1991-S $1 Mt. Rushmore Silver Commem – Proof

The 1991-S $1 Mt. Rushmore Silver Commem – Proof stands as a magnificent tribute to one of America's most iconic national monuments. As the chisel of Gutzon Borglum carved the faces of four revered presidents into the granite of South Dakota's Black Hills, so too did the United States Mint immortalize this achievement in 90% silver to commemorate its Golden Anniversary.

In 1991, America celebrated the 50th anniversary of Mount Rushmore National Memorial's completion—a monumental sculpture often referred to as the "Shrine of Democracy." This colossal artwork features the 60-foot faces of Presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln, each selected for their role in preserving the republic and expanding its territory. The anniversary was significant enough for Congress to authorize a special commemorative coin program, resulting in this stunning silver dollar.

The memorial itself tells a remarkable story of American perseverance. Originally conceived in 1923, sculptor Gutzon Borglum began his work in 1927, but would not live to see its completion in 1941. His son, Lincoln Borglum, completed the monumental task after his father's death. The sculpture stands not merely as a tourist attraction but as a powerful symbol of American democracy, leadership, and national identity.

This silver dollar was part of a three-coin set authorized by Congress specifically for the Golden Anniversary celebration, which also included a $5 gold piece and a clad half dollar. Each denomination captured different aspects of the monument's significance, with this silver dollar offering perhaps the most detailed and striking representation of the mountain carving itself.

For numismatists and history enthusiasts alike, this coin represents the intersection of American artistry, historical legacy, and numismatic craftsmanship. The San Francisco Mint's proof striking ensures exceptional detail and mirror-like fields that highlight every nuance of the design—from the presidential profiles to the inscriptions celebrating this American landmark.

Design Features

The obverse of this commemorative silver dollar features a meticulously detailed depiction of Mount Rushmore's iconic presidential sculptures. From left to right, the portraits of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are faithfully rendered just as they appear on the actual monument. Below the presidential portraits appears the inscription "GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL" highlighting the 50th anniversary celebration. The date "1991" is prominently displayed, marking both the year of issue and the anniversary itself. Along the lower periphery, two elegant laurel branches frame the motto "IN GOD WE TRUST," connecting this modern commemorative to America's numismatic traditions.

The reverse showcases the official Seal of the United States of America, reinforcing the coin's status as legal tender and connecting it to the nation's heritage. Above the seal appears "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," while below are the inscriptions "SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY" and "E PLURIBUS UNUM," followed by the denomination "ONE DOLLAR." This thoughtful design creates a powerful symbolic connection between the monument (often called the "Shrine of Democracy") and America's founding principles, making it not just a coin but a miniature historical document in silver.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: S – San Francisco
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Mount Rushmore National Memorial featuring four presidential portraits (Washington, Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln), with inscriptions "GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY MOUNT RUSHMORE NATIONAL MEMORIAL" and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
• Reverse: United States of America Seal with inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "SHRINE OF DEMOCRACY," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "ONE DOLLAR."

Investment Appeal

This 1991-S Mount Rushmore Silver Dollar offers collectors and investors a perfect blend of historical significance, artistic merit, and precious metal content. Struck in 90% silver with a proof finish from the prestigious San Francisco Mint, it delivers exceptional quality that serious numismatists appreciate. With a relatively limited mintage of 738,419 pieces, it remains accessible while still offering potential for appreciation over time.

The coin's connection to Mount Rushmore—one of America's most recognized national symbols—gives it universal appeal that extends beyond traditional coin collectors. As both a piece of American history and a silver asset, this commemorative dollar serves dual purposes in a diversified collection. The exceptional proof finish ensures that every detail of the design stands out with remarkable clarity, from the presidential profiles to the intricate elements of the American seal.

For those building a collection of modern American commemoratives or seeking silver pieces with historical significance, the 1991-S Mount Rushmore Silver Dollar represents an opportunity to own a beautiful representation of America's numismatic and monumental heritage. As time passes and more examples are preserved in collections rather than remaining available for purchase, these Golden Anniversary commemoratives may become increasingly sought after by future generations of collectors.