Continuing the United Services Organization (USO) story with a look at the Silver Dollar...The coin's obverse design is fairly simplistic and has drawn criticism over the years. At its center, the design depicts a pennant with "USO" that is flanked by three stars to its left and right. The pennant's design is based on the USO Flag. In calligraphy above the pennant is written "50th Anniversary." Robert Lamb created the design, William C. Cousins developed the models for the coinage dies from Lamb's artwork. Lamb's initials, "RL", along with Cousins' "WC" are found below the flag near the flag pole.
(Note: Lamb was a freelance artist invited by the Mint to participate in the coin's design competition.)Flag of the United Service Organizations (USO)
US Mint Sculptor-Engraver
John Mercanti's reverse design depicts an American Bald Eagle perched on a globe that presents North and South America as well as Europe, Africa and a tiny portion of Asia; the eagle holds a ribbon in its beak, the ribbon features "USO" inscribed on it. Eleven stars are presented in an arc below the globe. Mercanti's "JM" initials are found below the inscription "FIFTY YEARS SERVICE" to the left of the globe and just above the topmost star; the inscription "TO SERVICE PEOPLE" is seen to the right of the globe. Combined together, the two inscriptions quote the USO's anniversary theme, "Fifty years service to service people."
(Note: Mercanti was not yet the US Mint Chief Engraver in 1991 - he was appointed in 2006.)1991 United Service Organizations (USO) 50th Anniversary Silver Dollar
The Pre-Issue discount price of the Proof USO Silver Dollar was $28.00, with a Regular Issue price of $31.00. The Uncirculated version of the coin had prices of $23.00 and $26.00, respectively. The Pre-Issue period was June 8, 1991 (first day of sale) through July 26, 1991.
The Proof version of the coin had total sales of 321,275; the Unicrculated version sold 124,958 units. The combined total was 446,233, which is ~45% of the authorized maximum. Of the three 1991 Silver Dollars (Mount Rushmore, Korean War and USO), the USO dollar had the lowest overall sales total. Sales of the coin were likely negatively impacted by a weaker connection between the public and the coin's subject and its generally simplistic design.
For more on the coin's journey through Congress, see
Part I.
For other stories about commemorative coins and medals, including more about modern US commemorative coins, see:
Commems Collection..
Posted 12/26/2023 06:04 am
