Commems Collection Questions: Answer #01 - Starting Point Of US Commemorative Coins?

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commems CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives United States 12254 Posts	Posted 07/15/2022 09:04 am Quote: How/Why did the practice of striking US Commemorative Coins get started? The first Congressionally-authorized US commemorative coin was the 1892 Columbian Exposition half-dollar. The organizers of the Exposition were in need of funds to support staging the event and approached the US Congress regarding a "souvenir coin" (among other appropriation requests). The idea was for the Exposition to "buy" genuine US coins from the Mint at face value (50 cents) and then sell them to fairgoers and souvenir seekers for $1.00 - the profits going to support the Exposition. Congress agreed to direct the Mint to strike up to five (5) million souvenir half dollars with a special Exposition design, and passed a bill to such effect that President Benjamin Harrison signed into law. This "souvenir coin as a fundraiser" mentality has been a significant driver behind every US commemorative coin that has followed. Have a question? Post it in the Question & Answer - Introduction & Question List" thread and I'll try to provide an answer. For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see: Commems Collection. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved. Report this Post to the Staff

jbuck Moderator United States 187702 Posts	Posted 07/15/2022 09:16 am A new commems series! How exciting! Coin Collector Since 1978 Avatar Old Avatar 7070 Eisenhower Australia Canada World CCF Members on eBay CCF eBay Search Engine Report this Post to the Staff
nickelsearcher Moderator United States 15389 Posts	Posted 07/15/2022 10:46 am Hooray for a new commems topic! Onward we go on a journey of learning. Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art Report this Post to the Staff
hokiefan_82 Pillar of the Community United States 3636 Posts	Posted 07/15/2022 4:53 pm Thanks, commems, I look forward to seeing the Q&A topics! Member of SPMC, FCCB, ANA and ANS. My U.S. Classic Commemorative Complete Set: https://www.NGCcoin.com/registry/co...sets/278741/ My U.S. Fractional Note Set: https://notes.www.collectors-societ...eSetID=34188 Report this Post to the Staff
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