Origin of the Dollar
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3
Thaler -
Maria Theresia
1780 AD (Posthumous): Veiled profile bust of Empress Maria Theresa facing right with initials "S.F." below, paired with the crowned double-headed imperial eagle bearing a quartered shield and the date 1780-X, as seen. Recognized for its reliable weight and silver purity, the 1780 Maria Theresa Thaler became one of the most famous international trade coins in history, remaining continuously minted with the frozen 1780 date and circulating widely across Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa well into the 20th century.
2
Shilling -
Elizabeth I
1560–1561 AD: Struck during the second issue of Elizabeth I's reign at the Tower Mint in London, this silver shilling formed a key part of the Great Recoinage, which restored public confidence by replacing debased Tudor currency with high-purity silver. The shilling (valued at 12 pence) served as a foundation for English domestic and transatlantic trade during the early era of global expansion.
1
Guldengroschen -
Bohemia
1525 AD: Saint Joachim holding a staff and resting his hands above the coat of arms of the Counts of Schlick, flanked by the letters "S" and "I" and the date 1525, paired with the crowned Bohemian lion on the reverse. Minted by the Counts of Schlick at Joachimsthal, this large silver Guldengroschen represents the true linguistic and conceptual birthplace of the dollar.