Who Collects Commemorative Coins ?

My first commemorative is the San Fransisco Mint UNC silver dollar, I picked up two, one for my personal collection and one to sell in 15 or so years.

Down the road I want to get my father the 2005 Marine Crops Silver dollar, as he was a Marine Officer for 23 years.

I collect both and the earlier Commemoratives aren't that easy to find anymore so the challenge remains in finding them...some also have history of ownership (Pedigrees if you will). While most of my interest and my collection is in ciruclated coins, my Commens collection is growing in leaps and bounds.

I also don't understand the interest in commemoratives; although, I can appreciate the divergence in collectors' interest. There is no doubt that some of the designs are breathtaking. And, In my attempts to understand this, I'm in no way trying to dissuade or or put down the collecting of commems. I'm merely trying to understand. The way I see it is the mint recognizes a "market" and targets a product to take advantage of coin collectors. Or, perhaps the mint creates the market and takes full advantage of it. I also collect old advertising signs, particularly soda. However, I would never collect a modern reproduction or "fantasy" piece that never was produced for use. To me coin collecting is all about coins that were actually used in circulation. It is too easy to pump out a commem. for anything the minters want, limiting production, and insuring rarity. The only people that know about or care about commems. are coin collectors; the average person doesn't even know they exist and will never come across them in their lifetime. Please help me understand!

You are absolutely right Tbar. I truly believe "variety is the spice of life". I love the diversity in coin collecting and do love the designs of many commems. But actually, I know this is blashemy; but, I don't get VAMS and errors either. I want to thank you all; though, because everyday I'm learning more and getting more interested in numismatics.

I collect commems. I got started with the Stn. Mtn. because I live there and have a number of different ones in my collection now. I like them quite a bit and still enjoy the hunt to find them. I do not have a complete set of them due in large part to my other collecting goals and financial situation. However, I could definitly appreciate someone who does collect them mainly. I think they are pretty neat.

Hi all, first happy new year to everyone
A member of my local coin club brought in a complete set of early commemorative half dollars that his grandfather assembled, passed to the guy's father, and now has been passed to the grandson (the coin club member)....When passed to the grandson, it was complete except for about 15 coins which he subsequently purchased to complete the set. He then sent them in for grading/slabbing (personally, I would never have done THAT!!) The coins were very nicely preserved, most are brilliant with a few showing some toning. The Grandfather accumulated these when issued for a dollar or so each...The set now, all in MS65-67, is valued at $100,000 approximately.

Some say they are not coins, but medals or rounds? DISAGREE

Some say not worth it? CHECK IT OUT

Uninspiring designs and artwork? For example, James and Laura Frasier's art, before the days of laser cutting, is absolutely stunning, world class.

As for modern commems, who can say after 80-100 years what a full set of well preserved moderns will be worth?

This is just my lowly humble opinion, but those who ignore commems, early or modern, are missing out on a lot of fun and enjoyment. Please don't take that as a judgemental statement, though, because the most attractive thing about our hobby is that we all can decide what path to take, and there are innumerable side paths to explore, each one just as interesting as the next to whomever pursues it.

All the best to all, and hope the new year of 2007 is rewarding to everyone's numismatic pursuits!

I like some of the commemoratives, both classic and modern. I'll pick one up now and then if I like the design. The thing that irks me the most about modern commems is that the gold ones have the most beautiful designs, and I can't afford to get the gold

As far as circulated commems goes, here's one of my favorites from my meager collection ...