History Found in U. S. Coins

                 The United States Mints began offering glimpses into history in 1892 with the first of the older commemorative half dollars.  These were issued sporadically at first, then frequently with multiple issues in many years, except for a brief interruption during World War II.  These commemorative half dollars ended with the final coins being issued in 1954.  In 1982 came the first of the modern commemorative half dollars and dollars, and again many years have multiple coins issued.  Many of these also celebrate events in history.  So, coins celebrating history have been relegated, for the most part, to commemoratives, with the most notable regularly circulating coins falling into this category being the bicentennial coins.

                 Of course it can be argued that having a coin honor a former President is historical, but not in the same sense as the commemoratives.

                 Finally, the state quarters came along, with many depicting historical events.  Indeed, many of these events have national significance.  But these were issued for a short time, then the mints moved on.

                 As for circulating coinage, the Jefferson nickel began depicting significant events involving Thomas Jefferson.  Now, the Lincoln cents are undergoing change, reflecting the life of Abraham Lincoln.  Perhaps the mints have finally moved towards using coinage to celebrate history.

This article is being made available from Black Spaniel Gallery at http://blackspanielgallery.comby the author.  Links to major English speaking mints are available at Black Spaniel Gallery.