Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress

Changes from January 27, 2021 to August 15, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Commemorative Coins: Background,
~~January 27, 2021~~August 15, 2022
Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress
Jacob R. Straus
Commemorative coins are produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of Congress and are Commemorative coins are produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of Congress and are
Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress
often proposed by Members of Congress as part of their representational duties. These coins are often proposed by Members of Congress as part of their representational duties. These coins are

legal tender that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Overall, legal tender that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Overall,
~~156~~158 commemorative coins have been authorized since 1892. Since 1982, when Congress commemorative coins have been authorized since 1892. Since 1982, when Congress

reinstituted the commemorative program, reinstituted the commemorative program, 9698 commemorative coins have been authorized. Since commemorative coins have been authorized. Since
1998, 1998, ~~only~~ two coins may be authorized for any given year. To date, Congress has authorized commemorative coins to be two coins may be authorized for any given year. To date, Congress has authorized commemorative coins to be
issued through issued through ~~2022~~2024. .
The issuance of commemorative coins can be broadly divided into two eras: historical coins and modern coins. The issuance of commemorative coins can be broadly divided into two eras: historical coins and modern coins. ~~Hist orical~~Historical
commemorative coins were those authorized between 1892 and 1954 and generally celebrated anniversaries, public events, or commemorative coins were those authorized between 1892 and 1954 and generally celebrated anniversaries, public events, or
the construction of new memorials. These coins were sold by the government to the sponsor organization, which then resold the construction of new memorials. These coins were sold by the government to the sponsor organization, which then resold
the coins to the public at a higher price to earn money to support their mission. the coins to the public at a higher price to earn money to support their mission.
In 1939, Congress stopped authorizing new coins because a glut of commemorative coins on the market had caused their In 1939, Congress stopped authorizing new coins because a glut of commemorative coins on the market had caused their
value to decline, and the U.S. Treasury became concerned that so many coins might facilitate counterfeiting. These value to decline, and the U.S. Treasury became concerned that so many coins might facilitate counterfeiting. These
sentiments were echoed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who in 1954 vetoed legislation for a half-dollar honoring the sentiments were echoed by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who in 1954 vetoed legislation for a half-dollar honoring the
tercentennial of New York City and remarked that “large quantities [of coins] have remained unsold and have been returned tercentennial of New York City and remarked that “large quantities [of coins] have remained unsold and have been returned
to the mints for melting.” The historical era concluded with the minting of George Washington Carver and Booker T. to the mints for melting.” The historical era concluded with the minting of George Washington Carver and Booker T.
Washington half-dollars between 1951 and 1954. Washington half-dollars between 1951 and 1954.
The modern commemorative coin era began in 1982, when Congress authorized coins to celebrate the 250th anniversary of The modern commemorative coin era began in 1982, when Congress authorized coins to celebrate the 250th anniversary of
George Washington’s birth. Between 1982 and 1997, prior to the Commemorative Coin Reform Act (CCRA) of 1996’s George Washington’s birth. Between 1982 and 1997, prior to the Commemorative Coin Reform Act (CCRA) of 1996’s
statutory limitation of two commemorative coins issued per year, 47 commemorative statutory limitation of two commemorative coins issued per year, 47 commemorative ~~c oins~~coins were authorized and minted. were authorized and minted.
Between 1998 and Between 1998 and ~~2020~~2022, an additional , an additional 4549 coins were authorized and minted. coins were authorized and minted. ~~Four~~Two additional coins have been authorized additional coins have been authorized~~, two~~
~~for 2021 and two for 2022~~ for 2024. No commemorative coins have been authorized for 2023. .
Commemorative coin legislation generally has a specific format. Once a coin is authorized, it follows a specific process for Commemorative coin legislation generally has a specific format. Once a coin is authorized, it follows a specific process for
design and minting. This process includes consultation and recommendations by the Citizens Coin Advisory Commission design and minting. This process includes consultation and recommendations by the Citizens Coin Advisory Commission
(CCAC) and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), pursuant to any statutory instructions, before the Secretary of the (CCAC) and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), pursuant to any statutory instructions, before the Secretary of the
Treasury makes the final decision on a coin’s design. Following the conclusion of a coin program, designated recipient Treasury makes the final decision on a coin’s design. Following the conclusion of a coin program, designated recipient
organizations may receive surcharge payments, once the U.S. Mint has recouped all costs associated with organizations may receive surcharge payments, once the U.S. Mint has recouped all costs associated with ~~pro ducing~~producing the coin. the coin.
Should Congress want to make changes to the commemorative coin process, several individual and institutional options Should Congress want to make changes to the commemorative coin process, several individual and institutional options
might be available. The individual options include decisions made by Members of Congress as to which people, places, might be available. The individual options include decisions made by Members of Congress as to which people, places,
events, or institutions should be celebrated; which groups should receive potential surcharge payments; and any specific events, or institutions should be celebrated; which groups should receive potential surcharge payments; and any specific
design requirements Congress might want to request or require. The institutional options could include House, Senate, or design requirements Congress might want to request or require. The institutional options could include House, Senate, or
committee rules for the consideration of commemorative coin legislation, and whether the statutory maximum of two coins committee rules for the consideration of commemorative coin legislation, and whether the statutory maximum of two coins
minted per year is too many or too few. minted per year is too many or too few.
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Introduction
Commemorative coins are coins that are “produced with the primary intention of creating a Commemorative coins are coins that are “produced with the primary intention of creating a
special souvenir to be sold (at a premium above face value) to observe or memorialize an special souvenir to be sold (at a premium above face value) to observe or memorialize an
anniversary, special occasion, or other event.”1 Produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of anniversary, special occasion, or other event.”1 Produced by the U.S. Mint pursuant to an act of
Congress, these coins celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Congress, these coins celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions.
Although they are considered legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Instead, Although they are considered legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. Instead,
they are designed to be collected and to help designated groups raise money to support group they are designed to be collected and to help designated groups raise money to support group
activities.2 Commemorative coin legislation is often proposed by Members of Congress as part of activities.2 Commemorative coin legislation is often proposed by Members of Congress as part of
their representational duties. their representational duties.
The first commemorative coin was authorized in 1892 for the World’s Columbian Exposition in The first commemorative coin was authorized in 1892 for the World’s Columbian Exposition in
Chicago.3 Issued as a silver half-dollar, the proceeds for the sale of the coin were used “for the Chicago.3 Issued as a silver half-dollar, the proceeds for the sale of the coin were used “for the
purpose of aiding in defraying the cost of completing in a suitable manner the work of preparation purpose of aiding in defraying the cost of completing in a suitable manner the work of preparation
for inaugurating the World’s Columbian Exposition.”4 for inaugurating the World’s Columbian Exposition.”4
Beginning Beginning in 1892 and continuing to the present day—with a hiatus between 1954 and 1981—in 1892 and continuing to the present day—with a hiatus between 1954 and 1981—
coins have been a part of the commemoration of people, places, events, and institutions. This coins have been a part of the commemoration of people, places, events, and institutions. This
report examines the origins, development, and current practices for commemorative coins, report examines the origins, development, and current practices for commemorative coins,
including the authorization process; the design of coins; and issues for congressional including the authorization process; the design of coins; and issues for congressional
consideration, including the disbursement of surcharges, the number of coins minted per year, consideration, including the disbursement of surcharges, the number of coins minted per year,
differences between the number of authorized coins and coins sold, and requirements for differences between the number of authorized coins and coins sold, and requirements for
~~legislative~~ legislative consideration in the House and Senate. consideration in the House and Senate.
Historical Commemorative Coins
Since 1892, Congress has authorized Since 1892, Congress has authorized ~~156~~158 new commemorative coins. Sixty of these coins were new commemorative coins. Sixty of these coins were
authorized between 1892 and 1954. During this period, most commemorative coins celebrated authorized between 1892 and 1954. During this period, most commemorative coins celebrated
state anniversaries (e.g., Connecticut’s tercentennial in 1935), expositions and event anniversaries state anniversaries (e.g., Connecticut’s tercentennial in 1935), expositions and event anniversaries
(e.g., the Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial in 1925 or the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in (e.g., the Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial in 1925 or the Louisiana Purchase Exposition in
1903), or helped support memorials (e.g., the Grant Memorial in 1922 or the Stone Mountain 1903), or helped support memorials (e.g., the Grant Memorial in 1922 or the Stone Mountain
Memorial in 1925). Memorial in 1925). ~~During this period,~~These coins “were sold to sponsoring organizations, which coins “were sold to sponsoring organizations, which
resold them to the public at higher prices as a means of fundraising.”5 The authorization of new resold them to the public at higher prices as a means of fundraising.”5 The authorization of new
commemorative coins was “discontinued by Congress in 1939, with the exception of three coins commemorative coins was “discontinued by Congress in 1939, with the exception of three coins
issued through 1954.”6 For a list of historical commemorative coins authorized between 1892 and issued through 1954.”6 For a list of historical commemorative coins authorized between 1892 and
1954, 1954, seesee Appendix A.

1 Q. David Bowers,1 Q. David Bowers, A Guide Book of United States Commemorative Coins: History, Rarity, Values, Grading, Varieties
(Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing Company, 2008), p. 1. (Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing Company, 2008), p. 1.
2 Ted~~2 T ed~~ Schwarz, Schwarz, A History of United States Coinage (San (San Diego, CA: A.S.Diego, CA: A.S. Barnes & Company, Inc., 1980), pp. 319Barnes & Company, Inc., 1980), pp. 319 --
320. 320.
3 27 Stat. 389, August 3 27 Stat. 389, August 5, 1892. 5, 1892.
4 Ibid. 4 Ibid.
5 U.S.5 U.S. Government Government ~~Account ability~~Accountability Office, Office, Commemorative Coins Could Be More Profitable, GAO/GGD-96-113, , GAO/GGD-96-113,
AugustAugust 1996, p. 2, at http://www.gao.gov/products/GGD-96-113. In the historical time period, groups bought coins 1996, p. 2, at http://www.gao.gov/products/GGD-96-113. In the historical time period, groups bought coins
from the U.S. Mint at face value and then resold them at higher prices to raise money to support their activities.from the U.S. Mint at face value and then resold them at higher prices to raise money to support their activities.
6 U.S. 6 U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, Commission of Fine Arts, Civic Art: A Centennial History of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (Amherst, MA: (Amherst, MA:
University of Massachusetts Press, 2013), p. 366. [Hereinafter CFA, University of Massachusetts Press, 2013), p. 366. [Hereinafter CFA, Civic Art.] .] ~~T he~~The coins issued coins issued after 1939 were the after 1939 were the
half-dollars for the Iowa Centennial, the Booker Thalf-dollars for the Iowa Centennial, the Booker T . Washington Memorial, and for George Washington Carver.. Washington Memorial, and for George Washington Carver.
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Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress

Between 1954 and 1981, Congress did not authorize any new commemorative coins. The Between 1954 and 1981, Congress did not authorize any new commemorative coins. The
moratorium on new commemorative coins was in part because public interest in the coins had moratorium on new commemorative coins was in part because public interest in the coins had
waned and the Department of the Treasury was concerned that “multiplicity of designs on United waned and the Department of the Treasury was concerned that “multiplicity of designs on United
States coins would tend to create confusion among the public, and to facilitate counterfeiting.”7 In States coins would tend to create confusion among the public, and to facilitate counterfeiting.”7 In
his February 1954 veto statement to Congress on S. 2474 (83rd Congress), which would have his February 1954 veto statement to Congress on S. 2474 (83rd Congress), which would have
authorized a 50-cent piece for the tercentennial of New York City, President Eisenhower cited a authorized a 50-cent piece for the tercentennial of New York City, President Eisenhower cited a
diminishing interest among the public for the collection of commemorative coins. President diminishing interest among the public for the collection of commemorative coins. President
Eisenhower stated Eisenhower stated
I I ~~am further advised by the Treasury Department that in the past in many instances~~ am further advised by the Treasury Department that in the past in many instances the the
public interest in these special coins has been so short-lived that their sales for the purposes public interest in these special coins has been so short-lived that their sales for the purposes
intended have lagged with the result that large quantities have remained unsold and have intended have lagged with the result that large quantities have remained unsold and have
been returned to the mints for melting.8 been returned to the mints for melting.8
Modern Commemorative Coins
In 1982, Congress resumed the authorization of commemorative coins with the enactment of a In 1982, Congress resumed the authorization of commemorative coins with the enactment of a
~~bil~~ bill to issue a commemorative half-dollar for George Washington’s 250th birthday.9 With the to issue a commemorative half-dollar for George Washington’s 250th birthday.9 With the
issuance of new commemorative coins, the “range of subject matter expanded to include subjects issuance of new commemorative coins, the “range of subject matter expanded to include subjects
such as women, historical events, and even buildings and landscapes.”10 such as women, historical events, and even buildings and landscapes.”10 ~~Additional y~~Additionally, the concept , the concept
of surcharges as a method to direct money to designated groups was introduced. The idea of a of surcharges as a method to direct money to designated groups was introduced. The idea of a
surcharge—a statutorily authorized “dollar amount added to the price of each coin”11—was not surcharge—a statutorily authorized “dollar amount added to the price of each coin”11—was not
without controversy. “These related surcharges became controversial with collectors, many of without controversy. “These related surcharges became controversial with collectors, many of
whom resented making involuntary donations when they bought coins. Today, the practice ..whom resented making involuntary donations when they bought coins. Today, the practice .. . is ... is ...
the linchpin that has ignited most commemorative programs—as potential recipients of the the linchpin that has ignited most commemorative programs—as potential recipients of the
surcharge launch ... lobbying campaigns in Congress.”12 surcharge launch ... lobbying campaigns in Congress.”12
Commemorative coins authorized during the modern period can be subdivided into Commemorative coins authorized during the modern period can be subdivided into ~~c oins~~coins minted minted
between 1982 and 1997, and coins minted since 1998. In 1996, the Commemorative Coin Reform between 1982 and 1997, and coins minted since 1998. In 1996, the Commemorative Coin Reform
Act (CCRA) was enacted to (1) limit the maximum number of different coin programs minted per Act (CCRA) was enacted to (1) limit the maximum number of different coin programs minted per
year;13 (2) limit the maximum number of coins minted per commemorative coin program;14 and year;13 (2) limit the maximum number of coins minted per commemorative coin program;14 and
(3) clarify the law with respect to the recovery of Mint expenses before surcharges are disbursed (3) clarify the law with respect to the recovery of Mint expenses before surcharges are disbursed

~~7 U.S.~~ 7 U.S. Congress, Senate, Congress, Senate, The City of New York Tercentennial Commemorative Coin—Veto Message, 83rd Cong., 2nd , 83rd Cong., 2nd
sess.,sess., February 3, 1954, S.Doc. 94 (Washington: GPO, 1954), p. 1.February 3, 1954, S.Doc. 94 (Washington: GPO, 1954), p. 1.
8 Ibid., p. 2. 8 Ibid., p. 2.
9 P.L. 97-104, 95 Stat. 1491, December 23, 1981. 9 P.L. 97-104, 95 Stat. 1491, December 23, 1981.
10 CFA, 10 CFA, Civic Art, p. 480. , p. 480.
11 U.S.11 U.S. Congress, U.S.Congress, U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing,Congress, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, and Urban Affairs, 2002 Winter Olympic
~~Com m em orative~~Commemorative Coin Act, report to accompany S. 2266, 106th Cong., 2nd sess., July 24, 2000, S.Rept. 106-355 , report to accompany S. 2266, 106th Cong., 2nd sess., July 24, 2000, S.Rept. 106-355
(Washington: GPO, 2000), p. 2, fn5. (Washington: GPO, 2000), p. 2, fn5.
12 Bowers, 12 Bowers, United States Commemorative Coins, p. 15. , p. 15.
13 A commemorative coin program is the subject matter statutorily authorized to be depicted on a commemorative coin. 13 A commemorative coin program is the subject matter statutorily authorized to be depicted on a commemorative coin.
Within each commemorative coin program, multiple denominations of coins might be Within each commemorative coin program, multiple denominations of coins might be ~~authoriz ed~~authorized. For example, P.L. . For example, P.L.
112-201 (§3, 126 Stat. 1480, December 4, 2012) authorized a commemorative coin program for Mark 112-201 (§3, 126 Stat. 1480, December 4, 2012) authorized a commemorative coin program for Mark ~~T wain. T he~~Twain. The
statute authorized the minting of both $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins. statute authorized the minting of both $5 gold coins and $1 silver coins.
14 For example, the Mark 14 For example, the Mark ~~T wain~~Twain commemorative coin program limited the number of coins that might be minted. commemorative coin program limited the number of coins that might be minted. P.L. P.L.
112-201, §3, required that the U.S. Mint issue112-201, §3, required that the U.S. Mint issue “ “not more than 100,000 $5 coins ... and not more than 350,000 $1 not more than 100,000 $5 coins ... and not more than 350,000 $1
coins.” coins.”
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and conditions of payment of surcharges to recipient groups.15 The CCRA restrictions began in and conditions of payment of surcharges to recipient groups.15 The CCRA restrictions began in
1998. 1998.
Commemorative Coins, 1982-1997
Between 1982 and 1997, Congress authorized 47 commemorative coins. In several cases, Between 1982 and 1997, Congress authorized 47 commemorative coins. In several cases,
multiple coins were authorized to recognize specific events, including the 1984 Summer multiple coins were authorized to recognize specific events, including the 1984 Summer
Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.Olympics in Los Angeles and the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. See See Appendix B for a list for a list
of commemorative coins authorized by Congress prior to the two-per-year limit imposed by the of commemorative coins authorized by Congress prior to the two-per-year limit imposed by the
CCRA. CCRA.
Commemorative Coins, 1998-Present
As noted above, the CCRA limited the U.S. Mint to issuing two coins per year, beginning in As noted above, the CCRA limited the U.S. Mint to issuing two coins per year, beginning in
1998.16 This action was taken in response to the proliferation of commemorative coins authorized 1998.16 This action was taken in response to the proliferation of commemorative coins authorized
since the program was restarted in 1982. Between 1982 and 1997, as many as six different coins since the program was restarted in 1982. Between 1982 and 1997, as many as six different coins
were minted in a single year (1994). Ten distinct coins were issued each year (eight Olympic were minted in a single year (1994). Ten distinct coins were issued each year (eight Olympic
coins per year in addition to two other commemorative coin programs) in 1995 and 1996.17 coins per year in addition to two other commemorative coin programs) in 1995 and 1996.17
Starting in 1998, a maximum of two coins were to be authorized for minting in a given year. Even Starting in 1998, a maximum of two coins were to be authorized for minting in a given year. Even
with this restriction, however, three coins were minted in 1999. with this restriction, however, three coins were minted in 1999. ~~Additional y,~~ Additionally, on two occasions, on two occasions,
~~only~~ one coin was authorized for a given year—2003 and one coin was authorized for a given year—2003 and ~~2008~~2008. Table 1 lists authorized and lists authorized and
completed commemorative coins since 1998, including their authorizing statutes. completed commemorative coins since 1998, including their authorizing statutes.
Table 1. Completed Commemorative Coin Programs, 1998-~~2020~~2021
Year
Commemorative Coin Subject
Authorizing Statute
1998 1998
Black Revolutionary War Patriots Black Revolutionary War Patriots
P.L. 104-329, §101(3), 110 Stat. 4007, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, §101(3), 110 Stat. 4007, October 20, 1996

Robert F. Kennedy Robert F. Kennedy
P.L. 103-328, §206, 108 Stat. 2373, September P.L. 103-328, §206, 108 Stat. 2373, September 29, 1994 29, 1994
1999 1999
~~Yel owstone~~ Yellowstone National Park National Park
P.L. 104-329, §101(5), 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, §101(5), 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996

George George Washington Washington
P.L. 104-329, §101(2), 110 Stat. 4006, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, §101(2), 110 Stat. 4006, October 20, 1996

Dol ey Dol ey Madison Madison
P.L. 104-329, §101(1), 110 Stat. 4006, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, §101(1), 110 Stat. 4006, October 20, 1996
2000 2000
Leif Ericson Mil ennium Leif Ericson Mil ennium
P.L. 106-126, 113 Stat. 1643, December P.L. 106-126, 113 Stat. 1643, December 6, 1999 6, 1999

Library of Congress Bicentennial Library of Congress Bicentennial
P.L. 105-268, 112 Stat. 2378, October 19, 1998 P.L. 105-268, 112 Stat. 2378, October 19, 1998
2001 2001
American American BuffalBuffaloa
P.L. 106-375, 114 Stat. 1435, October 27, 2000 P.L. 106-375, 114 Stat. 1435, October 27, 2000

U.S. Capitol Visitor Center U.S. Capitol Visitor Center
P.L. 106-126, §201, 113 Stat. 1644, December P.L. 106-126, §201, 113 Stat. 1644, December 6, 1999 6, 1999
2002 2002
West Point Bicentennial West Point Bicentennial
P.L. 103-328, §207, 108 Stat. 2375, September P.L. 103-328, §207, 108 Stat. 2375, September 29, 1994 29, 1994

Olympic Winter Olympic Winter Games Games
P.L. 106-435, 114 Stat. 1916, November P.L. 106-435, 114 Stat. 1916, November 6, 2000 6, 2000
2003 2003
First Flight Centennial First Flight Centennial
P.L. 105-124, §6, 111 Stat. 2537, December P.L. 105-124, §6, 111 Stat. 2537, December 1, 1997 1, 1997
2004 2004
Lewis Lewis & Clark Bicentennial & Clark Bicentennial
P.L. 106-126, §301, 113 Stat. 1647, December P.L. 106-126, §301, 113 Stat. 1647, December 6, 1999 6, 1999

Thomas Alva Edison Thomas Alva Edison
P.L. 105-331, 112 Stat. 3073, October 21, 1998 P.L. 105-331, 112 Stat. 3073, October 21, 1998
2005 2005
Chief Justice John Chief Justice John ~~Marshal~~
Marshall P.L. 108-290, 118 Stat. 1021, August 6, 2004 P.L. 108-290, 118 Stat. 1021, August 6, 2004

15 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1). 15 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1).
16 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1). 16 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1).
17 U.S.17 U.S. Department of Department of ~~T reasury~~Treasury, United States Mint, “Modern Commemorative Coins,” at, United States Mint, “Modern Commemorative Coins,” at https://www.usmint.gov/https://www.usmint.gov/
mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern. mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern.
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Year
Commemorative Coin Subject
Authorizing Statute

Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Marine Corps 230th Anniversary
P.L. 108-291, 118 Stat. 1024, August 6, 2004 P.L. 108-291, 118 Stat. 1024, August 6, 2004
2006 2006
San Francisco Old Mint San Francisco Old Mint
P.L. 109-230, 120 Stat. 391, June 15, 2006 P.L. 109-230, 120 Stat. 391, June 15, 2006

Benjamin Benjamin Franklin Franklin
P.L. 108-464, 118 Stat. 3878, December P.L. 108-464, 118 Stat. 3878, December 21, 2004 21, 2004
2007 2007
Little Rock Central High School Little Rock Central High School
P.L. 109-146, 119 Stat. 2676, December P.L. 109-146, 119 Stat. 2676, December 22, 2005 22, 2005
Desegregation Desegregation

Jamestown 400th Anniversary Jamestown 400th Anniversary
P.L. 108-289, 118 Stat. 1017, August 6, 2004 P.L. 108-289, 118 Stat. 1017, August 6, 2004
2008 2008
Bald Eagle Bald Eagle
P.L. 108-486, 118 Stat. 3934, December P.L. 108-486, 118 Stat. 3934, December 23, 2004 23, 2004
2009 2009
Abraham Lincoln Abraham Lincoln
P.L. 109-285, 120 Stat. 1215, September P.L. 109-285, 120 Stat. 1215, September 17, 2006 17, 2006

Louis Brail e Louis Brail e
P.L. 109-247, 120 stat. 582, July 7, 2006 P.L. 109-247, 120 stat. 582, July 7, 2006
2010 2010
Boy Scouts of America Boy Scouts of America
P.L. 110-363, 122 Stat. 4015, October 8, 2008 P.L. 110-363, 122 Stat. 4015, October 8, 2008

American American Veterans Disabled for Life Veterans Disabled for Life
P.L. 110-277, 122 Stat. 2599, July 17, 2008 P.L. 110-277, 122 Stat. 2599, July 17, 2008
~~2011b~~2011b
United States Army United States Army
P.L. 110-450, 122 Stat. 5017, December P.L. 110-450, 122 Stat. 5017, December 1, 2008 1, 2008

Medal of Honor Medal of Honor
P.L. 111-91, 123 Stat. 2980, November 6, 2009 P.L. 111-91, 123 Stat. 2980, November 6, 2009
2012 2012
Star Spangled Banner Star Spangled Banner
P.L. 111-232, 124 Stat. 2490, August 16, 2010 P.L. 111-232, 124 Stat. 2490, August 16, 2010

National Infantry Soldier National Infantry Soldier
P.L. 110-357, 122 Stat. 3997, October 8, 2008 P.L. 110-357, 122 Stat. 3997, October 8, 2008
2013 2013
Girl Girl Scouts of the USA Scouts of the USA
P.L. 111-86, 123 Stat. 2881, October 29, 2009 P.L. 111-86, 123 Stat. 2881, October 29, 2009

Five Star Generals Five Star Generals
P.L. 111-262, 124 Stat. 2780, October 8, 2010 P.L. 111-262, 124 Stat. 2780, October 8, 2010
2014 2014
Civil Rights Act of 1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964
P.L. 110-451, 122 Stat. 5021, December P.L. 110-451, 122 Stat. 5021, December 2, 2008 2, 2008

National National ~~Basebal Hal~~ Baseball Hall of Fame of Fame
P.L. 112-152, 126 Stat. 1155, August 3, 2012 P.L. 112-152, 126 Stat. 1155, August 3, 2012
2015 2015
U.S. Marshals Service U.S. Marshals Service 225th Anniversary 225th Anniversary
P.L. 112-104, 126 Stat. 286, April 2, 2012 P.L. 112-104, 126 Stat. 286, April 2, 2012

March of Dimes March of Dimes
P.L. 112-209, 126 Stat. 1510, December P.L. 112-209, 126 Stat. 1510, December 18, 2012 18, 2012
2016 2016
Mark Twain Mark Twain
P.L. 112-201, 126 Stat. 1479, December P.L. 112-201, 126 Stat. 1479, December 4, 2012 4, 2012

National Park Service Centennial National Park Service Centennial
P.L. 113-291, §3055, 128 Stat. 3808, December P.L. 113-291, §3055, 128 Stat. 3808, December 19, 19,
2014 2014
2017 2017
Lions Club International Foundation Lions Club International Foundation
P.L. 112-181, 126 Stat. 1416, October 5, 2012 P.L. 112-181, 126 Stat. 1416, October 5, 2012

Boys Town Centennial Boys Town Centennial
P.L. 114-30, 129 Stat. 424, July 6, 2015 P.L. 114-30, 129 Stat. 424, July 6, 2015
2018 2018
Breast Cancer Awareness Breast Cancer Awareness
P.L. 114-148, 130 Stat. 360, April 29, 2016 P.L. 114-148, 130 Stat. 360, April 29, 2016

WWI American WWI American Veterans Veterans
P.L. 113-212, 128 Stat. 2082, December P.L. 113-212, 128 Stat. 2082, December 16, 2014 16, 2014
2019 2019
Apol o Apol o 11 50th Anniversary 11 50th Anniversary
P.L. 114-282, 130 Stat. 1441, December P.L. 114-282, 130 Stat. 1441, December 16, 2016 16, 2016

American American Legion 100th Anniversary Legion 100th Anniversary
P.L. 115-65, 131 Stat. 1191, October 6, 2017 P.L. 115-65, 131 Stat. 1191, October 6, 2017
2020 2020
Naismith Memorial Naismith Memorial ~~Basketbal~~ Basketball Hal of Fame Hal of Fame
P.L. 115-343, 132 Stat. 5043, December P.L. 115-343, 132 Stat. 5043, December 21, 2018 21, 2018

Women’s Women’s Suffrage Centennial Suffrage Centennial
P.L. 116-71, 133 Stat. 1147, November 25, 2019 P.L. 116-71, 133 Stat. 1147, November 25, 2019 2021 Christa McAuliffe P.L. 116-65, 133 Stat. 1124, October 9, 2019 National Law Enforcement Officers Museum P.L. 116-94, Div. K, 133 Stat. 3086, December 20, 2019
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury,U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “Modern CommemorativeU.S. Mint, “Modern Commemorative Coins,” at Coins,” at
https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern;https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern; U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of the Treasury,
U.S. Mint, “CommemorativeU.S. Mint, “Commemorative Coin Programs,”Coin Programs,” at https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=at https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=
commemoratives;commemoratives; and CRS examination of public laws.and CRS examination of public laws.
~~a. The American Buffalo commemorative~~ Congressional Research Service 4 link to page 7 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 link to page 9 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress a. The American Buffalo commemorative coin was also known as the National Museum of the American coin was also known as the National Museum of the American
Indian commemorative Indian commemorative coin (P.L. 106-375, §1). coin (P.L. 106-375, §1).
b. In 2011, Congress also authorized “the striking b. In 2011, Congress also authorized “the striking of silverof silver ~~medals~~ medals in commemorationin commemoration of the of the ~~10 th~~10th anniversary anniversary
of September of September 11, 2001, terrorist11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the U.S. and the establishment of the National Septemberattacks on the U.S. and the establishment of the National September 11
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~~Memorial~~ 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center” (P.L. 111-221). For more& Museum at the World Trade Center” (P.L. 111-221). For more information, seeinformation, see U.S. U.S.
Department of the Treasury, U.S.Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “The 2011 September 11 National Medal,” at Mint, “The 2011 September 11 National Medal,” at
http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/medals/?action=911NationalMedal. http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/medals/?action=911NationalMedal.
As listed i As listed in Table 1, a a total of total of 4547 commemorative coins were struck by the U.S. Mint between commemorative coins were struck by the U.S. Mint between
1998 and 1998 and ~~2020. The~~2021. Since 1998, the average coin minted during this period was authorized three years prior to average coin minted during this period was authorized three years prior to
being struck, with the longest period between authorization and minting being struck, with the longest period between authorization and minting ~~being~~for the West the West Point Bicentennial ~~Point~~
~~Bicentennial~~ commemorative coin, which was authorized in 1994 to be struck in 2002. The commemorative coin, which was authorized in 1994 to be struck in 2002. The
shortest period between authorization and minting was shortest period between authorization and minting was for the San Francisco Old Mint the San Francisco Old Mint
commemorative coin, which was authorized and struck in the same year: 2006. commemorative coin, which was authorized and struck in the same year: 2006.
In addition to completed commemorative coin programs, Congress has authorized coins to be In addition to completed commemorative coin programs, Congress has authorized coins to be
minted in minted in ~~2021~~2022 and and ~~2022~~2024. No coins . No coins ~~are currently~~have been authorized for 2023 authorized for 2023, or for 2025 or beyond ~~or beyond~~. Table 2 lists lists
current and future commemorative coins, including their authorizing statute. current and future commemorative coins, including their authorizing statute.
Table 2. Authorized Current and Future Commemorative Coins, ~~2021-2024~~2022-2026
Year
Commemorative Coin
Authorizing Statute
~~2021~~
~~Christa McAuliffe~~
~~P.L. 116-65, 133 Stat. 1124, October 9, 2019~~

~~National Law Enforcement Officers Museum~~
~~P.L. 116-94, Div. K, 133 Stat. 3086, December 20,~~
~~2019~~
~~2022~~
~~Negro Leagues Basebal Centennial~~
~~P.L. 116-209, 134 Stat. 1011, December 4, 2020~~

~~Purple Heart Hal of Honor~~
~~P.L. 116-247, 134 Stat. 1120, December 22, 2020~~
~~2023~~
~~[Open]~~

~~[Open]~~

~~2024~~2022 Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial P.L. 116-209, 134 Stat. 1011, December 4, 2020 Purple Heart Hall of Honor P.L. 116-247, 134 Stat. 1120, December 22, 2020 2023 [Open] [Open] 2024 Greatest Generation P.L. 117-162, August 3, 2022 Harriet Tubman Bicentennial P.L. 117-163, August 3, 2022 2025 [Open] [Open] 2026
[Open] [Open]

[Open] [Open]

Source: CRS examination of public laws. CRS examination of public laws.
Each Congress, several proposals are introduced to authorize new commemorative Each Congress, several proposals are introduced to authorize new commemorative ~~coins~~coins. Table 3
lists proposals for new commemorative coins that were introduced in the 116th Congresslists proposals for new commemorative coins that were introduced in the 116th Congress~~. These~~
~~bil s~~ (2019-2020). Full data on the introduction and disposition of bills for the 117th Congress will not be available until January 2023, after Congress adjourns. The bills introduced in the 116th Congress would have authorized coins for minting between 2020 and 2023. Legislation that became would have authorized coins for minting between 2020 and 2023. Legislation that became
law—19th Amendment Centennial (Women’s Suffrage), Christa McAuliffe, the National Law law—19th Amendment Centennial (Women’s Suffrage), Christa McAuliffe, the National Law
Enforcement Museum, Negro Leagues Enforcement Museum, Negro Leagues ~~Basebal~~ Baseball Centennial, and the Purple Heart Centennial, and the Purple Heart ~~Hal of~~
Hall of Honor—is not included iHonor—is not included in Table 3.
Table 3. Proposed Commemorative Coin Legislation, 116th Congress
Proposed Year
Bill
Proposed Commemorative Coin
2020 2020
H.R. 3155 H.R. 3155
75th Anniversary of World 75th Anniversary of World War II War II

H.R. 61 H.R. 61
Carson City Mint 150th Anniversary Carson City Mint 150th Anniversary

H.R. 1982 H.R. 1982
National Women’s National Women’s ~~Hal of Fame~~
Hall of Fame Congressional Research Service 5 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress Proposed Year Bill Proposed Commemorative Coin
H.R. 1257 H.R. 1257
United States Coast Guard United States Coast Guard

S. 509 S. 509
United States Coast Guard United States Coast Guard
2021 2021
H.R. 3757 H.R. 3757
1921 Silver 1921 Silver Dol arDol ar Centennial Centennial

H.R. 636 H.R. 636
Muhammad Ali Muhammad Ali

H.R. 1805 H.R. 1805
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial~~Centennial~~
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~~Proposed Year~~
~~Bill~~
~~Proposed Commemorative Coin~~

S. 639 S. 639
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Centennial Centennial

H.R. 4332 H.R. 4332
Paul Laurence Dunbar Paul Laurence Dunbar
2022 2022
H.R. 3483 H.R. 3483
75th Anniversary of the Integration of 75th Anniversary of the Integration of ~~Basebal~~
Baseball
S. 1954 S. 1954
75th Anniversary of the Integration of 75th Anniversary of the Integration of ~~Basebal~~
Baseball
H.R. 4681 H.R. 4681
National World National World War II Memorial War II Memorial

H.R. 5537 H.R. 5537
Military Working Military Working Dog Dog

H.R. 5873 H.R. 5873
Harriet Harriet Tubman Bicentennial Tubman Bicentennial

H.R. 6923 H.R. 6923
Coronavirus Front-Line Responders Coronavirus Front-Line Responders

S. 2815 S. 2815
Purple Heart Honor Mission Purple Heart Honor Mission
2023 2023
H.R. 8242 H.R. 8242
National Women’s National Women’s ~~Hal~~ Hall of Fame of Fame

H.R. 4940 H.R. 4940
Texas Rangers 200th Anniversary Texas Rangers 200th Anniversary
Source: CRS examination of proposed legislation on https://www.congress.gov. CRS examination of proposed legislation on https://www.congress.gov.
Note: In the 116th Congress, five commemorativeIn the 116th Congress, five commemorative coin bil scoin bil s that became law are not included in the table. S. 239 that became law are not included in the table. S. 239
(P.L. 116-65) authorized the Christa McAuliffe commemorative(P.L. 116-65) authorized the Christa McAuliffe commemorative ~~coin~~ coin for minting in 2021, H.R. 2423 (P.L. 116-71) for minting in 2021, H.R. 2423 (P.L. 116-71)
authorized the 19th Amendment Centennial (Women’sauthorized the 19th Amendment Centennial (Women’s Suffrage) commemorativeSuffrage) commemorative coin for minting in 2020, H.R. coin for minting in 2020, H.R.
1865 (P.L. 116-94) authorized the National Law Enforcement Museum commemorative1865 (P.L. 116-94) authorized the National Law Enforcement Museum commemorative coin for minting in 2021coin for minting in 2021 , ,
H.R. 4104 (P.L. 116-209) authorized the Negro League H.R. 4104 (P.L. 116-209) authorized the Negro League ~~Basebal~~ Baseball Centennial commemorativeCentennial commemorative coin for minting in coin for minting in
2022, and H.R. 1839 (P.L. 116-247) authorized the Purple Heart 2022, and H.R. 1839 (P.L. 116-247) authorized the Purple Heart ~~Hal of Fame commemorative~~ Hall of Fame commemorative coin for minting in coin for minting in
2022. 2022.
Authorizing Commemorative Coins
Legislative Features
Commemorative coin legislationCommemorative coin legislation ~~general y~~ generally has certain features, including has certain features, including
 findings that summarize the commemorative subject’s history and importance;  findings that summarize the commemorative subject’s history and importance;
 specifications for denominations, weight, and  specifications for denominations, weight, and ~~metal ic~~metallic makeup; makeup;
 design requirements, including required dates, words, and images;  design requirements, including required dates, words, and images;
 start and end dates for minting coins and any other limitations;  start and end dates for minting coins and any other limitations;
 requirements for  requirements for ~~sel ing~~selling coins; coins;
 coin surcharge and distribution to designated groups; and coin surcharge and distribution to designated groups; and
 assurances that costs of the coin program are recouped by the U.S. Mint.  assurances that costs of the coin program are recouped by the U.S. Mint.
The following provides examples of the features The following provides examples of the features ~~general y~~generally found in a commemorative coin found in a commemorative coin ~~bil .~~
bill. Congressional Research Service 6 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress Findings
Commemorative coin legislation Commemorative coin legislation ~~typical y~~ typically includes a section of findings. These include historical includes a section of findings. These include historical
facts about the people, places, events, and institutions being honored by the coin. For example, facts about the people, places, events, and institutions being honored by the coin. For example,
the legislationthe legislation to authorize the Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin stated to authorize the Star-Spangled Banner commemorative coin stated
SEC. 2. FINDINGS. SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
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The Congress finds as follows: The Congress finds as follows:
(1) During the Battle for Baltimore of the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key visited the (1) During the Battle for Baltimore of the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key visited the
British fleet in the Chesapeake Bay on September 7, 1814,British fleet in the Chesapeake Bay on September 7, 1814, to secure the release of Dr. to secure the release of Dr.
William Beanes, who had been captured after the British burned Washington, DC. William Beanes, who had been captured after the British burned Washington, DC.
(2) The release of Dr. Beanes was secured, but Key and Beanes were held by the British (2) The release of Dr. Beanes was secured, but Key and Beanes were held by the British
during the shelling of Fort McHenry, one of the forts defending Baltimore. during the shelling of Fort McHenry, one of the forts defending Baltimore.
(3) On the morning of September 14, 1814, after the 25-hour British bombardment of (3) On the morning of September 14, 1814, after the 25-hour British bombardment of
FortFort ~~McHenry, Key peered through the clearing smoke to see a 42-foot by~~ McHenry, Key peered through the clearing smoke to see a 42-foot by 30-foot 30-foot
American flag flying proudly atop the Fort. American flag flying proudly atop the Fort.
(4) He was so inspired to see the enormous flag still flying over the Fort that he began (4) He was so inspired to see the enormous flag still flying over the Fort that he began
penning a song, which he named The Defence of Fort McHenry, to commemorate the penning a song, which he named The Defence of Fort McHenry, to commemorate the
occasion and he included a note that it should be sung to the tune of the popular British occasion and he included a note that it should be sung to the tune of the popular British
melody To Anacreon in Heaven. melody To Anacreon in Heaven.
(5) In 1916, President (5) In 1916, President ~~Woodrow Wilson ordered that the anthem, which had~~ Woodrow Wilson ordered that the anthem, which had been been
popularly renamed the Star-Spangled Banner, be played at military and naval occasions. popularly renamed the Star-Spangled Banner, be played at military and naval occasions.
(6) On March 3, 1931, (6) On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a resolution of Congress that President Herbert Hoover signed a resolution of Congress that
officially designated theofficially designated the Star-Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United Star-Spangled Banner as the National Anthem of the United
States.18 States.18
Coin Specification
The coin specification section The coin specification section ~~typical y~~typically provides details on the type and the maximum number of provides details on the type and the maximum number of
coins authorized to be minted. coins authorized to be minted. ~~Additional y,~~ Additionally, this section this section ~~general y~~generally includes language that makes includes language that makes
the coin legalthe coin legal tender and a numismatic item. In some cases, this section also includes specific tender and a numismatic item. In some cases, this section also includes specific
language on coin design. For example, the legislationlanguage on coin design. For example, the legislation authorizing the National authorizing the National ~~Basebal Hal~~ Baseball Hall of of
Fame commemorative coin includes language on the three types of coins authorized—$5 gold Fame commemorative coin includes language on the three types of coins authorized—$5 gold
coin, $1 silver coin, and half-dollar clad coin—and a sense of Congress that the reverse side of coin, $1 silver coin, and half-dollar clad coin—and a sense of Congress that the reverse side of
the coin should be “convex to more closely resemble a the coin should be “convex to more closely resemble a ~~basebal~~ baseball, and the obverse concave.”19 , and the obverse concave.”19
SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS. SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.
(a) DENOMINATIONS.—In recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall (a) DENOMINATIONS.—In recognition and celebration of the National Baseball Hall
of Fame, the Secretaryof Fame, the Secretary of the Treasuryof the Treasury (hereafter(hereafter in thisin this Act referred to as the Act referred to as the
‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue the following coins:‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue the following coins:
(1) $5 GOLD (1) $5 GOLD COINS.—Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, which shall— COINS.—Not more than 50,000 $5 coins, which shall—
(A) weigh 8.359 grams; (A) weigh 8.359 grams; 18 P.L. 111-232, §2, 124 Stat. 2490, August 16, 2010. 19 P.L. 112-152, §3(d), 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012. Congressional Research Service 7 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress
(B) have diameter of 0.850 inches; and (B) have diameter of 0.850 inches; and
(C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy. (C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.
(2) $1 SILVER (2) $1 SILVER COINS.—Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, which shall— COINS.—Not more than 400,000 $1 coins, which shall—
(A) weigh 26.73 grams; (A) weigh 26.73 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and (B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and

~~18 P.L. 111-232, §2, 124 Stat. 2490, August 16, 2010.~~
~~19 P.L. 112-152, §3(d), 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012.~~
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(C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper. (C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.
(3) HALF-DOLLAR CLAD COINS.—Not (3) HALF-DOLLAR CLAD COINS.—Not more thanmore than 750,000 half-dollar750,000 half-dollar coins coins
which shall— which shall—
(A) weigh 11.34 grams; (A) weigh 11.34 grams;
(B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and
(C) (C) be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section
5112(b) of title 31, United States Code. 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code.
(b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins (b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins ~~minted under this Act shall be legal tender,~~ minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as as
provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code. provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.
(c) NUMISMATIC (c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposesITEMS.—For purposes ~~of sections~~ of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, 5134 and 5136 of title 31,
United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic
items.items.
(d) SENSE (d) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—ItOF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that, to the extent possible is the sense of Congress that, to the extent possible
without significantly adding to the purchase price of the coins, the $1 coins and $5 cons without significantly adding to the purchase price of the coins, the $1 coins and $5 cons
minted under this Act should be produced in a fashion similar to the 2009 International minted under this Act should be produced in a fashion similar to the 2009 International
Year ofYear of ~~Astronomy coins issued by Monnaie de Paris, the French Mint, so that the~~
~~reverse of the coin is convex to more closely resemble a baseball and the~~ Astronomy coins issued by Monnaie de Paris, the French Mint, so that the reverse of the coin is convex to more closely resemble a baseball and the obverse obverse
concave, providing a more dramatic display of the obverse design chosen pursuant to concave, providing a more dramatic display of the obverse design chosen pursuant to
section 4(c).20 section 4(c).20
Design of Coins
Commemorative coin legislation Commemorative coin legislation ~~also typical y~~ also typically specifies requirements for the design of the coin. specifies requirements for the design of the coin.
These include official language on words or dates that are to appear on the coin and instructions These include official language on words or dates that are to appear on the coin and instructions
about how the design might be chosen. For example, the legislation to authorize the Civilabout how the design might be chosen. For example, the legislation to authorize the Civil Rights Rights
Act of 1964 commemorative coin stated Act of 1964 commemorative coin stated
SEC. 4 DESIGN SEC. 4 DESIGN OF COINS. OF COINS.
(a) DESIGN (a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.—The design of the coins minted under this Act REQUIREMENTS.—The design of the coins minted under this Act ~~shal~~
shall be emblematic of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its contribution to be emblematic of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its contribution to
civil rights in America.civil rights in America.
(b) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On each coin minted under this Act there (b) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On each coin minted under this Act there
shall be— shall be—
(1) a designation of the value of the coin; (1) a designation of the value of the coin;
(2) an inscription of the year ‘‘2014’’; and (2) an inscription of the year ‘‘2014’’; and
20 P.L. 112-152, §3, 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012. Congressional Research Service 8 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress (3) ~~(3)~~ inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of
America’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’. America’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus Unum’’.
(c) SELECTION.—The design for the coins minted under this Act shall be— (c) SELECTION.—The design for the coins minted under this Act shall be—
(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts; (1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the Commission of Fine Arts;
and and

~~20 P.L. 112-152, §3, 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012.~~
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(2) reviewed (2) reviewed by by the Citizens Coinagethe Citizens Coinage ~~Advisory~~ Advisory Committee establishedCommittee established under under
section 5135 of title 31, United States Code.21 section 5135 of title 31, United States Code.21
Issuance of Coins
The issuance of coins section The issuance of coins section ~~typical y~~typically specifies the time period that the coin specifies the time period that the coin ~~wil~~ will be availablebe available for for
sale and provides any instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury as to which mint location sale and provides any instructions to the Secretary of the Treasury as to which mint location
should strike the coins and the quality of the coins to be issued. For example, the March of Dimes should strike the coins and the quality of the coins to be issued. For example, the March of Dimes
commemorative coin authorization stated commemorative coin authorization stated
SEC. 5. ISSUANCE. SEC. 5. ISSUANCE.
(a) Quality of Coins.—Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and (a) Quality of Coins.—Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and
proof qualities. proof qualities.
(b) Mint Facility.—For the coins minted under this Act, at least 1 facility of the United (b) Mint Facility.—For the coins minted under this Act, at least 1 facility of the United
States Mint shall be used to strike proof quality coins, while at least 1 other such facility States Mint shall be used to strike proof quality coins, while at least 1 other such facility
shall be used to strike the uncirculated quality coins. shall be used to strike the uncirculated quality coins.
(c) Period for Issuance.—The Secretary of the Treasury may issue coins minted under (c) Period for Issuance.—The Secretary of the Treasury may issue coins minted under
this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2015.22 this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2015.22
Sale of Coins
The sale of coins section The sale of coins section ~~typical y~~typically sets the sale price of the coin and provides instructions to the sets the sale price of the coin and provides instructions to the
Mint on bulk sales and prepaid coin orders. For example, the statute authorizing the Five-Star Mint on bulk sales and prepaid coin orders. For example, the statute authorizing the Five-Star
Generals commemorative coin stated Generals commemorative coin stated
SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS. SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.
(a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a (a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a
price equal to the sum of— price equal to the sum of—
(1) the face value of the coins; (1) the face value of the coins;
(2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and (2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and
(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use (3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use
of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping). of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping).
(b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this (b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the coins issued under this
Act at a reasonable discount.Act at a reasonable discount.
~~(c) PREPAID ORDERS.—~~
~~(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted~~
~~under this Act before the issuance of such coins.~~
~~(2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1)~~
~~shall be at a reasonable discount.23~~

21 P.L. 110-451, §4, 122 Stat. 5022, December 2, 2008. 21 P.L. 110-451, §4, 122 Stat. 5022, December 2, 2008.
22 P.L. 112-209, §5, 126 Stat. 1511, December 18, 201222 P.L. 112-209, §5, 126 Stat. 1511, December 18, 2012.
~~23 P.L. 111-262, §6, 124 Stat. 2784, October 8, 2010~~. .
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(c) PREPAID ORDERS.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins. (2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.23
Surcharges
The surcharges section of the legislation The surcharges section of the legislation ~~typical y~~typically sets the surcharges (amount above the face sets the surcharges (amount above the face
value that the U.S. Mint charges) per coin and designates the distribution of these surcharges to value that the U.S. Mint charges) per coin and designates the distribution of these surcharges to
recipient organizations. For example, the statute to authorize the U.S. Army commemorative coin recipient organizations. For example, the statute to authorize the U.S. Army commemorative coin
stated stated
SEC. 7. SURCHARGES. SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.
(a) In General.—All sales of coins minted under this Act shall include a surcharge as (a) In General.—All sales of coins minted under this Act shall include a surcharge as
follows: follows:
(1) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin. (1) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin.
(2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin. (2) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin.
(3) A surcharge of $5 per coin for the half dollar coin. (3) A surcharge of $5 per coin for the half dollar coin.
(b) Distribution.—Subject (b) Distribution.—Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, Unitedto section 5134(f) of title 31, United ~~States~~ States Code, all Code, all
surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act ~~shal~~
~~be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the~~ shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the Foundation to help finance the National National
Museum of the United States Army. Museum of the United States Army.
(c) Audits.—The (c) Audits.—The ~~Foundation shall be subject to the audit requirements of~~ Foundation shall be subject to the audit requirements of section section
5134(f)(2)5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received by the of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received by the
Foundation under subsection (b).Foundation under subsection (b).
(d) (d) Limitation.—NotwithstandingLimitation.—Notwithstanding ~~subsection (a), no surcharge may be included~~ subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with with
respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the
time of suchtime of such ~~issuance, the issuance of such coin would res ult in the~~ issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of number of
commemorative coin programscommemorative coin programs ~~issued~~ issued during suchduring such year to exceed the annualyear to exceed the annual 2 2
commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31,
United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary
of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.24 of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.24
More information on surcharges and disbursement to designated recipient organizations can be More information on surcharges and disbursement to designated recipient organizations can be
found below under found below under “Disbursement of Surcharges.”
~~Financial Assurances~~
~~Some bil s have included a section on financial assurances. This section general y states that~~
~~minting coins wil not result in a net cost to the government. The Mint is currently required to~~
~~recover its expenses before it can disburse potential surcharges to recipient organizations~~
~~designated in a commemorative coin statute.25 The Mint has stated that al commemorative coin~~

.” 23 P.L. 111-262, §6, 124 Stat. 2784, October 8, 2010. 24 P.L. 110-450, §7, 122 Stat. 5019, December 1, 2008. Many, but not all, commemorative coin measures contain the 24 P.L. 110-450, §7, 122 Stat. 5019, December 1, 2008. Many, but not all, commemorative coin measures contain the
limitation provision found in this example. According to the U.S. Mint, this provision would limitation provision found in this example. According to the U.S. Mint, this provision would ~~elimina te~~eliminate potential potential
surchargesurcharge payments for all commemorative coin programs in a given year, payments for all commemorative coin programs in a given year, if Congress Congress authorized more than two authorized more than two
commemorative coin programs for that year, even if the coin program sold enough units to recoup the Mint’s costs and commemorative coin programs for that year, even if the coin program sold enough units to recoup the Mint’s costs and
the designated recipient group raised matching fundsthe designated recipient group raised matching funds to be eligibleto be eligible for a surchargefor a surcharge payment. payment. ~~T elephone~~Telephone conversation conversation
with Jennifer Warren, director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs, U.S. Mint, December 9, 2020.with Jennifer Warren, director of legislative and intergovernmental affairs, U.S. Mint, December 9, 2020.
~~25 P.L. 104-208, Div. A, title 1, §529(b), 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996.~~
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Financial Assurances Some bills have included a section on financial assurances. This section generally states that minting coins will not result in a net cost to the government. The Mint is currently required to recover its expenses before it can disburse potential surcharges to recipient organizations designated in a commemorative coin statute.25 The Mint has stated that all commemorative coin
programs have operated at no cost to the taxpayer since 1997.26 For example, the statute to programs have operated at no cost to the taxpayer since 1997.26 For example, the statute to
authorize the American Legion 100th Anniversary commemorative coin stated authorize the American Legion 100th Anniversary commemorative coin stated
SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES. SEC. 8. FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.
The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that— The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that—
(1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United (1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United
States Government; and States Government; and
(2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to the recipient designated (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to the recipient designated
in section 7 until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by in section 7 until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by
this Act (includingthis Act (including labor, materials, dies, uselabor, materials, dies, use of machinery,of machinery, ~~overhead~~ overhead expenses, expenses,
marketing, andmarketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistentshipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with with
sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.27 sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.27
Consideration of Legislation in Congress
Once a commemorative coin Once a commemorative coin ~~bil~~ bill is introduced, it is is introduced, it is ~~typical y~~typically referred to the House Committee on referred to the House Committee on
Financial Services or the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.28 Financial Services or the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.28
Neither House nor Senate rules provide any restrictions Neither House nor Senate rules provide any restrictions ~~specifical y~~specifically concerning consideration of concerning consideration of
commemorative coin legislation on the House or Senate floor.29 Pursuant to Senate and House commemorative coin legislation on the House or Senate floor.29 Pursuant to Senate and House
rules, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committee rules, the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and the House Committee
on Financial Services have jurisdiction over commemorative coin legislation.30 on Financial Services have jurisdiction over commemorative coin legislation.30
In the Senate, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee rules in recent Congresses In the Senate, the Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee rules in recent Congresses
have placed a minimum on the number of cosponsors a commemorative coin have placed a minimum on the number of cosponsors a commemorative coin ~~bil~~ bill must have must have
before committee consideration. Committee Rule 8 has required that “at least 67 Senators must before committee consideration. Committee Rule 8 has required that “at least 67 Senators must
~~cosponsor any .. commemorative coin bil or resolution before consideration by the~~
~~Committee.”31~~

