2007-P $1 Jamestown Silver Commem – BU

In the spring of 1607, the shores of the James River witnessed the dawn of a nation as three ships—Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—anchored and brought with them a hope that would resonate for centuries. The settlement at Jamestown marked not only the genesis of permanent English presence in North America but also the genesis of a multicultural society. The founding of Jamestown is more than a tale of colonial ambition; it is a story woven from the resilience, struggle, and confluence of three distinct peoples: the English colonists seeking opportunity, the indigenous Powhatan tribes with their deep-rooted connection to the land, and the first Africans whose arrival foreshadowed a new, tragic dimension to American history.

The 400th anniversary of this historic venture was commemorated by the United States Mint in 2007 with a stunning silver dollar, a coin that serves as both artifact and educator. This commemorative issue not only memorializes the extraordinary events of 1607, but also highlights the foundation of government, economic ambition, and cultural exchange that would shape America’s future trajectory. Jamestown’s legacy lives in the principles of representative government, the persistence of diverse cultures, and the enduring quest for freedom—each evoked by the artistry of this special release.

The narrative of Jamestown is not one of unalloyed triumph; early settlers faced daunting adversity, from a harsh climate to precarious relations with the Powhatan confederacy. Nonetheless, out of privation and dissent grew a settlement capable of evolving, adapting, and ultimately setting a precedent for self-governance and economic experimentation in the New World. The echoes of these formative years are still felt in American institutions today.

With the Jamestown commemoration coin, collectors hold not just a piece of precious metal, but a touchstone to the past—an object that bridges personal collections and public memory. The proceeds from its issuance even helped bolster preservation and educational efforts, ensuring the lessons and legacies of Jamestown remain accessible.

For numismatists, this coin offers a singular vantage point: a way to connect with the vibrant diversity, cultural intersections, and foundational values that define American identity. It is an enduring symbol of exploration, endurance, and cultural transformation, inviting reflection on the roots and promises of the American experiment.

Design Features

The obverse design, conceived by Donna Weaver, is a powerful tableau titled “Three Faces of Diversity.” It depicts an African, an English settler—widely considered to represent Captain John Smith—and a Native American. Their profiles are rendered with dignity, gazing forward in quiet resolve, symbolizing the pivotal and intertwined destinies that met on Virginian soil. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “FOUNDING JAMESTOWN 1607-2007” encircle the composition, underscoring the centuries-spanning significance of the event.

The reverse, designed by Susan Gamble, is a tribute to the intrepid spirit of exploration. It presents the trio of ships—Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—sailing into a new world. These vessels, depicted under billowing sails, are more than mere maritime subjects; they embody the enterprise, vulnerability, and hope that defined the Jamestown venture. The inscriptions include “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR,” along with the mintmark ‘P’, signifying its Philadelphia origin.

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: Depicts an African, an Englishman (often interpreted as Captain John Smith), and a Native American in profile, representing the diversity present at the founding of Jamestown, with inscriptions marking the 400th anniversary.
• Reverse: Features the three ships—Susan Constant, Godspeed, and Discovery—under sail, commemorating the journey and arrival of the first settlers at Jamestown.

Investment Appeal

This commemorative silver dollar stands as a compelling acquisition for both collectors and investors. Struck from 90% pure silver by the renowned United States Mint, it assures intrinsic value and widespread recognition. Its design, tied to a formative moment in American and global history, transcends ordinary bullion, adding substantial historical gravitas and desirability to any collection. Limited mintage and the coin’s connection to pivotal themes of cultural convergence and national genesis further reinforce its appeal, making it a sound choice for those seeking to combine tangible asset acquisition with meaningful heritage.