Commems Collection Modern: Quick Bits #08 - Reducing The National Debt / 1980's

Most issues of the modern United States ("US") commemorative coin series have a named sponsor organization driving them and receiving 100% of collected surcharges. But this was not always the case. In the early years of the program, all-encompassing private sponsors were not a given and net proceeds of coin sales were to be paid (in whole or in part) to the General Fund of the US Treasury to aid in reducing the national debt.

Which issues?

- 1982 George Washington Birth Bicentennial

"An amount equal to the amount of all surcharges which are received by the Secretary from the sale of such half-dollar coins shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury and shall be used for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt."




- 1987 US Constiution Bicentennial

" An amount equal to the amount of all surcharges which 31 USC 5112 are received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this title shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury and shall be used for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt."






- 1989 US Congress Bicentennial

"Fifty percent of the first $40,000,000 in surcharges that are received by the Secretary from the sale of coins minted under this Act shall be deposited in the Capitol Preservation Fund and be available to the United States Capitol Preservation Commission. The balance of the surcharges received by the Secretary shall be deposited in the general fund of the Treasury for the sole purpose of reducing the national debt."








For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more about each of the coins discussed here, see: Commems Collection