Modern Commemoratives, Complete
1996 W SMITHSONIAN $5, MINT STATE
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Coin Details
Origin/Country: |
United States |
Design Description: |
MODERN COMMEMORATIVES |
Item Description: |
$5 1996 W SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION |
Full Grade: |
PCGS MS 69 |
Owner: |
Tom Carr |
Owner Comments:
Three $5 gold commemorative coins were released in 1996. The third coin commemorated the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution. The obverse of the coin features the left-side bust of James Smithson with an inscription that reads "For the Increase and Diffusion of Knowledge." The reverse features the logo of the sunburst logo for the Smithsonian Institution.
There were only 9,068 uncirculated and 21,772 proof coins minted by the West Point Mint. These were the lowest numbers for all minted commemoratives through 1996. These coins are very difficult to find in perfect MS70 condition (a little more than 380 graded in MS70) and in perfect in PF70 condition (about 335 graded in PF70, about one-third of those graded in PF69 condition).
1996-W Ebay auction purchase from Bay Precious Metals, 08/22/2016, $405.72
Gold started the year at $387/oz. and ended at $369/oz.