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 Replies: 13 / Views: 2,014 |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
Between 1892 and 1954, our "classic" commemorative period, the United States was the world's most prolific issuer of commemorative coins. The US issued 59 different commemorative type coins; 50 of the design types were struck in silver and 9 were minted in gold. The US struck commemorative coins in five denominations: $0.25, $0.50, $1.00, $2.50 and $50.00; the $1.00 denomination was used for coins struck in silver as well as gold. When all of the varieties and various dates and mintmarks are counted, the US issued a total of 144 silver and 13 gold commemoratives. This is a total of 157 coins between 1892 and 1954 -- an average of 2.5 commemorative coins per year.
The next closest "commemorative coin" country was Germany during the Weimer Republic. It issued 29 different commemorative coin types using three different denominations: 3 Mark, 3 Reichsmark and 5 Reichsmark. The one 3 Mark coin was struck in aluminum, all of the other coins were struck in 0.500 fine silver. Germany struck many of its commemorative coins at multiple of its mints, though just with one date each. In total, across all mints, the Weimer Republic issued 101 commemorative coins between 1922 and 1932 -- an average of over nine coins per year (nearly four times the US average!)
Following the US and Germany, the next most prolific issuers of commemoratives during the 1892 to 1954 period were Czechoslovakia with 12 different silver types between 1928 and 1954 (they issued five more types between 1955 and 1957) and Austria with 10 different silver issues between 1928 and 1937.
Today, the US, Germany and Austria continue to be prolific issuers of commemorative coins, but they have been joined by a long list of other countries that are led by Australia, Canada, France, Great Britain and a number of micro-nations of the South Pacific that issue non-circulating legal tender (NCLT) commemorative coins in dizzying numbers. I often wonder if it's sustainable or if these modern mints are on the verge of "breaking" the hobby for many who currently participate in it via modern commemorative issues.
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
Australia puts out some very interesting ones. I love their Battle of Midway coin.
The old $2.50 coins were all gold ones if I'm not mistaken or were there a couple silver ones I am forgetting?
Edited by basebal21
07/16/2012 9:21 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3453 Posts |
While I have set my sights on eventually having a full classic US silver set, I have not decided to do so for modern US silver. I only buy what interests me because I almost feel like I am overloaded between those and the silver eagles, which my husband is dedicated to. But on the plus side, the decision to not attempt to keep up with all modern commems has provided me the freedom to select coins from other countries I really like.
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
Interesting, as always.  Other than satisfying the needs of my 7070, I am not a commemorative collector, yet. However, I have contemplated it a lot, especially after view the many, many beautiful examples provides in this forum by the membership. I would definitely start with the classics because it is a closed set. My biggest fear with the moderns is, as you suggest, that it will be broken by an ever increasing issue rate. I quit collecting stamps for this reason. |
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Moderator
United States
15388 Posts |
I always enjoy your fascinating and informative posts commems ... Interesting that the limited reply perspective leads us to the opinion that a new commemorative collector would begin with the classic silver set. I humbly tend to agree. Still enjoying everything you post. David Take a look at my other hobby ... http://www.jk-dk.art |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
 United States
12252 Posts |
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The old $2.50 coins were all gold ones if I'm not mistaken or were there a couple silver ones I am forgetting? You're correct, all of the $2.50 coins were gold quarter eagles. The max denomination for the silver coins was $1.00. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
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You're correct, all of the $2.50 coins were gold quarter eagles. The max denomination for the silver coins was $1.00. Thanks commems, my bank account thanks you as well. I started to doubt myself and for a minute thought my want list may be getting longer |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
965 Posts |
Wow, what I think is interesting is that the US tries to make commemoratives for collectors rather than circulation. I always thought it would be cool to receive these unusual and innovative designs in pocket change, and I think if the mint did that, there would be a lot more young coin collectors. I agree with your analyses in that I think the governments of these countries are going to break coin collecting. They are just SO exspensive, how could anyone keep a complete set? Personally, I think a country should have one design common to all obverses on all denominations, in addition to one design individual to the denomination, and every few years change the design, or commemorate something. Honestly! there are to many commeoratives!
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
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Personally, I think a country should have one design common to all obverses on all denominations Personally I have the opposite view. Sadly enough people would get confused if they all looked the same, but if everything looked the same modern coin collecting would be dead. I like having the different designs and wish theyd change them more. Some for circulation commems would be cool too like maybe a series of quarters 1 for each of the 4 major sports champions of the year or a certain number of quarters for some special anniversary of the year. Keep it fresh and interesting |
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Moderator
United States
187582 Posts |
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Sadly enough people would get confused if they all looked the same... I wonder how much confusion there was in the Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, and Barber eras.  But I think I get your point, because we have had unique designs for so long. |
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Bedrock of the Community
13014 Posts |
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I wonder how much confusion there was in the Capped Bust, Seated Liberty, and Barber eras.
But I think I get your point, because we have had unique designs for so long. Lol Not only that but people back then had to figure everything out on their own if they wanted things done. Weve lowered the bar in many ways since then. Just look at the confusion Presidential dollars brought, now imagine that if everything had the same designs. |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12252 Posts |
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I think a country should have one design common to all obverses on all denominations, in addition to one design individual to the denomination, and every few years change the design, or commemorate something. If I understand your comment correctly, I think you will find there are a number of countries that currently meet your criteria. Canada is one. All Canadian coins, regardless of denomination, have a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on their obverse. The reverse is reserved for either the standard circulating design or a commemorative design as needed. I believe the same can be said for most coins from Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand and a number of other members of the current Commonwealth. Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Thanks for posting the interesting summary.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
620 Posts |
Another interesting read from a most informed author.
I am working on a set of classic commem half dollars
they are housed in a recycled Dansco album.
When I find one I like I buy one raw coin for the Album
and one graded MS-63 or 64 just to have a nice Ms example on hand.
One day I will pass the graded coins on to my grandkids.
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Replies: 13 / Views: 2,014 |
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Posted 07/16/2012 9:59 pm
