| Commemorative
Buffalo Silver Dollar |
|
|
| Obverse |
Reverse |
Description
The signing of Public Law 106-375 on October 27, 2000
authorized the United States Mint to produce coins
commemorating the opening of the National Museum of
the American Indian of the Smithsonian Institute.
Design
The American Buffalo Silver Dollar portrays a profile
representation of an American Indian on its obverse.
The word "LIBERTY" arcs in front of the American Indian's
face. The date appears across his lower neck.
The reverse features a bison above whom rests the
words “UNITED · STATES · OF ·
AMERICA” and the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST”.
The phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM” appears underneath
the bison’s head. “ONE DOLLAR” sits
at the bison’s feet.
Both sides are modified versions of the Buffalo nickel,
as designed by James Earle Fraser. Fraser, considered
one of America's finest sculptors and metallic artists,
was a student of another famous sculptor, Augustus
Saint-Gaudens. Saint-Gaudens designed the $20 Saint-Gaudens
gold coin, widely considered to be the most beautiful
American coin ever minted. Fraser’s last initial,
“F”, was retained for this design and
can be found located underneath the date.
Minting Information
The United States Mint struck only 500,000 of these
coins and they sold out of the issue in just two short
weeks. Supplies are limited. Originally offered to
the general public at $33 per coin, they have traded
in the secondary market for over $100 each.
| Detailed
Coin Information |
| Designer:
James Earle Fraser |
| Gross
Weight: 26.73g |
Silver
Content: 0.77344 oz. |
| Composition:
90% silver, 10% alloy |
| Diameter:
1.5 in. |
| Date:
2001 |
| Mints:
Denver (Uncirculated), Philadelphia (Proof) |
|
