Public Law 106-435 authorized the United States Mint to issue up to 80,000 $5 gold coins and 400,000 $1 silver coins in commemoration of the XIX Olympic Winter Games, hosted in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Olympic Winter Games Commemorative Coins
Background
The world’s greatest athletes gather every four years to test their skills and determination. They have trained for a lifetime; untold hours of struggle, pain, frustration and disappointment endured for the hope of one glorious moment. The Olympics have never been about sport alone; they are a showcase for the greatest qualities of the human spirit – courage, sacrifice, perseverance and determination. The Olympics tell the story of the dignity of mankind.
In February of 2002 the world gathered in Salt Lake City to celebrate the power of the human spirit the forum, the Olympic Winter Games. For seventeen days the world will once again be united in heart-stopping competition and joyous celebration. Stories of hope, optimism and inspiration will be etched into the hearts of men and women and history books.
The Olympics and the human spirit they exhibit, inspire every man, woman and child to strive for greatness. They “Light the Fire Within” us all. It is these great traits that once kindled, spread throughout the world creating a better place for all humanity.
As a testament to the courage of the human spirit, and as a world symbol of peace, the message of the Olympics endures. The Olympic Winter Games of 2002 will continue this legacy.
Recipient Organization
The U.S. Mint issued two commemorative coins to support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin -- $35 for gold and $10 for silver-- was authorized to help support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.