The world's greatest athletes gather every four years to test their skills and determination.
They have trained for a lifetime; untold hours of struggle, pain, frustration and disappointment
endured for the hope of one glorious moment. The Olympics have never been about sport alone;
they are a showcase for the greatest qualities of the human spirit - courage, sacrifice, perseverance
and determination. The Olympics tell the story of the dignity of mankind.
In February of 2002 the world gathered in Salt Lake City to celebrate the power of the human spirit
the forum, the Olympic Winter Games. For seventeen days the world will once again be united in
heart-stopping competition and joyous celebration. Stories of hope, optimism and inspiration
will be etched into the hearts of men and women and history books.
The Olympics and the human spirit they exhibit, inspire every man, woman and child to strive for
greatness. They "Light the Fire Within" us all. It is these great traits that once
kindled, spread throughout the world creating a better place for all humanity.
As a testament to the courage of the human spirit, and as a world symbol of peace, the message of the
Olympics endures. The Olympic Winter Games of 2002 will continue this legacy.
Authorized by Congress under Public Law 106-435 the U.S. Mint issued two commemorative
coins to support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games. A portion of the proceeds
from the sale of each coin -- $35 for gold and $10 for silver-- was authorized to help
support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.
The gold five-dollar is the design of U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver. The obverse
of this coin features the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games Crystal Emblem superimposed on top
of the Games' secondary identity mark entitled: "Rhythm of the Land." The reverse
portrays the Olympic flame in relief atop a cauldron.
The silver dollar obverse is the design of U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti.
It features the Crystal Emblem of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Rings, and the Games'
secondary identity mark entitled: "Rhythm of the Land." The designer of the
reverse is U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver and portrays Salt Lake City skyline with
the Rocky Mountains in the background.
Metal composition of the coins is as follows
-
Gold five-dollar; 90% gold and 10% alloy, diameter is 0.850 (±0.003) inch or 21.59
(±0.08) mm and the weight is 8.359 (±0.42) grams.
-
Silver one-dollar; 90% silver and 10% alloy, diameter is 1.500 (±0.003) inches or 38.10
(±0.08) mm and the weight is 26.730 (±0.400) grams.
These coins were available in both proof and uncirculated condition and with various
packaging options.
|
