Drachmas, Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money

The United States in the 20th Century

Commemoratives

The first commemorative coin issued by the U.S. Mint was a silver half dollar commemorating the Columbian Exhibition of 1892. In the years that followed, the half dollar denomination became popular for commemorating historical events and individuals, although various other gold and silver denominations were occasionally produced.

Silver half dollar (1892) proof showing Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria.

Octagonal gold 50 dollars (1915-S) for the Panama Pacific Exposition, 1915.

Silver half dollar (1935) commemorating Connecticut's 300th anniversary. The Charter Oak design also appears on the 2000 Connecticut State Quarter.

Silver half dollar (1936-S and 1937-D) commemorating the Oregon Trail, which was used most heavily in the 1840s to 1860s.

1937.40.4

Silver half dollar (1936) commemorating 50 years of Cincinnati as "A Music Center of America"—so unpopular, only 5000 sets were made.