Commemorative coins are legally issued coins with a denomination that are not usually meant for circulation. They are so called to distinguish them from regular issue coinage.
In the United Kingdom, before decimalisation of the money system in 1971, the usual commemorative coin was a crown, or five shilling piece. These were issued to mark coronations of monarchs; one was also issued on the occasion of the death of Winston Churchill. Some decimal crowns (worth 25 pence) were issued, but since 1990 the £5 has been the usual commemorative coin. Other denominations such as the 50 pence and £2 have also been issued as commemoratives at times.
The United States Mint has issued many commemorative coins. See United States Commemorative Coin for more information.
Commemorative coins can also be issued commercially as collectibles, for example in many tourist locations in Paris, France, vending machines distribute commemorative coins for two euros which bear an imprint of the building or art within it.
