U.S. Commemorative Coins

U.S. commemorative coins are rich in symbolic history and are minted with the sole purpose of celebrating and honoring places, events, and institutions within the United States as well as the American people. Not only does each mintage depict patriotic aspects of American culture, but each coin within the Commemorative Coin Program also helps raise money for important causes. 

Modern commemorative coin mintages are unique as they are dependent on the total number of coins sold during the specified offering period through Congressional legislation.

Some well-known low mintages include the uncirculated version of the 1997 Jackie Robinson $5 Gold Coin, numerous issues from the 1995-1996 Olympic commemorative coin program, and the uncirculated $10 Gold and Platinum versions of the 2000-W Library of Congress Coin.

Here are some examples of the mintages for both early and modern commemorative coins over the years. 

While the U.S. Mint issued a few commemoratives earlier, commemorative coins were not regularly issued until late in the second decade of the 20th century. The 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar provides an excellent example of the types of coins that would be issued in the following decades. Illinois wanted to issue a coin to mark its centennial anniversary of admission to the union. To this end, the U.S. Mint released a coin that featured a portrait of the most famous person ever to come out of the state of Illinois, President Abraham Lincoln. A right-side portrait of America’s 16th President features on the obverse, designed by numismatic legend, George T. Morgan. John Sinnock adopted the Seal of Illinois for the reverse.

The longest-running series of early U.S. commemorative coins, and perhaps the most controversial, was the Oregon Trail Half Dollar. Issued from 1926-1939, the series was initially popular, but continued as an annual issue only because of its backers' political clout. The coin was designed by Laura Gardin Fraser and her husband, James Earle Fraser, the latter of which famously designed the Buffalo Nickel. Laura designed the obverse, where a Native American holds up his hand against a backdrop of a U.S. map. James designed the reverse, which shows oxen pulling a Conestoga wagon against the setting sun's backdrop.

Modern commemoratives made their debut in 1982 with the issuance of a President George Washington commemorative. The coin marked the sestercentennial (250th) anniversary of his birth. Issued as both a business strike and a proof, the coin was designed by former United States Mint Chief Engraver Elizabeth Jones. The obverse depicts President Washington sitting on a horse, while the reverse shows his beloved home, Mount Vernon.

One of the most popular commemorative coins, modern or otherwise, was the 1986 Statue of Liberty Half Dollar. The coin marked the 100th anniversary of the erection of the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The coin celebrated not only the monument but also America’s history of immigration. The obverse design shows a ship of immigrants passing between the Statue of Liberty and the morning sun. On the reverse, an immigrant family stands on Ellis Island, a famous immigration station, looking across the water at the New York skyline.

Congress authorizes each commemorative coin that is minted. Although commemorative coins are meant to celebrate and honor key people, places, events, and institutions within the United States and are not minted for general circulation, these coins are still considered legal tender and each carries a face value.

Commemorative coins are minted to pay homage to key figures, events, and institutions within American history and culture. 

Traditionally, commemorative coins were designed, minted, and distributed by niche groups for fundraising purposes. Although Congress approved the minting of these coins, the primary purpose was to raise funds for these groups and organizations. Today, reforms have been put in place in order to prevent commemorative coins from being abused as potential avenues of fundraising. They are still used in this manner, however, they are minted for collectors and with the knowledge that they will pay good money for them.

Whether you are a seasoned collector or new to the industry, GovMint.com has been an industry expert in numismatics and rare coin collectibles since 1984. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), we can ensure with the highest degree of confidence that any commemorative coin purchased from us will be handled through trustworthy operations and the good faith our customer service provides.