I came across the following piece recently while researching a different topic. It is an piece that, I believe, nicely summarizes the thoughts of many collectors (and souvenir seekers) of the time (and perhaps still to this day, though the economics are very different!).
The piece is uncredited, but appears to be a syndicated service piece as it appeared in multiple newspapers in July 1926. I thought folks might enjoy a glimpse into the earlier days of the classic-era of US commemorative coins.
Memorial Coins Gain Popularity"There is growing demand in America for the minting of coins commemorative of various events, historic and otherwise. In former days patriotic associations desiring financial support in their efforts to stage celebrations of anniversaries had bills introduced in Congress calling for the issuance of medals sanctioned by the Government mints. But no longer are medals wanted for that purpose. For one thing, it has been pointed out, coins sell much better than do medals.
"Apart from esthetic [sic] considerations, purchasers of coins, even if they pay a premium of 100 per cent, are assured of receiving at least half of their money back. Thus the buyer of a Grant half dollar who pays $1 for it really parted only with 50 cents.
"Medals, on the other hand, seldom contain the same proportion of silver or gold as a coin, and should a purchaser wish to dispose of one of these medals he would scarcely realize 25 per cent of the sum paid. Medals, furthermore, are not legal tender, whereas commemorative coins enjoy all the privileges of the standard currency."
Personally, I enjoy collecting the 19th/early 20th century US Mint medals referenced in the article - I think they are an excellent supplement to my commemorative coins; I've written about many of them here on CCF over the years.
For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 07/10/2025 5:59 pm
