Modern commemoratives tend to be restricted to events and personalities of national or international importance.
While silver dollars remain the traditional denomination, low-value circulating commemoratives have gained in popularity.
Modern Commemorative Coins
1999 George Washington Commemorative Coin
Year: 1999
Obverse: Bust of President George Washington.
Reverse: Heraldic Eagle with outspread wings.
Year: 1999
Obverse: Bust of President George Washington.
Reverse: Heraldic Eagle with outspread wings.
1999 Dolley Madison Commemorative Proof Coin
Year: 1999
Obverse: Dolley Madison.
Reverse: Image of Montpelier, willow trees and foliage.
Year: 1999
Obverse: Dolley Madison.
Reverse: Image of Montpelier, willow trees and foliage.
1999 Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coin
Obverse: depicts the likeness of Susan B. Anthony
Reverse: depicts an American eagle landing on the Moon, a design similar to the Eisenhower dollar, appears on the reverse.
Obverse: depicts the likeness of Susan B. Anthony
Reverse: depicts an American eagle landing on the Moon, a design similar to the Eisenhower dollar, appears on the reverse.
1999 Yellowstone National Park Coins
Year: 1999
Obverse: Spouting geyser with the park's tree-lined landscape in the background.
Reverse: American buffalo on the plains, with a brilliant sun rising above the mountains in the background.
Year: 1999
Obverse: Spouting geyser with the park's tree-lined landscape in the background.
Reverse: American buffalo on the plains, with a brilliant sun rising above the mountains in the background.
1998 Robert F. Kennedy Dollar
Two-coin set (Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar and John F. Kennedy Silver Half Dollar)
Year: 1998
Obverse: Portrait of Robert F. Kennedy
Reverse: The Seal of the Department of Justice and the Seal of the United States Senate.
Two-coin set (Robert F. Kennedy Silver Dollar and John F. Kennedy Silver Half Dollar)
Year: 1998
Obverse: Portrait of Robert F. Kennedy
Reverse: The Seal of the Department of Justice and the Seal of the United States Senate.
1998 Black Revolutionary War Patriots Silver Dollar
Year: 1998
Obverse: Portrait of Crispus Attucks.
Reverse: Portrait of the proposed Black Patriots Memorial.
Year: 1998
Obverse: Portrait of Crispus Attucks.
Reverse: Portrait of the proposed Black Patriots Memorial.
1997 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Gold $5
Year: 1997
Obverse: Portrait of President Roosevelt.
Reverse: James Peed: Presidential seal displayed at FDR's 1933 inaugural.
Year: 1997
Obverse: Portrait of President Roosevelt.
Reverse: James Peed: Presidential seal displayed at FDR's 1933 inaugural.
1997 Law Enforcement Commemorative Coin
Year: 1997
Obverse: United States Park Police officers Robert Chelsey and Kelcy Stefansson making a rubbing of a fellow officer's name.
Reverse: Emblem of the National Law Enforcement Memorial
Year: 1997
Obverse: United States Park Police officers Robert Chelsey and Kelcy Stefansson making a rubbing of a fellow officer's name.
Reverse: Emblem of the National Law Enforcement Memorial
1997 Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coins
Gold $5 Dollar
Year: 1997
Obverse: Portrait of Jackie Robinson
Reverse: Inscription "Legacy of Courage."
Silver One Dollar
Year: 1997
Obverse: Jackie Robinson stealing home plate during the 1955 World Series.
Reverse: 50th anniversary logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation surrounded by "Rookie of the Year 1947," and "Hall of Fame 1962."
Gold $5 Dollar
Year: 1997
Obverse: Portrait of Jackie Robinson
Reverse: Inscription "Legacy of Courage."
Silver One Dollar
Year: 1997
Obverse: Jackie Robinson stealing home plate during the 1955 World Series.
Reverse: 50th anniversary logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation surrounded by "Rookie of the Year 1947," and "Hall of Fame 1962."
1997 Botanic Garden Dollar
Year: 1997
Obverse: Multi-arched French façade of the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Reverse: Features a rose garland beneath a Rose
Year: 1997
Obverse: Multi-arched French façade of the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Reverse: Features a rose garland beneath a Rose
1996 Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Coins
Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: Picture of James Smithson
Reverse: Smithsonian starburst symbol
Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Smithsonian Institution known as the Castle.
