Commemorative coins celebrate important people, places, events, and anniversaries in American history. The classic commemorative era (1892-1954) began with the Columbian Exposition Half Dollar and included many beloved issues. Modern commemoratives (1982-present) cover diverse subjects from the Olympics to national parks to civil rights milestones. These special-issue coins are typically produced in limited quantities and sold at premiums above face value, making them popular collectibles that often appreciate over time.