As well as commemorating important aspects of American history and culture, these coins help raise money for important causes. Part of the price of these coins when purchased from the U.S. Mint is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community. For example, surcharges on the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coins helped build a new visitor center under the U.S. Capitol?s East Plaza.

Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised more than $506,301,189 in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington?s home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.