Collecting Vintage U.S. Silver Commemorative Coins 101

RARE U.S. COINS FOR ANY BUDGET

- MIKE FULJENZ

Looking at American coins, overall, vintage silver commemorative coins are some of the most sought-after coins by collectors and investors. However, it wasn’t always that way, as some of America’s early coinage was considered too status quo and had too much European influence.

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, steps were taken to improve the look and eye appeal of American commemorative coins by paying tribute to the commemorative-style coins popularized by the Ancient Greeks.

Sure, there were the pricey $3 Princess gold coins (1854-1889) designed by James B. Longacre and the $10 Indian gold coins (1907-1933) and gold double eagles ($20 gold pieces containing nearly an ounce of gold) minted from 1907-1933, both designed by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. But those weren’t affordable for many collectors or even for consumers to spend in everyday commerce. $20 was a lot of money in 1908.

MINTING APPROVAL

Congress and the President approved the creation of half-dollar classic silver commemorative coins to be made by the U.S. Mint to commemorate people, places and historical events. These coins include some of the most artistic and meaningful designs in U.S. Mint history.

The popular classic 90% silver sets include mostly half dollars minted between 1892 and 1954 and include one Isabella quarter and one Lafayette silver dollar.

The World’s Columbian Exposition, a Chicago world’s fair that commemorated the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s voyage of discovery to America brought silver commemorative coins into being.