Jackie Robinson Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin Guide
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Jackie Robinson Silver Dollar Commemorative
THE U.S. MINT CAPTURES "BASEBALL'S PROUDEST MOMENT" IN SILVER
AND GOLD
Fifty years ago, American Baseball's Major League was hobbled by
segregation. The field of competition was closed to African Americans.
Then in April 1947, one man braved the taunts and insults, and opened
America's pastime to men of every race and color. Jack Roosevelt
Robinson's athletic prowess and courage on the field was mirrored by the
dignity and integrity with which he lived his personal life.
His example has stood for the generations that have followed. And
history has accorded a special place for the man that fans of all races
came to cheer as "Jackie."
LIMITED, BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS
By an official act of Congress, the U.S. Mint has been commissioned to
strike gold and silver commemorative coins honoring this American sport
legend.
The mintage of these beautiful coins has been limited: only 100,000
five-dollar gold coins will be struck, and only 200,000 silver-dollar
coins will be struck - the lowest number of authorized silver coins in the
modern commemorative era.
In fact, with a limited number of coins available, the number of those
who might wish to honor Jackie Robinson could easily exceed the available
supply.
That is why interested coin collectors are urged to act quickly and
take advantage of this pre-issue offer.
Don't miss your chance to own an American classic, a limited
commemorative coin honoring a unique American hero.
"A LIFE IS NOT IMPORTANT EXCEPT IN THE IMPACT IT HAS ON OTHER
LIVES."- Jackie Robinson
THE JACKIE ROBINSON COMMEMORATIVE COINS SPECIFICATIONS
Authorized Mintage Not more than 100,000 gold five dollar coins and not
more than 200,000 silver dollar coins.
Surcharges A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coins will be
paid to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to support educational and
leadership programs and scholarships.
Designs Gold five dollar obverse: Depicts Robinson in his later years
as a civil rights leader and political activist.
Gold five dollar reverse design: A baseball design, with the years of
Robinson's life, 1919-1972, and the inscription, "Legacy of
Courage," in the center.
Silver dollar obverse design: Depicts Robinson stealing home plate, as
he did during a 1955 World Series between the New York Yankees and the
Brooklyn Dodgers.
Silver dollar reverse design: Features the Jackie Robinson Foundation's
50th anniversary logo of Robinson's breaking the color barrier in Major
League Baseball, surrounded by inscriptions highlighting two of Robinson's
other achievements: "Rookie of the Year 1947," and "Hall of
Fame 1962." An identical 50th anniversary commemorative patch was
also worn by all Major League Baseball players during the 1997 season.
Press release: June 13, 1997
U.S. MINT ANNOUNCES JACKIE ROBINSON ‘LEGACY SET'
Limited Edition of 50,000 Sets Features Proof Gold $5 Coin And 1952
Topps Jackie Robinson Baseball Card
Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Mint today announced a limited edition of
50,000 of the Jackie Robinson Legacy Set, featuring the Proof Gold $5 Coin
and a specially authorized reproduction of the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson
baseball card.
The Topps "Finest" card -- the only baseball card to bear the
United States Mint seal -- is available only in the Legacy Set, with the
Proof $5 Gold Coin and a full-color limited edition lapel pin made
exclusively for the Mint, which duplicates the 50th Anniversary uniform
patch being worn by all Major League Baseball players for the 1997 season.
And as a free bonus, purchasers of the Legacy Set also receive the actual
patch being worn by major leaguers.
Packaged in a beautiful keepsake cherrywood case to ensure proper
display and protection, the Legacy Set is priced at $311 -- Jackie
Robinson's lifetime batting average was .311 -- for the pre-issue discount
period from July 3 through August 15. Thereafter the Legacy Set sells for
$325.
"We think coin collectors and baseball fans alike will be very
pleased with the Legacy Set," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl.
"In baseball terms, it's a triple play -- a historic coin, a unique
collector's card, and the Major League Baseball emblem commemorating the
achievements of a great American and an extraordinary athlete."
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the coins will benefit the
Jackie Robinson Foundation, which supports educational and leadership
programs to encourage, train and motivate minority youth. One hundred
thousand gold coins are being struck at the West Point Mint, and 200,000
silver dollars at the San Francisco Mint.
The obverse of the gold five dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor/Engraver
William Cousins, depicts Robinson in his later years as a civil rights
leader and political activist. The reverse, by Mint Graphic Designer Jim
Peed is a baseball design, with the years of Robinson's life, 1919-1972,
and the inscription, "Legacy of Courage," in the center.
The obverse of the silver dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor Al Maletsky,
depicts Robinson stealing home plate, as he did during a 1955 World Series
between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The silver reverse,
by Mint Sculptor/Engraver T. James Ferrell, features the 50th anniversary
logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, surrounded by inscriptions
highlighting two of Robinson's achievements: "Rookie of the Year
1947," and "Hall of Fame 1962." An identical commemorative
patch is being worn by all Major League Baseball players during this
season.
For information about how to purchase the Legacy Set or any of the
Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coins, call 1-800-MINT-USA. Contact: Press
inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222 Customer Service information:
(800) USA MINT (872-6468)
Coin Information Provided Courtesy The
United States Mint.
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