Modern Commemoratives

Also known as modern commems, these bullion coins are collectibles issued by U.S. Mints since 1982. They are noted for their numismatic value above and beyond their bullion content. Most modern commemorative programs will include a variety of coins. 

Modern Commemoratives have been issued in four denominations: 

• .50¢
• $1
• $5
• $10

50¢ Commemoratives

The 1982 George Washington half dollar was the first coin to be considered a modern commemorative. These coins were minted in a proof edition produced at San Francisco and a Brilliant Uncirculated edition produced at Denver. Half-dollar modern commemorative can be a good place for numismatists with a limited budget to start because they tend to have lower costs than their higher denomination relatives. However, the issue of half-dollar modern commemorative. has been rather sporadic, and most new programs don’t include a half-dollar coin. 

$1 Modern Commems

The Silver dollar is the silver denomination most likely to be included in modern commem programs. With the exception of programs that include only a gold coin, it is safe to assume that there will be a silver dollar in every new program, resulting in a couple of new coins each year. Not surprisingly, they tend to be more expensive than their half-dollar counterparts but more affordable than the higher-denomination gold coins. Interestingly, the price of modern silver dollars does not always relate closely to their mintage. 

$5 & $10 Modern Commemoratives

These are the most expensive group of modern commemoratives. Not all programs have both a $5 and $10 gold coin, but most have at least one. Unlike modern silver dollars, the price of gold commemoratives tends to follow their mintage closely. Those issued prior to 1995 were minted in higher numbers and can often be found for affordable prices. After 1995 falling collector demand resulted in scarcer issues. These coins tend to sell for far beyond their issue price. Other than the bimetallic 2000 Library of Congress $10 coin, the most expensive modern gold coin tends to be the Jackie Robinson BU $5, which had a mintage of just under 5,000 coins.  Since the start of the Modern Commemorative Coin program, its popularity has fluctuated with changes in subject matter and precious metal prices.