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The Complete Guide to U.S. Classic Commemorative Coins (1892-1954)

The Complete Guide to U.S. Classic Commemorative Coins (1892-1954)

Classic Commemoratives, those issued from 1892 to 1954, have become one of the most popular series in recent years. This fascinating collection consists of 144 varieties of silver issues, including 142 half dollars, one quarter, and one dollar. Let's explore the rich history and remarkable designs of these commemorative coins that mark important moments in American history.

Introduction to Classic Commemoratives

The first United States commemorative coin was issued in 1892 in conjunction with the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. These coins celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Columbus' discovery of America and were sold for $1 at the fair. The Classic Commemorative series began with this Columbian half dollar and ended in 1954 with the Washington/Carver half dollar.

Complete List of Classic Commemorative Coins

 

1. 1892-1893 World's Columbian Exposition Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To celebrate Columbus' 400th anniversary journey and raise funds for the 1893 World's Fair

Obverse: Portrait bust of Columbus facing right by Charles Barber

Reverse: The flagship Santa Maria sailing west by George Morgan

 

2. 1893 Isabella Quarter

 

Purpose: To raise funds for the Board of Lady Managers at the Columbian Exposition

Obverse: Crowned bust of Queen Isabella of Spain

Reverse: A kneeling woman holding a distaff and spindle

First U.S. coin to portray an actual woman (not Liberty)

 

3. 1900 Lafayette Memorial Dollar

 

Purpose: To fund an equestrian statue of Lafayette in Paris

Obverse: Heads of Washington and Lafayette

Reverse: Statue of Lafayette on horseback

First commemorative silver dollar; first coin with Washington; first person (Lafayette) to appear on both sides

 

4. 1915 Panama-Pacific International Exposition Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To celebrate the completion of the Panama Canal

Obverse: Columbia with extended arms and a child holding cornucopia

Reverse: Eagle with extended wings on a shield

 

5. 1918 Illinois Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Illinois statehood

Obverse: Bust of Abraham Lincoln

Reverse: Eagle with shield and state seal

 

6. 1920 Maine Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Maine statehood

Obverse: Arms of the state of Maine with figures representing Commerce and Agriculture

Reverse: Wreath of pine needles and cones

 

7. 1920-1921 Pilgrim Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300th anniversary of the Pilgrim landing

Obverse: Governor William Bradford carrying a Bible

Reverse: The Mayflower sailing west

 

8. 1921 Alabama Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Alabama statehood

Obverse: Portraits of governors William Bibb and Thomas Kilby

Reverse: Alabama state seal

First U.S. coin designed by a woman (Laura Gardin Fraser)

 

9. 1921 Missouri Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Missouri statehood

Obverse: Bust of Daniel Boone wearing coonskin cap

Reverse: Daniel Boone with Native American figure

 

10. 1922 Grant Memorial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate the centenary of Grant's birth

Obverse: Bust of Ulysses S. Grant in military uniform

Reverse: Grant's birthplace in Point Pleasant, Ohio

 

11. 1923 Monroe Doctrine Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of the Monroe Doctrine

Obverse: Busts of James Monroe and John Quincy Adams

Reverse: Female figures representing North and South America

 

12. 1924 Huguenot-Walloon Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of New Netherland founding

Obverse: Busts of Admiral Gaspard de Coligny and William the Silent

Reverse: The ship Nieu Nederlandt sailing

 

13. 1925 California Diamond Jubilee Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 75 years of California's statehood

Obverse: A kneeling prospector with miner's pan

Reverse: A grizzly bear walking

 

14. 1925 Fort Vancouver Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Fort Vancouver's founding

Obverse: Bust of Dr. John McLoughlin

Reverse: A frontier trapper with Fort Vancouver and Mount Hood

 

15. 1925 Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years since the Revolutionary War battles

Obverse: The Minute Man statue in Concord, Massachusetts

Reverse: The Old Belfry in Lexington

 

16. 1925 Stone Mountain Memorial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To fund the Stone Mountain Memorial

Obverse: Generals Robert E. Lee and "Stonewall" Jackson on horseback

Reverse: Eagle perched on mountain precipice

 

17. 1926-1939 Oregon Trail Memorial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate frontier families on the Oregon Trail

Obverse: Conestoga wagon drawn by oxen heading west

Reverse: Native American with outstretched arm and United States map

 

18. 1926 Sesquicentennial of American Independence Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years of American independence

Obverse: Heads of Washington and Calvin Coolidge

Reverse: The Liberty Bell

Only living president (Coolidge) to appear on a U.S. coin

 

19. 1927 Vermont Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years of the Battle of Bennington

Obverse: Head of Ira Allen, "Founder of Vermont"

Reverse: A catamount (mountain lion) with battle dates

 

20. 1928 Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years since Captain Cook's landing

Obverse: Head of Captain James Cook with compass needle

Reverse: Native Hawaiian chief with Diamond Head in background

 

21. 1934-1938 Daniel Boone Bicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 200 years since Boone's birth

