This silver dollar (proof) is one of two commemorative coins issued by the U.S. Mint to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1996. It depicts the Smithsonian Castle and laurel branches (obverse) and an allegorical figure bearing the torch of knowledge (reverse) with anniversary dates and other inscriptions. The commemorative set also includes a gold five dollar coin (proof). Two sets of these coins were flown aboard Space Shuttle "Atlantis" on the STS-79 mission in September 1996 and then presented by the crew in a ceremony at the National Air and Space Museum in December. One set remains in this Museum and the other is held in the Numismatics Collection of the National Museum of American History.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date 1996 Country of Origin United States of America Type MEMORABILIA-Events Artist John M. Mercanti
Thomas D. Rogers
 Manufacturer U.S. Mint
 Dimensions 3-D: 0.3 × 3.8cm (1/8 × 1 1/2 in.)
3-D (In Case): 0.6 × 4.5cm (1/4 × 1 3/4 in.)
 Materials silver (90%), copper (10%)
 Inventory Number A19980084000 Credit Line Transferred from Smithsonian Institution Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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