2002-P $1 SLC Winter Olym Silver Commem – BU

The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics marked a significant moment in American sporting history, representing the nation's triumphant return to hosting the Winter Games after a 22-year hiatus. This commemorative silver dollar stands as a tangible piece of that memorable celebration, capturing both the spirit of Olympic competition and the natural beauty of Utah's landscape. The coin was issued by the U.S. Mint as part of the official Olympic commemorative program, creating a lasting tribute to the XIX Olympic Winter Games.

Designed by talented U.S. Mint artist Donna Weaver, this commemorative silver dollar embodies the essence of the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. The coin was created during a period when America sought to showcase its values of international cooperation and athletic excellence on the global stage. The Salt Lake City Olympics themselves came at a particularly poignant time for the nation, taking place just months after the September 11 attacks, adding deeper significance to the Games and their commemorative coinage.

The limited mintage of only 40,257 uncirculated pieces enhances the numismatic significance of this coin. Each piece was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The pre-issue price of $30 quickly rose to $32 during regular issue, reflecting the immediate popularity of this commemorative piece among collectors and Olympic enthusiasts alike.

Composed of 90% silver and 10% copper, this coin carries both intrinsic metal value and historical significance. The substantial silver content (26.73 grams) gives it tangible precious metal worth, while its status as an official U.S. commemorative adds numismatic premium that typically exceeds its base metal value. The reeded edge and 38.10mm diameter give it a substantial presence in any collection.

For collectors of Olympic memorabilia, this coin represents a perfect intersection of sporting history and numismatic art. The 2002 Winter Games saw athletes from around the world converge on Salt Lake City, competing in events ranging from alpine skiing to figure skating, all captured symbolically in the coin's thoughtful design elements.

The Salt Lake City commemorative program continues America's proud tradition of celebrating significant national events through coinage, placing this piece within a broader historical context of U.S. commemorative issues that dates back generations. Each coin serves as both a celebration of athletic achievement and a permanent record of a moment when the world's attention focused on Utah's winter wonderland.

Design Features

The obverse of the 2002-P $1 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Silver Commemorative showcases the official crystal snowflake emblem that served as the insignia for the 2002 Winter Games. This elegant design element symbolizes both the winter sports celebrated during the Olympics and the natural beauty of Utah's renowned powder snow. Surrounding this central motif are the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "XIX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES," "SALT LAKE 2002," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," establishing the coin's American heritage and Olympic connection.

The reverse design presents a sweeping vista of downtown Salt Lake City with the majestic Rocky Mountains rising dramatically in the background. This cityscape captures the unique urban-mountain interface that made Salt Lake City such a compelling Olympic venue. The skyline represents the modernity and development of the host city, while the mountains symbolize the natural challenges conquered by Olympic athletes. The reverse includes the inscriptions "XIX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "ONE DOLLAR," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," formally establishing its status as legal tender while reinforcing the Olympic commemoration.

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 the official crystal snowflake emblem of the 2002 Winter Olympics with inscriptions "LIBERTY," "XIX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES," "SALT LAKE 2002," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
• Reverse: Displays the Salt Lake City skyline with the Rocky Mountains in the background, including inscriptions "XIX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "ONE DOLLAR," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA."

Investment Appeal

This 2002-P $1 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Silver Commemorative offers multiple layers of investment potential for the discerning collector. Its 90% silver composition provides an intrinsic precious metal foundation, while its limited mintage of just 40,257 uncirculated pieces creates natural scarcity that supports long-term value appreciation. Unlike mass-produced bullion, this official U.S. commemorative carries government-backed authenticity and historical significance.

The Olympic theme adds universal appeal that extends beyond American borders, making this coin attractive to international collectors of both numismatic items and Olympic memorabilia. The dual appeal to both coin collectors and Olympic enthusiasts creates a broader potential market when the time comes to liquidate your investment. Additionally, the exceptional artistry by Donna Weaver elevates this piece beyond mere bullion status, allowing it to command premiums well above its silver content value.

For collectors building themed portfolios, this coin serves as an excellent addition to Olympic series collections, American commemorative sets, or winter sports-themed numismatic displays. Its historical connection to the 2002 Games—an Olympics that came at a pivotal moment in American history—provides both emotional resonance and historical significance that purely precious metal investments cannot match. Whether you're diversifying a precious metals portfolio or expanding a curated numismatic collection, this commemorative dollar represents both tangible value and symbolic importance.