1996-D $1 High Jump Silver Commem – BU

In the sweltering summer of 1996, Atlanta welcomed the world for the Centennial Olympic Games, marking a hundred years since the modern Olympics' rebirth. These Games were not only a celebration of global athletic spirit but also a showcase of innovation and transformation—epitomized by the unforgettable feats of athletes who redefined their sports. Among the most iconic moments was the high jump, where competitors soared over the bar using the revolutionary Fosbury Flop, a technique that had only gained international fame a generation earlier. This commemorative coin, issued by the United States Mint, doesn't just memorialize the Games—it captures a pivotal evolution in athletics and the unyielding pursuit of human excellence.

The high jump, with its roots stretching back to ancient history, underwent a dramatic metamorphosis in the late 20th century. Dick Fosbury's eponymous mid-air twist at the 1968 Olympics forever altered the event, inspiring generations to reimagine the boundaries of possibility. The coin's design immortalizes this leap, blending athletic prowess with a century of Olympic legacy. Such a commemoration is more than a tribute; it is a testament to the enduring magic of sporting progress and the spirit of international unity.

The 1996 Olympic Games themselves were steeped in symbolism. Atlanta, once at the heart of America's civil rights movement, became the stage for athletes of all nations, backgrounds, and aspirations. The Olympic torch, alight on the coin’s reverse, signifies hope and continuity, while the Centennial Games insignia reminds us of the enduring peace and friendship that the Olympics cultivate. Through its imagery, the coin tells a multilayered story—one of transformation, resilience, and shared global heritage.

This commemorative dollar is the creation of talented engravers Calvin Massey and Thomas D. Rogers, whose artistry ensures every detail serves as a window into history. For numismatists, this piece is not just a collectible but a keepsake rich in context, crafted to preserve a moment that shaped the trajectory of competitive sport. The Denver Mint’s “D” mark further roots this coin in a tradition of American craftsmanship, enhancing its desirability for collectors of Olympic and U.S. commemorative issues alike.

As collectors know, every commemorative coin is a tangible thread in the fabric of history. This silver dollar bridges the gap between past and present, blending the story of the Olympic movement with the innovation and mastery that define numismatics. It beckons those who value both athletic achievement and the artistry of the mint to own a slice of Olympic history—one that will never be repeated.

Design Features

The obverse of the coin features an exquisitely rendered athlete performing the Fosbury Flop, a high jump technique that revolutionized the sport. The athlete’s body arcs gracefully over the bar, capturing the moment of peak tension and release. Beneath the jumper, the iconic Olympic rings are depicted, symbolizing the unity and global reach of the Games. The surrounding inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “USA,” and the date “1996,” presenting a harmony of national pride and international celebration. This compelling design is the work of Calvin Massey.

On the reverse, Thomas D. Rogers’ artistry shines through the depiction of the Atlanta Committee logo for the Olympic Games. Central to the design is the Olympic torch and flame, a timeless symbol of inspiration and continuity. The composition is flanked by inscriptions: “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “ATLANTA 1996,” and “CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC GAMES,” along with the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” The reverse marries athletic energy with official commemoration, providing a fitting tribute to both the host city and the Olympic legacy.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Grade: BU – Brilliant Uncirculated
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: D – Denver
• Grading Service: None
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features an athlete executing the Fosbury Flop high jump technique, Olympic rings below, and inscriptions “LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, USA, 1996.”
• Reverse: Displays the Atlanta Committee Olympic Games logo with Olympic torch and flame, and inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, ATLANTA 1996, CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC GAMES, ONE DOLLAR.”

Investment Appeal

Struck in 90% silver and weighing 0.7734 oz, this commemorative dollar not only offers significant intrinsic value but is also a highly collectible artifact from a milestone in Olympic and modern American history. Its limited mintage, Denver Mint origin, and exceptional Brilliant Uncirculated grade make it especially appealing to those seeking both beauty and rarity in their collections. The coin’s universal Olympic imagery ensures recognition and demand among collectors worldwide, while its silver content provides a reliable hedge against market volatility. For those who value numismatic artistry alongside tangible asset diversification, the 1996-D High Jump Silver Commemorative stands out as a wise and meaningful acquisition.