The issued United States ("US") commemorative coin program for the 1992 Olympic Game included a Gold Half Eagle, a Silver Dollar and a Copper-Nickel ("CuNi") Clad Half Dollar.
Gold Half Eagle
The obverse image on the coin features an Olympic sprinter in the foreground with the American flag as his background. "USA" and the Olympic rings are seen to the left of the flag (viewer's perspective).
The design was created by outside artist James C. Sharpe.
The coin's reverse design presents an American Bald Eagle (heraldic pose) at the center, surmounted by "USA" and the Olympic rings.
The design was the work of US Mint Graphic Artist James Peed.
US Mint Medallic Artist Thomas J. Ferrell prepared the sculpts for both designs.
The Proof version of the coin had a Pre-Issue Price of $195.00; the Regular Issue Price was $230.00. The prices for the Uncirculated version of the coin were $185.00 and $215.00, respectively.
The final total mintage the Half Eagle was 105,045 (21% of authorized limit); the Proof Half Eagle mintage was 77,313, with the Uncirculated version totaling 27,732.
Silver Dollar
The Silver Dollar stirred up a bit of controversy at the time of its release due to rumors that it depicted Nolan Ryan, a Major League Baseball ("MLB") player who pitched for the New York Mets, the California Angels, the Houston Astros and the Texas Rangers during his career. His 5,714 strikeouts and 7 no-hitters are all-time MLB leaders.
For more on the controversy, see:
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Looking Back At The 1992 "Nolan Ryan" DollarThe coin's obverse depicts a pitcher in mid-delivery with "USA" and the Olympic rings to the right (viewer's perspective).
Freelance artist John R. Deecken designed the coin's obverse; US Mint Medallic Artist Chester Y. Martin handled the engraving/sculpt.
The reverse design features a US Shield, surmounted by "USA" and the Olympic rings and flanked by olive branches. (Olive branches were used to make wreaths that were awarded to victors in the original Olympic Games. The olive branch wreaths symbolized Victory and Peace.)
Artist/sculptor Marcel Jovine, via commission, was responsible for the design and sculpt of the reverse.
The Proof version of the coin had a Pre-Issue Price of $28.00; the Regular Issue Price was $32.00. The prices for the Uncirculated version of the coin were $24.00 and $29.00, respectively.
The final total mintage the Silver Dollar was 692,057 (~17.3%); the Proof Silver Dollar mintage was 504,505, with the Uncirculated version totaling 187,552.
Clad Half Dollar
The obverse design depicts a gymnast in motion with a close-up view of part of the US Flag. On the stripe directly below the gymnast is seen "USA" with the Olympic rings.
US Mint Medallic Artist William C. Cousins designed and sculpted the obverse.
The coin's reverse presents the Olympic flame/torch with an olive branch crossing in front of it. the Olympic Games motto of "CITIUS ALTIUS FORTIUS" ("FASTER HIGHER STRONGER") is presented above the olive branch.
Outside artist Steven Bieda created the design, US Mint Medallic Artist (and future Chief Engraver)
John Mercanti sculpted the design.
The Proof version of the coin had a Pre-Issue Price of $8.50; the Regular Issue Price was $9.50. The prices for the Uncirculated version of the coin were $6.00 and $7.50, respectively.
The final total mintage the Silver Dollar was 681,252 (~12.4%); the Proof Silver Dollar mintage was 519,645, with the Uncirculated version totaling 161,607.
Sales for the overall coin program opened on January 17, 1992; the Pre-Release period extended from January 17 to February 28, 1992.
For a look at the Congressional journey of the 1992 Olympic Games coins, see:
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1992 Olympic Games - The JourneyFor other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other modern US commemorative stories, see:
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