1996 Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary Commemorative Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1996 Smithsonian Institution 150th Anniversary Commemorative Dollar is a United States commemorative dollar. Authorized to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution, founded in 1846 with a bequest from British scientist James Smithson 'for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.' The Smithsonian has grown to become the world's largest museum and research complex. The obverse features the first Smithsonian Institution building, known as 'the Castle,' with laurel leaves and the dual dates 1846-1996, while the reverse displays an allegorical figure of knowledge seated atop a globe, holding the torch of knowledge and a scroll inscribed 'Art, History, and Science'. Designed by Al Maletsky/T. James Ferrell. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 26.73 grams, 38.1 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. The Smithsonian dollar celebrates America's premier museum system, and its allegorical Knowledge figure on the reverse is a classical design element rarely seen on modern U.S. coins.
