Thomas D. Rogers
Medallic Artist
Obverse
Smithsonian 150th Anniversary Silver Dollar
1996 Smithsonian Institution Commemorative Silver One Dollar Proof Obverse
1996 Smithsonian Institution Commemorative Silver One Dollar Proof Reverse
Background
Released on August 5, 1996, this commemorative coin honored the 150th Anniversary of the Smithsonian.
Recipient Organization
Public Law 104-96 defined how the surcharges received by the Smithsonian Institution were to be directed:
- 85 percent of the amount transferred shall be available for such purposes as the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution determines to be appropriate.
- 15 percent of the amount transferred shall be dedicated to the support of the operation and activities of the National Numismatic Collection at the National Museum of American History.
Commemorative coin programs are created by acts of Congress to honor a person, place, or event. Surcharges from the sales of these coins help fund a variety of organizations and projects that benefit the public. Commemorative coins are only available from the United States Mint for a limited time, as specified by public law.
Characteristics
The obverse design on the coin features an image of the first Smithsonian Institution building, known as the "Castle"; laurel leaves, and a dual date.
The reverse of the coin features a design of an allegorical figure carrying the torch of knowledge and sitting atop the world. This figure holds a scroll inscribed with the words, "art, history and science," and "For the increase and diffusion of knowledge."
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- SMITHSONIAN
- 1846-1996
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- ONE DOLLAR
- FOR THE INCREASE AND DIFFUSION OF KNOWLEDGE