The US Mint routinely offers commemorative coins to remember certain people, events, place, and institutions of importance in American history. While they are legal tender, these coins are not for circulation. The sale of these coins often helps fund projects in historical restoration or giving access to historical places. The first period of these coins ran from 1892 through 1954, known as early commemorative coins. The modern era of coins began in 1982 and continues through today. Congress must authorize any coins issued by the mint, including the commemorative ones.

The first commemorative coin issued by the US Mint was the 1892 Columbian Exposition half-dollar. Through 1954, Congress authorized 157 coins to mark various occasions, individuals, or events. A problem began to emerge, however. Instead of concentrating on national historic events, many of these commemorative coins were in honor of local or state events. Congress was authorizing coins for cities or towns without a link to national history included. In 1939, Congress halted this practice. With only three exceptions between 1946 and 1954, these coins became history.

In 1982, the practice of authorizing commemorative coins came back into popularity with the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. The mint has produced a limited number of coins each year ever since 1982. A good example is the Silver Dollar issued in 2009 on the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth. The first airplane flight of the Wright Brothers received recognition with three coins issued in 2003. Other events commemorated include the 500th anniversary of Columbus landing in America, the 50th anniversary of the beginning of the Korean War, the 200th anniversary of the Constitution, and 100th anniversary of the Statue of Liberty.

The sale of commemorative coins helps fund many special projects. It helps build new museums. It helps keep up historic sites like Mt. Vernon and the Vietnam War Memorial. It helps fund training and other needs for Olympic athletes. Each new coin issued has something behind it receiving funding. For 2010, Congress authorized a coin commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Some of the profits of this coin go back to the Boy Scouts to help fund local programs all around the country. The 2009 coin commemorating Louis Braille helps fund the National Foundation of the Blind to help teach Braille to blind and sight impaired students. There are coins planned for future years already in the design process.