Numismatic

1900 Lafayette Dollar XF

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Struck in the year 1900, this silver dollar holds a singular place in American numismatics as the only classic commemorative coin of its denomination ever produced by the United States government. The coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, minted with a purity of 0.900. Its creation was tied to a late nineteenth-century initiative, where donations gathered from American school pupils in 1899 funded a monument to General Lafayette in Paris, France. The design of this historic issue was crafted by Charles E. Barber. On the obverse side, the coin features the overlapping profiles of General George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. This dual portraiture highlights the deep alliance between the two figures during the American Revolutionary War. The reverse side showcases the equestrian statue of General Lafayette, representing the very monument planned for erection in Paris. The surrounding inscriptions confirm its commemorative purpose, marking the connection between the United States and France. This particular specimen is preserved in Extra Fine condition, showcasing the intricate details of Barber's engraving.