Why don't any of the Early American Coins and Tokens (Colonial) Complete Sets include a Pillar Dolla

MidLifeCrisis

Even the shortest set (The Basic Design Set) contains French coinage, Conder Tokens, and other coins that were never meant to - or never did circulate in early America.

However, it's well known that the Pillar Dollar ciculated extensively in early America...indeed, up to 1857.

So...why?

Cosetta

Good morning!

In response to your question, below is a quote from one of the PCGS experts.


The answer is "Tradition."

Pillar Dollars (and all Spanish Colonial coins) have been excluded from virtually all traditional listings of U.S. Colonial coins. Even the Guidebook of United States coins leads off with a narrative about the importance of Spanish Milled Dollars, but does not include them in the Colonial section. The fact that Spanish silver coins circulated in America does not appear to be sufficient cause to include them, because any coins of silver or gold were welcomed and accepted in America (at some value) and there are plenty of other coins that would qualify for the same reason. In fact, any contemporary silver or gold coin from anywhere in the world would qualify for the same reason.

Having said that, the canon of Colonial coins is shaped in part by the intent of the coiners, in part by tradition, and in part by those who collect them. Thus, the listing of U.S. Colonial coins can be amended, expanded, or contracted at any time for good cause.
The PCGS Set Registry participants can create their own Showcase collections of Colonial Coins and include whichever coins they chose.





Cosetta Robbins
Assistant Set Registry Manager
Collectors Universe Inc.
(800) 325-1121 ext #148
(949) 833-7660 fax

johnny9434

good anwser