2002 Olympic Winter Games Commemorative Coins
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The Tribute
The world's greatest athletes gather every four years to test their
skills and determination. They have trained for a lifetime; untold hours
of struggle, pain, frustration and disappointment endured for the hope of
one glorious moment. The Olympics have never been about sport alone; they
are a showcase for the greatest qualities of the human spirit - courage,
sacrifice, perseverance and determination. The Olympics tell the story of
the dignity of mankind.
In February of 2002 the world will gather in Salt Lake City to
celebrate the power of the human spirit - the forum, the Olympic Winter
Games. For seventeen days the world will once again be united in
heart-stopping competition and joyous celebration. Stories of hope,
optimism and inspiration will be etched into the hearts of men and women
and history books.
The Olympics and the human spirit they exhibit, inspire every man,
woman and child to strive for greatness. They "Light the Fire
Within" us all. It is these great traits that once kindled, spread
throughout the world creating a better place for all humanity.
As a testament to the courage of the human spirit, and as a world
symbol of peace, the message of the Olympics endures. The Olympic Winter
Games of 2002 will continue this legacy.
About the Coins Authorized by Congress under Public Law 106-435 the
U.S. Mint will issue two commemorative coins to support the 2002 Salt Lake
Olympic Winter Games. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin
-- $35 for gold and $10 for silver-- is authorized to help support the
2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.
The gold five-dollar is the design of U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver Donna
Weaver. The obverse of this coin features the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic
Winter Games Crystal Emblem superimposed on top of the Games' secondary
identity mark entitled: "Rhythm of the Land." The reverse
portrays the Olympic flame in relief atop a cauldron.
The silver dollar obverse is the design of U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver
John Mercanti. It features the Crystal Emblem of the 2002 Olympic Winter
Games, Olympic Rings, and the Games' secondary identity mark entitled:
"Rhythm of the Land." The designer of the reverse is U.S. Mint
sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver and portrays Salt Lake City skyline with
the Rocky Mountains in the background.
Metal composition of the coins is as follows
Gold five-dollar; 90% gold and 10% alloy, diameter is 0.850 (±0.003)
inch or 21.59 (±0.08) mm and the weight is 8.359 (±0.42) grams.
Silver one-dollar; 90% silver and 10% alloy, diameter is 1.500
(±0.003) inches or 38.10 (±0.08) mm and the weight is 26.730 (±0.400)
grams. These coins may be ordered in both proof and uncirculated condition
and with various packaging options at different prices. An official
Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each option.
Coin Information Provided Courtesy The
United States Mint.
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