David H. writes: Hi I have a commemorative coin that was minted in 1991 with “Republic of Marshall Islands on the back and “to the heroes of desert storm” on the front. I got it from my grandpa, he said it was worth five dollars. I really don’t know about it though. He said he bought them in a magazine article he saw. If you have any clue about it I would sure like to know. I could tell my grandpa what it’s worth.
The Marshall Islands has been a separate country from the United States since 1986. They use U.S. dollars but beginning in 1986 they commissioned private mints to make commemorative coins that could be sold at a premium to raise money. All the current Marshall Islands coinage are commemoratives that are marketed in magazines and newspapers. They are produced by the Medallic Art Co., Roger Williams Mint and the Sunshine Mint.
The $5 coins are minted on copper-nickel blanks and one or more issues have been produced each year since 1988. There are also similar $10 issues in pure silver (.3533 troy oz pure silver).
Coin collectors generally dislike contrived issues and so there isn’t much of a market for these coins. Though they have a “face” value of $5, but you might have a hard time getting five bucks from the Marshall Islands as they are reluctant to redeem them. If you enjoy the designs, collect them for there artistic value and not as a financial investment.
