The 2006 Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollars mark the first silver commemorative coins issued by the United States Mint in 2006. The were minted in collector proof and uncirculated qualities.
2006-P Scientist Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins (Proof and Uncirculated)
However, whereas most commemorative silver dollars are struck in one design, the US Mint produced two different Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollars. Both were issued to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Franklin, who is considered by most to be one of the most influential founding fathers of the United States of America. Aside from that role, Franklin was also well known as a diplomat, author, scientist and inventor.
Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollar Information
The 2006 Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollars were authorized by the Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-464) to celebrate the tercentenary of the birth of Franklin in 1706. Included in the legislation were requirements for the US Mint to strike two different versions of the coin, one to represent a younger Benjamin Franklin with the other dedicated to the older man.
2006-P Founding Father Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins (Proof and Uncirculated)
Bejamin Franklin Scientist Silver Dollar Designs
The younger Franklin commemorative coin showcases the "scientist" in the man and portrayed him circa 1752 as he was in the midst of his groundbreaking studies of electricity by flying a kite in an electrical storm. On the reverse is Franklin’s famous political cartoon known as "Join, or Die", featuring a severed snake which indicated Franklin’s firm believe that the colonies could only survive through unity.
Bejamin Franklin Founding Father Silver Dollar Designs
On the obverse of the "Founding Father" commemorative coin is a much older Franklin, which represents his contributions to the United States as a statesman and a diplomat. The reverse contains an image of a 1776 Continental Currency dollar reminding all of Franklin’s participation in the design of early American coinage and currency.
Up to 250,000 of each of the designs were authorized across all product options. The individual coins were released for sale on January 17, 2006 and initially sold for $33 for the uncirculated Silver Dollars and $39 for the proof Silver Dollars.
A surcharge of $10 per coin sold was collected by the US Mint and forwarded to the Franklin Institute for purposes of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission.
2006 Benjamin Franklin Silver Dollar Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | Proof: 142,000 Scientist, 142,000 Founding Father Uncirculated: 58,000 Scientist, 58,000 Founding Father |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Minting Facility: | Philadelphia (P) |
| Scientist Obverse Design: | Image of a Young Franklin Flying a Kite |
| Scientist Obverse Designer: | Norman E. Nemeth |
| Scientist Reverse Design: | Benjamin Franklin’s "Join, or Die" Cartoon |
| Scientist Reverse Designer: | Charles L. Vickers |
| Founding Father Obverse Design: | Portrait of Older Benjamin Franklin |
| Founding Father Obverse Designer: | Don Everhart |
| Founding Father Reverse Design: | Taken from a 1776 Continental Dollar |
| Founding Father Reverse Designer: | Donna Weaver |
The commemorative 
The commemorative 
, author Eric Jordan and Contributing Editor Debbie Bradley show you how to include modern commemorative coins in your investments.
