Commemorative Coins

United States Mint commemorative coins are authorized by Congress to celebrate and honor American people, places, events, or institutions. This lends to a wide variety of subjects depicted on the coins. Since 1982, there have generally been one or more programs, which provides a multitude of coins for present day collectors.


Modern commemorative coins are not issued for circulation, but sold directly by the US Mint during established offering periods. Coins have been issued struck in gold, silver, or copper-nickel clad and offered in proof and uncirculated versions. Each coin carries a maximum authorized mintage that limits the number of coins that can be produced and sold. While some issues have sold out of their entire mintage, others have experienced slower sales. These coins with lower mintages often become more valuable after their year of issue.

Famous people have been depicted on commemorative coins including George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Christopher Columbus, Benjamin Franklin, and recently Abraham Lincoln. The coins are often released to coincide with the anniversary of their birth.

Important places, buildings, or structures have been featured such as the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the White House, the U.S. Capitol, and Yellowstone National Park. Generally, surcharges added to the cost of each coin go towards restoring or maintaining these structures.