1992-D $1 White House Silver Commem – BU

The gleaming 1992-D $1 White House Silver Commemorative coin represents a pivotal moment in American architectural history—the bicentennial of the White House. When the cornerstone was laid on October 13, 1792, few could have imagined the enduring legacy this building would create over the following two centuries. By November 1, 1800, it had become the official presidential residence, standing as a testament to the young nation's ambitions and ideals.

This commemorative silver dollar honors not just the iconic building itself, but also celebrates the vision of James Hoban, the Irish-born architect whose design was selected by President George Washington. Hoban's neo-classical creation has withstood the test of time, including being famously burned during the War of 1812, only to be rebuilt and expanded through various administrations.

What makes this commemorative issue particularly significant to collectors is its remarkably low mintage. With only 123,803 uncirculated coins struck at the Denver Mint, it represents one of the more limited modern commemorative issues from the U.S. Mint. This scarcity, combined with its historical importance and silver content, has made it a continually sought-after piece for both numismatists and American history enthusiasts.

The 1992-D White House Silver Dollar was part of a program that did more than just commemorate history—it actively preserved it. Surcharges from the sale of these coins were directed to the White House Endowment Fund, supporting the preservation of fine art and furnishings as well as the maintenance of the White House's public rooms. In this way, each coin represents a direct contribution to maintaining America's executive mansion for future generations.

While the initial release price was $32, these coins have experienced significant market fluctuations over the decades. At their peak, they commanded prices up to four times their issue price, though markets eventually stabilized. Today, they remain valued not only for their silver content but as tangible connections to one of America's most recognized symbols of democracy and governance.

Design Features

The obverse of this commemorative masterpiece, designed by Edgar Z. Steever IV, showcases the iconic north portico of the White House in exquisite detail. The façade's classical columns and distinctive architecture are rendered with precision, creating an instantly recognizable image. Flanking the White House image are the commemorative dates "1792" and "1992," separated by an American flag—a thoughtful design element symbolizing the building's enduring place in American history. The inscriptions "The White House," "Liberty," and "In God We Trust" complete this patriotic tableau, anchoring the coin in American tradition and values.

The reverse design, crafted by Chester Y. Martin, pays homage to James Hoban, the visionary architect behind the White House. Hoban's portrait is positioned in front of the original main entrance to the White House, creating a powerful visual connection between the creator and his enduring creation. The composition thoughtfully includes the inscriptions "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," and "One Dollar," along with Hoban's name, ensuring his contribution to American architectural history is properly acknowledged. The juxtaposition of the man against his masterwork serves as a reminder of the human ingenuity behind America's most famous address.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: D – Denver
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features the north portico of the White House with commemorative dates 1792-1992 separated by an American flag, and inscriptions "The White House," "Liberty," and "In God We Trust."
• Reverse: Displays James Hoban, architect of the White House, standing before the original main entrance with inscriptions "United States of America," "E Pluribus Unum," "One Dollar," and "James Hoban."

Investment Appeal

This 1992-D White House Silver Commemorative coin represents an exceptional opportunity for the discerning collector and investor alike. Its limited mintage of just 123,803 pieces ensures a level of scarcity that has historically supported value retention in the numismatic marketplace. Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, the coin offers tangible precious metal value alongside its commemorative significance.

What truly distinguishes this piece is its dual appeal—it commemorates one of America's most recognized symbols of democracy while simultaneously honoring the architectural genius who designed it. This historical significance, coupled with its Denver mint mark, makes it particularly attractive to collectors focusing on American commemorative issues or presidential memorabilia.

The coin's association with the White House Bicentennial creates an additional layer of historical importance that transcends typical commemorative issues. As modern commemoratives continue to gain recognition as a legitimate segment of numismatic collecting, early issues like this 1992-D White House dollar often become anchor pieces in comprehensive collections. For those seeking to diversify their holdings with historically significant, limited-mintage silver issues, this commemorative dollar offers an accessible entry point with genuine long-term collector appeal.