Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Mint today announced a limited edition of 50,000 of the Jackie Robinson Legacy Set, featuring the Proof Gold $5 Coin and a specially authorized reproduction of the 1952 Topps Jackie Robinson baseball card.
The Topps “Finest” card — the only baseball card to bear the United States Mint seal — is available only in the Legacy Set, with the Proof $5 Gold Coin and a full–color limited edition lapel pin made exclusively for the Mint, which duplicates the 50th Anniversary uniform patch being worn by all Major League Baseball players for the 1997 season. And as a free bonus, purchasers of the Legacy Set also receive the actual patch being worn by major leaguers.
Packaged in a beautiful keepsake cherrywood case to ensure proper display and protection, the Legacy Set is priced at $311 — Jackie Robinson’s lifetime batting average was .311 — for the pre–issue discount period from July 3 through August 15. Thereafter the Legacy Set sells for $325.
“We think coin collectors and baseball fans alike will be very pleased with the Legacy Set,” said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. “In baseball terms, it’s a triple play — a historic coin, a unique collector’s card, and the Major League Baseball emblem commemorating the achievements of a great American and an extraordinary athlete.”
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the coins will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which supports educational and leadership programs to encourage, train and motivate minority youth. One hundred thousand gold coins are being struck at the West Point Mint, and 200,000 silver dollars at the San Francisco Mint.
The obverse of the gold five dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor/Engraver William Cousins, depicts Robinson in his later years as a civil rights leader and political activist. The reverse, by Mint Graphic Designer Jim Peed is a baseball design, with the years of Robinson’s life, 1919–1972, and the inscription, “Legacy of Courage,” in the center.
The obverse of the silver dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor Al Maletsky, depicts Robinson stealing home plate, as he did during a 1955 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The silver reverse, by Mint Sculptor/Engraver T. James Ferrell, features the 50th anniversary logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, surrounded by inscriptions highlighting two of Robinson’s achievements: “Rookie of the Year 1947,” and “Hall of Fame 1962.” An identical commemorative patch is being worn by all Major League Baseball players during this season.
Pre–issues prices of $33 for the proof silver dollar, and $30 for uncirculated silver dollar; $195 for the proof five dollar gold coin, and $180 for the uncirculated five dollar gold coin; $217 for the two–coin proof set, and $425 for the four–coin proof and uncirculated set are in effect from July 3 to August 15.
After August 15, the proof silver dollar is $37, and the uncirculated silver dollar is $32; the proof five dollar gold coin is $225 and the uncirculated five dollar gold coin is $205; the two–coin set is $240, and the four–coin set $460. Customers should allow ten weeks for delivery of the Legacy Set.
For information about how to purchase the Legacy Set or any of the Jackie Robinson Commemorative Coins, call 1–800–MINT–USA.