1996 Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Commemorative Silver Dollar

The 1996 Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Commemorative Silver Dollar was issued by the United States Mint to celebrate 150 years since the creation of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Legislation authorized the Smithsonian in 1846, some eleven years after the will of James Smithson directed the balance of his estate to be given to the United States to create an " Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men." Making the bequest even more interesting is the fact that Smithson was a British scientist who had never even visited the United States.

His gift amounted to 104,960 gold sovereigns, approximately 500,000 in 1835 dollars. That amount was more than enough to establish the Institution which has grown to its present status today of being a premier education and research facility along with its associated museums. Presently, there are over 136 million items in its collection spread out over 19 museums, a zoo and nine research centers.

Silver Dollar Information

The Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Commemorative Silver Dollars were authorized by the Smithsonian Institution Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-96). Under the act, the Mint was allowed to strike up to 650,000 of the silver dollars across all product options along with up to 100,000 related Smithsonian Commemorative Gold Coins.

On the obverse of these coins, a depiction of the "Castle" is shown. This building was the first to house the Smithsonian. To the side of the building, laurel wreaths are shown. The following inscriptions are included as well: LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, SMITHSONIAN, 1846-1996 and the mintmark. It was completed by United States Mint Sculptor / Engraver Thomas D. Rodgers.

A goddess carrying the torch of knowledge atop a globe is shown on the reverse of the strike along with the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ONE DOLLAR and FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE. The reverse is the work of United States Mint Sculptor / Engraver John Mercanti.

The authorizing legislation dictated that 85% of the surcharges collected on the sale of each coin be forwarded to the Board of Regents for the Smithsonian Institution. 15% was specifically directed to the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.

The Uncirculated Smithsonian Silver Dollar was struck at the US Mint’s facility in Denver while the Proof Smithsonian Silver Dollar was struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia.

The United States Mint also issued the National Community Service Silver Dollar in 1996.

1996 Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Silver Dollar Coin Specifications