Modern Commemorative Coins... See What They're Worth
Commemorative coins have been around since the days of the Greeks and Romans. In the beginning, they were used to record and honor important events. And, in the absence of newspapers, they proved useful in passing along important news of the day.
Many modern nations have issued commemorative coins which are highly sought after by collectors. But no nation has surpassed the United States when it comes to commemorative coins.
People who collect commemoratives are usually geared more toward the historical side of coin collecting. It is the historical features of the commemoratives that create interest among many people who would otherwise have little interest in coins.
Here's more about commemorative coins...
What Are Commemorative Coins?
These special coins are usually issued either to commemorate events or to help pay for monuments and celebrations that commemorate historical persons, places, or things.
A commemorative coin is offered in most instances by a commission in charge of the event to be commemorated and it's sold at a price higher than the face value of the coin.
There have been many many commemoratives made over the years -- too many to list in one article. So I'm going to list what are known as the "modern" commemoratives here.
Modern Commemorative Coins
Modern commemoratives are commemorative coins minted from 1982 to present date. The prices below are for MS-67 grade coins. Anything graded less will be worth considerably less.
2007
Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative
2007 P Silver Dollar - $40.00
2007 P Gold $5 Coin - $250.00
2006
San Francisco Old Mint Commemorative
2006 S Silver Dollar - $40.00
2006 S Gold $5 Coin - $250.00
Benjamin Franklin Commemorative
2006 P "Scientist" Silver Dollar - $67.00
2006 P "Founding Father" Silver Dollar - $61.00
2005
Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Commemorative
2005 P Silver Dollar - $45.00
Chief Justice John Marshall Commemorative
2005 P Silver Dollar - $40.00
2004
Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commemorative
2004 P Silver Dollar - $42.00
Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative
2004 P Silver Dollar - $45.00
2003
First Flight Centennial Commemorative
2003 P Half Dollar - $18.00
2003 P Silver Dollar - $40.00
2003 P Gold $10 Coin - $530.00
2002
West Point Bicentennial Commemorative
2002 W Silver Dollar - $30.00
Salt Lake City Olympic Games Commemorative
2002 D Silver Dollar - $42.00
2002 W Gold $5 Coin - $500.00
2001
Capitol Visitor Center Commemorative
2001 P Half Dollar - $16.00
2001 P Silver Dollar - $45.00
2001 W Gold $5 Coin - $1,350.00
American Buffalo Commemorative
2001 D Silver Dollar - $285.00
2000
Leif Ericson Millennium Commemorative
2000 P Silver Dollar - $95.00
Library of Congress Bicentennial Commemorative
2000 P Silver Dollar - $47.00
2000 W Gold/Platinum $10 Coin - $3,500.00
1999
Yellowstone National Park Commemorative
1999 P Silver Dollar - $56.00
George Washington Death Bicentennial Commemorative
1999 W Gold $5 Coin - $475.00
Dolly Madison Commemorative
1999 P Silver Dollar - $55.00
1998
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Commemorative
1998 S Silver Dollar - $160.00
Robert F. Kennedy Commemorative
1998 S Silver Dollar - $35.00
1997
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Commemorative
1997 P Silver Dollar - $190.00
Franklin D. Roosevelt Commemorative
1997 W Gold $5 Coin - $1,000.00
Jackie Robinson Commemorative
1997 S Silver Dollar - $100.00
1997 W Gold $5 Coin - $5,000.00
Botanic Garden Commemorative
1997 P Silver Dollar - $50.00
1996
Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary Commemorative
1996 D Silver Dollar - $155.00
1996 W Gold $5 Coin - $1,300.00
National Community Service Commemorative
1996 S Silver Dollar - $275.00
1995
Special Olympics Games Commemorative
