US Classic Commemoratives Potential

Like all US coin series, the classic commemorative series market definitely has its cycles. For the past few years, the market for classic (and modern) commemoratives has definitely been in the "down" part of the cycle. Prices for coins that are average for their grade have fallen and show weakness in most auctions. True high-quality coins have performed better as there remains a solid base of collectors who are looking to assemble a top-notch set.

You didn't say in what grade you are looking to assemble your set. This will have a major impact on your set's future potential.

The reality of the market is that for most issues, coins in grades up to MS-64 are common enough that supply rarely exceeds demand. This is even true for some issues in grades of MS-65. As a result, unless you work to assemble a very high-end mint state set, it is unlikely that your coins will appreciate significantly even during the "up" portion of the cycle. Yes, the value of coins in grades MS-64 and below will increase, but not as quickly or to the same extend as higher graded coins. The last time prices jumped dramatically across the board was when the market went haywire back in late 1989 and early 1990 - at the time, coins were being touted as investment vehicles to those outside the hobby and for a short period of time coin prices skyrocketed. The market collapse that followed caused much pain for those who didn't get out of their "investments" in time!

I'm not trying to sour you on your pursuit of a classic US commemorative series, quite the contrary. I'm just trying to give you a sense of the current market and help you set reasonable expectations.

My advice, take your time and buy the choicest examples in what ever grade you choose. Attractive, original coins that are choice for their assigned grade will always have a market.


@CelticKnot: Thanks for the complimentary reference!

As stated very well by commems and nickelsearcher: Early commemoratives are in a lull. Now is the time to buy. I've firmly believed they will rise in the future. Just too much history and stories behind each coin for them not to rise in price.
My philosophy is to buy the best that I can afford. If you do some searching you will see for each issue there is a somewhat large jump in price. Usually at the 67 and above level or with monster toning. I tend to buy at the level below this spike. My goal is "Eye Appeal"
So after this monologue, buy what seems to fit your goals.

@LeeG - that Dallas brochure for the 1936 Texas Centennial is interesting. Do you have scans of the inside pages?

Very interesting, indeed. Thank you for sharing.

@muddler Congratulations on you almost complete Classic Commemorative....still working on mine but working harder on my Modern Commemoratives. I have 64% of them in total but the gold commemoratives are killing me having to save up for them and the prices on some of the silver are high as well. I just wanted to tell you that I did manage to collect all of the B.T. Washington's in MS65 and MS66 but it took me 3 years of searching to find them all. I do buy classics when I find them reasonable.

To get a complete set of classic commemoratives would take years and possibly decades.

If you are successful, you will own a very valuable numismatic asset.

The market for them over a long period will show all the vagaries of market variation. The correct way of facing this fact is simply decide if you wish to go for a complete set or not, and not worry about the market for them.

Here is a couple images of the inside of the Texas brochure: