Classic Commemoratives, those issued from 1892 to 1954, have become one of the most popular series in recent years. There are 144 varieties of silver issues, of which all but two are half dollars (one is a quarter, the other is a dollar). The first United States commemorative coin was issued in 1892 in conjunction with the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. These coins celebrated the 400th Anniversary of Columbus’ discovery of America and were sold for $1 at the fair.

Congress often used the commemoratives to raise money for projects related to the historical event, such as building a memorial. By the 1920s, however, commemoratives were being issued for seemingly unimportant events and struck for multiple years at several mints to boost sales. With the plethora of commemoratives issued in the 1920s, Congress noted in 1925 that many of these “commemorate events of local and not national interest".

There are 144 silver Classic Commemoratives in a complete set, but many collectors try to build a type set, which includes 50 issues. Some issues are quite scarce, and others, such as the Lafayette dollar, have broad appeal and are very valuable. Many Classic Commemoratives, however, are relatively affordable even in higher grades.

• • Years Minted: 1864-1873