Congress authorizes commemorative coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions.  Although these coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation.  Each commemorative coin is produced by the United States Mint in limited quantity and is only available for a limited time.

As well as commemorating important aspects of American history and culture, these coins help raise money for important causes.  Part of the price of these coins is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community.  For example, surcharges on the Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coins will help build a new visitor center under the U.S. Capitol's East Plaza.

Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised over $418,000,000 in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington's home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.

Commemorative coins currently available from the United States Mint are:

• 2004 Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar
• 2004 Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin

Previously Released Commemorative Coins and Other Links:

• Modern Commemorative Coins (Present to 1982)
• Commemoratives from 1892-1954
• Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee
• Compliance Procedures for Surcharge Eligibility and Payments
• Frequently Asked Questions

Please visit the Online Catalog to purchase the commemorative coins that are available now.

Aug 3, 2004
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