Commems Collection Bullion: 1992 Usoc Barcelona Olympics - Chrysler Silver Round

Beginning in March 1992 and running into June 1992 (March 30 - June 19), the Chrysler Corporation ran a promotional program in which customers visiting a Mopar Service Center for a tune-up received a free silver "Olympic Medallion" (round) if they sent in an original coupon, and Mopar repair receipt, by the published deadline (June 30, 1992).

Note: "MOPAR" was/is a Chrysler acronym that combines "Motor" and "Parts".

Chrysler Corporation was an Official Sponsor of the 1992 US Olympic Team (the exclusive automotive sponsor); the sponsorship provided financial support to roughly 1,000 US athletes who participated in the 1992 Games (Summer: Barcelona, Spain or Winter: Albertville, France). In addition, per the ad shown below, Chrysler made a donation to the US Olympic Team for every medallion it gave away. Chrysler was also a major advertiser during the Olympics' television broadcasts.

In the letter that was sent to customers with the silver round, John Krimsky, Jr. (Deputy Secretary General, United States Olympic Committee) stated: "I know the United States Olympic Team, as well as Chrysler Corporation, is grateful to you for helping make possible their participation in that most inspiring of international events -- the Olympic Games."

The one-ounce, 0.999 fine silver medallion's/round's obverse design depicts a Torch Runner for the 1992 Barcelona (Spain) Olympic Games. The reverse includes the inscription "Mopar / CUSTOMER CARE / OFFICIAL SPONSOR OF THE / 1992 U.S. OLYMPIC TEAM". Below the inscription is presented the Olympic Rings logo with "USA" above. Laurel branches flank the central elements. The round's composition specifications are seen at the lower rim.

The low-relief, outline-style piece was struck by Liberty Mint (Provo, Utah). The designs are uncredited, likely created by in-house staff at Liberty Mint. From its appearance, I would suggest that it was designed and engraved via computer software - IMO, computers can't reproduce the subtle dimensionality found in the fields of hand-sculpted design models (e.g., plaster models).

I've not seen mintage statistics for the piece, but, based on its use in a national promotion by a large corporation and its general availabilty in the marketplace 30+ years later, I would suggest a mintage of at least 5,000.

1992 Chrysler Silver Round: Barcelona Olympics


1992 Chrysler Silver Round: Barcelona Olympics - Leaflet - Outer Panels


1992 Chrysler Silver Round: Barcelona Olympics - Leaflet - Inner Panels



1992 Chrysler Silver Round: Barcelona Olympics - Pouch/Holder


1992 Chrysler Silver Round: Barcelona Olympics - Advertisement

(Image Source: TIME Magazine, April 20, 1982.


For another 1992 Barcelona Olympics story, see:

- Looking Back At The 1992 "Nolan Ryan" Dollar


For more of my stories about commemorative coins and medals, including other Bullion stories, see: Commems Collection.