Commemorative Coins to Add to Your Collection
Commemorative coins are coins minted to commemorate, or honor, a person, place, event, or even a time in history. Commemorative coins are appealing works of art in their own right, and if purchased uncirculated, as a collector’s item, these coins may come in beautiful colors, with literature, or special storage containers. The following is a basic description of some of the more popular commemorative coins.
Almost everyone has owned a state quarter at sometime or another. About every ten weeks from 1999 through 2008, a new quarter is released commemorating one of the fifty states. These quarters are in wide circulation, so casual collectors can probably find them by simply sorting through their loose pocket change. State quarters can also be ordered colorized, with maps with slots for each of the quarters, or even with adorable teddy bears.
The Sacagawea golden dollar is a somewhat less popular commemorative coin. Released in 2000 to honor the contributions of the Native American woman (actually a girl since she was only 15 at the time), Sacagawea, to the Lewis and Clark expedition, however, the coin never really caught on, though it’s still a treat for collectors.
Not all commemorative coins were minted so recently. The Oregon Trail Half Dollar, minted from 1926-1939, celebrated the spirit of the pioneers who settled the west. Oxen pulling a wagon are displayed on one side of the coin and a Native American man with an outstretched arm is depicted on the other.
Some coins have also been minted to celebrate famous Americans, such as Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin.
Commemorative Coins from Other Countries
Of course, not only the United States mints commemorative coins. Canada has coins commemorating, among other things, cancer victim Terry Fox’s run across Canada, the sinking of the Titanic, and the use of sled dog teams to cross the frozen countryside.
Great Britain has a fascinating and intricately designed two-pound coin, struck in silver and plated in gold, celebrating the discovery of DNA. On a more somber note, the coins struck in 1981 to celebrate Prince Charles’s wedding to Lady Diana still haunt many online auction sites.
Even Jordan has coins to commemorate the World Wildlife Fund and the International Year of the Child, among other events. Some Jordan coins also mark events in the royal family, such as the 25th and 40th anniversary of King Hussein’s reign.
Commemorative coins can be a fun way to launch your coin collection while learning a little about the history of a country at the same time.
 |
American Weigh Signature Series Black Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 grams List Price: $17.95  |
|
The AMW Series is a great durable and compact pocket scale for those who are seeking the on the go high-tech portable scale. The backlit LCD display helps make the numbers viewable and easy to read. The intuitive protective cover provides protection for the scale... |
 |
Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G List Price: $11.95 |
|
Introducing the M-500 from Fast Weigh Scales! This hip little scale is one of the hottest and most economical scales on the market today! The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray... |
 |
2012 Guide Book of United States Coins: Red Book List Price: $14.95 |
|
The Official Red Book A Guide Book of United States Coins is 65 years young and going strong. Collectors around the country love the convenience of the spiralbound edition. It opens up and lies flat on the table while you study your coin collection... |
 |
State Series Quarters Collector Map List Price: $9.99 |
|
This is the State Series Quarters Collector Map by Whitman®. / / FEATURES: A beautiful, 4-color, oversized 3-fold folder with snap latch. / Color-coded map of the United States will showcase one of each / state quarter design... |
 |
2012 Handbook of U.s. Coins: Blue Book (Handbook of United States Coins (Paper)) List Price: $9.95 |
|
The Official Blue Book of United States Coins 2012, Paperback. This guide features grading and collecting tips, mintage records, historical information, and data compiled by more than 50 coin-elite contributors... |
|
American Weigh Signature Series Black Digital Pocket Scale, 1000 by 0.1 grams List Price: $17.95 |
|
The AMW Series is a great durable and compact pocket scale for those who are seeking the on the go high-tech portable scale. The backlit LCD display helps make the numbers viewable and easy to read. The intuitive protective cover provides protection for the scale... |
|
Fast Weigh MS-500-BLK Digital Pocket Scale, 500 by 0.1 G List Price: $11.95 |
|
Introducing the M-500 from Fast Weigh Scales! This hip little scale is one of the hottest and most economical scales on the market today! The removable cover keeps the scale protected when not in use and also doubles as an expansion tray... |