1995 W Silver Dollar - $32.00
Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative
1995 S Basketball Half Dollar - $24.00
1995 S Baseball Half Dollar - $26.00
1995 S Swimming Half Dollar - $175.00
1995 S Soccer Half Dollar - $110.00
1995 D Gymnastics Silver Dollar - $90.00
1995 D Paralympics Silver Dollar - $100.00
1995 D Track and Field Silver Dollar - $100.00
1995 D Cycling Silver Dollar - $165.00
1996 D Tennis Silver Dollar - $325.00
1996 D Paralympics Silver Dollar - $400.00
1996 D Rowing Silver Dollar - $375.00
1996 D High Jump Silver Dollar - $480.00
1995 W Torch Runner Gold $5 Coin - $700.00
1995 W Stadium Gold $5 Coin - $1,150.00
1996 W Flag Bearer Gold $5 Coin - $950.00
1996 W Cauldron Gold $5 Coin - $900.00
Civil War Battlefields Commemorative
1995 S Half Dollar - $50.00
1995 P Silver Dollar - $85.00
1995 W Gold $5 Coin - $800.00
1994
U.S. Capitol Bicentennial Commemorative
1994 D Silver Dollar - $24.00
Women in Military Services Memorial Commemorative
1994 W Silver Dollar - $50.00
U.S. Prisoner of War Memorial Commemorative
1994 W Silver Dollar - $100.00
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commemorative
1994 W Silver Dollar - $92.00
World Cup Tournament Commemorative
1994 D Half Dollar - $13.00
1994 D Silver Dollar - $28.00
1994 W Gold $5 Coin - $325.00
1993
Thomas Jefferson Commemorative
1993 & 94 P Silver Dollar - $27.00
Bill of Rights Commemorative
1993 W Half Dollar - $22.00
1993 D Silver Dollar - $21.00
1993 W Gold $5 Coin - $325.00
1992
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative
1992 D Half Dollar - $13.00
1992 D Silver Dollar - $32.00
1992 W Gold $5 Coin - $330.00
White House 200th Anniversary Commemorative
1992 D Silver Dollar - $36.00
XXV Olympiad Commemorative
1992 P Half Dollar - $8.50
1992 D Silver Dollar - $25.00
1992 W Gold $5 Coin - $300.00
1991
50th Anniversary of World War II Commemorative (All coins date 1991-1995)
P Half Dollar - $35.00
D Silver Dollar - $34.00
W Gold $5 Coin - $350.00
United Service Organizations Commemorative
1991 D Silver Dollar - $17.00
Korean War Memorial Commemorative
1991 D Silver Dollar - $16.50
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Commemorative
1991 D Half Dollar - $22.00
1991 P Silver Dollar - $36.00
1991 W Gold $5 Coin - $300.00
1990
Eisenhower Centennial Commemorative
1990 W Silver Dollar - $20.00
1989
Congress Bicentennial Commemorative
1989 D Half Dollar - $8.50
1989 D Silver Dollar - $18.00
1989 W Gold $5 Coin - $200.00
1988
Seoul Olympiad Commemorative
1988 D Silver Dollar - $14.00
1988 W Gold $5 Coin - $185.00
1987
Constitution Bicentennial Commemorative
1987 P Silver Dollar - $14.00
1987 W Gold $5 Coin - $185.00
1986
Statue of Liberty Commemorative
1986 D Half Dollar - $6.75
1986 P Silver Dollar - $13.00
1986 W Gold $5 Coin - $185.00
1983 - 1984
Los Angeles Olympiad Commemorative
1983 P Discus Thrower Silver Dollar - $12.00
1983 D Discus Thrower Silver Dollar - $12.00
1983 S Discus Thrower Silver Dollar - $12.00
1984 P Coliseum Silver Dollar - $14.00
1984 D Coliseum Silver Dollar - $18.00
1984 S Coliseum Silver Dollar - $18.00
1984 P Gold $10 Coin - $375.00
1984 D Gold $10 Coin - $390.00
1984 S Gold $10 Coin - $360.00
1984 W Gold $10 Coin - $360.00
1982
George Washington Commemorative
1982 D Half Dollar - $7.00
Read about commemorative coins authorized by Congress which celebrate and honor American people, places, historic events, and institutions. Commemorative coins are only available directly from the United States Mint for a limited time.
Debbie,
I have not seen or heard of that particular piece before, but it sounds like a novelty coin. If it really is a solid gold coin about 1/2" wide, I would suggest it probably is a 1/10 ounce gold coin. If so, current value for the piece is at least 1/10 current gold bullion value - or about $100-125 for the coin.
