U.S. $1 Modern Silver Commemorative Coin – Cap/Slab

In 1986, the United States marked the centennial of a symbol revered by generations: the Statue of Liberty. Since its dedication in 1886, Lady Liberty has stood sentinel in New York Harbor, her torch uplifted as both beacon and promise to millions arriving on America’s shores. The centennial celebrations were not just a nod to the statue’s artistry and engineering, but a recognition of the hopes and journeys of the immigrants she welcomed at nearby Ellis Island. This U.S. $1 Modern Silver Commemorative Coin is more than a piece of silver—it is a tribute to the enduring ideals that have shaped America’s story.

Conceived by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and brought to life with the technical genius of Gustave Eiffel, the Statue of Liberty was envisioned as a gift and a gesture of friendship between nations. Yet, over time, the monument’s symbolism deepened: she became the very personification of liberty, her visage immortalized not just in stone and copper, but in poetry, song, and—most enduringly—in the hearts and memories of those who saw her first on arriving to America.

The doors of Ellis Island opened in 1892, just six years after Liberty took her place in the harbor. Over 12 million immigrants would pass through those storied halls, each bearing dreams, fears, and the hope kindled by the Statue’s watchful gaze. The coin’s design, featuring both Lady Liberty and the iconic immigration station, captures the profound connection between two American landmarks—one a monument to ideals, the other a gateway to opportunity.

The emotional resonance of this coin extends beyond its historical commemoration. On its reverse, an evocative inscription—“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free”—calls to mind Emma Lazarus’s sonnet, forever linking the Statue and the American immigrant experience. Each dollar struck is not just a collectible, but a quiet testament to the countless stories, sacrifices, and contributions that have shaped the nation.

For the numismatist, this coin is a portal to a pivotal moment in American commemoration. It crystallizes the fervor of the 1986 centennial, the artistry of the Mint, and the ongoing conversation about heritage and hope. Whether one collects for history, artistry, or sentiment, this commemorative piece stands as an eloquent addition—a silver relic with meaning as rich as its alloy.

Design Features

The obverse of this modern silver commemorative showcases the Statue of Liberty in classic grandeur, her features rendered in sharp detail, torch extended toward a radiant future. Behind her, the domed silhouette of the Ellis Island Immigration Center quietly anchors the design—a juxtaposition of aspiration and arrival. Surrounding inscriptions commemorate both the centennial and the ideals enshrined in Liberty’s form.

The reverse centers on Liberty’s torch, gleaming and isolated, a motif that distills the light of hope shining from Lady Liberty’s hand. Surrounding the torch, the celebrated words “GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR, YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE” ripple across the silver, their poetry echoing through numismatic history. Each element is designed with precision, ensuring not just aesthetic appeal but a resonance with the themes of refuge and opportunity.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: Various
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Features the Statue of Liberty in the foreground, with the Ellis Island Immigration Center in the background—a composition evoking both welcome and aspiration.
• Reverse: Depicts Liberty’s torch, illuminated at center, with the inspiring phrase “GIVE ME YOUR TIRED, YOUR POOR, YOUR HUDDLED MASSES YEARNING TO BREATHE FREE.”

Investment Appeal

This modern commemorative resonates with investors for its robust .900 fine silver content, backed by the heritage of the United States Mint. Its weight of 0.7734 troy ounces ensures inherent value tied to the precious metals market, while its federally backed $1 denomination and global recognition enhance its liquidity. Beyond physical worth, it stands distinguished by its striking historical connection—issued to honor one of America’s most recognizable symbols, with designs that evoke both artistry and historical gravitas. For the collector, it is a revered addition; for the investor, a tangible piece of American heritage with enduring market demand.