Basic (?) Question About Numismatics

I think what you are meaning is order of denominations. I don't think there's actually a technical term for this. I may be wrong.

In numismatics, "pattern" refers to a trial strike coin, typically presented to government officials.

If you're interested in knowing the various denominations of world currencies, searching Wikipedia and going currency by currency can get you what you want easily. If you're looking for historical denominations, Wikipedia can probably help, but it's harder...an easier solution would be to go to your local library, request (probably via inter-library loan) some Krause catalogs of world coins and banknotes, which will tell you a lot more than Wikipedia will.

Hello,
Thanks for the suggestion Groszy. I have a teenager who works at the library, and I now have a copy on order.
And Numisma, thanks for the kind words and encouragement.
Ray

Humans like counting in base ten, because we have ten fingers. We find it "natural". However, ten isn't a particularly convenient base to use as a currency, because 10 is only divisible by 5 and 2. Thus, the only "natural" denomination series for base 10 is: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and so forth. Using other numbers in the series, like 3 or 4, is less convenient because you then have to introduce "un-natural" things like fractions and remainders. The maths is less intuitive.

When decimal currency systems were first proposed, they followed this "pure decimal" pattern: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 1 dime, 2 dimes, 5 dimes, 1 dollar, 2 dollars, 5 dollars... and so forth. However, in North America, the implementation of this system was impeded by the pre-existence of a foreign-made dollar coin which was divided into eighths, not tenths. Thus, there already were coins of 1, 1/2, 1/4 and 1/8 dollar in circulation. As the American mint was unable to supply the entirety of American monetary requirements for the first several decades following independence, these "odd" fractions had to be incorporated into the decimal system. You've simply never gotten aorund to getting rid of those odd fractions yet. Thus, America (and subsequently Canada) acquired a quasi-decimal currency system, combining aspects of both systems.

Theoretically, base twelve would be a more "logical" numeral system on which to base a currency; you can get more fractional coins per series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12. The old predecimal British system used this in part, with 12 pence to the shilling and, at various times, coins were indeed issued in 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 12 pence face value. It's just a pity that most of us don't have 12 fingers.

Not sure if this will help but as to the original question, try finding a copy of the Red Book by Whitman Publishing. This book will give you a decent overall informative amount for all past and present US coins.

Thanks to everyone who has commented. The first step of learning is learning what questions to ask.
Now I have some questions to ask.
Special thanks to SpareHuman, looks like a convenient starting place; and SAP and Numisma, that is the kind of thing I'm interested in. I want to learn about what has been done by different cultures.

12 is a terrible base... it has the same problems translating to binary as 10 and we don't have the fingers for it...