Modern Commemorative Silver Dollar Value

The U.S. first issued a commemorative coin in 1892 for the Columbian Exposition that year and continued issuing such coins until 1954. By this time many thought the program had been overdone, and Congress did not authorize any more of these coins for decades after that. Continue reading to learn more about modern commemorative silver dollar value.

The modern United States Mint commemorative coin program began in 1982 with the George Washington 250th anniversary of his birth silver half dollar issued in uncirculated condition at the Denver Mint and in proof at the San Francisco Mint. These coins sold a combined total of over 7 million coins, a number hard to conceive of today.

This article discusses the evolution of this program through 2022, when the most recent coins were issued. No commemoratives were released in 2023, but on January 4, 2024, the program returns with the debut of the Harriet Tubman coins.

Prices for examples grading MS and PF-70 are highlighted. Lower-graded examples of most issues are available for substantially less.

First modern commemorative silver dollars

The first modern commemorative silver dollars were issued in 1983 for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games. Designed by Elizabeth Jones, there were two silver dollars in that program along with $5 and $10 gold coins issued in a number of different sets.

The 1983 Discus Thrower and Olympic Colosseum silver dollars each sold over $100,000 coins.In graded condition, 70s of both coins are rare and are worth from $1,300 to $1,850 in MS-70 and $150-$400 in PF70.

An extremely popular program at this time was the 1986 Statue of Liberty Centennial coins, which included a clad half dollar, silver dollar and $5 gold coin. This trio of coins would become the standard for many, but not all, subsequent programs.

The 1986-P uncirculated Statue of Liberty silver dollar sold 723,635 coins, and the 1986-S proof version of the coin sold an impressive 6,414,638 coins plus those in two, three and six-coin sets.

This was followed by the 1987 Constitution Bicentennial, 1988 Seoul Olympiad, 1989 Congress Bicentennial and 1990 Eisenhower Centennial silver dollars.

In the 1990s a wide range of coins was issued, starting in 1991: Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary, Korean War Memorial, USO;1992:XXV Olympiad, White House 200th anniversary and Columbus Quincentenary; 1993: the Bill of Rights and 50th anniversary of World War II; and 1994: Thomas Jefferson, the World Cup Tournament, U.S. Capitol Bicentennial and more.

The 1994 ones forVietnam, POWs and Women Military in PF-70 are worth about $500 each but in MS-70 they are only worth a little over $100.1995 saw coins for Civil War battlefield preservation, the Special Olympics and the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games).

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Rarest Olympic coins

Those 1995-1996 Olympics coins include some of the great rarities of this series with the lowest or close to the lowest mintages of the whole series. In Proof 70, the 1996 Tennis is worth $1,600, the Paralympic $3,750, Rowing $2,150 and High Jump $7,500! In MS-70, these coins are worth respectively, $425, $260, $265 and $300.

In 1996 coins were also issued for National Community Service and the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution, which are both attractive pieces. In MS-70 those coins are worth $215 and $120, while in PF-70 $120 and $625.

1997 saw releases for the U.S. Botanic Gardens, baseball legend Jackie Robinson and the National law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In PF-70 they are worth $415, $210 and $215 respectively, while in MS70 they are worth $135,$425 and $185.

The Robert F. Kennedy coin -- a popular issue -- was issued in a 1998set (along with a 1998-S matte finish Kennedy half dollar), which is worth $90 in MS-70 and $250 in PF70.

In 1998 there were also coins for Black Revolutionary War patriots and Dolley Madison. In PF-70 the first one is worth$350, and the second $100. In MS-70 they are $150 and $72 respectively.

The only 1999 coin was for Yellowstone National Park, which was followed in 2000 by the Library of Congress bicentennial program that included a silver dollar and $10 bi-metallic coin made of gold and platinum. The LOC dollar, another good design runs $175 in PF-70 and $67 in MS-70.

American Buffalo

In 2000 the Leif Ericson Millenium coin was issued (a PF-70 is worth $900) followed in 2001 by one of the most popular commemorative silver dollars ever – the American Buffalo coin. It is $325 in PF-70 and $265 in MS-70 today, but when the coin was first released and sold 227,131 uncirculated and 272,869 proof coins, the 70s were more expensive because there were fewer of them.

The Capitol Visitor Center coins were issued in 2001, and in 2002 the Salt Lake City Olympic Games and West Point Bicentennial. In 2003 the First Flight Centennial coins were issued, which are worth $260 in PF-70.

2004 saw the Thomas Alva Edison and Lewis and Clark Bicentennial issue. In 2005 Chief Justice John Marshall and the Marine Corps 230th anniversary coins were released with the latter a big hit with former Marines. It sold 548,810 proof coins and 49,671 uncirculated coins. In PF-70 it is worth $160 and $135 in MS-70.

In 2006 both Benjamin Franklin dollars, which have great designs, were hits. They sold 142,000 of both proof coins and 58,000 of the uncirculated ones. They were followed by the 2006 San Francisco Old Mint Centennial, another big seller in proof, and the 2007 Jamestown 400th anniversary coins, which sold an impressive 260,363 proof coins and 81,034 uncirculated ones.

