"Negative Space" is an art term defined as
"the empty area around, between, or within the subjects of an image, design or photograph." I believe the term can also be applied to "1985" and "2023" - two years within the modern series of United States ("US") non-circulating legal tender ("NCLT") commemorative coins that were "empty" of new coin releases.
The modern US series was launched in 1982 with the release of the George Washington 250th Anniversary of Birth Half Dollar - the series continues to the present day in 2026. (A span of 40+ years!)
In the series' 45-year history, Congress failed to authorize new commemorative coins only for 1985 and 2023. The legislative situation was different for each year.
While multiple coin bills were introduced in 1985 (and in the years immediately prior), none called for a 1985-dated commemorative coin. The US Mint, and its partners, were still engaged in the 1983-84 Los Angeles Olympic Games coin program, and attention was also on the pending immense 1986 Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Centennial coin program for 1986. 1985 coin issues were not the focus.
For 2023, the legislative situation was different. In the years prior to 2023, multiple coin bills were proposed for the year. Their subjects included: the Sultana Steamboat Disaster, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Lincoln Memorial Centennial and the Working Dog. (I've previously posted about each of these coin proposals in a What If? discussion.) None of the bills was authorized by Congress.
Note: I've mentioned before about how I believed the 250th Anniversary of the 1773 Boston Tea Party would have made for a solid, historically modern commemorative coin program. I still believe it!So, the modern US commemorative coin series has two gap years - 1985 and 2023. Of course, privately-struck commemorative medals are available for these years for those interested, with a number of themes from which to choose.
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more Quick Bits stories, see:
Commems Collection
Posted 02/14/2026 5:08 pm
Uncirculated American Silver Eagles 
