History of the US Mint Commemorative Coin Program

Did you know that the United States Mint has raised more than half a billion dollars through the Commemorative Coin Program since its genesis in 1982. This money, raised through Congressional enacted surcharges (a set amount per coin that is designated to a recipient organization for a particular use that benefits the community), has been used to help construct and preserve museums, historical sites like George Washington’s home and monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial. Commemorative coins typically honor a notable American person, place, institution or event and are produced in limited amounts and availability. It is true that commemorative type coins have been around since the days of the Greeks and Romans, but no nation has yet to outperform the US in the production of commemorative coins. Although commemorative coins certainly are legal tender, they are not intended for general circulation. Commemorative coins are, in addition to being highly collectible, exquisite works of art and shining examples of enduring Americana!