1900-P $1 Silver Lafayette Commemorative XF

1900 Lafayette Silver Dollar – America’s First Commemorative Silver Dollar!

France was instrumental in helping a newborn nation free itself from the tyranny of British rule. Foremost among the French lending his aid to the cause was General Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette. Sometimes known as “The Hero of the Two Worlds,” Lafayette led Continental forces, helped rally French support, and went on to become a significant political figure in France itself. This 1900 Commemorative Silver Dollar depicts Lafayette on horseback on the reverse, and alongside fellow general George Washington on the obverse.

Besides the patriotic themes and connection to the Revolutionary War, what really makes this coin so coveted is that it was the U.S. Mint’s first-ever commemorative silver dollar. What’s more, it’s the first U.S. coin to ever feature an American president! And if that isn’t enough, the Philadelphia Mint struck only a scant 36,026 of these special commemoratives – just a small percentage compared to the nearly 9 million Morgan Silver Dollars struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 1900.

These coins were originally issued as part of America’s participation in the Paris World’s Fair of 1900. To help raise funds for a statue to be built in Paris, the Lafayette Memorial Commission was formed. The Commission soon agreed that striking a commemorative coin would help fundraising efforts. The Lafayette Dollar was born, with each coin being sold for $2 apiece. And, while each has a 1900 year date, the coins were actually struck in 1899 on the 100^th anniversary of George Washington’s death.

Because no attempt was made at the mint to preserve the appearance of these coins when they were struck, few Lafayette Dollars can be found in pristine condition today. The ones available in this offer are in lightly circulated Extremely Fine condition and still feature rich detail. Each will make a wonderful addition to anyone’s collection. Add one to your cart today!

• PATRIOTIC DESIGN – The profiles of George Washington and French General Lafayette dominate the obverse while the coin’s reverse shows Lafayette on horseback drawing his sword. This was the first U.S. coin with a portrait of an American president.

• STRUCK IN FINE SILVER – Each 1900-P Lafayette Commemorative Silver Dollar was struck in 90% silver at the Philadelphia Mint.

• LEGAL TENDER COMMEMORATIVE – This special commemorative is $1 legal tender and represents the first silver dollar commemorative ever issued by the U.S. Mint.

• BEAUTIFUL EXTREMELY FINE CONDITION – Your 1900-P Lafayette Commemorative Silver Dollar comes graded in lightly circulated Extremely Fine condition featuring rich detail even now nearly 120 years after it was struck.

• LOW LIMITED EDITION – Just 36,026 of the coins were ever issued a very small mintage that was originally sold for $2 by the Lafayette Memorial Commission.

With such a limited mintage for such a key silver commemorative, we don’t expect our supply to last long. Don’t wait to secure your 1900-P $1 Silver Lafayette Commemorative.