INTRODUCTION
From their inception, American commemorative coins honored important events and provided interesting keepsakes, while their proceeds helped offset costs and raise funds for various organizations. Though authorized by Congress, the sponsoring group purchased their Commemoratives at cost, and were responsible for selling them (at a premium) to the public with proceeds benefitting their cause. While some were extremely popular, many fell short of expectations, and the unsold coins were often returned to the Mint for melting. Thus, the least popular coins are sometimes the rarest.
The high point for the classic commemorative series was 1936 with a total of 21 different causes represented. However, some subjects were questionable at best, tarnishing the reputation of the program. Sales dropped and collectors complained they could not keep up with the bloated series. Concerned, Congress ended the series in 1954 with the Carver-Washington Commemorative half-dollar. To celebrate George Washington’s 250th anniversary, Congress re-established the series with stricter guidelines in 1982. The U.S. Mint now sells the Commemoratives directly to the public, limited to just two subjects per year with the premium supporting designated beneficiaries.
Did You Know?
The Lafayette dollar was the first U.S. coin to portray an American President. Dated 1900, it features conjoined portraits of George Washington and General Lafayette. However, all 36,000 examples were actually minted on December 14, 1899 (the centennial of George Washington’s death).
Click on the items in the case image below for an enhanced view
As the commemorative series matured, the subjects expanded, reflecting America’s melting pot. Many states produced anniversary coins. Highlighting significant moments like Captain Cook’s Hawaiian landing and symbolic fauna such as Wisconsin’s badger, they are as unique as the states themselves.
The series also presents American history. Roanoke’s 1937 half dollar commemorated the 350th anniversary of Sir Walter Raleigh’s “Lost Colony,” with Eleanor Dare cradling her daughter, Virginia (the first English child born in the New World). That same year, a healing scene of Burnside’s Bridge marked the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam.
Unfortunately, coins like the Cincinnati Half Dollar crafted false histories. A personified Music commemorates the imaginary 50th anniversary of Cincinnati, Ohio as the center of American music. However, neither the date nor the obverse portrait of Stephen Foster substantiates the coin’s claim. Bridgeport, Connecticut’s 1936 coin proclaims 100 years of incorporation, despite the city’s founding in 1639. A historical reach, the obverse head of P.T. Barnum evokes his mantra, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
