National Community Service silver dollar
Commemorative silver US dollar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The National Community Service silver dollar is a commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint in 1996.[1][2] The coin commemorates Americans who devoted their time to community service.[3] The coin received criticism from collectors at the time who viewed the increasing amount of commemorative coin issues as tiring, especially after the Centennial Olympics commemorative coins series.[2]
| Value | 1 U.S. dollar |
|---|---|
| Mass | 26.73 g |
| Diameter | 38.1 mm (1.500 in) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Composition | 90% Ag, 10% Cu |
| Years of minting | 1996 |
| Mintage | 23,500 Uncirculated 101,543 Proof |
| Mint marks | S |
| Obverse | |
| |
| Design | Standing figure of Liberty adapted from a 1905 Augustus Saint-Gaudens medal |
| Designer | Thomas D. Rogers |
| Design date | 1996 |
| Reverse | |
 | |
| Design | Inscribed with "Service for America" at center, encircled by a laurel wreath |
| Designer | William C. Cousins |
| Design date | 1996 |
Legislation
Legislation for the coin was sponsored by Representative Joseph P. Kennedy of Massachusetts.[2] The Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994 (Pub. L. 103–328) included provisions for the minting the National Community Service dollar alongside several other commemorative coins.[4] A maximum of 500,000 coins were authorized.[4]
Design
The obverse features a figure of Liberty with a shield holding a lamp emanating light, in a similar style to the reverse of the 1986 Statue of Liberty half dollar.[3] Designer and sculptor Thomas D. Rogers adapted the design from a 1905 medal for the Women's Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Civil Service Reform Association created by Augustus Saint-Gaudens and Frances Grimes.[3][5] The reverse design features a wreath inscribed with "Service for America".[3] The designs were revealed on May 3, 1996 and were well-received by coin collectors.[6]
Production and release
The Mint produced 23,500 uncirculated coins and 101,543 proof coins.[7]
