The 1992 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Commemorative Silver Dollars were released by the United States Mint in 1992 to celebrate 500 years since the first landing of Christopher Columbus in the American continents of the western hemisphere. The US Mint also issued clad half dollar coins and $5 gold coins that same year in celebration of the same event.
Columbus is often mistakenly credited with being the first European to discover the "New World." While that may be untrue, his voyages were the catalyst which ignited colonization of the newly discovered area by the European powers of the day.
The initial intention of Columbus was to find a shorter route to the Indies to gain better access to the Spice Trade that occurred there. His miscalculations on the circumference of the globe, however, led to his landing on an island in the present-day Bahamas on October12, 1492. He also led another three voyages to the new land in the next eleven years.
Silver Dollar Information
The United States Mint struck the 1492 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollars under the authorization of Public Law 102-281. Specifically, Title IV of that law which was entitled Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Coin Act and which also authorized clad half dollar and $5 gold Christopher Columbus coins.
A full length-portrait of Christopher Columbus is shown on the obverse of the coin. Alongside Columbus is a globe with several ships shown above him. Included as well are the inscriptions of COLUMBUS QUINCENTENARY, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1992 and the mintmark. It was designed by United States Mint Sculptor – Engraver John Mercanti.
On the reverse, a split design showing a 15th century ship and a U.S. Space Shuttle is shown. It was designed by Thomas D. Rogers and also shows the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM and 1492 – 1992.
The uncirculated Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Denver. The proof coins were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia.
Surcharges collected on the sale of the coins was to be distributed to the Christopher Columbus Fellowship Fund.
1992 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary Silver Dollar Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | 385,241 Proof, 106,949 Uncirculated |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Minting Facility: | Philadelphia (D), Denver (D) |
| Obverse Design: | Portrait of Christopher Columbus |
| Obverse Designer: | John Mercanti |
| Reverse Design: | Split Image of Sailing Ship and Space Shuttle |
| Reverse Designer: | Thomas D. Rogers |
The commemorative 
The commemorative 
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