ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Albuquerque Coin Club is the largest coin club within 400 miles and includes over 200 members. The club supports numismatic education for its members and the public.
Former club president Phil Vitale talked spoke about early commemorative coins. Beginning in 1892 and lasting until 1954, the U.S. issued commemorative coins. These coins were used as a way to raise money for a monuments, significant events or special celebrations. Generally, organizers would petition for these commemorative coins to be issued and would sell them for a little more than their worth. The profits would be used to support the monument or event. Any remaining coins were returned to the mint and melted down.
In 1954 the commemorative coin program was ended after shady people and schemes began using the program to their advantage. For more information on the Albuquerque Coin Club and its upcoming coin shows, click here.
