1991 United Service Organizations (USO) Commemorative Silver Dollars

The 1991 United Service Organizations (USO) Commemorative Silver Dollars were released by the United States Mint to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the USO.

While some may not recognize the name of the United Service Organizations, also known as the USO, most will have seen the benefits of its operation, or know someone who has. It provides support and entertainment to the United States military. It is, however, not a part of the military but instead is a private charity driven operation.

The USO was established in 1941 during the beginnings of American involvement in World War II and has operated almost non-stop ever since. The organization is probably best loved and known for the many Camp Shows it offered where troops were entertained in or near combat zones.

Perhaps the most famous former participant in the USO was entertainer / comedian Bob Hope. His first performance was on  May 6, 1941 and over the next fifty years he headlined approximately 60 USO tours.

Silver Dollar Information

The United States Mint struck the United Service Organizations (USO) Commemorative Silver Dollars under the authority of Public Law 101-404, also known as the United Services Organization’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. Under the act, 1 million coins were authorized, but less than half that amount were actually sold to the public.

On the obverse, a banner including the inscription of USO is shown as designed by Robert Lamb. Included as well are the inscriptions of IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1991 and 50th Anniversary.

The reverse shows a globe with an eagle perched atop it. It was designed by John Mercanti and also shows the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIFTY YEARS SERVICE, TO SERVICE PEOPLE and the mintmark.

Proof USO Silver Dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in San Francisco. The uncirculated coins were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Denver.

Surcharges of $7 per silver dollar sold were split equally between the United Service Organization for its use and the Treasury Department for purposes of reducing the national debt.

1991 United Service Organizations (USO) Silver Dollar Coin Specifications