1993 Thomas Jefferson Commemorative Silver Dollars

The 1993 Thomas Jefferson Commemorative Silver Dollars were struck by the US Mint to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Jefferson, but were only released in 1994. A total of 600,000 of the coins were authorized across all product options – a mintage that sold out.

Thomas Jefferson is seen as one of the founding fathers of the United States of America. He was born on April 13, 1743 and would be the principal author of the Declaration of Independence at the age of 33. His career was far from over at this point, however. Thomas served as the Governor of Virginia, a member of Congress, a minister to France and the Secretary of State (under President George Washington) as well as the Vice President under John Adams.

Then, in 1800, he was elected the third President of the United States. Jefferson was instrumental in the Louisiana Purchase and the associated Lewis and Clark Expedition which explored a large portion of that purchase.

Silver Dollar Information

Public Law 103-186, Title I, known as the Jefferson Commemorative Coin Act of 1993, authorized the US Mint to strike the Thomas Jefferson Silver Dollars.

A profile portrait of Thomas Jefferson is shown on the obverse of the coin as designed by T. James Ferrell. Included as well are the inscriptions of THOMAS JEFFERSON, ARCHITECT OF DEMOCRACY, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1743 and 1993.

The reverse shows a view of Jefferson’s home, known as Monticello. Included on this side are the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR, MONTICELLO and the mintmark. It was also designed by T. James Ferrell.

Uncirculated Thomas Jefferson Silver Dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia. The proof silver dollars were struck at the US Mint’s facility in San Francisco.

Surcharges on the first 500,000 of the coins sold were to be forwarded to the Jefferson Endowment Fund to "to establish and maintain an endowment to be a permanent source of support for Monticello and its historic furnishings; and for the Jefferson Endowment Fund’s educational programs, including the International Center for Jefferson Studies. Surcharges on the remaining coins sold were to be given to the Corporation for Jefferson’s Poplar Forest for the restoration and maintenance of the forest.

1993 Thomas Jefferson Silver Dollar Coin Specifications