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

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,197
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
	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,197

To participate in the forum you must log in or register.

All Forums Category: US Coins and Currency Forums Forum: US Commemoratives and Non-Circulating Coinage (NCLT) Including Grading, Varieties, and Errors

Silver Gold Bull US is the United States leading bullion dealer. We deliver gold coins, gold bars, silver coins, silver bars and precious metals to your door. Order today!

The First Dollar, your premier source for bullion and rare coins. See our bullion list on the site and the coin inventory on ebay.

View Last 100 Active Topics

Disclaimer: While a tremendous amount of effort goes into ensuring the accuracy of the information contained in this site, Coin Community assumes no liability for errors. Copyright 2005 - 2026 Coin Community Family- all rights reserved worldwide. Use of any images or content on this website without prior written permission of Coin Community or the original lender is strictly prohibited.
Contact Us | Advertise Here | Privacy Policy / Terms of Use

Coin Community Forum

It took 0.22 seconds to rattle this change.