Owner Comments:
1997-W Robinson $5.00 Gold
THE U.S. MINT CAPTURES "BASEBALL'S PROUDEST MOMENT" IN GOLD
Fifty years ago, American Baseball's Major League was hobbled by segregation. The field of competition was closed to African Americans.
Then in April 1947, one man braved the taunts and insults, and opened America's pastime to men of every race and color. Jack Roosevelt Robinson's athletic prowess and courage on the field was mirrored by the dignity and integrity with which he lived his personal life.
His example has stood for the generations that have followed. And history has accorded a special place for the man that fans of all races came to cheer as "Jackie."
LIMITED, BY AN ACT OF CONGRESS
By an official act of Congress, the U.S. Mint has been commissioned to strike gold and silver commemorative coins honoring this American sport legend.
The mintage of these beautiful coins has been limited: only 100,000 five-dollar gold coins will be struck, and only 200,000 silver-dollar coins will be struck - the lowest number of authorized silver coins in the modern commemorative era.
In fact, with a limited number of coins available, the number of those who might wish to honor Jackie Robinson could easily exceed the available supply.
That is why interested coin collectors are urged to act quickly and take advantage of this pre-issue offer.
Don't miss your chance to own an American classic, a limited commemorative coin honoring a unique American hero.
"A LIFE IS NOT IMPORTANT EXCEPT IN THE IMPACT IT HAS ON OTHER LIVES."- Jackie Robinson
THE JACKIE ROBINSON COMMEMORATIVE COINS SPECIFICATIONS
Authorized Mintage Not more than 100,000 gold five dollar coins and not more than 200,000 silver dollar coins.
Surcharges A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the coins will be paid to the Jackie Robinson Foundation to support educational and leadership programs and scholarships.
Designs Gold five dollar obverse: Depicts Robinson in his later years as a civil rights leader and political activist.
Gold five dollar reverse design: A baseball design, with the years of Robinson's life, 1919-1972, and the inscription, "Legacy of Courage," in the center.
"We think coin collectors and baseball fans alike will be very pleased with the Legacy Set," said Mint Director Philip N. Diehl. "In baseball terms, it's a triple play -- a historic coin, a unique collector's card, and the Major League Baseball emblem commemorating the achievements of a great American and an extraordinary athlete."
A portion of the proceeds from sales of the coins will benefit the Jackie Robinson Foundation, which supports educational and leadership programs to encourage, train and motivate minority youth. One hundred thousand gold coins are being struck at the West Point Mint, and 200,000 silver dollars at the San Francisco Mint.
The obverse of the gold five dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor/Engraver William Cousins, depicts Robinson in his later years as a civil rights leader and political activist. The reverse, by Mint Graphic Designer Jim Peed is a baseball design, with the years of Robinson's life, 1919-1972, and the inscription, "Legacy of Courage," in the center.
The obverse of the silver dollar coin, by Mint Sculptor Al Maletsky, depicts Robinson stealing home plate, as he did during a 1955 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Brooklyn Dodgers. The silver reverse, by Mint Sculptor/Engraver T. James Ferrell, features the 50th anniversary logo of the Jackie Robinson Foundation, surrounded by inscriptions highlighting two of Robinson's achievements: "Rookie of the Year 1947," and "Hall of Fame 1962." An identical commemorative patch is being worn by all Major League Baseball players during this season.
Year: 1997
Mintage (max.): 100,000
Public Law: 104-329
U.S. Mint Facility: West Point, NY (Proof/Uncirculated)