2002-P $1 SLC Winter Olympics Silver Commem – Proof

The 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics stands as a pivotal moment in American sports history, arriving just months after the September 11 attacks and serving as a powerful symbol of national resilience. From February 8-24, 2002, Salt Lake City welcomed 2,399 athletes from 78 nations who competed in 78 events across 15 disciplines. The games were historic in many ways, breaking attendance records with more than 1.5 million tickets sold and attracting over 70,000 fans daily.

These Olympics were particularly memorable for their unprecedented inclusivity and record-breaking performances. Athletes from 18 different nations captured gold medals, including historic first-ever Winter Olympic gold medals for both China and Australia. Norway tied the Soviet Union's 1976 record by claiming 13 gold medals, while Germany set a Winter Olympic record with 36 total medals. The United States delivered a remarkable home-soil performance with 34 medals—far surpassing their previous Winter Games record of 13 medals.

The Salt Lake City Games were the eighth Olympics hosted by the United States and marked a significant milestone in Olympic organization. They were the first Games held under the presidency of Jacques Rogge at the International Olympic Committee, and notably, the first time a single committee—the Salt Lake Organizing Committee (SLOC)—organized both the Olympics and Paralympics, establishing a template followed by subsequent Games.

The Olympic events took place across numerous venues throughout Salt Lake City and surrounding areas including Park City, Ogden, Provo, Kearns, and West Valley City. The University of Utah played a central role, with Rice-Eccles Stadium hosting both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies. Despite frigid temperatures, more than 10,000 actors and volunteers participated in performances celebrating Utah's pioneer history and mountain landscapes, while eight American athletes carried the World Trade Center flag into the stadium—a poignant reminder of the national context surrounding these Games.

Beyond the competitions themselves, these Olympics created an enduring legacy for Utah. The Games finished with a remarkable $40 million budgetary surplus, which funded the Utah Athletic Foundation to maintain Olympic facilities for future use. This foresight has paid dividends, as the venues have continued hosting national and international winter sports events, contributing to Utah becoming a year-round sports hub. By 2020, the Legacy venues were nearly four times busier than in 2002, and the state has attracted almost 800 sports events, with Salt Lake City set to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034.

To commemorate this watershed moment in Olympic and American history, the United States Mint issued the 2002-P $1 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Silver Commemorative Proof—a stunning silver coin that captures the spirit, significance, and legacy of these remarkable Games.

Design Features

The 2002-P $1 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Silver Commemorative Proof showcases exquisite artistry that honors the spirit of the Winter Games. The obverse design features a dynamic portrayal of a female speed skater in motion, capturing the grace, power, and determination emblematic of winter athletes. This central figure embodies the "Light the Fire Within" theme that became symbolic of these Games, especially poignant as they occurred just months after the September 11 attacks. The design includes inscriptions of "LIBERTY," the year "2002," and "IN GOD WE TRUST," harmoniously integrated around the skater.

The reverse presents a striking depiction of the Olympic flame held aloft against a backdrop of Utah's majestic Wasatch Mountains. This imagery symbolizes both the Olympic tradition and the specific geographical setting of the 2002 Games. The flame represents the Olympic ideals of peace, unity, and athletic excellence, while the mountain backdrop pays homage to Utah's natural beauty that provided the stunning setting for many winter events. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and the denomination "ONE DOLLAR." The Philadelphia mint mark "P" is also present, identifying this coin's origin at America's oldest mint facility. The proof quality of this commemorative piece ensures exceptional detail and mirror-like fields that highlight the artistry of the design.

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 speed skater in motion with inscriptions "LIBERTY," "2002," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
• Reverse: Displays the Olympic flame against Utah's Wasatch Mountains with inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "ONE DOLLAR."

Investment Appeal

The 2002-P $1 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics Silver Commemorative Proof presents a compelling opportunity for both numismatists and Olympic memorabilia collectors. With its 90% silver composition and weight of 0.7734 troy ounces, this coin offers intrinsic precious metal value that provides a foundation for its worth. However, its true investment potential extends far beyond its silver content.

As a commemorative of the first Winter Olympics held in the United States since 1980, this coin captures a significant moment in American and Olympic history. The Salt Lake City Games represented American resilience in the aftermath of 9/11 and set numerous records for attendance and athletic achievement. With Salt Lake City scheduled to host the Winter Olympics again in 2034, interest in memorabilia from the 2002 Games is likely to see renewed enthusiasm.

The Philadelphia Mint's proof finish gives this coin exceptional visual appeal with mirrored fields and frosted relief details that showcase the artistry of the design. The limited mintage of these commemorative coins creates natural scarcity that often drives premium appreciation over time. For collectors building Olympic-themed collections or American commemorative series, this piece represents an essential addition that combines historical significance, artistic merit, and precious metal content in one stunning numismatic treasure.