Money began being dated near the end of the 15th century, which was about the time that Columbus was seeking the new worlds. During the reign of Edward I, England was the first to date their coins in 1547.

Great Britain and Spain furnished the first money that was ever used in America. However, the amounts were scarce and this tempted the colony located in Massachusetts to create a tiny mint within their own country. In 1652 they began striking silver pieces known as Pine Tree Money or Oak Tree Money, which are extremely rare today.

The colony of Maryland were issued coins by Lord Baltimore in 1659 and later in 1682 some coins were sent to New Jersey. The very first copper coins treated in America were made in 1737 in Granby, Connecticut by John Higly. These coins had the design of a deer with three hammers on them. During and after the war for independence in America, a variety of coins were struck by individuals and by orders of Congress.

State copper pennies began in 1776 with New Hampshire, in 1785 with the introduction of Vermont and Connecticut, in 1786 New Jersey was introduced, and then in 1787 New York followed. Others continued to be added to this collection until April 2, 1792 when a law establishing a United States mint was signed by President Washington.

The first six pounds of copper was purchased for producing coins on 1st of September in 1792 and then on the 21st of September three coin presses arrived from Europe. During the early part of October of that same year, the first half dimes and copper penny patterns were struck by the brand new United States mint.

The regular issue of copper pennies began in 1793, which appeared in a variety of different styles. Some of the different styles included a wreath, flowing hair, link, liberty cap, lettered edge, and many more. These were followed by a brand new issue each year, except for 1815 when there were no coins minted.

With 1794 came the very first dollar and half dollar, and then in 1795 the very first ten dollar gold eagle and five dollar half eagle were minted. The first quarter and dime came during the following year in 1796. Gold coins were issued by private individuals as early as 1834, which included the one dollar, the two and half dollar, and the five dollar gold pieces by the Bechtlers of North Carolina.

The very first twenty dollar double eagle was produced in 1849, which was after the gold discoveries in California, and then the first trade dollar was produced in 1873. Without the dates on any of these coins, then we would never be able to know exactly when these and other fabulous coins were created or where.

The date serves to identify the exact time of mintage or striking, plus it shows as evidence of the era it was produced. Whether a coin was produced during the Gold Rush, War World I, or during a certain period under a president or leader around the world, we would never be able to know without the dates on the coins.