|
In the spring of 1607, three ships carrying 105 settlers — the Virginia Company of London — made landfall
in the New World. The Virginia Company was charged with establishing an English settlement in North America,
and its employees were the first permanent English settlers in what would eventually become the United States. Four
hundred years later, the United States is honoring the founding of Jamestown with two commemorative coins
from the United States Mint.
The continued survival at Jamestown of the crew members aboard the
Susan Constant, Godspeed
and Discovery marked a major historical milestone in the exploration
of North America. In the legislation authorizing this commemorative coin program, Congress says:
"The Jamestown Settlement brought people from throughout the Atlantic Basin together to form a society
that drew upon the strengths and characteristics of English, European, African and Native American cultures.
The economic, political, religious and social institutions that developed during the first nine decades of the
existence of Jamestown continue to have profound effects on the United States, particularly in English common
law and language, cross cultural relationships, manufacturing, and economic structure and status."
The colony at Jamestown also produced one of the earliest iconic figures of colonial history. Captain John
Smith was one of seven council members identified in sealed orders to govern the new colony. Smith led the
settlers through the struggles of a harsh winter, the spread of disease, and the often challenging
relationships with the Algonquian Indians.
The Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program comprises two commemorative coins – a silver dollar
and a $5 gold coin – available in both proof and uncirculated conditions. Surcharges from the program will
support 400th anniversary programs such as promoting understanding, continuing preservation, and improving the
infrastructure of Jamestown, among other commemorative events. These programs will be conducted by, and the
surcharges will be directed to, the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the
Secretary of the Interior and the Association for Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.
Authorized by Public Law 108-289, the commemorative coins are limited to maximum mintages across all product
options of 500,000 for the silver dollar and 100,000 for the $5 gold coin. Both coins may be issued only
during the one-year period beginning January 1, 2007.
Mint Facility: West Point
Weight: 8.359 grams nominal
Diameter: .850 inches (+/- .003 inches)
Composition: 90% gold, 10% alloy
Mintage Limit: 100,000 (across all product options)
Mint Facility: Philadelphia
Weight: 26.730 grams nominal
Diameter: 1.500 inches (+/- .003 inches)
Composition: 90% silver, 10% copper
Mintage Limit: 500,000 (across all product options)
|