25 P.L. 104-208, Div. A, title 1, §529(b), 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996. 26 Email from Betty Birdsong, acting director, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Mint, December 18, 26 Email from Betty Birdsong, acting director, Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, U.S. Mint, December 18,
2018. 2018.
27 P.L. 115-65, §8, 131 Stat. 1191, October 6, 2017. 27 P.L. 115-65, §8, 131 Stat. 1191, October 6, 2017.
28 U.S.28 U.S. Congress, House,Congress, House, Financial ServiceFinancial Service Committee, at http://financialservices.house.gov; and U.S. Congress, Committee, at http://financialservices.house.gov; and U.S. Congress,
Senate, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, at http://www.banking.senate.gov. Senate, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, at http://www.banking.senate.gov.
29 29 ~~T his~~This stands in contrast to some other commemorative legislation. For more stands in contrast to some other commemorative legislation. For more ~~infor mation~~information on House Rule on House Rule XII, clauseXII, clause 5, 5,
see CRSsee CRS Report R43539, Report R43539, ~~Com m emorations~~Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups, and Events, ,
coordinated by Jacob R.coordinated by Jacob R. Straus. Straus.
30 U.S.30 U.S. Congress, Senate, “Rule XXV(d):Congress, Senate, “Rule XXV(d): Committee on Banking, Housing,Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs,” and Urban Affairs,” Standing Rules of the
Senate, 113th Cong., 1st sess.,, 113th Cong., 1st sess., S.Doc. 113-18 (Washington: GPO, 2013), pp. 26S.Doc. 113-18 (Washington: GPO, 2013), pp. 26 -27, at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/-27, at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/
CDOC-113sdoc18/pdf/CDOC-113sdoc18.pdf#page=26; and U.S.CDOC-113sdoc18/pdf/CDOC-113sdoc18.pdf#page=26; and U.S. Congress, House,Congress, House, “ “Rule X(1)(h),” Rule X(1)(h),” Rules of the House
of Representatives, 116th Cong., 1st sess.,, 116th Cong., 1st sess., January 11, 2019, at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/January 11, 2019, at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/
files/116-1/116-House-Rules-Clerk.pdf#page=9files/116-1/116-House-Rules-Clerk.pdf#page=9.
~~31 “Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Rules of Procedure,” Congressional Record, daily~~
~~edition, vol. 165 (February 25, 2019), pp. S1430 -S1492~~. .
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cosponsor any ... commemorative coin bill or resolution before consideration by the Committee.”31 The rules of the House Financial Services Committee adopted for the The rules of the House Financial Services Committee adopted for the ~~116th~~117th Congress Congress ~~did not~~
~~specifical y~~do not specifically address committee consideration of commemorative coin legislation,32 although address committee consideration of commemorative coin legislation,32 although
informal practices may exist.33informal practices may exist.33
Protocols issued by the House majority leader in the Protocols issued by the House majority leader in the ~~116th~~117th Congress also addressed Congress also addressed
commemorative coins.commemorative coins.34 The protocols ~~The protocols34~~ provided “further guidance related to scheduling provided “further guidance related to scheduling
legislation”legislation” and stated that the majority leader “and stated that the majority leader “~~shal~~ shall consider the first three commemorative coin consider the first three commemorative coin
~~bil s~~bills in a Congress that receive 290 cosponsors and are submitted to the Committee on Financial in a Congress that receive 290 cosponsors and are submitted to the Committee on Financial
Services to be scheduled for the Floor.”35 Services to be scheduled for the Floor.”35
Design of Coins
After Congress has authorized a commemorative coin, the U.S. Treasury begins the coin design After Congress has authorized a commemorative coin, the U.S. Treasury begins the coin design
process. This process involves consultation with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee process. This process involves consultation with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
(CCAC) and a design recommendation by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The final (CCAC) and a design recommendation by the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The final
decision on a coin’s design is made by the Secretary of the Treasury.36decision on a coin’s design is made by the Secretary of the Treasury.36
Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee
Established by P.L. 108-15,37 the CCAC advises the Secretary of the Treasury on theme and Established by P.L. 108-15,37 the CCAC advises the Secretary of the Treasury on theme and
design of design of al all U.S. coins and medals. For commemorative coins, the CCAC advises the Secretary U.S. coins and medals. For commemorative coins, the CCAC advises the Secretary
with regard to events, persons, or places to be commemorated, the mintage level of coins, and with regard to events, persons, or places to be commemorated, the mintage level of coins, and
commemorative coin designs. commemorative coin designs.
The CCAC consists of 11 members appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury, with four persons The CCAC consists of 11 members appointed by the Secretary of the Treasury, with four persons
appointed upon the recommendation of the congressional leadership (one each by the Speaker of appointed upon the recommendation of the congressional leadership (one each by the Speaker of
the House, the House minority leader, the Senate majority leader, and the Senate minority the House, the House minority leader, the Senate majority leader, and the Senate minority
leader).38 The CCAC meets several times each year to consider design suggestions for coins and leader).38 The CCAC meets several times each year to consider design suggestions for coins and
medals. For each coin considered, the CCAC provides advice to the Secretary “on thematic, medals. For each coin considered, the CCAC provides advice to the Secretary “on thematic,
~~technical, and design issues related to the production of coins.”39 Recommendations are then~~
~~published to the committee’s website, at http://www.ccac.gov.~~

~~32 U.S. Congress, House,~~ 31 “Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Rules of Procedure,” Congressional Record, daily edition, vol. 167 (February 12, 2021), pp. S699-S701. 32 U.S. Congress, House, “Rule X(1)(h),” “Rule X(1)(h),” Rules of the House of Representatives, , ~~116th~~117th Cong., 1st sess., Cong., 1st sess., ~~January 11,~~
~~2019~~ February 2, 2021, at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/, at https://rules.house.gov/sites/democrats.rules.house.gov/files/~~116-1/116~~117-House-Rules-Clerk.pdf#page=-House-Rules-Clerk.pdf#page=911. .
33 In some past Congresses, the committee had adopted a rule 33 In some past Congresses, the committee had adopted a rule to prohibit (1) the scheduling of a subcommittee hearing to prohibit (1) the scheduling of a subcommittee hearing
on commemorative coin legislation unless twoon commemorative coin legislation unless two -thirds of the House cosponsored the measure, or (2) reporting a bill-thirds of the House cosponsored the measure, or (2) reporting a bill that that
diddid not meet minting regulations under 31 U.S.C.not meet minting regulations under 31 U.S.C. §5112 (U.S.§5112 (U.S. Congress, House,Congress, House, Committee on Financial Services, Committee on Financial Services,
Rules for the ~~Com m ittee~~Committee on Financial Services, 113th Cong., 1st sess., 113th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 6, at (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 6, at
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRThttps://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT -113HPRT78856/html/CPRT--113HPRT78856/html/CPRT-~~113HPRT 78856~~113HPRT78856.htm). .htm).
34 Leadership “protocols” are not elements of the House Standing Rules34 Leadership “protocols” are not elements of the House Standing Rules and are not enforceable through points of order and are not enforceable through points of order
on the House floor. on the House floor.
35 U.S. 35 U.S. Congress, House,Congress, House, Office of the Majority Leader, “3) Coins,” Office of the Majority Leader, “3) Coins,” ~~116th~~117th Congress Legislative Protocols, at , at
https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/https://www.majorityleader.gov/content/~~116th~~117th-congress-legislative-protocols.-congress-legislative-protocols.
36 For example, see U.S.36 For example, see U.S. Department of the Department of the ~~T reasury~~Treasury, U.S. Mint, “, U.S. Mint, “ Site and DesignSite and Design Selection Process,” Selection Process,” American the
Beautiful Quarters Program , at https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/america-the-beautiful-, at https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/america-the-beautiful-
quarters?action=designselection#process.quarters?action=designselection#process.
37 31 U.S.C. 37 31 U.S.C. §5135. §5135.
38 For a list of current members of the CCAC,38 For a list of current members of the CCAC, see Citizens Coinagesee Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, “Members,” at Advisory Committee, “Members,” at
https://www.ccac.gov/aboutUs/members.html. https://www.ccac.gov/aboutUs/members.html.
~~39 CFA, Civic Art, p. 480.~~
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technical, and design issues related to the production of coins.”39 Recommendations are then published to the committee’s website, at http://www.ccac.gov. When making recommendations to the Secretary, the CCAC considers several design aspects. When making recommendations to the Secretary, the CCAC considers several design aspects.
Figure 1 shows the CCAC’s “Design Aspects We Look For,” when advising groups on coin shows the CCAC’s “Design Aspects We Look For,” when advising groups on coin
design.design.
Figure 1. Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Design Elements

Source: Citizens Coinage AdvisoryCitizens Coinage Advisory Committee,Committee, “Design Aspects We Look For,”“Design Aspects We Look For,” How to Make Friends and
Influence the Committee (aka How to Get Picked),, May 20, 2014, p. 2, at http://ccac.gov/media/aboutUs/May 20, 2014, p. 2, at http://ccac.gov/media/aboutUs/
specialReports/specialReports/~~Medal ic~~Medallic-Design-Elements.pdf. -Design-Elements.pdf.
Figure 2 shows examples of U.S. Commemorative coins. These include the first U.S. shows examples of U.S. Commemorative coins. These include the first U.S.
commemorative coin (1893 World’s Columbian Exposition half-dollar), one of the best-commemorative coin (1893 World’s Columbian Exposition half-dollar), one of the best-~~sel ing~~selling
commemorative coin programs of commemorative coin programs of al all time (1986 Statue of Liberty half-dollar),40 and one of the time (1986 Statue of Liberty half-dollar),40 and one of the
most recent (2016 National Park Service Centennial). most recent (2016 National Park Service Centennial).

39 CFA, Civic Art, p. 480. 40 In total, the two Statue of Liberty commemorative coins sold more than 15 million units. 40 In total, the two Statue of Liberty commemorative coins sold more than 15 million units. ~~T he~~The program consisted of a program consisted of a
$5 gold$5 gold coin and a half-dollar coin. For more information on commemorative coin sales, see Department of the coin and a half-dollar coin. For more information on commemorative coin sales, see Department of the
~~T reasury~~Treasury, U.S. Mint, “Historical Commemorative Coin Sales,” at http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/index.cfm?, U.S. Mint, “Historical Commemorative Coin Sales,” at http://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/index.cfm?
action=historical-commemorative-coin-sales. action=historical-commemorative-coin-sales.
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Figure 2. Examples of Commemorative Coin Designs

~~Source~~Sources: “Columbian Exposition Half Dol ar,”“Columbian Exposition Half Dol ar,” Early Commemorative Coins, at , at
http://earlycommemorativecoins.com/1892-columbian-half-dol ar;http://earlycommemorativecoins.com/1892-columbian-half-dol ar; U.S.U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint,
“1986 Statue of Liberty Half Dol ar,”“1986 Statue of Liberty Half Dol ar,” at https://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/CoinLibrary/at https://www.usmint.gov/about_the_mint/CoinLibrary/
index.cfm#statueLib; and U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “2016 National Park Serviceindex.cfm#statueLib; and U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “2016 National Park Service ~~100 th~~
~~Anniversary Commemorative~~ 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program: Gold ObverseCoin Program: Gold Obverse and Reverse,”and Reverse,” at https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-at https://www.usmint.gov/coins/coin-
medal-programs/commemorative-coins/national-park-service-100th-anniversary-gold. medal-programs/commemorative-coins/national-park-service-100th-anniversary-gold.
U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
The U.S. Mint also makes a formal presentation of design options to the U.S. Commission of The U.S. Mint also makes a formal presentation of design options to the U.S. Commission of
Fine Arts (CFA). Established in 1910, the CFA advises “upon the location of statues, fountains, Fine Arts (CFA). Established in 1910, the CFA advises “upon the location of statues, fountains,
and monuments in the public squares, streets, and parks in the District of Columbia, the selection and monuments in the public squares, streets, and parks in the District of Columbia, the selection
of models for statues, fountains, and monuments erected under the authority of the Federal of models for statues, fountains, and monuments erected under the authority of the Federal
Government; the selection of artists; and questions of art Government; the selection of artists; and questions of art ~~general y~~generally when required to do so by the when required to do so by the
President or a committee of Congress.”41 This includes review of commemorative coins when President or a committee of Congress.”41 This includes review of commemorative coins when
they are presented by the U.S. Mint and the issuance of recommendations for a coin’s design. they are presented by the U.S. Mint and the issuance of recommendations for a coin’s design.

~~41 40 U.S.C.~~ 41 40 U.S.C. §9102. §9102.
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For example, in March 2016, the U.S. Mint presented several alternative designs for the Boys For example, in March 2016, the U.S. Mint presented several alternative designs for the Boys
Town Centennial Commemorative Coin program. In a letter to the U.S. Mint, the CFA provided Town Centennial Commemorative Coin program. In a letter to the U.S. Mint, the CFA provided
recommendations on the design for each of the three statutorily required coins. CFA’s letter recommendations on the design for each of the three statutorily required coins. CFA’s letter
stated42 stated42
24 March 2016 24 March 2016
Dear Mr. Jeppson: Dear Mr. Jeppson:
In its meeting of 17 March, the CommissionIn its meeting of 17 March, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewedof Fine Arts reviewed alternative designs for the three coins of the alternative designs for the three coins of the
Boys Town Centennial CommemorativeBoys Town Centennial Commemorative Coin Program.Coin Program. The CommissionThe Commission ~~members~~ members provided the fol owing provided the fol owing
recommendations. recommendations.
Five-~~dol ar~~dollar gold coin. The Commission. The Commission ~~members recommended~~ members recommended the obverse and reversethe obverse and reverse pairing presented as pairing presented as
alternative #1, with the suggestion to substitute the text “The Workalternative #1, with the suggestion to substitute the text “The Work ~~Wil~~ Wil Continue” for the proposed inscription Continue” for the proposed inscription
“Saving Children – Healing Families.” “Saving Children – Healing Families.”
One-~~dol ar~~ dollar silver coin. The Commission. The Commission ~~members recommended~~ members recommended the obversethe obverse and reverseand reverse pairing that was presented pairing that was presented
as the half-dol ar clad coin’s alternative #13, consistent with the recommendationas the half-dol ar clad coin’s alternative #13, consistent with the recommendation of the Citizens Coinage of the Citizens Coinage
AdvisoryAdvisory ~~Committee~~ Committee (CCAC); they supported the modified(CCAC); they supported the modified locations of inscriptions as requested by the CCAC. locations of inscriptions as requested by the CCAC.
Half-~~dol ar~~ dollar clad coin. The Commission. The Commission ~~members recommended~~ members recommended the obverse and reversethe obverse and reverse pairing that was presented pairing that was presented
as the one-dol ar silveras the one-dol ar silver coin’scoin’s alternative #16, acknowledging that somealternative #16, acknowledging that some of the complex lineworkof the complex linework in the presented in the presented
drawing of the reversedrawing of the reverse may need to be simplifiedmay need to be simplified as the design is sculpted for coinage. as the design is sculpted for coinage.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely, Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke,/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA FAIA
Secretary Secretary
U.S. Mint
After receiving advice from the CCAC and the CFA, the Secretary of the Treasury, through the After receiving advice from the CCAC and the CFA, the Secretary of the Treasury, through the
U.S. Mint, finalizes the coin’s design and schedules it for production at the appropriate time. In U.S. Mint, finalizes the coin’s design and schedules it for production at the appropriate time. In
some cases, the U.S. Mint holds a competition for coin designs. For example, in February 2016, some cases, the U.S. Mint holds a competition for coin designs. For example, in February 2016,
the U.S. Mint announced a design competition for the 2018 commemorative coin to World War I the U.S. Mint announced a design competition for the 2018 commemorative coin to World War I
American Veterans.43 American Veterans.43 ~~Additional y,~~ Additionally, designers competed for the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness designers competed for the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness
commemorative coin.44 The final design was announced in October 2017.45 commemorative coin.44 The final design was announced in October 2017.45
Commemorative Coin Timeline
From authorization to coin launch, the CCAC has estimated that a commemorative coin takes a From authorization to coin launch, the CCAC has estimated that a commemorative coin takes a
minimum of between 56 and 60 weeks. This includes the coin design process, engraving, minimum of between 56 and 60 weeks. This includes the coin design process, engraving,
marketing, printing materials, and coin launch. This timeline, however, does not account for coin marketing, printing materials, and coin launch. This timeline, however, does not account for coin
programs that might be authorized years in advance of the coins’ scheduled release. In those programs that might be authorized years in advance of the coins’ scheduled release. In those

42 Letter from 42 Letter from ~~T homas~~Thomas E. Luebke, secretary, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, to Rhett Jeppson, principal deputy director, E. Luebke, secretary, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, to Rhett Jeppson, principal deputy director,
U.S.U.S. Mint, March 24, 2016, at https://www.cfa.gov/records-research/projectMint, March 24, 2016, at https://www.cfa.gov/records-research/project -search/cfa-17mar16-5. -search/cfa-17mar16-5.
43 U.S.43 U.S. Department of the Department of the ~~T reasury~~Treasury, “United States Mint Launches Design Competition,” press release, February 18, , “United States Mint Launches Design Competition,” press release, February 18,
2016, https://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/United-States-Mint2016, https://www.treasury.gov/connect/blog/Pages/United-States-Mint -Launches-Design-Competition.aspx. The -Launches-Design-Competition.aspx. The
competition occurs in two stages. First, applicants submit three to five samples of work. Second,competition occurs in two stages. First, applicants submit three to five samples of work. Second, a group of invited a group of invited
applicants is asked to submit coin designs.applicants is asked to submit coin designs. ~~T he~~ The initials of the competition’s winner will be initials of the competition’s winner will be placed on the coin and the placed on the coin and the
winner willwinner will receive $10,000. Currently, the competition for the World War I commemorative coin is ongoing.receive $10,000. Currently, the competition for the World War I commemorative coin is ongoing.
44 U.S. 44 U.S. Mint, “Coin Design Competitions,” at http://www.usmint.gov/competition. Mint, “Coin Design Competitions,” at http://www.usmint.gov/competition.
45 U.S.45 U.S. Mint, “Breast Cancer AwarenessMint, “Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program,” at https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-Commemorative Coin Program,” at https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-
medal-programs/commemorative-coins/breast-cancer-awareness. medal-programs/commemorative-coins/breast-cancer-awareness.
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circumstances, the process from authorization to coin launch circumstances, the process from authorization to coin launch ~~wil~~ will be considerably longer. The be considerably longer. The
process, as described by the CCAC, is shown iprocess, as described by the CCAC, is shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Commemorative Coin Process

