After a 28-year hiatus lasting from 1954 to 1982, the U.S. Commemorative program was resumed in 1982 to mark the 250th anniversary of the birth of George Washington. During the 1980s, tribute was paid to the Statue of Liberty (1986), and the bicentennial of the Constitution (1987) and Congress (1989). Another popular topic were the Olympic games marked in 1983-84 and again in 1988.

The commemorative program has continued at a steady pace since the 1980s, with one or two issues annually. In contrast to the limited denominations of the classic era which were largely confined to silver half dollars, many of the modern commemorative issues are struck in a variety of denominations and finishes, with halves and dollars in both clad and silver composition along with $5 gold coins, all issued in both Uncirculated and Proof condition. The Mint has marketed and packaged these sets in a variety of ways as well, catering to the large base of collectors seeking to maintain a complete set of these issues.