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Lafayette Dollar

Commemorative Coins
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1900 General Lafayette Commemorative Silver One Dollar Coin Obverse 1900 General Lafayette Commemorative Silver One Dollar Coin Obverse
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1900 General Lafayette Commemorative Silver One Dollar Coin Reverse 1900 General Lafayette Commemorative Silver One Dollar Coin Reverse
Year of Issue

1900

Authorizing Legislation

Public Law 55-188

Background

The Lafayette Dollar was released in 1900 to commemorate the legacy of General Lafayette, hero of the American Revolution. This was the first commemorative dollar coin by the United States Mint is also the first coin to feature a U.S. President.

Recipient Organization

Proceeds from coin sales were used to fund the erection of a monument to General Lafayette for the Paris Exposition of 1900.

Characteristics

The obverse design features George Washington and Lafayette, shown in profile.

The reverse features a statue of Lafayette on horseback.

Obverse Inscriptions

  • UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
  • LAFAYETTE DOLLAR

Reverse Inscriptions

  • ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN HONOR OF GEN LAFAYETTE
  • PARIS
  • 1900

Mint and Mint Mark

Artist Credits