Source: Citizen CommemorativeCitizen Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee,Coin Advisory Committee, 2000 Annual Report,, at https://www.usmint.gov/at https://www.usmint.gov/
foia/reading-room/cccac-2000-annual-report. foia/reading-room/cccac-2000-annual-report.
Note: The Citizens Commemorative The Citizens Commemorative Coin AdvisoryCoin Advisory ~~Committee~~ Committee (CCCAC) became the Citizens Coinage (CCCAC) became the Citizens Coinage
AdvisoryAdvisory ~~Committee~~ Committee pursuant to P.L. 108-15 (§103, 117 Stat 615, Aprilpursuant to P.L. 108-15 (§103, 117 Stat 615, April 23, 2003). 23, 2003).
Disbursement of Surcharges
As discussed above underAs discussed above under “Authorizing Commemorative Coins,” ” each authorizing statute sets a each authorizing statute sets a
surcharge amount per coin and designates one or more recipient organizations to receive the surcharge amount per coin and designates one or more recipient organizations to receive the
surcharges. A designated recipient organization is “any organization designated, under any surcharges. A designated recipient organization is “any organization designated, under any
provision of law, as the recipient of any surcharge imposed on the sale of any numismatic item.”46 provision of law, as the recipient of any surcharge imposed on the sale of any numismatic item.”46
Commemorative coin legislation Commemorative coin legislation ~~general y~~ generally includes the name(s) of the organization(s) that includes the name(s) of the organization(s) that ~~wil~~
will benefit from the sale of the coin and how the surcharges benefit from the sale of the coin and how the surcharges ~~wil~~ will be divided, if necessary. For be divided, if necessary. For
example, the legislation authorizing a commemorative coin for the U.S. Marshals Service example, the legislation authorizing a commemorative coin for the U.S. Marshals Service
specified four groups to receive distribution from the program.47 They were specified four groups to receive distribution from the program.47 They were
 the U.S. Marshals Museum, Inc.,  the U.S. Marshals Museum, Inc.,
 the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,  the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children,
 the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, and  the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, and
 the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.48  the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.48
~~Additional y,~~ Additionally, the law might also specify how much money the designated recipient organization the law might also specify how much money the designated recipient organization
should receive. For the Marshals Service commemorative coin, the first $5 should receive. For the Marshals Service commemorative coin, the first $5 ~~mil ion~~million was specified was specified
for the U.S. Marshals Museum. After that, additional surcharges were divided for the U.S. Marshals Museum. After that, additional surcharges were divided ~~equal y among the~~

equally among the 46 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996. 46 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996.
47 P.L. 112-104, 126 Stat. 289, April 2, 2012. 47 P.L. 112-104, 126 Stat. 289, April 2, 2012.
48 P.L. 112-104, §7. 48 P.L. 112-104, §7.
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National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers
Association Foundation, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.49 Association Foundation, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.49
Once a commemorative coin has been authorized, the CCRA requires that certain standards be Once a commemorative coin has been authorized, the CCRA requires that certain standards be
met before surcharge payments can be distributed to designated recipient organizations:50 met before surcharge payments can be distributed to designated recipient organizations:50
1. The recipient organization must raise funds from private sources “in an amount 1. The recipient organization must raise funds from private sources “in an amount
that is equal to or greater than the total amount of the proceeds of such surcharge that is equal to or greater than the total amount of the proceeds of such surcharge
derived from the sale of such numismatic item.”51 derived from the sale of such numismatic item.”51
2. The qualifying 2. The qualifying funds raised from private sources must be for the purposes funds raised from private sources must be for the purposes
specified by the enabling legislation. specified by the enabling legislation.
3. The U.S. Mint must recover “ 3. The U.S. Mint must recover “al all numismatic operation and program costs numismatic operation and program costs
~~al ocable~~allocable to the program.”52 to the program.”52
4. The recipient organization must submit an audited financial statement and submit 4. The recipient organization must submit an audited financial statement and submit
the results of annual audits to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the results of annual audits to demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary of
the Treasury, that it has qualified for surcharge proceeds and is properly the Treasury, that it has qualified for surcharge proceeds and is properly
expending them.53 expending them.53
Guidance provided by the U.S. Mint in Guidance provided by the U.S. Mint in Surcharge Recipient Organization’s Compliance
Procedures for Surcharge Eligibility & Payments includes further details of the requirements includes further details of the requirements
placed on designated recipient groups before surcharge payments can be made. These include placed on designated recipient groups before surcharge payments can be made. These include
requirements for documentation on the amount of money raised from private sources and the requirements for documentation on the amount of money raised from private sources and the

49 P.L. 112-104, §7. 49 P.L. 112-104, §7.
50 50 ~~T o guide designated~~ To guide designated recipient groups, the U.S.recipient groups, the U.S. Mint has publishedMint has published ~~guidance~~ guidance on surchargeon surcharge disbursement. U.S.disbursement. U.S. Mint, Mint,
Surcharge Recipient Organization’s Compliance Procedures for Surcharge Eligibility & Payments, at , at
https://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Surcharge-Recipienthttps://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Surcharge-Recipient -Organizations-Compliance--Organizations-Compliance-
Procedures-for-Surcharge-Eligibility-and-Payments.pdf. [Hereinafter, Procedures-for-Surcharge-Eligibility-and-Payments.pdf. [Hereinafter, Surcharge Recipient Manual]. ].
51 51 ~~T he CCRA requires~~ The CCRA requires that designated recipient organizations demonstrate that funds have been raisedthat designated recipient organizations demonstrate that funds have been raised from private from private
sourcessources for the project designated to receive the surcharges from the commemorative coin program. In order to receive for the project designated to receive the surcharges from the commemorative coin program. In order to receive
surchargesurcharge payments, “the total of qualifying private funds raised must bepayments, “the total of qualifying private funds raised must be greater than or equal to the total amount of the greater than or equal to the total amount of the
proceeds of such surchargeproceeds of such surcharge derived from the sale of suchderived from the sale of such numismatic item.” Further, “numismatic item.” Further, “ private funds are fundsprivate funds are funds raised raised
from non-governmental sources,” and can includefrom non-governmental sources,” and can include cash contribution and other assets that can be readily converted to cash contribution and other assets that can be readily converted to
cash. Other assets that can be readily converted to cash might include “cash. Other assets that can be readily converted to cash might include “ donations of common stock or marketable real donations of common stock or marketable real
estate.” In-kind donations are not considered “funds,” and are not includedestate.” In-kind donations are not considered “funds,” and are not included in calculations for the purpose of surcharge in calculations for the purpose of surcharge
disbursement.disbursement. ~~Fundraising t ime~~ Fundraising time limits are also placed on designated limits are also placed on designated recipient organizations. All eligiblerecipient organizations. All eligible private funds private funds
must be raisedmust be raised “during the period between the inception of the recipient organization and the date two years after the “during the period between the inception of the recipient organization and the date two years after the
last day any coin in the respective program is issuedlast day any coin in the respective program is issued by the Secretary” (by the Secretary” (Surcharge Recipient Manual, pp. 4-5). , pp. 4-5).
52 Further, payments are not generally made until “the recipient organization satisfactorily demonstrates that it has 52 Further, payments are not generally made until “the recipient organization satisfactorily demonstrates that it has
raisedraised ~~qualifying funds~~ qualifying funds from private sources in an amount equalfrom private sources in an amount equal to or to or ~~gr eater~~greater than the maximum amount the than the maximum amount the
organization may receive from the proceeds of surchargesorganization may receive from the proceeds of surcharges under the respective [commemorative coin] program” under the respective [commemorative coin] program”
((Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 14). If the recipient organization has demonstrated that qualifying funds, p. 14). If the recipient organization has demonstrated that qualifying funds ~~have bee n~~ have been
raised, “the United States Mint willraised, “the United States Mint will consider accommodating the recipient organization by making interim surcharge consider accommodating the recipient organization by making interim surcharge
payments at the United States Mint’s discretion,” although “any interim surcharge payment will dependpayments at the United States Mint’s discretion,” although “any interim surcharge payment will depend on the financial on the financial
performance of the program and the risk of loss to which the United States Mint may be exposed by releasing surcharge performance of the program and the risk of loss to which the United States Mint may be exposed by releasing surcharge
fundsfunds before the termination of the program” (before the termination of the program” (Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 12). Interim payments may be made , p. 12). Interim payments may be made
starting six months after the start of the commemorative coin program with payments up to 50% of surcharges collected starting six months after the start of the commemorative coin program with payments up to 50% of surcharges collected
by the U.S. Mint. Further payments of up to 25% may beby the U.S. Mint. Further payments of up to 25% may be made nine months after the start of the program, with the made nine months after the start of the program, with the
remainder paidremainder paid upon program close out. upon program close out.
53 53 Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 1. Additionally, audits, p. 1. Additionally, audits are requiredare required for privately raised funds.for privately raised funds. ~~“ T he~~ “The auditor’s report auditor’s report
shall cover the period necessary to demonstrate that required fundsshall cover the period necessary to demonstrate that required funds from private sources have been raisedfrom private sources have been raised by the by the
recipient organization. recipient organization. ~~T he~~The period reported should be by fiscal period reported should be by fiscal year of the recipient organization and must correspond year of the recipient organization and must correspond
with the period covered by the recipient organizationwith the period covered by the recipient organization ’s assertion. ’s assertion. ~~T he~~The auditor should submit its report promptly to the auditor should submit its report promptly to the
recipient organization upon completion” (recipient organization upon completion” (Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 6). , p. 6).
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period of fund raising. To document these requirements, designated recipient groups must period of fund raising. To document these requirements, designated recipient groups must ~~fil~~ fill out out
a “Schedule of Funds Raised From Private Sources,” which is provided in an appendix to the a “Schedule of Funds Raised From Private Sources,” which is provided in an appendix to the
Surcharge Recipient Organization’s Compliance Procedures for Surcharge Eligibility &
Payments publication.54 publication.54
Following completion of these tasks, and Following completion of these tasks, and after the Mint has recouped any expenses related to the Mint has recouped any expenses related to
minting the commemorative coin, surcharges are then disbursed to the designated recipient minting the commemorative coin, surcharges are then disbursed to the designated recipient
organization.55 Since 1982, when the commemorative coin program was restarted, the U.S. Mint organization.55 Since 1982, when the commemorative coin program was restarted, the U.S. Mint
has raised more than $506 has raised more than $506 ~~mil ion~~ million in surcharges for various designated recipient groups.56 in surcharges for various designated recipient groups.56
Production costs for each commemorative coin can differ based on design, administrative costs, Production costs for each commemorative coin can differ based on design, administrative costs,
and metals used. For and metals used. For ~~example~~example, Table 4 shows how the U.S. Mint calculated surcharges for a shows how the U.S. Mint calculated surcharges for a
commemorative coin for the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin.57 commemorative coin for the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin.57
Table 4. Example Calculation of Commemorative Coin Surcharge Payments

Benjamin Franklin
REVENUE REVENUE
$20,348,835 $20,348,835
COST OF GOODS COST OF GOODS SOLD SOLD

Manufacturing and Assembling Manufacturing and Assembling
$7,576,163 $7,576,163
Order Fulfil ment Order Fulfil ment
$549,513 $549,513
Total Cost of Goods Sold Total Cost of Goods Sold
$8,125,676 $8,125,676
RESULTS BEFORE SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE RESULTS BEFORE SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE
$12,223,159 $12,223,159
~~Sel ing, General~~ Selling, General & Administrative & Administrative

Promotional Promotional
$1,000,000 $1,000,000
Travel Travel
$2,290 $2,290
General General & Administrative& Administrative & Marketing & Marketing
$2,529,656 $2,529,656
Total Sel ing, Total Sel ing, ~~General~~ General & Administrative & Administrative
$3,531,946 $3,531,946
PROFIT BEFORE SURCHARGES PROFIT BEFORE SURCHARGES
$8,691,213 $8,691,213
SURCHARGE ON SURCHARGE ON ~~REVENU~~EaREVENUEa
$4,995,570 $4,995,570
ESTIMATED PROFIT (LOSS ESTIMATED PROFIT (LOSS)b
$3,695,643 $3,695,643

54 54 Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 1. , p. 1. ~~T he~~The “Schedule of Funds “Schedule of Funds ~~Raised~~ Raised From Private Sources,” documentation must be From Private Sources,” documentation must be
auditedaudited pursuant to U.S.pursuant to U.S. Mint guidelinesMint guidelines and be accompanied by “and be accompanied by “ a written assertion by its Chief Executive Officer a written assertion by its Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) that it has met the compliance requirements of the CCRA and specific (CEO) or Chief Financial Officer (CFO) that it has met the compliance requirements of the CCRA and specific
enablingenabling legislation.” legislation.” ~~T he~~The assertion must include assertion must include the amount of qualifying fundsthe amount of qualifying funds received; that private funds raised are received; that private funds raised are
“for the purposes described“for the purposes described in the enabling legislation”; and that “none of the qualifying fundsin the enabling legislation”; and that “none of the qualifying funds raised from private raised from private
sourcessources have been usedhave been used to compensate, directly or indirectly, any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or to compensate, directly or indirectly, any agent or attorney for services rendered to support or
influence in any wayinfluence in any way legislative actions of Congress relating to legislative actions of Congress relating to ~~numismat ic~~numismatic coin activity [pursuant to P.L. 104-208, coin activity [pursuant to P.L. 104-208,
§529].” For more information, see §529].” For more information, see Surcharge Recipient Manual, p. 5. , p. 5. ~~T he~~The Mint’s Mint’s Surcharge Recipient Manual does not does not
specify whether or not a recipient organization may include borrowedspecify whether or not a recipient organization may include borrowed money in its demonstration of qualified matching money in its demonstration of qualified matching
fundsfunds (p. 4). (p. 4).
55 31 U.S.C.55 31 U.S.C. 5134 (f)(1)(A)(i). The provision reads: “5134 (f)(1)(A)(i). The provision reads: “ Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no amount derived Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no amount derived
from the proceeds of any surchargefrom the proceeds of any surcharge imposed on the sale of any numismatic item shall beimposed on the sale of any numismatic item shall be paid from the fund to any paid from the fund to any
designateddesignated recipient organization unless- (i) all numismatic operation and program costs allocable to the program under recipient organization unless- (i) all numismatic operation and program costs allocable to the program under
which suchwhich such numismatic item is producednumismatic item is produced and sold have been recovered.... ” and sold have been recovered.... ”
56 U.S. 56 U.S. Mint, “FAQ: Who Decides What Commemorative Coins are Minted?,” Mint, “FAQ: Who Decides What Commemorative Coins are Minted?,” WWI Centennial 2018 Commemorative
Coin Design ~~Com petition~~Competition, at http://www.usmint.gov/competition/wwi/?action=faqs#top. , at http://www.usmint.gov/competition/wwi/?action=faqs#top.
57 P.L. 108-464, 118 Stat. 3878, December 21, 2004. 57 P.L. 108-464, 118 Stat. 3878, December 21, 2004.
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Benjamin Franklin
POTENTIAL UNRECOVERED MINT INVESTMEN POTENTIAL UNRECOVERED MINT INVESTMENTc

Melting Melting
$1,710 $1,710
Manufacturing and Assembling Manufacturing and Assembling
$511,527 $511,527
TOTAL TOTAL
$513,237 $513,237
SURCHARGE FORWARDED SURCHARGE FORWARDED TO RECPIENT ORGANIZATIONS TO RECPIENT ORGANIZATIONS
$3,369,060 $3,369,060
Source: Adapted from U.S. Department of the Treasury,Adapted from U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, U.S. Mint, FY2007 1st Quarter Financial Report of the
United States Mint Commemorative Coin Programs,, p. 6, at https://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/p. 6, at https://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/
2016/06/ccra2007q1.pdf.2016/06/ccra2007q1.pdf.
a. Surcharge on revenue are the proceeds col ected for designated recipienta. Surcharge on revenue are the proceeds col ected for designated recipient organizations. organizations.
b. “P.L. 104-208 requires the United States Mint to recoverb. “P.L. 104-208 requires the United States Mint to recover ~~al al ocable~~ all allocable operation and program costs prioroperation and program costs prior to to
the release the release of surcharge funds. The United States Mint wil reduce the surcharge payment to recoverof surcharge funds. The United States Mint wil reduce the surcharge payment to recover these these
costs as necessary.” Forcosts as necessary.” For more information,more information, ~~see~~ see U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, FY2007 1st
Quarter ~~Financial~~ Financial Report of the United States Mint Commemorative Coin Programs,, p. 6, at p. 6, at
https://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ccra2007q1.pdf. https://www.usmint.gov/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/ccra2007q1.pdf.
c. As required by P.L. 104-208, §529. c. As required by P.L. 104-208, §529.
Issues for Congress
As Members of Congress contemplate introducing legislation, and the House or the Senate As Members of Congress contemplate introducing legislation, and the House or the Senate
~~potential y~~potentially considers commemorative coin measures, there are several issues that could be considers commemorative coin measures, there are several issues that could be
considered. These can be divided into issues for individual Members of Congress with respect to considered. These can be divided into issues for individual Members of Congress with respect to
individualindividual coins, and issues for Congress as an institution. Individual issues include choices coins, and issues for Congress as an institution. Individual issues include choices
Members may make about which people, places, events, or institutions might be honored; which Members may make about which people, places, events, or institutions might be honored; which
groups might receive surcharge payments; and whether specific design elements might be groups might receive surcharge payments; and whether specific design elements might be
required for a proposed coin. Institutional issues might include committee or chamber rules on the required for a proposed coin. Institutional issues might include committee or chamber rules on the
consideration of commemorative coins and the limit on the number of commemorative coins consideration of commemorative coins and the limit on the number of commemorative coins
minted per year. minted per year.
Individual Considerations
Groups and Events Honored
Some commemorative coin programs are more popular than others. For example, since the Some commemorative coin programs are more popular than others. For example, since the
commemorative coin program was restarted in 1982, the average commemorative coin program commemorative coin program was restarted in 1982, the average commemorative coin program
has sold approximately 1 has sold approximately 1 ~~mil ion~~ million coins. The 1986 U.S. Statue of Liberty coins (15,491,169 coins) coins. The 1986 U.S. Statue of Liberty coins (15,491,169 coins)
sold the most, while the 1997 Franklin Delano Roosevelt gold $5 coin sold the fewest (41,368).58sold the most, while the 1997 Franklin Delano Roosevelt gold $5 coin sold the fewest (41,368).58
The introduction of commemorative coin legislation often serves two purposes: to honor people, The introduction of commemorative coin legislation often serves two purposes: to honor people,
places, events, or institutions and to provide designated recipient groups with potential surcharge places, events, or institutions and to provide designated recipient groups with potential surcharge
funds. These two purposes often go together. Since funds. These two purposes often go together. Since ~~only~~ two coins may be minted in a given year, two coins may be minted in a given year,
Congress may face a ranking of which groups are honored at any given time. In making that Congress may face a ranking of which groups are honored at any given time. In making that
decision, consideration might be given to coins that are likelydecision, consideration might be given to coins that are likely ~~to sel~~ to sell their authorized their authorized ~~al otment~~allotment
and provide the designated recipient group with disbursed surcharges over coins that might be and provide the designated recipient group with disbursed surcharges over coins that might be