Reverse: Allegorical figure atop the world.
Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: Picture of James Smithson
Reverse: Smithsonian starburst symbol
Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Smithsonian Institution known as the Castle.
Reverse: Allegorical figure atop the world.
1996 National Community Service Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Standing figure of Liberty.
Reverse: Inscribed with "Service for America" at center, encircled by a laurel wreath.
Year: 1996
Obverse: Standing figure of Liberty.
Reverse: Inscribed with "Service for America" at center, encircled by a laurel wreath.
1995 Special Olympics World Games Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Portrait of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Reverse: Special Olympics Medal, a rose and quote.
Year: 1995
Obverse: Portrait of Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Reverse: Special Olympics Medal, a rose and quote.
1995 Civil War Battlefield Commemorative Coins
Civil War Battlefield Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Civil War bugler on horseback sounding a call to the troops.
Reverse: Image of a bald eagle, symbol of American strength.
Civil War Battlefield Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Infantryman raising a canteen to the lips of a wounded foe.
Reverse: Quotation from Joshua Chamberlain, a Gettysburg hero
Civil War Battlefield Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Tribute to the Civil War drummer boys.
Reverse: Battlefield scene with the inscription “Enriching Our Future By Preserving Our Past."
Civil War Battlefield Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Civil War bugler on horseback sounding a call to the troops.
Reverse: Image of a bald eagle, symbol of American strength.
Civil War Battlefield Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Infantryman raising a canteen to the lips of a wounded foe.
Reverse: Quotation from Joshua Chamberlain, a Gettysburg hero
Civil War Battlefield Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Tribute to the Civil War drummer boys.
Reverse: Battlefield scene with the inscription “Enriching Our Future By Preserving Our Past."
1995-1996 Centennial Olympics Coins
1995 Centennial Olympics (Torch Runner) Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Runner carrying torch.
Reverse: Side view of a bald eagle with a banner in its beak.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Stadium) Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Picture of the Olympic Stadium.
Reverse: Side view of a bald eagle with a banner in its beak.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Cycling) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men cycling.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Track & Field) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's track and field competition.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Paralympics) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Blind tethered runner and the Paralympic mark.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Gymnastics) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's gymnastics.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Baseball) Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's baseball.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark superimposed over a globe.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Basketball) Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's basketball.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark superimposed over a globe.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Cauldron) Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: The lighting of the Olympic flame.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark, encompassed by laurel leaves.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Flag Bearer) Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: Athlete bearing a flag and a following crowd.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark, encompassed by laurel leaves.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Rowing) Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Men rowing.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (High Jump) Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Athlete performing the "Fosbury Flop."
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Tennis) Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Women playing tennis.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Paralympics) Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Wheelchair athlete competing in a track and field event.
Reverse: Mark of The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Soccer) Half Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Women playing soccer.
Reverse: Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a Flame, Torch, Rings, a Greek column and a “100" to mark the Centennial of the Modern Olympic Games.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Swimming) Half Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Male Swimmer
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a number of key symbols of the Olympic Games: Flame, Torch, Rings, a Greek column and a "100" to mark the Centennial of the Modern Olympic Games.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Torch Runner) Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Runner carrying torch.
Reverse: Side view of a bald eagle with a banner in its beak.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Stadium) Gold $5
Year: 1995
Obverse: Picture of the Olympic Stadium.
Reverse: Side view of a bald eagle with a banner in its beak.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Cycling) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men cycling.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Track & Field) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's track and field competition.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Paralympics) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Blind tethered runner and the Paralympic mark.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Gymnastics) Silver Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's gymnastics.
Reverse: Clasped hands symbolizing brotherhood and team spirit.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Baseball) Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's baseball.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark superimposed over a globe.
1995 Centennial Olympics (Basketball) Half Dollar
Year: 1995
Obverse: Men's basketball.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark superimposed over a globe.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Cauldron) Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: The lighting of the Olympic flame.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark, encompassed by laurel leaves.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Flag Bearer) Gold $5
Year: 1996
Obverse: Athlete bearing a flag and a following crowd.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark, encompassed by laurel leaves.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Rowing) Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Men rowing.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (High Jump) Silver Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Athlete performing the "Fosbury Flop."
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Tennis) Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Women playing tennis.
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Paralympics) Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Wheelchair athlete competing in a track and field event.
