Coin Clinic: Commemoratives Authorized Through 2027
Commemoratives and Quarters
What future circulating commemorative coin series should we expect?
The Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act authorized the current American Women Quarters Program, coins marking the nation’s Semiquincentennial or 250th anniversary beginning in 2026 and the sports played by American youth beginning in 2027.
The 1776-1976 quarter is a circulating commemorative. Could the 1932 Washington quarter also be considered to be a circulating commemorative?
The final Liberty Standing quarters were issued in 1930. In 1932, the Washington quarter was issued to commemorate George Washington’s 200th birthday. Once again, no quarters were issued in 1933. When in 1934, quarters were necessary to be minted due to its popularity, a decision was made to continue the 1932 commemorative design.
Why weren’t there any quarters minted in 1931 and 1933?
The United States was in the grips of the Great Depression during this period. Demand for new coinage was negligible, and what silver and gold coinage was available was being hoarded at that time. The only denominations minted in 1933 were the cent, half dollar, and $10 eagle. Double eagle gold coins were struck but not issued.
Is it true that there is a fantasy issue 1931-S Standing Liberty Quarter?
The U.S. Mint did prepare to issue Standing Liberty quarters in 1931, but none appear to exist. In 2012, the privately owned Moonlight Mint struck fantasy 1931-S Standing Liberty quarters using genuine quarters as the host planchet for these pieces. According to Moonlight Mint information, 259 pieces were struck using what Moonlight called Die Pair Two. Moonlight issued the disclaimer: “By purchasing one or more of these, the buyer agrees to provide full disclosure of their origin when reselling them. Failure to provide potential buyers with complete and accurate information when offering these could result in criminal and/or civil fraud charges. In other words, don’t try to sell to unaware buyers as original coins of this date … This product is not endorsed or approved by the U.S. Mint, U.S. Treasury, or U.S. Government.”
Did the Moonlight Mint produce any other Standing Liberty Quarter fantasies?
The Moonlight Mint also struck Standing Liberty quarter fantasies dated 1915-D and 1922. The reverse of their 1915-D fantasies uses the Variety One image of a flying eagle without three stars under its belly. Moonlight information indicates their work was “Over-struck on genuine U.S. Mint Standing Liberty silver quarter dollars, circa 1917-1930.”
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