The 2000 Leif Ericson Silver Dollar was issued by the United States Mint in cooperation with the Republic of Iceland. The commemorative coin program included a U.S. silver dollar and an Icelandic 1,000 kronur coin. Each coin depicted Leif Ericson to mark the 1,000th anniversary of his discovery of the New World.
The obverse of the U.S. coin features a portrait of Leif Ericson designed by John Mercanti in traditional Icelandic style. The inscriptions include “Leif Ericson”, “In God We Trust”, “Liberty”, and the year of issue “2000″. The reverse of the coin, designed by T. James Ferrell, depicts a Viking ship with Leif Ericson at the helm. The inscriptions include “Founder of the New World”, “One Dollar”, “E Pluribus Unum”, and “United States of America.”
The Icelandic version of the coin (pictured below) features an interpretation of the Stirling Calder statue of Leif Ericson on the obverse, and the Icelandic Coat of Arms on the reverse. This coin was designed by Throstur Magnusson.
Both versions of the coin were produced at the Philadelphia Mint. The US version carried the “P” mintmark, while the Icelandic version did not have a mint mark. The U.S. version of the coin was offered individually in uncirculated or proof. The Icelandic version was offered individually in proof. A two coin proof set was offered with each version of the coin. The maximum authorized production was 500,000 coins.
The coins were available for sale at the US Mint from June 21, 2000 to February 28, 2001. A surcharge added to the cost of each coin went to support the Leifur Eiriksson Foundation to fund exchange programs between the United States and Republic of Iceland.
Coin Specifications
Designer: John Mercanti (obverse), T James Ferrell(reverse)
Weight: 26.7300 g
Composition: 90% Silver (0.7736 ounces of silver)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 500,000
2000-P Uncirculated Leif Ericson Silver Dollar
Pre-Issue Price: $30.00
Regular Price: $32.00
Final Mintage: 28,150
2000-P Proof Leif Ericson Silver Dollar
Pre-Issue Price: $33.00
Regular Price: $37.00
Final Mintage: 144,748
2000 Leif Ericson 1000 kronur
The bimetallic 2000 Library of Congress $10 Coin was to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Library of Congress. Composed of an outer ring of gold and center of platinum, the coins represented the first bimetallic gold and platinum coins ever issued by the United States Mint.
The obverse of the coins features the hand of Minerva raising the torch of learning. The Library of Congress Jefferson building dome is visible in the background. The inscriptions around the ring state “Liberty”, “2000″, and “Library of Congress”. The motto “In God We Trust” appears in the platinum portion of the coin to the left of the hand and torch. The obverse was designed by John Mercanti.
The coin’s reverse features the Seal of the Library of Congress surrounded by a laurel wreath. The outer ring carries the inscriptions “United States of America” and “Ten Dollars”. The motto “E Pluribus Unum” appears in the platinum center below the eagle. The reverse was designed by Thomas D. Rogers.
The Library of Congress Gold and Platinum $10 Coins were authorized under Public Law 105-268, with a maximum authorized mintage of 200,000 coins. The US Mint initially offered the coins at pre-issue discount prices, after which regular pricing went into effect. The original sales period was April 24, 2000 to December 31, 2000. A surcharge added to the cost of each coin went to the Library of Congress Trust Fund Board for outreach programs.
While the coins were not particularly strong sellers when offered, they became popular on the secondary market due to the low mintages, precious metals content, and unique aspects of the coins. The uncirculated version sells for a high premium due to the small mintage of 7,261.
Coin Specifications
Designer: John Mercanti (obverse) Thomas D. Rodgers (reverse)
Weight: 16.2590 g
Composition: 48% gold, 48% platinum, 4% alloy
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 100,000
2000-W Uncirculated Library of Congress $10 Gold and Platinum Coin
Pre-Issue Price: $380.00
Regular Price: $405.00
Final Mintage: 7,261
2000-W Proof Library of Congress $10 Gold and Platinum Coin
Pre-Issue Price: $395.00
Regular Price: $425.00
Final Mintage: 27,445
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding, the 2000 Library of Congress Silver Dollar was issued by the United States Mint. The same commemorative coin program also included the issuance of a gold and platinum bimetallic coin, which today commands more interest than the silver dollar.
The obverse of the silver dollar features two books, one is open with its spine resting on the other closed book. The torch of learning appears in the background. The inscriptions read “Library of Congress”, with anniversary dates “1800″ and “2000″, the motto “In God We Trust”, and “Liberty”. The reverse of the coin features the dome of the Library of Congress Jefferson Building. The inscriptions “United States of America” and “E Pluribus Unum” appear above, with “One Dollar” below. The obverse was designed by Thomas D. Rogers and the reverse was designed by John Mercanti.
The Library of Congress Silver Dollars were produced at the Philadelphia Mint and carry the “P” mint mark on the reverse. The coins were sold individually in proof or uncirculated versions, available from April 24, 2000 to December 31, 2000. The maximum authorized mintage for the coins was 500,000 across both options. Final sales reached just over half this level.
Coin Specifications
Designer: Thomas D. Rogers (obverse), John Mercanti (reverse)
Weight: 26.7300 g
Composition: 90% Silver (0.7736 ounces of silver)
Diameter: 38.1 mm
Maximum Authorized Mintage: 500,000
2000-P Uncirculated Library of Congress Silver Dollar
Pre-Issue Price: $25.00
Regular Price: $27.00
Final Mintage: 53,264
2000-P Proof Library of Congress Silver Dollar
Pre-Issue Price:$28.00
Regular Price: $32.00
Final Mintage: 198,503