Reverse: Mark of The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic with a torch and flame.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Soccer) Half Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Women playing soccer.
Reverse: Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a Flame, Torch, Rings, a Greek column and a “100" to mark the Centennial of the Modern Olympic Games.
1996 Centennial Olympics (Swimming) Half Dollar
Year: 1996
Obverse: Male Swimmer
Reverse: The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games mark with a number of key symbols of the Olympic Games: Flame, Torch, Rings, a Greek column and a "100" to mark the Centennial of the Modern Olympic Games.
1994 Bicentennial of the U.S. Capitol Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: View of the Capitol dome.
Reverse: An eagle, a shield and American flags.
Year: 1994
Obverse: View of the Capitol dome.
Reverse: An eagle, a shield and American flags.
1994 Women in Military Service for America Memorial Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Servicewomen representing the five branches of the United States military.
Reverse: Approved design of the Women In Military Service for America Memorial.
Year: 1994
Obverse: Servicewomen representing the five branches of the United States military.
Reverse: Approved design of the Women In Military Service for America Memorial.
1994 Vietnam War Memorial Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Outstretched hand touching a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Reverse: Three medals awarded during the Vietnam War.
Year: 1994
Obverse: Outstretched hand touching a name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Reverse: Three medals awarded during the Vietnam War.
1994 U.S. Prisoner of War Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: A chained eagle breaks free through a ring to represent "Freedom."
Reverse: Proposed design for the National Prisoner of War Museum.
Year: 1994
Obverse: A chained eagle breaks free through a ring to represent "Freedom."
Reverse: Proposed design for the National Prisoner of War Museum.
1994 Thomas Jefferson 250th Anniversary Silver Dollar (Dated 1993)
Year: 1994
Obverse: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson.
Reverse: Monticello elevation drawing.
Year: 1994
Obverse: Portrait of Thomas Jefferson.
Reverse: Monticello elevation drawing.
1994 World Cup USA Commemorative Coins
World Cup Tournament Gold $5
Year: 1994
Obverse: World Cup Trophy.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
World Cup Tournament Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Two competing players converging on a soccer ball.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
World Cup Tournament Half Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Soccer player in action.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
World Cup Tournament Gold $5
Year: 1994
Obverse: World Cup Trophy.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
World Cup Tournament Silver Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Two competing players converging on a soccer ball.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
World Cup Tournament Half Dollar
Year: 1994
Obverse: Soccer player in action.
Reverse: 1994 World Cup USA logo.
1993 World War II 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coins
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1991-1995
Obverse: American serviceman celebrating victory.
Reverse: "V" for Victory in center with Morse code for the letter superimposed.
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1991-1995
Obverse: American soldier on the beach at Normandy.
Reverse: Shoulder sleeve insignia of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force with Eisenhower quote.
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Half Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: Faces of three United States service personnel superimposed upon the "V" for Victory symbol.
Reverse: Pacific island battle scene.
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1991-1995
Obverse: American serviceman celebrating victory.
Reverse: "V" for Victory in center with Morse code for the letter superimposed.
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1991-1995
Obverse: American soldier on the beach at Normandy.
Reverse: Shoulder sleeve insignia of Supreme Headquarters Allied Expeditionary Force with Eisenhower quote.
(1991-1995) World War II 50th Anniversary Half Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: Faces of three United States service personnel superimposed upon the "V" for Victory symbol.
Reverse: Pacific island battle scene.
1993 Bill of Rights Commemorative Coins
Bill of Rights Gold $5
Year: 1993
Obverse: Madison studying the Bill of Rights.
Reverse: Madison quote, an eagle, torch, and laurel branch.
Bill of Rights Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: Portrait of James Madison with "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" inscribed below.
Reverse: Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison.
Bill of Rights Half Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: James Madison penning the Bill of Rights, Montpelier in the background, and surrounding inscriptions.
Reverse: Torch of freedom, with inscriptions, "The Bill of Rights" and "Our Basic Freedoms."
Bill of Rights Gold $5
Year: 1993
Obverse: Madison studying the Bill of Rights.
Reverse: Madison quote, an eagle, torch, and laurel branch.
Bill of Rights Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: Portrait of James Madison with "Liberty" and "In God We Trust" inscribed below.
Reverse: Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison.
