Silver Commemoratives (1892-1954)

Celebrating History: The Story of U.S. Silver Commemorative Coins (1892-1954)

The first official U.S. commemorative coin is recognized as the 1892 Columbian silver half dollar, although the 1848 CAL. gold quarter eagle was minted earlier. This series encompasses a diverse array of designs, each rich in history, totaling 48 different commemorative half dollar designs minted between 1892 and 1954. Notable coins in this series include the 1893 Isabella quarter, the only commemorative of its denomination, and the 1900 Lafayette silver dollar, which was pre-struck in December 1899, raising questions about its legality due to its lack of a date.

Throughout its history, the series includes interesting stories, such as the 1936 Cincinnati half dollar, which featured Stephen Foster's portrait despite his minimal ties to the city, and the 1936-S Oakland Bay Bridge half dollar, sold at drive-up windows at toll booths. While most commemorative issues are readily available, some key dates like the 1928 Hawaiian, 1935 Hudson, and 1935 Old Spanish Trail are elusive.

In general, many commemorative coins can be found in lower grades, with higher-grade specimens, particularly those in MS-65 or higher, being highly sought after by investors. However, collectors often find that MS-63 coins can be nearly as attractive and much more affordable than their MS-65 counterparts, making them an appealing option for those looking to build their collections without breaking the bank.