Obverse: Bust of Daniel Boone

Reverse: Boone with Native American chief holding peace treaty

 

22. 1934 Maryland Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of Maryland's founding

Obverse: Bust of Cecil Calvert (Lord Baltimore)

Reverse: The coat of arms of Maryland

 

23. 1934-1938 Texas Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Texas independence

Obverse: Eagle over a five-pointed star

Reverse: Victory figure with the Alamo and portraits of Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin

 

24. 1935-1939 Arkansas Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Arkansas statehood

Obverse: Native American chief and Lady Liberty

Reverse: Eagle with Arkansas outline and diamond

 

25. 1935-1936 California-Pacific Exposition Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate the California-Pacific Exposition in San Diego

Obverse: Minerva from the California State Seal

Reverse: Buildings from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition

 

26. 1935 Connecticut Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of Connecticut's founding

Obverse: The Charter Oak tree

Reverse: Eagle standing on rocky mound

 

27. 1935 Hudson, New York, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years of Hudson's founding

Obverse: The ship Half Moon sailing

Reverse: Neptune riding backwards on a whale

 

28. 1935 Old Spanish Trail Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate Cabeza de Vaca's expedition

Obverse: Head of a cow (referencing "Cabeza de Vaca" meaning "head of cow")

Reverse: Yucca tree over a map of Gulf States with expedition route

 

29. 1936 Albany, New York, Charter Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 250 years of Albany's charter

Obverse: Beaver gnawing on maple branch

Reverse: Governor Dongan, Robert Livingston, and the first mayor of Albany

 

30. 1936 Arkansas-Robinson Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To raise funds for the Arkansas Centennial Commission

Obverse: Bust of Senator Joseph T. Robinson

Reverse: Same as regular Arkansas Centennial design

 

31. 1936 Battle of Gettysburg Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 75 years since the battle

Obverse: Confederate and Union veterans in uniform

Reverse: Shields of Union and Confederate armies

 

32. 1936 Bridgeport, Connecticut, Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate P.T. Barnum and Bridgeport's centennial

Obverse: Bust of P.T. Barnum

Reverse: Art Deco stylized eagle

 

33. 1936 Cincinnati Music Center Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 50 years of Cincinnati as a music center

Obverse: Stephen Foster, "America's Troubadour"

Reverse: Kneeling figure representing the goddess of music

 

34. 1936 Cleveland Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Cleveland's incorporation

Obverse: Bust of Moses Cleaveland

Reverse: Map of Great Lakes region with compass

 

35. 1936 Columbia, South Carolina, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years of Columbia's founding

Obverse: Justice between the Old and New State Houses

Reverse: Palmetto tree with crossed arrows

 

36. 1936 Delaware Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of Delaware settlement

Obverse: Old Swedes Church

Reverse: Ship Kalmar Nyckel with three diamonds representing Delaware counties

 

37. 1936 Elgin, Illinois, Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Elgin's founding

Obverse: Bearded pioneer wearing fur cap

Reverse: Four adult pioneers and baby

 

38. 1936 Long Island Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of Long Island settlement

Obverse: Heads of Dutch settler and Algonquin Native American

Reverse: Dutch three-masted ship sailing

 

39. 1936 Lynchburg, Virginia, Sesquicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 150 years of Lynchburg's incorporation

Obverse: Senator Carter Glass (third living person on a U.S. coin)

Reverse: Goddess Liberty with Monument Terrace and courthouse

 

 

40. 1936 Norfolk, Virginia, Bicentennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate Norfolk land grant and borough establishment

Obverse: Seal of Norfolk with three-masted ship

Reverse: Royal Mace with British crown

 

 

41. 1936 Providence, Rhode Island, Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of Providence's founding

Obverse: Roger Williams in canoe greeting Native American

Reverse: Anchor of Hope from Rhode Island state seal

 

 

42. 1936 San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate the opening of the Bay Bridge

Obverse: California grizzly bear

Reverse: The Bay Bridge with San Francisco Ferry Building

 

 

43. 1936 Wisconsin Territorial Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Wisconsin Territory

Obverse: Badger standing on log with arrows and olive branch

Reverse: Miner's arm with pickaxe and lead ore

 

 

44. 1936 York County, Maine, Tercentenary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 300 years of York County's founding

Obverse: Brown's Garrison stockade with sentries

Reverse: Seal of York County, Maine

 

 

45. 1937 Battle of Antietam Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 75 years since the battle

Obverse: Profiles of Generals McClellan and Lee

Reverse: Burnside Bridge over Antietam Creek

 

46. 1937 Roanoke Island Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 350 years of Roanoke colony

Obverse: Sir Walter Raleigh

Reverse: Eleanor Dare holding Virginia Dare with sailing ships

 

47. 1938 New Rochelle, New York, 250th Anniversary Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 250 years of New Rochelle's founding

Obverse: John Pell holding fatted calf

Reverse: Fleur-de-lis

Last U.S. coin with denticles along the rim

 

 

