Commemorative coins are coins minted to commemorate, or honor, a person, place, event, or even a time in history. Commemorative coins are often lovely works of art in their own right, and if purchased uncirculated, as a collector's item, they may come in beautiful colors, with literature, or special storage containers. This article provides a basic description of some of the more popular commemorative coins.

Almost everyone has heard of the state quarters. About every ten weeks from 1999 through 2008 a new quarter is released commemorating one of the fifty states. These quarters are in wide circulation, so casual collectors can probably find them by sorting through their loose change. State quarters can also be ordered colorized, with maps with slots for each of the quarters, or even with teddy bears. The Sacagawea golden dollar is a somewhat less popular commemorative coin. Released in 2000 to honor the contributions of the Native American woman (girl, actually, since she was only 15 at the time), Sacagawea, to the Lewis and Clark expedition, the coin never really caught on, though it's still a treat for collectors.

Not all commemorative coins were minted so recently. The Oregon Trail Half Dollar, minted from 1926-1939, celebrated the spirit of the pioneers who settled the west. Oxen pulling a wagon are displayed on one side of the coin and a Native American man with his arm outstretched is depicted on the other.

Some coins have also been minted to celebrate famous Americans, such as Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin.

Commemorative Coins from Other Countries

Of course, not only the United States mints commemorative coins. Canada has coins commemorating, among other things, cancer victim Terry Fox's run across Canada, the sinking of the Titanic, and the use of sled dog teams to cross the frozen countryside.

Great Britain has a fascinating and intricately designed two-pound coin, struck in silver and plated in gold, celebrating the discovery of DNA. On a more somber note, the coins struck in 1981 to celebrate Prince Charles's wedding to Lady Diana still haunt many online auction sites.

Even Jordan has coins to commemorate the World Wildlife Fund and the International Year of the Child, among other events. Some Jordan coins also mark events in the royal family, such as the 25th and 40th anniversary of King Hussein's reign.

Commemorative coins can be a fun way to give your coin collection a jump start and learn a little about the history of a country while you're at it.

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