Commems Collection Modern: Quick Bits #04 - Silver Half Dollars

From time to time here on CCF, a question is asked about Silver Half Dollars vs. Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Clad Half Dollar and why there are so few silver releases within the modern US commemorative coin series. I've discussed the topic in my Q&A series, see it here:

- Questions: Answer #10 - Clad Half Dollars

Note: The above Q&A link provides the legal framework for the modern commemorative clad half dollars. It's very relevant background that is not repeated here.

As of July 2025, the modern series of US commemorative coins includes just two silver half dollars: 1982 250th Anniversary of George Washington's Birth and 1993 James Madison / Bill of Rights.






There have been a number of others that have been proposed, however. You can read about some here:

- What If? 1986 Battle Of The Alamo 150th Anniversary

- What If? 1992-93 US Mint Bicentennial Commemorative

- What If? 1993-95 FDR Memorial Silver Coins

- What If? 1997 Thomas Edison Birth Sesquicentennial

- What If? 1997 Thomas Edison Birth Centennial - Circulating Half Dollar

- What If? 1997 Marian Anderson Birth Centennial

- 2004 Thomas Alva Edison - 125th Anniversary Of Light Bulb

- 2004 Lewis And Clark Bicentennial - 105th Congress

- 2004 Lewis And Clark Bicentennial - 106th Congress

- What If? 2008 NASA 50th Anniversary - 108th Congress


So, while a silver commemorative half dollar would require special action by Congress, such silver coins are definitely still possible!