In 2008 the popular and attractive Bald Eagle recovery and national emblem coins were issued. The proof dollar sold 220,577 and 120,180 uncirculated coins. It is worth $140 in PF-70.

In 2009 the Louis Braille bicentennial and Lincoln bicentennial dollars were issued – the latter being very popularand selling 325,000 proofs and 125 uncirculated coins. They were followed in 2010 by coins for American Veterans disabled for life and the Boy Scouts Centennial and in 2011 with the Medal of Honor and U.S. Army dollars.

In 2012 there was the Infantry soldier and popular Star-Spangled Banner dollars with the latter selling 169,065 proofs and 41,686 uncirculated coins. Then came the 2013 Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. centennial and 5-Star Generals coins.

First curved coins

2014 is when the National Baseball Hall of Fame coins were released, which were the first curved coins issued by the U.S. Mint.In PF-70 the silver dollars are worth $120, and the MS-70 coins $100. Those with special labels such as ones with signatures of baseball players have higher values in many cases.

In 2015 coins for the 225th anniversary of the U.S. Marshals Service, which include a well-designed silver dollar, were issued. They are $95 in MS70 and $240 in PF-70 with coins with special labels worth more.

There was also a March of Dimes 75th anniversary dollar that year, followed in 2016 by Marl twain and National Parks Service 100th anniversary coins. In 2017 there were the Lion Club and Boys Town centennial coins, which runs $100 in MS-70 and $135 in PF-70.

2018 coins included the World War I centennial and Breast Cancer awareness coins.

Apollo 11 50th anniversary

This very popular set of coins was the second curved coin program and one of the most successful modern commemoratives with great designs that were well received. The silver dollar sold 223,737 proofs and 59,697 uncirculated coins. The PF-70 is $130 today and the MS-70 $100 unless they have special labels. A second curved dollar coin was issued only in proof and in 5 ounces of silver that sold 68,259 coins and has one several awards. It runs $340 in PF-70.

In 2019 there was also the American Legion 100th anniversary coin program.

2020 saw the third curved coin program in U.S. Mint history for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame program, which included two silver dollars with one being partially colorized that is worth $115 in PF-70

The second program that year was the Women’s Suffrage centennial coin, which was not a strong seller, especially in the uncirculated version that is worth $210 in MS-70 and $100 in PF-70.

In 2021 there was the Crista McAuliffe worth $185 in MS-70 and then the National Law Enforcement Memorial program, which is worth $150 in PF-70and $125 in MS-70.

They were followed in 2022 by the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor that includes a second proof version that is partially colorized (just the heart) and is worth $350 in PF70. They were designed by Heidi Wastweet.

In 2002 there was also the Negro Leagues Baseball coin program with the silver dollar worth $125 in PF-70 and the same amount for a second version that has a “100” privy mark.

Congress failed to authorize any commemorative coin programs for 2023 despite having considered several bills that were proposed, and in 2024 there will be commemorative coins for Harriet Tubman and the Greatest Generation. 

FAQ

1. What are modern commemorative silver coins? Modern commemorative silver coins are issued by governments to celebrate significant events, anniversaries, or notable figures. These coins are usually struck in silver and are intended for collectors rather than general circulation.
2. When did the US start issuing modern commemorative silver coins? The United States resumed the production of modern commemorative coins in 1982 with the issuance of the George Washington Half Dollar, which marked the 250th anniversary of Washington's birth. This was the first modern U.S. commemorative coin.
3. What is the silver content of modern commemorative silver coins? Most U.S. modern commemorative silver coins are composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, similar to the pre-1965 silver coinage. However, some issues, like the Silver Dollars issued after 1992, contain a silver purity of 99.9%.
4. Are modern commemorative silver coins legal tender? Yes, these coins are legal tender in the country of issue, though their face value is typically less than their market value, which is influenced by factors like silver content, collector demand, and rarity.
5. How can collectors purchase modern commemorative silver coins? Collectors can purchase these coins directly from the mint during the initial offering period at issue prices. After this, they can be purchased on the secondary market through coin dealers, auctions, or online platforms.
6. What factors affect the value of modern commemorative silver coins? The value is affected by several factors including the coin’s condition, mintage numbers, current demand, historical significance of the theme, and fluctuations in the price of silver.
7. What are some of the most popular modern commemorative silver coins? In the U.S., popular examples include the 1999 Dolley Madison Silver Dollar, the 2001 American Buffalo Commemorative Coins, and the series of coins commemorating the 50th anniversary of NASA in 2008.
8. How should modern commemorative silver coins be stored and preserved? To preserve their condition, these coins should be stored in acid-free holders, capsules, or albums. Keeping them in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight is also advisable to prevent tarnishing.
9. Can modern commemorative silver coins be a good investment? While some commemorative coins have appreciated in value over time, their investment potential can vary widely. They should be purchased more for their numismatic interest and personal enjoyment rather than as an investment.
10. What are the latest trends in collecting modern commemorative silver coins? Recent trends include increased interest in coins with innovative designs, enhanced security features, and themes that have broad cultural or historical appeal. Collectors are also showing interest in limited-edition releases and coins with low mintage numbers.

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