To celebrate the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, the U.S. Mint issued commemorative coins. These coins were released in the fall of 2001 as part of the Mint’s Annual Catalog.
The program included two coin types, available in both proof and uncirculated finishes:
- 2002 Olympic Winter Games $5 Gold Coin
- 2002 Olympic Winter Games Silver Dollar
Authorized by the 2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 106-345), the legislation set mintage limits at a maximum of 80,000 gold coins and 400,000 silver dollars. The coins adhered to standard specifications for U.S. commemoratives:
- The $5 gold coin was 90% gold and had a diameter of 0.850 inches.
- The silver dollar was composed of 90% silver and measured 1.5 inches in diameter.
$5 Gold Coin Design
The obverse of the $5 gold coin featured the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games crystal emblem overlaid on another Olympic motif called “Rhythm of the Land.” The reverse showcased a depiction of the Olympic flame atop a cauldron. Both designs were created by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver Donna Weaver.
सम्बंधित ख़बरें
Silver Dollar Design
The obverse of the silver dollar also displayed the crystal emblem, Olympic Rings, and the “Rhythm of the Land” design, crafted by U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti. Its reverse depicted the Salt Lake City skyline framed by the Rocky Mountains, another work by Donna Weaver.
Minting Details
- The uncirculated silver dollars were struck at the Denver Mint, while the proof versions were produced in Philadelphia.
- Both the proof and uncirculated $5 gold coins were minted at the West Point facility in New York.
Proceeds from the sale of these commemorative coins included surcharges to support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.