Bill of Rights Half Dollar
Year: 1993
Obverse: James Madison penning the Bill of Rights, Montpelier in the background, and surrounding inscriptions.
Reverse: Torch of freedom, with inscriptions, "The Bill of Rights" and "Our Basic Freedoms."
1992 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coins
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Gold $5
Year: 1992
Obverse: Portrait of Christopher Columbus facing a map of the new world.
Reverse: Crest of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea.
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Full-length portrait of Christopher Columbus beside a globe with ships above.
Reverse: Split image of the Santa Maria and the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery.
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Half Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Columbus landing in the New World.
Reverse: Columbus and his three ships.
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Gold $5
Year: 1992
Obverse: Portrait of Christopher Columbus facing a map of the new world.
Reverse: Crest of the Admiral of the Ocean Sea.
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Full-length portrait of Christopher Columbus beside a globe with ships above.
Reverse: Split image of the Santa Maria and the U.S. Space Shuttle Discovery.
Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Half Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Columbus landing in the New World.
Reverse: Columbus and his three ships.
1992 White House 200th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: North portico of the White House.
Reverse: Bust of James Hoban, the original architect of the White House, and the main entrance he designed.
Year: 1992
Obverse: North portico of the White House.
Reverse: Bust of James Hoban, the original architect of the White House, and the main entrance he designed.
1992 U.S. Olympic Coins
Olympics (France and Spain) Gold $5
Year: 1992
Obverse: Sprinter in a burst of speed.
Reverse: The Olympic Rings and the American Bald Eagle.
Olympics (France and Spain) Silver Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Pitcher firing a ball to home plate.
Reverse: Olympic rings, olive branches, stars and stripes, and a bold "USA."
Olympics (France and Spain) Half Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Gymnast in motion.
Reverse: Inscribed "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).
Olympics (France and Spain) Gold $5
Year: 1992
Obverse: Sprinter in a burst of speed.
Reverse: The Olympic Rings and the American Bald Eagle.
Olympics (France and Spain) Silver Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Pitcher firing a ball to home plate.
Reverse: Olympic rings, olive branches, stars and stripes, and a bold "USA."
Olympics (France and Spain) Half Dollar
Year: 1992
Obverse: Gymnast in motion.
Reverse: Inscribed "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (Faster, Higher, Stronger).
1991 USO 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: USO pennant and the words "50th Anniversary."
Reverse: Eagle perched on a globe.
Year: 1991
Obverse: USO pennant and the words "50th Anniversary."
Reverse: Eagle perched on a globe.
1991 Korean War Memorial Silver Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: Army Infantryman in full gear.
Reverse: An outline map of Korea divided at the 38th Parallel and a bust of the American bald eagle.
Year: 1991
Obverse: Army Infantryman in full gear.
Reverse: An outline map of Korea divided at the 38th Parallel and a bust of the American bald eagle.
1991 Mount Rushmore Anniversary Coins
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1991
Obverse: Mount Rushmore Memorial.
Reverse: American eagle flying above the Mount Rushmore Monument.
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: Picture of Mount Rushmore wreathed in laurel.
Reverse: Displays the Eagle Crest over a map of the United States.
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Half Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: Mount Rushmore Memorial and a sunburst.
Reverse: Classic design of the American Bison.
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Gold $5
Year: 1991
Obverse: Mount Rushmore Memorial.
Reverse: American eagle flying above the Mount Rushmore Monument.
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: Picture of Mount Rushmore wreathed in laurel.
Reverse: Displays the Eagle Crest over a map of the United States.
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Half Dollar
Year: 1991
Obverse: Mount Rushmore Memorial and a sunburst.
Reverse: Classic design of the American Bison.
1990 Eisenhower Centennial Silver Dollar
Year: 1990
Obverse: Profile of President Eisenhower facing right, which is superimposed over his own left-facing profile as a five-star general.
Reverse: Eisenhower's home at Gettysburg.
Year: 1990
Obverse: Profile of President Eisenhower facing right, which is superimposed over his own left-facing profile as a five-star general.
Reverse: Eisenhower's home at Gettysburg.
Photo courtesy the U.S. Mint
- Modern Commemorative Coins (1980-1989)
- Modern Commemorative Coins (1990-1999)
- Modern Commemorative Coins (2000-2009)
- Modern Commemorative Coins (2010-2019)
- Modern Commemorative Coins (2020-2029)