What Modern U.S. Commemorative Dollars Are the Best Buys?

1996-D OLYMPIC HIGH JUMP UNCIRCULATED DOLLAR TOPS THE LIST 

- ANTHONY J. SWIATEK

All of the modern commemorative Uncirculated silver dollars manufactured by the U.S. Mint will advance in value if and when the price of silver begins to increase. Anticipation of further increases in the silver price will propel many of these coins to impressive gains.

Since 1983, the U.S. Mint, which I consider to be the world’s largest coin dealer, has manufactured and sold 89 Uncirculated (the kind of finish that you see on coins you spend) and 88 Proof (struck especially for collectors, with dramatic cameo contrast between the mirror-like background and frosted devices) modern commemorative silver dollars.

These coins commemorate various occasions to remember and mark events of importance. Values have languished, despite the fact that the Mint continues to issue two new commemorative silver dollars each year.

Coin collecting is a project mentality. But this series just hasn’t caught on to be a part of many collectors’ projects.