58 Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “Historical Commemorative Coin Sales,” at http://www.usmint.gov/58 Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “Historical Commemorative Coin Sales,” at http://www.usmint.gov/
about_the_mint/index.cfm?action=historical-commemorative-coin-sales. about_the_mint/index.cfm?action=historical-commemorative-coin-sales.
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less popular and might not less popular and might not ~~sel~~ sell enough units to provide surcharges to the designated recipient enough units to provide surcharges to the designated recipient
group. group.
Alternatively, Alternatively, Congress could decide that a person, place, event, or institution merits a Congress could decide that a person, place, event, or institution merits a
commemorative coin regardless of the potential sales of the coin. In this instance, the commemorative coin regardless of the potential sales of the coin. In this instance, the
authorization for a coin might not expect that the authorization for a coin might not expect that the ~~al otment~~allotment would be fully sold, but that the would be fully sold, but that the
recognition provided by the coin was nevertheless desirable. recognition provided by the coin was nevertheless desirable.
Disbursement of Surcharges
An important part of commemorative coin legislation is the designation of groups to receive An important part of commemorative coin legislation is the designation of groups to receive
potential surcharges from the coin sales. Often, when drafting legislation, Members have specific potential surcharges from the coin sales. Often, when drafting legislation, Members have specific
organizations in mind as recipients of potential surcharges. As that legislation is being drafted, organizations in mind as recipients of potential surcharges. As that legislation is being drafted,
however, Members face a choice of whether surcharges should be directed to a single group, or to however, Members face a choice of whether surcharges should be directed to a single group, or to
more than one entity. more than one entity.
~~In order for~~For a group to receive surcharge payments, it must go through two stages: (1) raise a group to receive surcharge payments, it must go through two stages: (1) raise
sufficient matching funds from private sources,59 and (2) be subject to annual audits on its use of sufficient matching funds from private sources,59 and (2) be subject to annual audits on its use of
surcharge payments.60 Designated recipient groups are required to raise matching funds from surcharge payments.60 Designated recipient groups are required to raise matching funds from
private sources prior to the disbursement of surcharges. A group’s ability to raise sufficient funds private sources prior to the disbursement of surcharges. A group’s ability to raise sufficient funds
~~is a potential y~~is a potentially important consideration. Should a group not raise sufficient private funds, the full important consideration. Should a group not raise sufficient private funds, the full
surcharge payment for which they could be eligible might not be disbursed. surcharge payment for which they could be eligible might not be disbursed.
Authorizing legislation Authorizing legislation ~~general y~~ generally includes language about how the group might use surcharges. includes language about how the group might use surcharges.
As shown in As shown in “Surcharges” ” above, these purposes are often broad. For example, the legislation above, these purposes are often broad. For example, the legislation
that authorized the 1993 Thomas Jefferson Commemorative coin directed surcharges to two that authorized the 1993 Thomas Jefferson Commemorative coin directed surcharges to two
organizations: the Jefferson Endowment Fund and the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.61 organizations: the Jefferson Endowment Fund and the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest.61
Funds for the Jefferson Endowment Fund were to be used “to establish and maintain an Funds for the Jefferson Endowment Fund were to be used “to establish and maintain an
endowment to be a permanent source of support for endowment to be a permanent source of support for ~~Monticel o~~Monticello and its historic furnishings; and and its historic furnishings; and
for the Jefferson Endowment Fund’s educational programs, including the International Center for for the Jefferson Endowment Fund’s educational programs, including the International Center for
Jefferson Studies.”62 For the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, funds were to be used for Jefferson Studies.”62 For the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, funds were to be used for
the “restoration and maintenance of Poplar Forest.”63 the “restoration and maintenance of Poplar Forest.”63
Once sufficient funds are raised and surcharges are disbursed, designated recipient groups are Once sufficient funds are raised and surcharges are disbursed, designated recipient groups are
subject to an audit of surcharge payments.64 subject to an audit of surcharge payments.64 ~~Additional y~~Additionally, the surcharge payments must be , the surcharge payments must be
“accounted for separately from “accounted for separately from al all other revenues and expenditures of the organization.”65 These other revenues and expenditures of the organization.”65 These
audits are conducted “in accordance with audits are conducted “in accordance with ~~general y~~generally accepted government auditing standards by an accepted government auditing standards by an
independent public accountant selected by the organization.”66 Should a group not use payments independent public accountant selected by the organization.”66 Should a group not use payments

~~59 31 U.S.C.~~ 59 31 U.S.C. §5134(f)(1). §5134(f)(1).
60 31 U.S.C.60 31 U.S.C. §5134(f)(2). §5134(f)(2).
61 P.L. 103-186, §108, 107 Stat. 2246, December 14, 1993. 61 P.L. 103-186, §108, 107 Stat. 2246, December 14, 1993.
62 P.L. 103-186, §108(1). 62 P.L. 103-186, §108(1).
63 P.L. 103-186, §108(2). Poplar Forest was owned63 P.L. 103-186, §108(2). Poplar Forest was owned ~~by T homas~~ by Thomas Jefferson and is Jefferson and is located in Forest, VA.located in Forest, VA. ~~Fo r~~ For more more
information, see information, see ~~T homas~~Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, at http://www.poplarforest.org. Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, at http://www.poplarforest.org.
64 31 U.S.C.64 31 U.S.C. §5134(f)(2). §5134(f)(2).
65 31 U.S.C.65 31 U.S.C. §5134(f)(2)(C). §5134(f)(2)(C).
66 31 U.S.C.66 31 U.S.C. §5134(f)(2)(A). For example, the Government §5134(f)(2)(A). For example, the Government ~~Accountabilit y~~Accountability Office (GAO) found that the Office (GAO) found that the ~~T homas~~Thomas
Jefferson Memorial Foundation received surchargesJefferson Memorial Foundation received surcharges and had deposited them in proper accounts, but had not yet spent and had deposited them in proper accounts, but had not yet spent
any surchargeany surcharge funds. For more information, see U.S. Government Accountability Office, funds. For more information, see U.S. Government Accountability Office, Jefferson ~~Mem orial~~Memorial
Foundation ~~Com m emorative~~Commemorative Coin Program , B-276273, July 18, 1997, at http://www.gao.gov/assets/90/86670.pdf. , B-276273, July 18, 1997, at http://www.gao.gov/assets/90/86670.pdf.
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properly, that information would likely properly, that information would likely be discovered by the required audit and could be discovered by the required audit and could ~~potential y~~
potentially result in a sanction, although no specific penalty is mentioned in law. result in a sanction, although no specific penalty is mentioned in law.
Specification of Design Elements
In some cases, commemorative coin authorizations have required the Mint to incorporate design In some cases, commemorative coin authorizations have required the Mint to incorporate design
elements beyond requirements for specific words (e.g., “Liberty,” or “E Pluribus Unum”), the elements beyond requirements for specific words (e.g., “Liberty,” or “E Pluribus Unum”), the
denomination (e.g., “one dollar”), or the year.67 In these cases, the authorizing legislation denomination (e.g., “one dollar”), or the year.67 In these cases, the authorizing legislation
~~specifical y~~specifically states the design element. For example, it was a sense of Congress that the National states the design element. For example, it was a sense of Congress that the National
~~Basebal Hal~~ Baseball Hall of Fame commemorative coin was to be curved to look more like a of Fame commemorative coin was to be curved to look more like a ~~basebal .68~~
baseball.68 Similarly, the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness $5 gold coin is to be minted using “pink gold.”69 Similarly, the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness $5 gold coin is to be minted using “pink gold.”69
Should a Member wish to have a specific design element incorporated into a future Should a Member wish to have a specific design element incorporated into a future
commemorative coin, the authorizing legislation would likelycommemorative coin, the authorizing legislation would likely need to contain that language either need to contain that language either
as a sense of Congress or as part of the coin specification section. Including language that would as a sense of Congress or as part of the coin specification section. Including language that would
require a certain design element would likelyrequire a certain design element would likely ensure that the Member’s vision for the ensure that the Member’s vision for the
commemorative coin would be incorporated into the design and minting process. Such commemorative coin would be incorporated into the design and minting process. Such
specification, however, could serve to limit design choice for the commemorative coin and might specification, however, could serve to limit design choice for the commemorative coin and might
alter the cost structure of striking a coin, if the required element diverges from standard coin-alter the cost structure of striking a coin, if the required element diverges from standard coin-
minting practices.70 minting practices.70
Institutional Considerations
Requirements for Legislative Consideration
As discussed above under As discussed above under “Consideration of Legislation in Congress,” neither House nor Senate ,” neither House nor Senate
rules provide any restrictions rules provide any restrictions ~~specifical y~~specifically concerning consideration of commemorative coin concerning consideration of commemorative coin
legislationlegislation on the House or Senate floor.71 The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and on the House or Senate floor.71 The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs, however, has in recent Congresses had a committee rule that requires that at “least Urban Affairs, however, has in recent Congresses had a committee rule that requires that at “least
67 Senators must cosponsor any ... commemorative coin 67 Senators must cosponsor any ... commemorative coin ~~bil~~ bill or resolution before consideration by or resolution before consideration by
the Committee.”72 The House Financial Services Committee has not, in recent years, adopted any the Committee.”72 The House Financial Services Committee has not, in recent years, adopted any
specific rules concerning committee consideration of commemorative coin legislation, although it specific rules concerning committee consideration of commemorative coin legislation, although it
has required a minimum number of cosponsors in past Congresses.73 has required a minimum number of cosponsors in past Congresses.73

~~67 31 U.S.C.~~ 67 31 U.S.C. §5112(d)(1). §5112(d)(1).
68 P.L. 112-152, §3(d), 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012. 68 P.L. 112-152, §3(d), 126 Stat. 1156, August 3, 2012.
69 P.L. 114-148, §3(a)(1)(B), 130 Stat. 362, April 29, 2016. 69 P.L. 114-148, §3(a)(1)(B), 130 Stat. 362, April 29, 2016.
70 For example, see discussion70 For example, see discussion on the size of precious-metal blanks for the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame on the size of precious-metal blanks for the 2014 National Baseball Hall of Fame
commemorative coin that accompanied P.L. 113-10 (127 Stat. 445, May 17, 2013), at “National Baseball Hallcommemorative coin that accompanied P.L. 113-10 (127 Stat. 445, May 17, 2013), at “National Baseball Hall of Fame of Fame
Commemorative Coin Act Amendment,” Commemorative Coin Act Amendment,” Congressional Record, vol. 159, daily edition (April 24, 2013), pp. H2260-, vol. 159, daily edition (April 24, 2013), pp. H2260-
H2261. H2261.
71 This~~71 T his~~ stands in contrast to a House Rules stands in contrast to a House Rules provision (Rule XII, clauseprovision (Rule XII, clause 5) that prohibits the introduction or 5) that prohibits the introduction or
consideration of date-specific commemorative legislation. For more information on House Rule XII, clauseconsideration of date-specific commemorative legislation. For more information on House Rule XII, clause 5, see5, see CRS CRS
Report R43539, Report R43539, ~~Com m emorations~~Commemorations in Congress: Options for Honoring Individuals, Groups, and Events, coordinated by , coordinated by
Jacob R.Jacob R. Straus. Straus.
72 “Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Rules 72 “Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Rules of Procedure,” of Procedure,” Congressional Record, daily , daily
edition, vol. 165 (February 25, 2019), pp. S1430edition, vol. 165 (February 25, 2019), pp. S1430 -S1492. -S1492.
73 U.S.73 U.S. Congress, House,Congress, House, Committee on Financial Services, Committee on Financial Services, Rules for the Committee on Financial Services, 113th , 113th
Cong., 1st sess.Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 6, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT(Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 6, at https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CPRT -113HPRT78856/html/-113HPRT78856/html/
CPRTCPRT ~~-113HPRT 78856~~-113HPRT78856.htm. .htm.
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As demonstrated by the discontinuation of the House Financial Services Committee rule requiring As demonstrated by the discontinuation of the House Financial Services Committee rule requiring
a minimum number of cosponsors for committee commemorative coin legislation, committee a minimum number of cosponsors for committee commemorative coin legislation, committee
rules can be changed from Congress to Congress. Should the House want to place requirements rules can be changed from Congress to Congress. Should the House want to place requirements
on the consideration of commemorative coin legislation, the Financial Services Committee could on the consideration of commemorative coin legislation, the Financial Services Committee could
readopt its former rule, or something similar. Adopting committee rules to require a minimum readopt its former rule, or something similar. Adopting committee rules to require a minimum
number of cosponsors might encourage number of cosponsors might encourage ~~bil~~ bill sponsors to build support among Representatives for sponsors to build support among Representatives for
a commemorative coin a commemorative coin ~~bil~~ bill to honor a specified group or event. Such a minimum requirement, to honor a specified group or event. Such a minimum requirement,
however, could however, could ~~potential y~~potentially limit the committee in the number or type of commemorative coin limit the committee in the number or type of commemorative coin
~~bil s~~bills it considers. it considers.
Since only the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has in recent years had Since only the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs has in recent years had
a rule that imposes a formal qualification on the potential consideration of commemorative coin a rule that imposes a formal qualification on the potential consideration of commemorative coin
legislation, the possible path forward for a bill can be different within each chamber. Should the legislation, the possible path forward for a bill can be different within each chamber. Should the
House, the Senate, or both want to adopt similar language for the consideration of House, the Senate, or both want to adopt similar language for the consideration of
commemorative coin legislation, such language could be incorporated into future committee commemorative coin legislation, such language could be incorporated into future committee
rules, into House and Senate Rules, or into law. Taking steps to rules, into House and Senate Rules, or into law. Taking steps to ~~formal y~~formally codify the codify the
commemorative coin consideration process might provide sponsors with a single process for coin commemorative coin consideration process might provide sponsors with a single process for coin
consideration, which could make it easier for coin consideration, which could make it easier for coin ~~bil s~~bills to meet minimum requirements for to meet minimum requirements for
consideration across both the House and Senate. Such codification could also limit congressional consideration across both the House and Senate. Such codification could also limit congressional
~~flexibility~~ flexibility and might result in fewer proposals or authorizations to comply with new standards. and might result in fewer proposals or authorizations to comply with new standards.
Number of Coins Minted Per Year
In 1996, Congress limited the U.S. Mint to issuing two coins per year beginning in calendar year In 1996, Congress limited the U.S. Mint to issuing two coins per year beginning in calendar year
1998.74 This action was taken in response to the proliferation of commemorative coins authorized 1998.74 This action was taken in response to the proliferation of commemorative coins authorized
since the program was restarted in 1982.75 Should Congress want to increase or decrease the since the program was restarted in 1982.75 Should Congress want to increase or decrease the
maximum number of commemorative coins minted per year, the law could be amended. maximum number of commemorative coins minted per year, the law could be amended.
Reducing the number of commemorative coins per year would also reduce the number of groups Reducing the number of commemorative coins per year would also reduce the number of groups
or events that might be commemorated and reduce the number of designated recipient groups that or events that might be commemorated and reduce the number of designated recipient groups that
might be aided by the disbursement of coin surcharges. A decrease in the number of might be aided by the disbursement of coin surcharges. A decrease in the number of
commemorative coins per year, however, could increase sales on authorized coins by reducing commemorative coins per year, however, could increase sales on authorized coins by reducing
potential competition among coin programs. potential competition among coin programs.
Should Congress desire to increase the number of coins, more people, places, events, or Should Congress desire to increase the number of coins, more people, places, events, or
institutions could institutions could ~~potential y~~potentially be honored, and a larger variety of designated recipient groups be honored, and a larger variety of designated recipient groups
might receive surcharges from the U.S. Mint. Authorizing additional commemorative coin might receive surcharges from the U.S. Mint. Authorizing additional commemorative coin
programs, however, could increase the number of commemorative coins available and reintroduce programs, however, could increase the number of commemorative coins available and reintroduce
problems associated with competition among commemorative coin programs and result in a problems associated with competition among commemorative coin programs and result in a
proliferation of coins on the market at any given time. Such a scenario might result in decreased proliferation of coins on the market at any given time. Such a scenario might result in decreased
surcharge disbursement opportunities for individual designated recipient groups. surcharge disbursement opportunities for individual designated recipient groups.
If Congress authorizes more than two commemorative coin programs for a particular year, groups If Congress authorizes more than two commemorative coin programs for a particular year, groups
might not be eligiblemight not be eligible to receive surcharge payments. As discussed above underto receive surcharge payments. As discussed above under ~~“Surcharges~~” “Surcharges” and and
“Disbursement of Surcharges,”,” some commemorative coin statutes contain limitation provisions some commemorative coin statutes contain limitation provisions
that would eliminate surcharge payments for that would eliminate surcharge payments for al all commemorative coins in a given year, commemorative coins in a given year, if
Congress authorizes more than two commemorative coin programs for that year. The limitation Congress authorizes more than two commemorative coin programs for that year. The limitation
provisions provisions ~~typical y~~typically say the following: say the following:

