turned out that nobody actually wants or uses small dollars, but the government keeps on producing them nearly half a century later.

Andy Lustig, Nyack, N.Y.

The Lincoln one-cent coin is more than just a piece of currency to me; it is a symbol of my own deep, personal connection to the American spirit. Though I am Canadian, the values and history tied to this coin have shaped how I see myself in relation to America.

Abraham Lincoln, whose image graces the penny, has always been my personal hero. We share the same birthday—February 12th—which gave me a special sense of kinship with him from an early age. He was born in 1809, and I arrived in 1963, exactly 100 years and 43 days after he issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863. That connection to a pivotal moment in history has always stayed with me.

As a young boy in Canada, I began collecting Lincoln cents. They were rare to find here, often worn and weathered, but every one I discovered felt like a treasure. People often asked why I collected this coin, and I proudly explained that Lincoln represented courage, fairness, and a willingness to stand for those who could not defend themselves. The Lincoln cent became a tangible reminder of those ideals.

Over the years, I’ve reflected on how Lincoln led America through its deadliest conflict, the Civil War, and how he listened to the voices of Black leaders, abolitionists, and activists who inspired him to push the nation toward freedom and equality. His actions, combined with the unyielding work of those fighting for justice, still resonate with me today.

Holding a Lincoln cent is holding a piece of American identity—one built on sacrifice, moral courage, and the pursuit of equality. It reminds me of the values I strive to live by, and why this humble coin, above all others, feels like it represents me.

Lt. Scott B Lepage, Air Force (Retired)

Nothing could be more American than the Buffalo nickel. Native American on the obverse, Bison on the reverse. Even the story behind how Fraser conceived this coin and the many stories connected with it make this coin the quintessential American Coin.    

Larry, Louisville, Ky.

The 1784 coin is the very best. 

Ronald Flock, Address withheld

There are quite a few beautiful designs like the $20 St Gaudens and the Walkers, but my pick is the Buffalo Nickel.

Having a Native American and the buffalo on the reverse symbolizes America more than any other coin, in my opinion.

Roy, Address withheld

Oregon Trail half dollar. It exemplifies the westward movement of the American pioneer.

Name and Address withheld