Highlights of Modern Commemorative Coins

After a hiatus of several decades, the United States Mint resumed the issuance of commemorative coins in 1982. This began the era of modern commemoratives, which has generally included several issues per year struck in gold, silver, or clad composition. Amidst the long and continuing series, there are some highlights that represented important milestones.


The 1982 George Washington Half Dollar was important in reestablishing the tradition of issuing coins to mark important anniversaries. The coins were designed by Elizabeth Jones to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of the first President. The success of this issue set the stage for continuation of the program.


The issue with the highest mintage remains the 1986 Statue of Liberty Silver Dollar. Out of a maximum authorized mintage of 10 million, the coins sold a combined 7,138,273. This amount dwarfs more recent issues, which have included some silver dollars with a distribution of less than 200,000. In addition to sales to collectors, the broader public also purchased this issue.


The 1992 Christopher Columbus Silver Dollar provided an interesting parallel to the original series of early commemorative coins. In 1892, the Columbian Half Dollar had been issued as the first commemorative coin ever offered by the United States Mint. One hundred years later a new program was authorized to mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus landing in America.


The United States Mint issued the 2000 Library of Congress $10 Coin to celebrate the 200th anniversary. This was the first bimetallic coin ever struck by the Mint and remains the only commemorative issue with platinum content. These coins were struck at the West Point Mint in proof and uncirculated versions.


The 2001 American Buffalo Silver Dollar was greeted by collectors with overwhelming enthusiasm. The coin features the classic James Earle Fraser design used for the Buffalo Nickel. Collectors purchased the entire maximum authorized mintage in just a few weeks, representing the fastest sell out for a commemorative coin ever.