74 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1). 74 P.L. 104-208, §529, 110 Stat. 3009-349, September 30, 1996; 31 U.S.C. §5112(m)(1).
75 U.S.75 U.S. Congress, Senate, Congress, Senate, The City of New York Tercentennial Commemorative Coin—Veto Message, 83rd Cong., 2nd , 83rd Cong., 2nd
sess.,sess., February 3, 1954, S.Doc. 94 (Washington: GPO, 1954); and Q. David Bowers,February 3, 1954, S.Doc. 94 (Washington: GPO, 1954); and Q. David Bowers, A Guide Book of United States
~~Com m em orative~~Commemorative Coins (Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2008), p. 16. (Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2008), p. 16.
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(d) Limitation. (d) Limitation.~~--Notwithstanding subsection~~ —Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may(a), no surcharge may be includedbe included with with
respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time
of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative
coincoin ~~programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative~~ programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin coin
program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as
in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue
guidance to carry out this subsection.76 guidance to carry out this subsection.76
For example, for authorized coins in 2021 and 2022, three of the four contain similar limitation For example, for authorized coins in 2021 and 2022, three of the four contain similar limitation
provisions. Only the Christa McAuliffe commemorative coin does not contain the provision.77 As provisions. Only the Christa McAuliffe commemorative coin does not contain the provision.77 As
such, should Congress want to add a third coin for 2021 or 2022 and intend to have surcharge such, should Congress want to add a third coin for 2021 or 2022 and intend to have surcharge
payments made to designated recipient groups (assuming the U.S. Mint recoups its costs and the payments made to designated recipient groups (assuming the U.S. Mint recoups its costs and the
group raises the required funds), those statutes would likely need to be amended to group raises the required funds), those statutes would likely need to be amended to ~~al ow~~allow such such
payments.payments.
Coin Timelines
In recent years, the time between enactment of a commemorative coin law and a coin’s release In recent years, the time between enactment of a commemorative coin law and a coin’s release
has decreased. The compression of the timeline between enactment and sale of the first coin can has decreased. The compression of the timeline between enactment and sale of the first coin can
be a critical variable for whether a commemorative coin program is successful at be a critical variable for whether a commemorative coin program is successful at ~~potential y~~potentially
raising money for its designated recipient group(s). As mentioned above under raising money for its designated recipient group(s). As mentioned above under “Commemorative
Coins, 1998-Present,” between 1998 and 2011 coins were authorized, on average, three years ,” between 1998 and 2011 coins were authorized, on average, three years
prior to January 1 of the year the coin was issued, with the longest time period between prior to January 1 of the year the coin was issued, with the longest time period between
authorization and the year of issue being the West Point Bicentennialauthorization and the year of issue being the West Point Bicentennial commemorative coin commemorative coin
(which was authorized in 1994 to be struck in 2002). The shortest time period between (which was authorized in 1994 to be struck in 2002). The shortest time period between
authorization and the issue year was the San Francisco Old Mint commemorative coin, which was authorization and the issue year was the San Francisco Old Mint commemorative coin, which was
authorized and struck in the same year, 2006. For coins authorized for sale between 2012 and authorized and struck in the same year, 2006. For coins authorized for sale between 2012 and
2021, the U.S. Mint reports that the average number of days between enactment and January 1 of 2021, the U.S. Mint reports that the average number of days between enactment and January 1 of
the release year was 795 days. The longest time between enactment and January 1 of the issue the release year was 795 days. The longest time between enactment and January 1 of the issue
year was the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 coin (1,856 days, or approximately 5 years),78 and the year was the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 coin (1,856 days, or approximately 5 years),78 and the
shortest shortest ~~is expected to be~~was the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial coin (37 days).79 The 2020 the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial coin (37 days).79 The 2020
Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act was enacted on November 25, 2019. Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commemorative Coin Act was enacted on November 25, 2019.
The creation of a newly authorized commemorative coin takes time. The more time between The creation of a newly authorized commemorative coin takes time. The more time between
enactment and issuance, the more opportunity for coin design and marketing to increase the enactment and issuance, the more opportunity for coin design and marketing to increase the
likelihoodlikelihood of developingof developing a product that honors the individual, group, or event and appeals to a product that honors the individual, group, or event and appeals to
collectors. Designated recipient groups do not receive surcharge payments until after the U.S. collectors. Designated recipient groups do not receive surcharge payments until after the U.S.
Mint has recouped Mint has recouped al all of the costs associated with designing, striking, and marketing a coin. For of the costs associated with designing, striking, and marketing a coin. For
coins with a long lead time (enactment to sales), the U.S. Mint and the group have a greater coins with a long lead time (enactment to sales), the U.S. Mint and the group have a greater
opportunity to consult on the coin design and marketing strategy to ensure the sale of as many opportunity to consult on the coin design and marketing strategy to ensure the sale of as many
coins as possible. A longer timeline, therefore, might make it more likely a designated recipient coins as possible. A longer timeline, therefore, might make it more likely a designated recipient
group might receive a surcharge payment.group might receive a surcharge payment.

76 P.L. 116-209, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1014, December 4, 2020. 76 P.L. 116-209, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1014, December 4, 2020.
77 P.L. 116-65, 133 Stat. 1124, October 9, 2019. 77 P.L. 116-65, 133 Stat. 1124, October 9, 2019. ~~T he~~The other coins authorization contain the limitation provision: National other coins authorization contain the limitation provision: National
LawLaw Enforcement Officers Museum (P.L. 116-94, Div. K, §107(d), 133 Stat. 3088, December 20, 2019); Negro Enforcement Officers Museum (P.L. 116-94, Div. K, §107(d), 133 Stat. 3088, December 20, 2019); Negro
LeaguesLeagues ~~Baseball~~ Baseball Centennial (P.L. 116-209, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1014, December 4, 2020); and National Purple Heart Hall Centennial (P.L. 116-209, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1014, December 4, 2020); and National Purple Heart Hall
of Honor (P.L. 116-247, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1120, December 22, 2020). of Honor (P.L. 116-247, §7(d), 134 Stat. 1120, December 22, 2020).
78 P.L. 110-451, 122 Stat., 5021, December 2, 2008. 78 P.L. 110-451, 122 Stat., 5021, December 2, 2008.
79 P.L. 116-71, 133 Stat. 1147, November 25, 2019. 79 P.L. 116-71, 133 Stat. 1147, November 25, 2019.
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Non-Fundraising ~~Commemorative~~Anniversary Coins
In the 116th Congress (2020-2021), the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act was enacted. In the 116th Congress (2020-2021), the 1921 Silver Dollar Coin Anniversary Act was enacted.80
This law This law ~~would require~~required the U.S. Mint to issue silver dollar coins in 2021 in honor of the 100th the U.S. Mint to issue silver dollar coins in 2021 in honor of the 100th
anniversary of the Morgan Dollar and the 100th anniversary of the Peace Dollaranniversary of the Morgan Dollar and the 100th anniversary of the Peace Dollar. Figure 4 shows shows
~~the proposed~~the 2021 designs for the Morgan and Peace Dollar coins. 2021 designs for the Morgan and Peace Dollar coins.
Figure 4. ~~Proposed~~ 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollar Designs

Source: ~~Citizens Coinage Advisory Commission, “CCAC Meeting Images for the 2021 Morgan and Peace Silver~~
~~$1 Coins,” January 19, 2021, at~~ United States Mint, “Morgan and Peace Dol ar Anniversary Coin Images.” News Image Library, at https://www.usmint.gov/news/image-library/morgan-peace-anniversary-coins. ~~https://www.usmint.gov/news/ccac-meetings/2021-morgan-and-peace-silver-~~
~~dol ar-coins.~~
While the 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollars coins While the 2021 Morgan and Peace Dollars coins ~~commemorate~~mark the 100th anniversaries of each the 100th anniversaries of each
coin, they coin, they are not ~~are not technical y considered~~ commemorative coins according to traditional commemorative coins according to traditional
definitions of that term. Commemorative coins, as defined in this report, by the U.S. Mint, and by definitions of that term. Commemorative coins, as defined in this report, by the U.S. Mint, and by
the Commemorative Coin Reform Act (CCRA), are authorized by Congress to “celebrate and the Commemorative Coin Reform Act (CCRA), are authorized by Congress to “celebrate and
~~honor American people, places, events,~~ honor American people, places, events, 80 P.L. 116-286, 134 Stat. 4879, January 5, 2021. For more information on silver dollars, see CRS In Focus IF11773, Redesigning Circulating Quarters, Half Dollars, and Dollar Coins: Current and Future Designs, by Jacob R. Straus. Congressional Research Service 24 link to page 18 Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress and institutions” and “help raise money for important causes.”81~~and institutions” and “help raise money for important~~
~~causes.”80~~ The 2021 Morgan and Peace dollars are differentiated from The 2021 Morgan and Peace dollars are differentiated from ~~other~~ commemorative commemorative
coins because proceeds from their sale are not statutorily designated for a specific recipient coins because proceeds from their sale are not statutorily designated for a specific recipient
group. They are solely minted to group. They are solely minted to ~~commemorate~~mark the 100th anniversary of the coins, not to raise the 100th anniversary of the coins, not to raise
~~money.~~

~~80 U.S. Mint, “Commemorative Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/commemorative-~~
~~coins/?_ga=2.206604115.1323343518.1611061516 -633680901.1591635300.~~
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~~Historical y~~money. Historically, the U.S. Mint has had the authority to strike precious metal coins made from gold,, the U.S. Mint has had the authority to strike precious metal coins made from gold,8182
platinum,platinum,~~82 pal adium,83~~83 palladium,84 and bullion. and bullion.8485 In some instances, the Mint chooses to honor particular In some instances, the Mint chooses to honor particular
historic events through the issuance of precious metal coins. For example, in 2020, the U.S. Mint historic events through the issuance of precious metal coins. For example, in 2020, the U.S. Mint
issued gold $10 coins to honor the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower.issued gold $10 coins to honor the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower.8586 These coins, while These coins, while
commemorating the Mayflower, are not commemorating the Mayflower, are not ~~technical y considered~~ commemorative coins according commemorative coins according
to traditional definitions of that term since they were not authorized to raise money for a to traditional definitions of that term since they were not authorized to raise money for a
designated recipient group. designated recipient group.
Concluding Observations
Commemorative coins have long been a popular way to honor people, places, and events. Commemorative coins have long been a popular way to honor people, places, and events.
~~Historical y~~Historically, commemorative coins were issued to celebrate state anniversaries, expositions, and , commemorative coins were issued to celebrate state anniversaries, expositions, and
event anniversaries, or to support the building of memorials. Coins were event anniversaries, or to support the building of memorials. Coins were ~~general y~~generally sold to sold to
sponsoring organizations, who then resold them to raise funds.sponsoring organizations, who then resold them to raise funds.8687 In the modern era, In the modern era, ~~only~~ two two
coins can be minted per year at the same time; according to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts coins can be minted per year at the same time; according to the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts
(CFA), the “range of subject matter [has] expanded to include subjects such as women, historical (CFA), the “range of subject matter [has] expanded to include subjects such as women, historical
events, and even buildings and landscapes.”events, and even buildings and landscapes.”~~87 Additional y~~88 Additionally, instead of , instead of ~~sel ing~~selling coins to coins to
organizations to raise money, the concept of surcharges as a method to direct money to designated organizations to raise money, the concept of surcharges as a method to direct money to designated
groups has been introduced. groups has been introduced.
As Congress considers the authorization of new coins to support designated recipient groups, As Congress considers the authorization of new coins to support designated recipient groups,
consideration might be given to coins that could maximize sales and provide groups with the consideration might be given to coins that could maximize sales and provide groups with the
~~ability~~ ability to earn as much money as possible for surcharges to support group activities. On the other to earn as much money as possible for surcharges to support group activities. On the other
hand, if Congress’s intent for a coin is to recognize a person, place, event, or institution, then hand, if Congress’s intent for a coin is to recognize a person, place, event, or institution, then
~~smal er~~smaller sales numbers might not factor into legislative decisionmaking. Some commemorations sales numbers might not factor into legislative decisionmaking. Some commemorations
inherently have broader appeal than others and the sale of commemorative coins often reflects the inherently have broader appeal than others and the sale of commemorative coins often reflects the
popularity of a particular person, place, event, or institution to coin collectors and the broader popularity of a particular person, place, event, or institution to coin collectors and the broader
general public. general public.
To To ~~potential y~~potentially maximize the appeal and sale of commemorative coins to support designated maximize the appeal and sale of commemorative coins to support designated
recipient organizations, Congress might consider whether the people, places, events, or recipient organizations, Congress might consider whether the people, places, events, or
institutions to be commemorated have a broad appeal and whether design elements might be institutions to be commemorated have a broad appeal and whether design elements might be
specified that would make the coin more appealing to the general public. For example, the 1986 specified that would make the coin more appealing to the general public. For example, the 1986
Statue of Liberty commemorative coin (shown iStatue of Liberty commemorative coin (shown in Figure 2) sold over 15 ) sold over 15 ~~mil ion units, while~~
~~other coins have sold as few as approximately 40,000. For a designated recipient organization to~~
~~earn surcharges, the U.S. Mint’s production costs must be recouped before payments can be~~
~~made. As a result, coins that sel out of statutory al otments are more likely to generate significant~~
~~surcharges than those that struggle to find a market beyond commemorative coin collectors.~~

~~81 U.S.~~ million units, while 81 U.S. Mint, “Commemorative Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/commemorative-coins/?_ga=2.206604115.1323343518.1611061516-633680901.1591635300. 82 U.S. Mint, “Gold Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/gold. Mint, “Gold Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/gold.
8283 U.S. U.S. Mint, “Platinum Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/platinum. Mint, “Platinum Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/platinum.
8384 U.S. U.S. Mint, “Palladium Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/palladium. Mint, “Palladium Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/palladium.
8485 U.S. U.S. Mint, “United States Bullion Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/bullion-Mint, “United States Bullion Coins,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/precious-metal-coins/bullion-
coins.html. coins.html.
8586 U.S. U.S. Mint, “Mayflower 400th Anniversary Gold Reverse Proof Coin,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/mayflower-400th-Mint, “Mayflower 400th Anniversary Gold Reverse Proof Coin,” at https://catalog.usmint.gov/mayflower-400th-
anniversary-gold-reverse-proof-coin-20XC.html?cgid=null&q=mayflower&navid=search. anniversary-gold-reverse-proof-coin-20XC.html?cgid=null&q=mayflower&navid=search.
8687 U.S. U.S. Government Accountability Office, Government Accountability Office, Commemorative Coins Could Be More Profitable, GAO/GGD-96-113, , GAO/GGD-96-113,
AugustAugust 1996, p. 2, at http://www.gao.gov/products/GGD-96-113. 1996, p. 2, at http://www.gao.gov/products/GGD-96-113.
87 88 CFA, CFA, Civic Art, p 480. , p 480.
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other coins have sold as few as approximately 40,000. For a designated recipient organization to earn surcharges, the U.S. Mint’s production costs must be recouped before payments can be made. As a result, coins that sell out of statutory allotments are more likely to generate significant surcharges than those that struggle to find a market beyond commemorative coin collectors. Similarly, on at least four occasions, Congress has provided specific requirements to the U.S. Similarly, on at least four occasions, Congress has provided specific requirements to the U.S.
Mint on the design of commemorative coins. These included: Mint on the design of commemorative coins. These included:
 that the 2014 National  that the 2014 National ~~Basebal Hal~~ Baseball Hall of Fame coin be curved to represent a of Fame coin be curved to represent a
~~basebal~~ baseball; ;
 that the 2018 National Breast Cancer Awareness coin be tinted pink, to reflect the  that the 2018 National Breast Cancer Awareness coin be tinted pink, to reflect the
color associated with breast cancer awareness efforts; color associated with breast cancer awareness efforts;
 that the 2019 Apollo  that the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary coin be convex to resemble an 11 50th Anniversary coin be convex to resemble an
astronaut’s helmet; and astronaut’s helmet; and
 that the 2020 Naismith  that the 2020 Naismith ~~Basketbal Hal~~ Basketball Hall of Fame coin be curved to represent a of Fame coin be curved to represent a
~~basketbal~~ basketball. .
Evidence from the coin collecting community suggests that a coin with unique design features Evidence from the coin collecting community suggests that a coin with unique design features
may be more attractive for coin collectors and noncollectors alike. For example, a coin-collecting may be more attractive for coin collectors and noncollectors alike. For example, a coin-collecting
publication reported that the National publication reported that the National ~~Basebal Hal~~ Baseball Hall of Fame coin was so popular that the U.S. of Fame coin was so popular that the U.S.
Mint had difficulty meeting demand for orders, Mint had difficulty meeting demand for orders, ~~especial y~~especially because it was the “first U.S. coin to because it was the “first U.S. coin to
utilizeutilize this [curved or dish design] production method and with a this [curved or dish design] production method and with a ~~basebal~~ baseball theme, [it] ended up theme, [it] ended up
being a homerun with collectors.”being a homerun with collectors.”88
89 The goal of commemorative coins is twofold: to commemorate a person, place, event, or The goal of commemorative coins is twofold: to commemorate a person, place, event, or
institution institution and to provide surcharges to groups. As Congress considers future commemorative to provide surcharges to groups. As Congress considers future commemorative
coins, the ability to appeal to broad segments of the population to purchase coins in support of coins, the ability to appeal to broad segments of the population to purchase coins in support of
designated recipient groups might be a consideration. If Congress considers what people, places, designated recipient groups might be a consideration. If Congress considers what people, places,
events, or institutions might be honored and the coins’ designs, the commemorative coin program events, or institutions might be honored and the coins’ designs, the commemorative coin program
could create innovative designs that raise significant monies for designated recipient groups. could create innovative designs that raise significant monies for designated recipient groups.
Since not Since not al all people, places, events, or institutions have the same appeal to the general public, people, places, events, or institutions have the same appeal to the general public,
consideration of which might be the best subject of commemorative coins would ensure that the consideration of which might be the best subject of commemorative coins would ensure that the
U.S. Mint dedicates its resources to coins that are more likely to U.S. Mint dedicates its resources to coins that are more likely to ~~sel~~ sell out authorized out authorized ~~al otments~~
allotments and provide maximum surcharge payments. Alternatively, Congress could recognize important and provide maximum surcharge payments. Alternatively, Congress could recognize important
people, places, events, or institutions with a coin without consideration of the potential people, places, events, or institutions with a coin without consideration of the potential
surcharges. In this case, surcharges. In this case, ~~historical y~~historically important people, places, events, or institutions could be important people, places, events, or institutions could be
recognized by the United States regardless of potential amounts raised for these groups. recognized by the United States regardless of potential amounts raised for these groups.

