1996-D Smithsonian $1 Silver Commem BU (w/Box & COA)

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In 1996, the United States marked a sesquicentennial milestone for one of its most cherished cultural institutions. To celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Smithsonian Institution's founding, a special commemorative silver dollar was struck at the Denver Mint. This coin contains 0.7734 troy ounces of silver, minted with a purity of 90 percent, and remains a scarce issue with a total mintage of just 31,320 pieces in this Brilliant Uncirculated finish. The obverse of the coin showcases the architectural majesty of the original Smithsonian Institution building, affectionately known as the Castle. This design captures the historic structure that became the foundation for decades of research, preservation, and public education. On the reverse, the imagery shifts to a classical allegory of learning. A goddess representing knowledge sits atop a globe, holding aloft a burning torch to symbolize enlightenment. The surrounding inscriptions reflect the core mission of the institution, emphasizing the diffusion of knowledge, science, art, and history, alongside the traditional national mottos of the United States.