2004 Thomas Edison Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins

The 2004 Thomas Edison Silver Dollar was released on February 11, 2004, by the United States Mint to mark the 125th anniversary of the invention of Edison’s light-bulb, as well as his many other achievements.

2004-P Proof Thomas Edison Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin

Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, and received very little formal education. Despite that insufficiency, he proved to be an enterprising individual and was known to continually read and work on his inventions. He received his first patent for an electric vote recorder at the age of 22.

By the time he died, Thomas Edison would attain over 1,000 U.S. patents, most of which directly affected the quality of life for many. Some of his more famous inventions include the phonograph, the motion picture camera and, of course, the first practical light-bulb as featured on the Thomas Edison Silver Dollar.

These commemorative coins were authorized by the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 105-331) to be struck in either proof or uncirculated condition.

Thomas Edison Silver Dollar Information

Each Thomas Edison Silver Dollar was actually authorized by Congress over five years before its release as the Act was approved on October 31, 1998. However, the law required the US Mint not to issue any of the commemorative coins until the year 2004.

Shown on the obverse of the silver dollar is a portrait of Thomas Edison as designed by US Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver. The image portrays him holding one of his early test light-bulbs in his laboratory. Also shown are the inscriptions THOMAS ALVA EDISON, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2004 and the Philadelphia mintmark of "P".

The Thomas Edison Silver Dollar reverse shows an image of Edison’s light-bulb along with the inscriptions of 125th ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIGHT BULB, 1879 2004, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM. It was designed by US Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti.

Surcharges of $10 were collected by the US Mint for each coin sold and forwarded in equal portions to the Port Huron, Michigan, Museum of Arts and History; the Edison Birthplace Association; the National Park Service; the Edison Plaza Museum; the Edison Winter Home and Museum; the Edison Institute; the Edison Memorial Tower; and the Hall of Electrical History to continue their work in relation to Edison.

A second commemorative silver dollar was also issued by the Mint in 2004 known as the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar.

2004 Thomas Edison Silver Dollar Coin Specifications