Early U.S. Commemorative Half Dollars

Minted in silver 1892 to 1954

The U.S. Mint issued its first ever commemorative in 1892 at the World’s Fair in Chicago, a silver half dollar commemorating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus' journey to the Americas. U.S. commemoratives were often issued to raise funds for the construction of a monument or for preservation of an historic site, and were generally struck in tiny quantities by any standard. From 1892 to 1954, the U.S. Mint produced 48 different half dollar designs, the 1892 Isabella Quarter, and the 1900 Lafayette dollar, each struck in silver and each exquisitely designed. Start today to collect one of each type or collect the entire 144-coin series which would include all dates and mintmarks.