Commems Collection Modern: 1996 Atlanta Olympics Soccer Half Dollar Key Chain

I don't typically purchase the Mint's jewelry items, but every once and a while I happen across one at a reasonable price that entices me to make a purchase. Such is the case for the subject of this post - a United States ("US") Mint key chain that features the 1996 Atlanta Olympics Soccer Copper-Nickel ("CuNi") Clad Half Dollar.

The Mint packaged the 1995-96 Atlanta Olympics coins in a variety of formats in an effort to maximize sales (with limited success). These formats included several jewelry items: key chains, money clips and pendants. The offerings each featured an Uncirculated version of one of the coins (the Gold Half Eagles were available only in the pendants). I think including an Uncirculated coin was the correct call by the Mint, as Proof coins would have quickly shown impairment if used as intended.

As with the Atlanta Olympics coin program overall, sales for the jewelry items were less than stellar. In the case of the Soccer Half Dollar key chain, just 556 were sold. (Sales of the other Half Dollar key chains: 1995 Baseball / 917; 1995 Basketball / 316; 1996 Swimming / 427.)

1996 Atlanta Olympics Clad Half Dollar Key Chain


I won't be searching for the others in the set, but if I experience another convergence of purchase opportunity, "As New" condition and inexpensive price tag, I might just pull the trigger!


For other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more stories about the 1995-96 Atlanta Olympics coins, see: Commems Collection

For a story about another packaging option for 1996 Atlanta Olympics Soccer Half Dollar, see:

- 1996 Atlanta Olympics Soccer Half Dollar Young Collector's Set