1999 Yellowstone National Park Commemorative Silver Dollars

The 1999 Yellowstone National Park Commemorative Silver Dollars were the last commemorative silver coins issued by the United States Mint in the 20th century.

Each coin was struck to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Yellowstone National Park which was the first national park not only in the United States, but also the world. The park was created by President Ulysses S. Grant on March 1, 1872 to protect it for the enjoyment of future generations.

Yellowstone consists of 3,472 square miles of land found mostly within the state of Wyoming. However, its massive size also spills over into the neighboring states of Idaho and Montana. Millions of annual visitors come to the park to enjoy the breath-taking scenery, abundant wildlife and the many thermal features of the region. The most popular of these features is undoubtedly Old Faithful Geyser.

Silver Dollar Information

Authorized as part of the United States Commemorative Coin Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-329) , no more than 500,000 were allowed to be minted to either proof or uncirculated condition by the US Mint. Proceeds from a surcharge on the sale of each coin was to be split equally between the National Park Foundation and Yellowstone National Park.

On the obverse, one of Yellowstone’s many geysers is shown during an eruption. In the background, the park’s tree-lined landscape is shown. It was designed by U.S. Mint Sculptor / Engraver Edgar Z. Steever. Also shown are the inscriptions of YELLOWSTONE, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 1999 and the mintmark.

The reverse shows U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver William C. Cousins image of an American Buffalo on the plains, complete with a rising sun behind it. Also included are the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The United States Mint also issued a Dolley Madison Commemorative Silver Dollar in 1999.

1999 Yellowstone National Park Silver Dollar Coin Specifications