American collectors are undoubtedly familiar with the popular U.S. State Quarters program and the Presidential Dollar coins. Such limited-edition coinage is part of a long tradition, dating back as far as the Columbian Exposition of 1893. Encyclopedia of the Commemorative Coins of the United States celebrates America’s rich numismatic history with the most thorough and wide-ranging volume ever compiled on U.S. commemorative coinage.

Edited and compiled by the country’s leading expert on numismatics, the Encyclopedia provides indispensable information for a broad spectrum of readers--from the reference librarian and the hobbyist to the serious collector. Anthony J. Swiatek not only provides a history for each coin, but also a detailed analysis of contemporary collecting facts, including quantity in existence and the coin’s current value. Swiatek further discusses counterfeit and doctored coins; mint errors; and even other related collectibles, such as cancelled coinage dies. With 668 full-color photographs of coins as well as of historical memorabilia, packaging, and other ephemera, the Encyclopedia is a must-have for the discerning investor and the casual collector, and should be a part of every library's general reference collection.

The book also contains a glossary of coin-collecting terms, a further reading section, and is fully indexed.