PCGS 9769 - 1998-S $1 Crispus Attucks
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Authorization
The coin was authorized on October 20, 1996, by Public Law 104-329. The coin was authorized to honor the black Revolutionary War patriots and the 275th anniversary of the birth of the first black Revolutionary War patriot, Crispus Attucks. A surcharge of $10 benefited the establishment of an endowment to support the construction of a Black Revolutionary War Patriots Memorial. These patriots are to be honored in a memorial approved by Congress. The Black Patriots Memorial will be on the National Mall just north of the reflecting pool, between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. This is the historic site of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech, an inspiration to generations, both black and white.
"The Black Revolutionary War Patriots Silver Dollar focuses on Crispus Attucks' sacrifice and the commitment of all Black American Patriots," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. "It is particularly fitting that we recall their contribution during Black History Month, giving Americans the opportunity to learn about the role that Black Patriots played in our revolutionary struggle."
Dozens of black Virginians fought and died with their white compatriots at Valley Forge and the 1st Rhode Island Regiment was composed entirely of 250 black soldiers. When the English General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, he was shocked to find, at the side of General Lafayette , a black patriot named James Armistead. Cornwallis had believed that this master spy, a double agent, was working for the British.
Altogether some 5,000 black patriots fought for freedom -- although for many of them, only their descendants would be free.
Obverse
The obverse was designed by John M. Mercanti. The obverse of the coin shows Crispus Attucks, and the reverse shows a detail from the new Black Patriots Memorial, to be built on the National Mall. The memorial will honor not only the patriots, but their families as well. It features a portrait of Crispus Attucks, the first patriot to be killed in the Revolutionary War.
Reverse
Sculptor-Engraver Ed Dwight designed the reverse. He is a former Air Force test pilot, an engineer and the first African American to be trained as an astronaut. He holds an MFA in sculpture. He has created a wide range of gallery art, but he has focused on large-scale installations honoring African Americans, including his commission to create the Black Patriots Memorial featured on this coin. The reverse features the proposed Black Patriots Memorial.
Mintage
Authorized Mintage Limits
- 500,000 - Included a limited addition young collectors set not to exceed 20,000 sets.
Published Mintage:
- Unc. 37,210 Proof 75,070
- Original Mint Offering Price
Proof Silver Dollar: $37.00
Uncirculated Silver Dollar $32.00
Two-Coin Proof and Uncirculated Set $64.95
Young Collector's Edition $40
Black Patriots Coin & Stamp Set $84.
Modern Silver Commemorative Mintages. All.
Specifications
Composition:
Ag 90%, Cu 10% silver 24.057 g (~0.773 ozt)
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.50 in)
Weight: a minimum of 26.73 grams.
Edge: Reeded
Catalog reference
Prices realized from past auction lots. (PCGS Holder)
PCGS Price Guide[1]
Source
- Yeoman, R. S., and Kenneth Bressett (ed.), A Guide Book of United States Coins, 59th Ed., Atlanta, GA: Whitman Publishing, 2005
- U.S. Mint
