Silver Commemoratives

Silver commemorative coinage was introduced to collectors by the Mint in 1892; the first issue commemorated the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the New World, and celebrated the Columbian Exposition held in Chicago. From 1892 to 1954, 48 different distinctive commemorative half dollars were issued, in addition to the commemorative Isabella quarter in 1893 and Lafayette dollar in 1900. Some of the half dollars were coined in PDS sets, and for several years running. A complete set comprises 144 pieces, representing all issues and mints. The "Classic" commemorative half dollar series ended in 1954, with the final issue of the Booker T. Washington-George Washington Carver four-year PDS set. Since these coins were sold to collectors, most examples today remain in Mint State grades, with Gem quality specimens of many issues affordable. Impressively toned coins are especially popular, with substantial premiums often paid for extraordinary quality and visual appeal.
Concise reference books include: THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF UNITED STATES SILVER AND GOLD COMMEMORATIVE COINS 1892-1954 by Anthony Swiatek and Walter Breen; COMMEMORATIVE COINS OF THE UNITED STATES: A COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA by Q. David Bowers; A GUIDE BOOK OF UNITED STATES COINS by R.S. Yeoman; and the all encompassing COMPLETE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF U.S. AND COLONIAL COINS by Walter Breen.

Famous Issues: 1892 Columbian Exposition, 1893 Isabella Quarter, 1900 Lafayette Dollar, 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial.

A Highlight Silver Commemoratives from our Auctions

1928 MS 65 PCGS Hawaiian

Auction 9800   from Thursday, December 25, 1969 4:59pm to Thursday, January 1, 1970 10:00pm ET
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