1997-P $1 Law Enforcement Silver Commem – BU

The 1997-P $1 Law Enforcement Silver Commemorative coin stands as a poignant tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Created on the sixth anniversary of the dedication of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C., this coin captures the essence of honor, sacrifice, and remembrance that defines America’s law enforcement community.

The inspiration for this commemorative issue came from the growing recognition of the dangers faced by police officers across the nation. The memorial itself, located in our nation's capital, serves as a permanent reminder of the more than 22,000 officers who have lost their lives while serving their communities since the first recorded police death in 1791. The coin's design directly references this memorial, creating a tangible connection between the numismatic piece and the hallowed ground where fallen officers are remembered.

Designed by Alfred Maletsky, this commemorative dollar showcases remarkable artistry that resonates with collectors and those connected to law enforcement alike. The obverse features a scene derived from a photograph taken by Larry Rugeri at the memorial wall, showing U.S. Park Police officers Robert Chelsey and Kelcy Stefansson as they read the names of their fallen comrades. This powerful imagery captures a moment of solemn reflection, immortalizing the way the memorial serves as a place of remembrance and honor.

The 1997 Law Enforcement Silver Dollar was produced in limited quantities at the Philadelphia Mint, with only 28,575 uncirculated versions struck. This relatively low mintage—especially compared to the 110,428 proof versions—makes the BU (Brilliant Uncirculated) specimens particularly desirable among numismatists seeking complete modern commemorative collections.

Beyond its numismatic appeal, this coin represents an important moment in American cultural history. It acknowledges the critical role law enforcement plays in maintaining social order and public safety, while also recognizing the profound sacrifice that sometimes comes with this duty. The coin serves not just as a collectible, but as a physical reminder of the thin blue line that stands between order and chaos in our communities.

For both the serious numismatist and those with personal connections to law enforcement, this coin offers a meaningful way to honor those who serve and protect. Its limited mintage, historical significance, and beautiful design make it a standout addition to any collection focused on American commemorative issues or occupational themes.

Design Features

The 1997-P $1 Law Enforcement Silver Commemorative showcases thoughtful artistry that honors the spirit and sacrifice of America's law enforcement community. The obverse design captures a powerful moment at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, featuring U.S. Park Police officers Robert Chelsey and Kelcy Stefansson in the act of reading names inscribed on the memorial wall. This scene, based on a photograph taken at the memorial by Larry Rugeri, conveys the solemn respect paid to fallen officers. The obverse includes the inscriptions "NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL," "LIBERTY," "1997," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," framing the central image with words that emphasize both patriotism and remembrance.

The reverse design features a large law enforcement shield with a rose laid across it, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice made by officers who have fallen in the line of duty. This emblematic imagery is both powerful and poignant, creating an immediate visual connection to the theme of the commemorative issue. Surrounding this central motif are the inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "TO SERVE AND PROTECT," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "ONE DOLLAR," reinforcing both the coin's official status and its commemorative purpose. The shield and rose imagery speaks directly to the dual nature of law enforcement work—both protective and, at times, tragically sacrificial.

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 U.S. Park Police officers reading names at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall, with inscriptions "NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS MEMORIAL," "LIBERTY," "1997," and "IN GOD WE TRUST"
• Reverse: Displays a law enforcement shield with a rose laid across it, surrounded by inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "TO SERVE AND PROTECT," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "ONE DOLLAR"

Investment Appeal

The 1997-P $1 Law Enforcement Silver Commemorative in Brilliant Uncirculated condition offers compelling investment potential for several key reasons. With a remarkably low mintage of just 28,575 pieces—far fewer than the proof version—this BU specimen represents a scarce modern commemorative issue that has become increasingly difficult to locate in premium condition. The coin's 90% silver composition provides intrinsic precious metal value, offering a hedge against inflation while also delivering the premium collecting appeal that commemorative issues command.

Beyond its metal content, this coin's thematic focus on law enforcement creates a specialized collector market that includes both numismatists and those with personal or professional connections to police work. This dual appeal helps maintain strong demand even during fluctuations in the broader coin market. The historically significant design, commemorating those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, gives this piece enduring cultural relevance that transcends typical collector trends.

For the discerning investor-collector, this commemorative dollar represents an opportunity to acquire a meaningful piece of American numismatic history with genuine appreciation potential. Its combination of limited mintage, historical significance, and artistic merit creates the fundamental conditions for long-term value preservation. As the years pass and available specimens in top condition become increasingly scarce, this commemorative dollar is positioned to remain a sought-after addition to serious American coin collections.