1995 XXVI Olympiad Paralympics Commemorative Silver Dollar

The 1995 XXVI Olympiad Paralympics Commemorative Silver Dollar was released by the US Mint as one of sixteen different Olympic coins issued in 1995 and 1996 to celebrate the 1996 Olympic Games held in Atlanta, Georgia. It was also one of two released as part of that series dedicated to the Paralympics.

Paralympics are named for the fact that these games are run in connection with the Olympic Games, usually immediately following. Participants in these events have some sort of physical disability including amputations.

The Paralympics originated in 1948 with a small group of British World War II veterans. It has grown since to include thousands of participants in over 20 different sports.

Silver Dollar Information

The 1996 Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 102-390), which authorized the XXVI Olympiad Paralympics Commemorative Silver Dollar, also authorized fifteen other Olympic commemorative coins issued in 1995 and 1996 by the US Mint. However, mintages were low on these strikes owing to the fact that so many commemoratives were issued in such a short period of time resulting in an overload of sorts for collectors.

On the obverse we find a blind runner tethered to their seeing companion, as designed by James C. Sharpe. Included as well are the inscriptions of TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT, PARALYMPICS, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1995, the Paralympic Logo and the Braille inscription for "Spirit."

The reverse shows two hands clasped underneath the 100th anniversary Olympic logo, as designed by William Krawczewicz and sculpted by T. James Ferrell. Also shown are the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ATLANTA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR and a ‘P’ or a ‘D’ mintmark. This same reverse was used for all four of the 1995 released Olympiad Silver Dollars.

The US Mint split the minting duties for these strikes – Proof Paralympic Silver Dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia, uncirculated at the US Mint’s facility in Denver.

The Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games, Inc. and the United States Olympic Committee split the surcharges that were raised by the sale of the coins.


1995 XXVI Paralympics Silver Dollar Coin Specifications

Face Value: $1
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Total Estimated Mintage: 138,338 Proof, 28,649Uncirculated
Diameter: 1.5 inches
Weight 26.73 grams
Edge: Reeded
Minting Facility: Denver (D), Philadelphia (P)
Obverse Design: Image of a Blind Runner With Their Seeing Companion
Obverse Designer: James C. Sharpe
Reverse Design: Two Hands Clasped Underneath Olympic Logo
Reverse Designer / Engraver: William Krawczewicz / T. James Ferrell

 

 

NO PORTION OF THIS SITE MAY BE REPRODUCED OR COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION. P.O. BOX 691701 SAN ANTONIO, TX 78269. ANY USE OUTSIDE THE GIVEN PERMISSIONS CONSTITUTES COPYRIGHT VIOLATION. All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. CoinNews Media Group LLC makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.