I would like to know how much a small - about a half inch in diameter, solid gold JFK JR commemerative coin with his birth yr and date of death yr full profile on front on back is the eagle - Anyone know? - Debbie
Angie,
I did a search on this piece; I came across a few medals and novelty coins similar to this; they were generally priced between $3-10, but because I can't be sure if I have come across your exact piece, I can't tell you what your actual specimen is worth. I do hope this helps a bit, though....
Can somebody help me please?
I need to know how much a JFK commemorative coin worth:
In front:
JHON F. KENNEDY
(profile face)
1917 - 1963
Reverse:
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
"ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY...." (speech)
Capitolium image
35th PRESIDENT
Thank you!
Hi Matt:
Yes, the 2009 High Relief gold coin is worth something indeed. In fact, it had first been sold from the Mint for $1,189.00. However, keep in mind that flucuating gold prices will affect the value of the 2009 High Relief Saint-Guadens gold coin.
In 1988, the U.S. Mint made two basic kinds of silver dollars--an Olympic commemorative and a Silver Eagle bullion coin. In Uncirculated, both are worth around $20. In proof, the the Olympic dollar is also worth around $20, but the proof 1988 silver eagle is worth closer to $30-35.
Yo I have a 2009 High relief coin, and a proof 1988 commemorative silver dollar, are any of these worth anthing? The prices are different in every places.
I have picked up this 3 coin set. Its apparently a Vatican Aniversary set. The owner put the weight in the add and I bought it under the assumption its .999 gold. It looks like it's .900 now that I have it. I can find no info at all on it. Anybody know or have info on this set? It's really nice and appears proof.Here's a link to the add http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=320386540299#ebayphotohosting
And Photobucket with pics. http://s127.photobucket.com/albums/p140/RDTS/Ebay/
Kim,
With the exception of any scarce errors, your 1879 and 1901 silver dollars should be worth roughly $20-30 in typical, circulated grades.
IF your 1879 has the mint mark "CC" (Carson City) under the eagle, then that piece is worth closer to $300-500 in typcial worn grades.
I have a 1901 and a 1879 Silver Dollar. Does anyone now what they are worth? I cant to sell them.
Hi, Ralph--
You're welcome. I looked again at the coin and really have no idea what its origin is. It may be a wonderful deal but I don't know for sure because I really can't judge where its from....
I always advise to check seller feedback and buyer's comments when it comes to eBay. I have personally purchased several coins on eBay with no problems whatsoever, but I am very careful from whom I buy--check out the overall history of the sellers.
Good luck to you!
Thanks for the heads up. Searched Franklin mint and any other I could find, nothing shows up. I guess you could say it's very rare? I asked for any documentation as to it's origin or even documentation of its gold content, the sellers can't provide anything concrete. They will cancel the sale monday and refund me. To bad as with even a shred of docs to its gold content I'd keep it.
Hi, Ralph:
I just looked at the coin and can tell you this is not one of the official U.S. Mint legal tender commemoratives of the type which have been struck over the past fer decades. It might be a Franklin Mint piece, but I am not sure. At any rate, yes, if the coin is truly pure gold, it is certainly worth at least bullion value.
Here is a coin I purchased and can find no history on. It appears in the same weight and size class as a lot of US mint commemeratives $10 coins I've picked up. It is supposed to be 17.2 grams of .900 gold. It reads Vietnam Veterans Memorial with a picture of the statue with 3 soldiers on it, also small markings "(C) HART VMMF 1984" which I beleive stand for "Veterans Memorial Monument Fund" and the other side has a rose with a background of the names on the wall.I would appreciate any info on this coin. Thanks!!
Here's the ebay link http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=370105731985
I have a simular coin except it has a saying on the back, no hole and the dates are one either sid of his head. The saying is "First in war, First in peace, first in the hearts of his country men.
Served eight years as president without pay."
then around the saying it says"American Fabius" and "Father of his country"
any answers let me know please. I am very interested!
