History of Commemorative Coins

The first commemorative coin in the United States was minted in 1892 to commemorate the World’s Columbian Exposition. From that point forward many silver and gold commemoratives were issued mostly for special interest groups that influenced Congress. The last classic commemorative coin was issued in 1954. In 1982 Congress once again began to approve the issuance of commemorative coins with the George Washington 250th Anniversary of Birth commemorative half dollar.