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US commemorative coin programs: classic, modern, and the box
Classic commemoratives (1892–1954) are a type set. Modern commemoratives (1982-on) are usually a Mint product. The box matters more than the speech on the reverse.
The United States has run commemorative coins in two big moods.
Classic commemoratives, mostly halves, run 1892–1954. Columbian, Stone Mountain, Booker T. Washington, and a long list of towns and expos. These are collected as a type set. Many are 90% silver. Some are common. Some are not. Commemorative halves.
Modern commemoratives restart in 1982 (Washington half) and never really stop. Olympics, veterans, halls of fame, first spouses, and whatever Congress approved this year. Uncirculated and proof. Often sold in a box with a certificate.
What a shop does
Classic: we look at the type, the date, the grade, the silver. A common classic half is often silver plus a small type number. A scarce one is a collected coin. Sheldon.
Modern: we look at metal and product. Gold modern commems are gold. Silver is silver. The story on the reverse does not set the bid. A damaged box is still the metal. A common 1982 Washington half is not a 1936 classic.
What it is not
A state quarter is a circulating program, not this bookshelf. A medal is not a commemorative coin even if it says “commemorative” on the card.
Do not clean the classics. Don’t clean.
Continue in the coin and money library. Related visitor guides: for shop visitors.