1997 Jackie Robinson Commemorative Silver Dollar

Issued by the United States Mint in 1997 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in major league baseball was the 1997 Jackie Robinson Commemorative Silver Dollar.

These commemorative silver coins honored Robinson as the first African American to play in the major leagues since the 1880’s and because he broke a six decade long tradition of only letting blacks play in the Negro League. However, aside from breaking those barriers, Robinson was also an extremely talented player.

Robinson played in six World Series over ten seasons and was selected for six consecutive All-Star Games. He won the first MLB Rookie of the Year Award in 1947 and also won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1949.

"A place on the nation’s coinage is one of the highest tributes we bestow on one of our own," said Mint Director Philip Diehl on the issue of these commemorative coins. "This program commemorates a remarkable, unforgettable American who elevated both our National Pastime and our national ideals."

Silver Dollar Information

The Jackie Robinson Commemorative Silver Dollars were authorized as part of the United States
Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-329). A mintage cap of 200,000 was placed on the strikes, the smallest for any modern commemorative coin.

On the obverse of each Silver Dollar, an image of Robinson stealing home plate, as he did during a 1955 World Series game between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers is shown. It was designed by United States Mint Sculptor / Engraver Al Maletsky and includes the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1997 and the San Francisco mintmark of ‘S’.

The reverse was designed by Mint Sculptor / Engraver T. James Ferrell and depicts the 50th anniversary logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation. It is surrounded by the inscriptions of ROOKIE OF THE YEAR 1947, HALL OF FAME 1962, E PLURIBUS UNUM, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and ONE DOLLAR.

Proceeds from surcharges on the first 100,000 of the coins sold by the Mint was directed to be forwarded to the National Fund for the United States Botanic Garden. Additional surcharge funds raised were to be given to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to enhance the foundations abilities in the fields of education
and youth leadership skills development as well as to increase the availability of scholarships for economically disadvantaged youths.

The United States Mint also issued a Botanic Garden Silver Dollar as well as a National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Silver Dollar in 1997.

1997 Jackie Robinson Silver Dollar Coin Specifications