I too have a coin of the same likeness with the same dates as well as the same hole at the top. I too have the same questions as Nate Kratz. please send any information that you find out about the coin
i have a coin that appears a gold color with a hole on the top as almost for a necklace or something, but yet it says... 1789 1st president U.S.A. 1797 on top above his head on the bottom George Washington it appears to be a VERY old coin if someone knows about this or would like a picture let me know i need help on it :O thanks you
HELLO MY NICK NAME IS EMITT I ALLSO HAVE A COIN FROM SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY $5 COMMEMORATIVE 9/29/1988 IF YOU NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ME THIS IS MY PHONE NO. 1-508-998-1945
I have a authentic First Day Cover, as defined by the US Postal Service, and that it contains a Limited Edition Sterling Silver Proof of the Postmasters of Commemorative Stamp issued on March 1, 1972 in Commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of Yellowstone Park.
I have: Certificate of Authenticity; original sleeve; sealed coin in original placard; Commentary sheet describing Centenial; Clipping, 2 pages, Yellowstone Park Westways lMagazine, 1972.
All is in almost perfect condition. Can someone please give me an idea if it is worth anything. reply to raeleenw2@msn.com Please put Yellowstone in subect line. Thank you
Raeleen
I have a $5 commenorative silver coin issued by the Marshal Islands re: Gen. Douglas MacArthur's return to the Phillipines with his likeness on it. Dated 1994.
I believe it's a gold plated coin. I have a similiar one. There were no US Gold coins minted in 1972.
hi. i have a 'gold??' eisenhower 1 dollar coin dated 1972 and was hoping someone may be able to give me some info about this. many thanks in advance.
We have a coin that has George Washington on both sides. It is a little larger than a quarter. Around the top it says (1789 1st President U.S.A. 1797) and Around the bottom, (George Washington).
Could you tell us what kind of coin it is and perhaps what the value may be? Thanks, Kay
General Comment - Most of you are describing "coins" that are not officially issued by the U.S. Mint, but rather 3rd parties who do not have anything to do with the mint. Which, unfortunately makes those "coins" only worth about the value of the metal that they contain. If you would like to know just about every commemorative put out by the U.S Mint over the years I would suggest a guide to U.S. commemoratives such as this one on Amazon.. GUIDE TO U.S. COMMEMORATIVE COINS
Good info.....
Have you ever heard of a small cooper coin of George Washington on the front with Born 1732 died 1799 on the back, also have one with abe lincoln with a design on the back. They are the size of a dime.
how much real silver is in a US Commemorative coin? - Bill
I am in possession of a 1931 Memorial Commemorative coin for the George Washington Bridge -New York to New Jersey. How do I go about finding out the value of this commemorative coin?
I have three commemorative $5 cupronickel coins. I space shuttle columbia 1981-1991 (4-1-1991)/1 elvis presley (1993)/1 dwight d eisenhower (10-13-1990). All were issued by the Republic of the Marshall Islands. any info would be helpful Thanks
I have a $2 bill with red markings ans is signed by C. Douglas Dillon and Kathryn (I can't make out her other two names); a Dwight Eisenhower Commerative silver dollar; a gold-plated Susan B. Anthony (2000) dollar; a John Adams 1797-1801 dollar; and a Kennedy Commerative dollar. Are these worth anything?
I have a 10/21/1892 400th anniversary of the discovery of the US cooper coin.
It bears the image of Christopher Columbus on the front.
I'm interested in the history and value of this coin.
Yes I believe it is. You've got a nice coin there. CLICK HERE to see one that's listed on e-bay for $1,500.
- Jay
I have a $5 Gold 1995 "The Centennial Games" with the eagle on the tails side and a roman looking stadium on the other. Is this the same as the stadium listed here?
Pauline - I'm not aware of a Bronx Zoo commemorative. I believe what you have may be a 3/4 oz silver bullion round. They make these silver bullion coins with all types of pictures and symbols on them. They're worth the weight of silver contained in them. Silver is currently almost $16.00 per oz.
- Jay
1981 Bronx Zoo commerative silver coin 3/4 troy ounce
Can't seem to find any information on the value of the coin. Can you help?