Since 1982, the U.S. Mint has been issuing modern commemorative coins that honor significant people, events and institutions in American history. These coins are not only collector’s items, but their proceeds also support charitable causes and national projects. At ModernCoinMart (MCM) you will find an extensive selection of these coins in various designs and grades.
What Was the First U.S. Commemorative Coin?
The 1892 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar was the first commemorative coin. Authorized by Congress, from 1892 through 1954, subsequent legislation was enacted, allowing for the U.S. Mint to produce 53 different commemorative coins that depicted United States’ events, occasions, and individuals, resulting in the production of over 180 silver and gold commemorative coins.
Are Commemorative Coins Made of Gold?
Following the George Washington Carver-Booker T. Washington Half Dollar which was issued from 1951-1954, there was a period when no commemorative coins were struck by the United States Mint. That changed in 1982 with the issuance of the George Washington 250th Anniversary Half Dollar which effectively launched the Modern Commemorative Coin program that continues to this day.
Modern commemoratives can be made of silver, gold, or sometimes even clad material. Modern commemorative coins are made to honor people, events, places, or even animals such as the bald eagle. Popular figures and events combined with limited mintage figures are why no collector should ever overlook modern commemoratives.
The U.S. Mint traditionally releases two Modern Commemorative coin programs over the course of a single year. The modern era of commemoratives began with the 1982 George Washington commemorative half dollar. While these coins could technically be spent as they are legal tender, they were never intended for circulation.
Types of U.S. Commemorative Coins
Through Congressional Legislation, Congress authorizes the production of each commemorative coin by the United States Mint. Although each coin is considered legal tender, U.S. Commemorative Coins are not minted for general circulation and are limited in quantity and are only produced for a limited time.
Commemorative Half Dollars
The 1982 George Washington commemorative half dollar may have been the first of the modern era, but since then, many Modern Commemorative Half Dollars have been struck. Since 1986, these half dollars tend to have a clad composition and in recent years are often issued in both a proof and uncirculated finish, hailing from various branches of the Mint. When a commemorative coin is issued in both finishes, the featured design remains the same on each, although mint marks vary depending on the mint that struck each.
Commemorative Dollars
In addition to half dollars, there are plenty of Modern Commemorative Dollars as well. These tend to be made of fine silver. Other than the enormous number of commemorative dollar designs that have been produced, the main option of these coins is the finish. Most commemorative dollars are available with either a proof or regular uncirculated finish.
Commemorative $5 Coins
The United States Mint also produces many Modern Commemorative $5 Coins. Commemoratives with a face value of $5 are usually made of .900 fine gold. This often leads to a smaller coin due to the fact that less than 1 Troy oz. of gold is typically used.
Commemorative $10 Coins
In addition to half dollars, dollars, and $5 coins, there are seldom-seen Modern Commemorative $10 Coins. In 2000, the United States Mint released a commemorative bimetallic gold and platinum $10 coin that honored the Bicentennial of the Library of Congress. A $10 gold commemorative coin followed in 2003, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the first flight performed by Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Every modern commemorative coin is different. Since 1982, numerous designs have been released, allowing you to build an entire collection of commemorative items. Regardless of your price range, you can be sure that ModernCoinMart has plenty of beautiful modern commemorative coins for you to choose from.
Modern Commemorative Gold Coins
The first U.S. Commemorative Gold Coins were struck back in 1903 to celebrate the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis. Through 1926, nine varieties of gold commemorative dollars, two quarter eagles, and two $50 pieces were minted, culminating in the 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence quarter dollar.
From 1926 to 1984, no gold commemoratives were struck, except for the first few years of the Modern Commemorative Coin Program.
The first Modern Commemorative Gold Coin was a $10 coin, struck to honor the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The 1980s had four more Gold Commemorative Coins to help with the issuance of these gold pieces that honor different aspects U.S. history: the 1986 $5 Statue of Liberty Gold, 1987 $5 Constitution Bicentennial Gold, 1988 $5 Seoul Olympic Games Gold, and 1989 $5 Congress Bicentennial Gold.
Modern Commemorative Silver Coins
Starting with the 1982 issue of a silver Half-Dollar, this Silver Commemorative Coin honors the 250th anniversary of George Washington’s birth—the first 90% pure silver coin minted by the United States Mint since 1964 and the first silver U.S. commemorative issue since 1954.
From 1892 to 1954, the U.S. Mint produced commemorative coins for 53 different events, occasions, or individuals – a total of 157 silver and gold coins. Since the beginning of the Modern Commemorative Coin Program in 1982, the U.S. Mint has raised over $500 million in surcharges to help American causes, institutions, and organizations.
Modern Commemorative Clad Coins
A clad coin is a coin with multiple layers of metal. Most U.S. coins consist of an inner core of pure copper, with outer layers of a nickel-copper alloy to make the coin look like silver. Popular examples of U.S. clad coins are the quarter and half dollar coins.
Although these kinds of commemorative coins do not have precious metals like gold or silver, they are often produced in higher quantities and some find them to be an economical way of adding to collections. These coins still hold U.S. history on their design and each coin minted still contributes to the donations and funding provided by the Commemorative Coin Program.
Collecting U.S. Commemoratives with ModernCoinMart
ModernCoinMart (MCM) is a trusted online dealer of modern coins and precious metals. With nearly a dozen seasoned numismatists, our experts have a combined total of over 250 years of experience in the coin collecting business.
With an incredibly large selection of U.S. Commemorative Coins, ModernCoinMart has been in business since June of 2004. Although our business and website have been updated numerous times over the years, our dedication to providing the best and most expedient customer experience with the latest and newest products available from around the world remains unchanged.