48. 1946 Iowa Statehood Centennial Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To commemorate 100 years of Iowa statehood

Obverse: Old Stone Capitol in Iowa City

Reverse: Eagle with Iowa state motto and 29 stars

 

49. 1946-1951 Booker T. Washington Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To honor Booker T. Washington and fund memorials

Obverse: Three-quarter bust of Washington

Reverse: Hall of Fame for Great Americans and Washington's birth cabin

First African American to appear on a U.S. coin

 

50. 1951-1954 Carver/Washington Half Dollar

 

Purpose: To honor both Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver

Obverse: Busts of both men

Reverse: Map of United States with "Freedom and Opportunity for All"

Final issue in the Classic Commemorative series

 

 

Collecting Classic Commemoratives

Many collectors build type sets of these 50 distinct issues. While some commemoratives like the Lafayette dollar and Hawaiian half dollar are quite scarce and valuable, others are relatively affordable even in higher grades. The series offers a fascinating window into American history through beautifully designed coins that commemorate people, places, and events of national significance.

 

Building a Classic Commemorative Registry Set

Creating a registry set of Classic Commemorative coins represents one of the most rewarding challenges in American numismatics. Registry programs offered by professional grading services like PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service), NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation), and CAC (Certified Acceptance Corporation) allow collectors to compete with others by building high-quality sets of these beautiful historic coins. Let me explain how these registry programs work and how you can participate.

Understanding Registry Programs

Registry programs are competitive platforms where collectors can register their coin collections and receive scores based on the completeness and quality of their sets. These programs provide several benefits:

 

Competitive Aspect: Compare your collection against others

Recognition: Earn awards and accolades for outstanding sets

Community: Connect with fellow collectors with similar interests

Record-Keeping: Maintain a permanent digital inventory of your collection

Goal Setting: Establish clear objectives for building your collection

 

PCGS Set Registry

The PCGS Set Registry, established in 2001, was the first major registry program. For Classic Commemoratives, PCGS offers several set configurations:

 

Basic Set (50 Coins): Includes one example of each commemorative type

Complete Set (144 Coins): Includes all date and mintmark combinations

Silver Commemoratives with Major Varieties: Includes recognized major varieties

 

PCGS uses a weighted scoring system that factors in both the grade of each coin and its relative rarity. The system awards points based on the numerical grade, with bonuses for CAC verification or special designations like "Plus" grades.

NGC Registry

NGC's Registry program offers similar options for Classic Commemoratives:

 

Type Set: One example of each of the 50 designs

Complete Date/Mint Set: All 144 varieties

Custom Sets: Create personalized sets based on your specific interests

 

NGC's scoring system also accounts for grade and rarity, with additional weight given to coins with special designations like "Star" () for exceptional eye appeal or CAC approval.

CAC Registry

The CAC Registry is newer but offers a unique approach focusing exclusively on CAC-approved coins. For Classic Commemoratives, the CAC Registry typically includes:

 

Classic Commemorative Type Set: The 50 basic designs with CAC approval

Complete Classic Commemorative Set: All 144 varieties with CAC approval

 

CAC approval indicates that a coin is strong for its grade, which makes building a CAC Registry set particularly challenging—and prestigious.

Building Strategies

When building a Classic Commemorative registry set, consider these strategies:

 

Start with the Type Set: Begin with the 50 basic designs before attempting the full 144-coin set

Focus on Quality: Registry programs reward high-grade coins, so prioritize quality over quantity

Target Key Dates First: Secure difficult coins like the 1928 Hawaiian and 1935 Old Spanish Trail when they become available

Consider CAC Verification: CAC-approved coins typically score higher in registry programs

Balance Budget and Competitiveness: Determine whether you're building for completion or competition

 

The Rewards of Registry Set Building

Beyond the competitive aspect, building a registry set of Classic Commemoratives offers profound rewards. Each coin tells a story of American history, from the Columbian Exposition to the early Civil Rights era. As you assemble your set, you'll develop a deeper understanding of American history, art, and culture through these miniature monuments.

The community aspect shouldn't be underestimated either. Registry programs foster relationships among collectors with similar interests, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and even friendly competition.

Whether you choose PCGS, NGC, or CAC for your registry set, building a collection of Classic Commemorative coins offers both challenge and satisfaction. These programs provide structure to your collecting journey while connecting you with fellow enthusiasts.

As you assemble your set of these historic coins, from the 1892 Columbian half dollar to the 1954 Washington/Carver half dollar, you'll be preserving a unique slice of American history while participating in the time-honored tradition of numismatic competition and camaraderie.

Links some Auction Records for US Classic Commemoratives:

VCD Auctions: The Las Vegas Collection of Classic Commemoratives I

VCD Auctions: The Las Vegas Collection of Classic Commemoratives II

Links for additional information about US Classic Commemoratives: 

The ANA's Classic Commemorative Coins online resource

Link to all commemorative sets Classic and Modern on the PCGS Registry: 

All PCGS Commemorative Registry Sets

 

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