1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 27, 2021Commemorative Coins: An OverviewCommemorative coins are produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of Congress. These coins celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Although they are considered legal tender, they
2、 are not minted for general circulation. Instead, they are designed to be collected and to help designated groups raise money. The first commemorative coin was authorized in 1892 for the Columbia Exposition in Chicago. Since 1892, Congress has authorized 156 new commemorative coins. Between 1954 and
3、 1981, Congress did not authorize any new commemorative coins. In 1982, Congress restarted the commemorative coin program when it authorized a commemorative half dollar to recognize George Washingtons 250th Birthday. Between 1982 and 1996when Congress limited the Mint to issuing two coins per year,
4、for coins minted after January 1, 1999, in an effort to restrict the number of coins minted each yearthe number of commemorative coins minted was as high as six per year (1994). Authorizing Commemorative Coins An act of Congress is required to authorize a commemorative coin. This legislation typical
