I recently read a story set in the old west in which a character refered to a 15 cent coin. Was there ever a 15 cent coin in circulation in the United States, and is it still in use?

star_gazer

On April 11, 1918, Representative George Francis O’Shaunessy (1868-1934), a Democratic Congressman from Rhode Island, introduces a bill to the House of Representatives proposing that the U.S. Treasury begin minting a 15-cent coin. The inspiration for the bill, which was purported to have considerable public and political support, is generally credited to Seattle motion picture exhibitor John G. von Herberg (1880-1947). At the time, 15 cents is the average price of a movie ticket nationwide. Representative O’Shaugnessy’s proposal for a 15-cent coin went nowhere, and died a quick death in the House of Representatives. But in the sometimes-outlandish world of motion picture promotions, it made for good copy. http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&file_id=3530 Sep 18 09, 2:13 PM

zbeckabee

Coins from 1850-1900: http://library.thinkquest.org/04oct/01737/pages/coins.htm Half Cents Large Cents Small Cents Two Cents Three Cents Half Dimes Nickels Dimes Twenty Cents Quarter Dollars Half Dollars Silver Dollars Gold Dollars Quarter Eagles Three dollars Four Dollars Half Eagles Eagles Double Eagles Pioneer Gold Sep 18 09, 4:34 PM