88 89 Louis Golino, “ Louis Golino, “~~T he~~The Coin Analyst: Baseball Coin Analyst: Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Prices Move Higher,” Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Prices Move Higher,” CoinWeek, ,
May 5, 2014, at http://www.coinweek.com/coins/commemoratives/baseball-hall-of-fame-commemorative-coin-prices-May 5, 2014, at http://www.coinweek.com/coins/commemoratives/baseball-hall-of-fame-commemorative-coin-prices-
move-highe. move-highe.
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Appendix A. Historical Commemorative Coins
Between 1892 and 1954, 60 commemorative coins were authorized by Between 1892 and 1954, 60 commemorative coins were authorized by ~~Congress~~Congress. Table A-1
provides a list of these coins organized by the year in which they were struck by the mint. The provides a list of these coins organized by the year in which they were struck by the mint. The
table also includes the type of coin, the subject, and the authorization statute. table also includes the type of coin, the subject, and the authorization statute.
Table A-1. Historical Commemorative Coins, 1892-1954
Year(s)
Issued
Type(s)
Subject
Authorization
1951-54 1951-54
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
George George Washington Carver & BookerWashington Carver & Booker T. Washington T. Washington
65 Stat. 334 65 Stat. 334
1946-51 1946-51
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Booker Booker T. Washington MemorialT. Washington Memorial
60 Stat. 863 60 Stat. 863
1946 1946
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Iowa Centennial Iowa Centennial
60 Stat. 864 60 Stat. 864
1938 1938
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
New New ~~Rochel e,~~ Rochelle, New York New York
49 Stat. 1259 49 Stat. 1259
1937 1937
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Roanoke Island, North Carolina Roanoke Island, North Carolina
49 Stat. 1911 49 Stat. 1911
1937 1937
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Battle of Antietam Battle of Antietam
50 Stat. 306 50 Stat. 306
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
York County, Maine Tercentennial York County, Maine Tercentennial
49 Stat. 1973 49 Stat. 1973
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Wisconsin Wisconsin ~~Territorial~~ Territorial Centennial Centennial
49 Stat. 1276 49 Stat. 1276
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Robinson-Arkansas Centennial Robinson-Arkansas Centennial
49 Stat. 1981 49 Stat. 1981
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Providence, Rhode Island Tercentennial Providence, Rhode Island Tercentennial
49 Stat. 165 49 Stat. 165
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia Bicentennial Virginia Bicentennial
50 Stat. 322 50 Stat. 322
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Lynchburg, Virginia Sesquicentennial Lynchburg, Virginia Sesquicentennial
49 Stat. 1387 49 Stat. 1387
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Long Island Tercentennial Long Island Tercentennial
49 Stat. 1205 49 Stat. 1205
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Battle of Gettysburg Battle of Gettysburg
49 Stat. 1524 49 Stat. 1524
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Elgin, Il inois Elgin, Il inois Centennial Centennial
49 Stat. 1523 49 Stat. 1523
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Delaware Delaware Tercentennial Tercentennial
49 Stat. 1352 49 Stat. 1352
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Columbia, South Carolina Sesquicentennial Columbia, South Carolina Sesquicentennial
49 Stat. 1165 49 Stat. 1165
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Cleveland Great Lakes Exposition Cleveland Great Lakes Exposition
49 Stat. 1257 49 Stat. 1257
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Cincinnati Music Center Cincinnati Music Center
49 Stat. 1187 49 Stat. 1187
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Bridgeport, Bridgeport, Connecticut Centennial Connecticut Centennial
49 Stat. 1277 49 Stat. 1277
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Bay Bridge San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge San Francisco-Oakland
49 Stat. 1972 49 Stat. 1972
1936 1936
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Albany, New York Charter Albany, New York Charter
49 Stat. 1522 49 Stat. 1522
1935-36 1935-36
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
San Diego-California-Pacific San Diego-California-Pacific Exposition Exposition
49 Stat. 174 49 Stat. 174
1935 1935
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Old Spanish Trail Old Spanish Trail
49 Stat. 324 49 Stat. 324
1935 1935
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Hudson, New York Sesquicentennial Hudson, New York Sesquicentennial
49 Stat. 165 49 Stat. 165
1935 1935
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Connecticut Tercentennial Connecticut Tercentennial
48 Stat. 1200 48 Stat. 1200
1935-39 1935-39
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Arkansas Centennial Arkansas Centennial
49 Stat. 776 49 Stat. 776
1934-38 1934-38
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Texas Centennial Texas Centennial
48 Stat. 149 48 Stat. 149
1934 1934
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Maryland Tercentennial Maryland Tercentennial
48 Stat. 679 48 Stat. 679
1934-38 1934-38
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Daniel Boone Bicentennial Daniel Boone Bicentennial
48 Stat. 807 48 Stat. 807
1928 1928
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
~~Hawai an~~Hawaiian Sesquicentennial Sesquicentennial
45 Stat. 198 45 Stat. 198
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Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress

Year(s)
Issued
Type(s)
Subject
Authorization
1927 1927
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Vermont Sesquicentennial (Bennington) Vermont Sesquicentennial (Bennington)
43 Stat. 966 43 Stat. 966
1926 1926
Quarter Eagle Quarter Eagle
Sesquicentennial of American Sesquicentennial of American ~~Independence~~
Independence 43 Stat. 1254 43 Stat. 1254
1926 1926
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Sesquicentennial of American Sesquicentennial of American ~~Independence~~
Independence 43 Stat. 1254 43 Stat. 1254
1926, 1926,
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Oregon Trail Memorial Oregon Trail Memorial
44 Stat. 559 44 Stat. 559
1928, 1928,
1933-34, 1933-34,
1936-39 1936-39
1925 1925
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Fort Vancouver Centennial Fort Vancouver Centennial
43 Stat. 966 43 Stat. 966
1925 1925
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Stone Mountain Memorial Stone Mountain Memorial
43 Stat. 23 43 Stat. 23
1925 1925
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial Lexington-Concord Sesquicentennial
43 Stat. 749 43 Stat. 749
1925 1925
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
California Diamond Jubilee California Diamond Jubilee
43 Stat. 965 43 Stat. 965
1924 1924
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Huguenot- Huguenot-~~Wal oon~~Walloon Tercentennial Tercentennial
42 Stat. 1287 42 Stat. 1287
1923 1923
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Monroe Doctrine Centennial Monroe Doctrine Centennial
42 Stat. 1172 42 Stat. 1172
1922 1922
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
Grant Memorial Grant Memorial
42 Stat. 362 42 Stat. 362
1922 1922
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Grant Memorial Grant Memorial
42 Stat. 362 42 Stat. 362
1921 1921
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Missouri Missouri Centennial Centennial
41 Stat. 1363 41 Stat. 1363
1921 1921
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Alabama Centennial Alabama Centennial
41 Stat. 595 41 Stat. 595
1920-21 1920-21
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Pilgrim Pilgrim Tercentennial Tercentennial
41 Stat. 597 41 Stat. 597
1920 1920
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Maine Centennial Maine Centennial
41 Stat. 595 41 Stat. 595
1918 1918
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Il inois Il inois Centennial Centennial
41 Stat. 594 41 Stat. 594
1916-17 1916-17
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
McKinley Memorial McKinley Memorial
39 Stat. 12 39 Stat. 12
1915 1915
Gold $50 Gold $50
Panama-Pacific Exposition Panama-Pacific Exposition
38 Stat. 793 38 Stat. 793
(Octagonal) (Octagonal)
1915 1915
Gold $50 Gold $50
Panama-Pacific Exposition Panama-Pacific Exposition
38 Stat. 793 38 Stat. 793
(Round) (Round)
1915 1915
Quarter-Eagle Quarter-Eagle
Panama-Pacific Exposition Panama-Pacific Exposition
38 Stat. 793 38 Stat. 793
1915 1915
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
Panama-Pacific Exposition Panama-Pacific Exposition
38 Stat. 793 38 Stat. 793
1915 1915
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Panama-Pacific Exposition Panama-Pacific Exposition
38 Stat. 793 38 Stat. 793
1904-05 1904-05
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
Lewis Lewis and Clark Exposition and Clark Exposition
33 Stat. 178 33 Stat. 178
1903 1903
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
Louisiana Purchase Exposition Louisiana Purchase Exposition
32 Stat. 446 32 Stat. 446
(McKinley) (McKinley)
1903 1903
Gold Dol ar Gold Dol ar
Louisiana Purchase Exposition Louisiana Purchase Exposition
32 Stat. 446 32 Stat. 446
(Jefferson) (Jefferson)
1900 1900
Dol ar Dol ar
Lafayette Lafayette
30 Stat. 1117 30 Stat. 1117
1893 1893
Quarter Dol ar Quarter Dol ar
Queen Queen ~~Isabel a~~Isabella
27 Stat. 586 27 Stat. 586
1892-93 1892-93
Half-Dol ar Half-Dol ar
Columbian Exposition Columbian Exposition
27 Stat 389 27 Stat 389
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “CommemorativesU.S. Mint, “Commemoratives from 1892-1954,” at from 1892-1954,” at
https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=premodern;https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=premodern; and CRS examination of and CRS examination of U.S.
Statutes at Large. .
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Appendix B. Modern Commemorative Coins,
1982-1997
Between 1982 and 1997, 47 commemorative coins were authorized by Between 1982 and 1997, 47 commemorative coins were authorized by ~~Congress~~Congress. Table B-1
provides a list of these coins organized by the year in which they were struck by the Mint. The provides a list of these coins organized by the year in which they were struck by the Mint. The
table also includes the coin’s subject and authorizing statute. Coin denominations are not table also includes the coin’s subject and authorizing statute. Coin denominations are not
provided for modern commemorative coins because authorizing legislation provided for modern commemorative coins because authorizing legislation ~~general y~~generally provides for provides for
more than one denomination per commemorative coin series. more than one denomination per commemorative coin series.
Table B-1. Commemorative Coins Prior to Annual Minting Limits, 1982-1997
Year Commemorative Coin Subject
Authorizing Statute
1982 1982
George George Washington 250th Anniversary Washington 250th Anniversary
P.L. 97-104, 95 Stat. 1491, December P.L. 97-104, 95 Stat. 1491, December 23, 1981 23, 1981
1983 1983
Olympics Olympics (Los Angeles,(Los Angeles, CA) Discus Thrower CA) Discus Thrower
P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982 P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982
1984 1984
Olympics Olympics (Los Angeles,(Los Angeles, CA) Runners CA) Runners
P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982 P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982

Olympics Olympics (Los Angeles,(Los Angeles, CA) Coliseum CA) Coliseum
P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982 P.L. 97-220, 96 Stat. 222, July 22, 1982
1986 1986
Statue of Liberty Statue of Liberty
P.L. 99-61, 99 Stat. 113, July 9, 1985 P.L. 99-61, 99 Stat. 113, July 9, 1985
1987 1987
U.S. Constitution Bicentennial U.S. Constitution Bicentennial
P.L. 99-582, 100 Stat. 3315, October 29, 1986 P.L. 99-582, 100 Stat. 3315, October 29, 1986
1988 1988
Olympics Olympics (Seoul, South Korea) (Seoul, South Korea)
P.L. 100-141, 101 Stat. 832, October 28, 1987 P.L. 100-141, 101 Stat. 832, October 28, 1987
1989 1989
Congress Bicentennial Congress Bicentennial
P.L. 100-673, 102 Stat. 3992, November P.L. 100-673, 102 Stat. 3992, November 17, 1988 17, 1988
1990 1990
Eisenhower Centennial Eisenhower Centennial
P.L. 100-467, 102 Stat. 2275, October 3, 1988 P.L. 100-467, 102 Stat. 2275, October 3, 1988
1991 1991
Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary Mount Rushmore Golden Anniversary
P.L. 101-332, 104 Stat. 313, July 16, 1990 P.L. 101-332, 104 Stat. 313, July 16, 1990

Korean War Memorial Korean War Memorial
P.L. 101-495, 104 Stat. 1187, October 31, 1990 P.L. 101-495, 104 Stat. 1187, October 31, 1990

USO 50th Anniversary USO 50th Anniversary
P.L. 101-404, 104 Stat. 875, October 2, 1990 P.L. 101-404, 104 Stat. 875, October 2, 1990
1992 1992
Olympics Olympics (Albertvil e,(Albertvil e, France and Barcelona, France and Barcelona,
P.L. 101-406, 104 Stat. 879, October 3, 1990 P.L. 101-406, 104 Stat. 879, October 3, 1990
Spain) Spain)

White House 200th Anniversary White House 200th Anniversary
P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 133, May 13, 1992 P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 133, May 13, 1992

Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Christopher Columbus Quincentenary
P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 139, May 13, 1992 P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 139, May 13, 1992
1993 1993
James Madison and the Bil James Madison and the Bil of Rights of Rights
P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 145, May 13, 1992 P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 145, May 13, 1992

World World War II 50th Anniversary War II 50th Anniversary
P.L. 102-414, 106 Stat. 2106, October 14, 1992 P.L. 102-414, 106 Stat. 2106, October 14, 1992
1994 1994
World World Cup USA Tournament Cup USA Tournament
P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 135, May 13, 1992 P.L. 102-281, 106 Stat. 135, May 13, 1992

Thomas Jefferson 250th Anniversary Thomas Jefferson 250th Anniversary
P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2245, December P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2245, December 14, 1993 14, 1993

U.S. Prisoner U.S. Prisoner of War of War
P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December 14, 1993 14, 1993

Vietnam Veterans War Memorial Vietnam Veterans War Memorial
P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December 14, 1993 14, 1993

Women Women in Military Servicein Military Service for America for America
P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2247, December 14, 1993 14, 1993
Memorial Memorial

Bicentennial of the U.S. Capitol Bicentennial of the U.S. Capitol
P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2252, December P.L. 103-186, 107 Stat. 2252, December 14, 1993 14, 1993
1995 1995
Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) (Atlanta, GA) ~~Basketbal~~
Basketball P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Stadium (Atlanta, GA) Stadium
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Torch (Atlanta, GA) Torch
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992
Runner Runner
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Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress

Year Commemorative Coin Subject
Authorizing Statute

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) (Atlanta, GA) ~~Basebal~~
Baseball P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Gymnastics (Atlanta, GA) Gymnastics
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Paralympics (Atlanta, GA) Paralympics
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Cycling (Atlanta, GA) Cycling
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Track and (Atlanta, GA) Track and
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992
Field Field

Civil War Civil War Battlefield Battlefield
P.L. 102-379, 106 Stat. 1362, October 5, 1992 P.L. 102-379, 106 Stat. 1362, October 5, 1992

Special Olympics Special Olympics World Games World Games
P.L. 103-328, §204, 108 Stat. 2369, September P.L. 103-328, §204, 108 Stat. 2369, September 29, 29,
1994 1994
1996 1996
Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Paralympics (Atlanta, GA) Paralympics
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Swimming (Atlanta, GA) Swimming
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Soccer (Atlanta, GA) Soccer
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Tennis (Atlanta, GA) Tennis
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Rowing (Atlanta, GA) Rowing
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) High Jump (Atlanta, GA) High Jump
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Flag Bearer (Atlanta, GA) Flag Bearer
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

Centennial Olympics Centennial Olympics (Atlanta, GA) Cauldron (Atlanta, GA) Cauldron
P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992 P.L. 102-390, title 1, 106 Stat. 1620, October 6, 1992

National Community Service National Community Service
P.L. 103-328, §205, 108 Stat. 2372, September P.L. 103-328, §205, 108 Stat. 2372, September 29, 29,
1994 1994

Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary
P.L. 104-96, 109 Stat. 981, January 10, 1996 P.L. 104-96, 109 Stat. 981, January 10, 1996
1997 1997
Jackie Robinson 50th Anniversary Jackie Robinson 50th Anniversary
P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4009, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4009, October 20, 1996

U.S. Botanic Garden U.S. Botanic Garden
P.L. 103-328, §208, 108 Stat. 2377, September P.L. 103-328, §208, 108 Stat. 2377, September 29, 29,
1994 1994

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Franklin Delano Roosevelt
P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996

National Law Enforcement Officers National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Memorial
P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996 P.L. 104-329, 110 Stat. 4008, October 20, 1996
Source: U.S. Department of the Treasury,U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Mint, “Modern CommemorativeU.S. Mint, “Modern Commemorative Coins,” at Coins,” at
https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern;https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/commemoratives/?action=modern; U.S. Department of the Treasury, U.S. Department of the Treasury,
U.S. Mint, “CommemorativeU.S. Mint, “Commemorative Coin Programs,”Coin Programs,” at https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=at https://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/?action=
commemoratives;commemoratives; and CRS examination of public laws. and CRS examination of public laws.

Author Information

Jacob R. Straus Jacob R. Straus

Specialist on the Congress Specialist on the Congress

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Commemorative Coins: Background, Legislative Process, and Issues for Congress

Acknowledgments
Jared C. Nagel, Jared C. Nagel, ~~senior research librarian~~Senior Research Librarian, provided research support and Amber Wilhelm, , provided research support and Amber Wilhelm, ~~visual~~
~~information specialist~~Visual Information Specialist, provided graphics for this report. , provided graphics for this report.

Disclaimer
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under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should ~~n ot~~not be relied upon for purposes other be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
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