1996-P $1 Tennis Silver Commem – Proof

As summer approached in 1996, the world’s attention turned to Atlanta, Georgia, host of the XXVI Olympiad. Among the commemorative treasures released to mark this historic sporting event was the 1996-P $1 Tennis Silver Commemorative Proof coin, part of an impressive sixteen-coin Olympic series produced by the United States Mint.

This elegant silver dollar captures the grace and power of tennis, a sport that has evolved from aristocratic pastime to global phenomenon. The coin celebrates not just the Olympic tennis competitions of 1996, but pays homage to a sport with roots stretching back to 12th century French monasteries, where monks played a primitive form of the game with their hands.

Tennis found its modern form in the late 19th century, coinciding with the revival of the Olympic Games in 1896. This synchronicity between the sport's development and the modern Olympic movement makes the 1996 Tennis Silver Dollar particularly significant to both numismatists and sports enthusiasts alike.

The Atlanta Olympics represented a pivotal moment in American Olympic history. Coming exactly 100 years after the first modern Olympics in Athens, these centennial games showcased America's sporting prowess and organizational capabilities. The Tennis Silver Dollar stands as a lasting numismatic tribute to this celebration of human athletic achievement.

With its stunning design and historical significance, this commemorative coin connects collectors to a specific moment in Olympic history while also celebrating the timeless sport of tennis. The limited mintage of just 92,016 pieces ensures this piece remains a coveted addition to any serious collection of American commemorative coinage or Olympic memorabilia.

Design Features

The obverse of this commemorative masterpiece, designed by the talented team of James C. Sharpe and T. James Ferrell, features a dynamic female tennis player poised at the moment before striking the ball. Her stance captures the athletic tension and focus emblematic of the sport, with her racquet drawn back in preparation for a powerful stroke. The design conveys both the grace and explosive energy that tennis demands from its champions. The inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the year "1996," along with the "P" mint mark indicating its Philadelphia Mint origin.

The reverse, crafted by Thomas D. Rogers, Sr., displays the iconic Olympic Torch Centennial logo, symbolizing the Olympic spirit that has burned brightly since ancient times. The flame represents the continuity between ancient and modern games, while also honoring the centennial celebration of the modern Olympic movement. The design is completed with inscriptions of "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and the denomination "ONE DOLLAR," creating a balanced composition that honors both American and Olympic traditions.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features a female tennis player in mid-swing, poised to strike the ball, capturing the dynamic motion of the sport.
• Reverse: Displays the Olympic Torch Centennial logo, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic Games.

Investment Appeal

The 1996-P $1 Tennis Silver Commemorative Proof offers multiple dimensions of value for the discerning collector and investor. Its 90% silver composition provides an intrinsic precious metal foundation, while its limited mintage of fewer than 100,000 pieces ensures relative scarcity. As both an Olympic commemorative and a sports-themed numismatic item, this coin appeals to multiple collector markets, potentially enhancing its long-term appreciation.

The dual appeal of Olympic history and tennis memorabilia creates a unique market position for this commemorative dollar. For collectors building sets of modern U.S. commemoratives, Olympic-themed coins, or sports-related numismatic items, this piece represents an essential addition that combines artistic merit with historical significance.

The coin's proof finish, with its mirror-like fields and frosted design elements, exemplifies the highest standards of the U.S. Mint's craftsmanship, making it not just a commemorative token but a work of numismatic art. As Atlanta's Olympic legacy continues to be celebrated in American sporting history, this silver dollar remains a tangible connection to that momentous summer of 1996 when the world gathered to witness athletic excellence on American soil.