The Mount Rushmore Anniversary commemorative coins are a series of commemorative coins which were issued by the United States Mint in 1991. The coins honored the 50th anniversary of the completion of Gutzon Borglum's colossal sculpture, the Shrine of Democracy, at the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The statue and the coins feature George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln.
Legislation The Mount Rushmore Commemorative Coin Act () authorized the production of three coins, a clad half dollar, a silver dollar, and a gold half eagle, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of Mount Rushmore. The act allowed the coins to be struck in both proof and uncirculated finishes. The coins were first released on February 15, 1991.
Designs
Half dollar
The obverse of the Mount Rushmore Anniversary half dollar, designed by Marcel Jovine, features Mount Rushmore and a sunburst. The reverse, designed by T. James Ferrell, shows a classic image of an American buffalo.
Dollar
The obverse of the Mount Rushmore Anniversary dollar, designed by Marika Somogyi, features the mountainside of Mount Rushmore wreathed in laurel. The reverse, designed by Frank Gasparro, features the Great Seal over a map of the United States, with a star marking the location of Mount Rushmore. It includes the words Shrine of Democracy, the original name of the sculpture.
Half eagle
The obverse of the Mount Rushmore Anniversary half eagle, designed by John Mercanti, features the American Eagle in flight over Mount Rushmore and six stars on the right edge. The reverse, designed by Robert Lamb, features a stylized inscription, "Mount Rushmore National Memorial".
Specifications Half Dollar Display Box Color: Gray Edge: Reeded Weight: 11.34 grams Diameter: 30.61 millimeters; 1.205 inches Composition: 92% Copper, 8% Nickel (Cupronickel)
Dollar Display Box Color: Gray Edge: Reeded Weight: 26.730 grams; 0.76 troy ounce Diameter: 38.10 millimeters; 1.50 inches Composition: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Half Eagle Display Box Color: Gray Edge: Reeded Weight: 8.359 grams; 0.24 troy ounce Diameter: 21.59 millimeters; 0.850 inch Composition: 90% Gold, 6% Silver, 4% Copper
See also
United States commemorative coins List of United States commemorative coins and medals (1990s)
References