This article was originally printed in the latest issue of Numismatic News.
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A new silver medal, a little larger than a dollar coin, will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
And a portion of the proceeds from its sale will benefit the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.
President Barrack Obama signed into law Aug. 6 a bill creating a national medal with a mintage of 2 million.
A surcharge of $10 on each medal sold will be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum to support its operations and maintenance.
The medals, which will contain 1 ounce of silver, will be minted at West Point and Philadelphia, thereby carrying the “W” and “P” mintmarks. One-half of the mintage is to be produced at each facility.
The medals are to be of proof quality. A 1 ounce medal in silver is likely to be about 40.6 mm in size, which is larger than a silver dollar (38.1mm).
The medal would appear to fit into the classification of so-called dollars. A book by that name, by Hibbler and Kaplan (and published by the Coin & Currency Institute, second edition 2008), defines the nomenclature as no more than 45mm in diameter, which is the mileau in which this medal actually finds itself.
The legislation calls for a design “emblematic of the courage, sacrifice, and strength of those individuals who perished in the terrorist attacks of Sept.11, 2001, the bravery of those who risked their lives to save others that day, and the endurance, resilience, and hope of those who survived.”
Specific verbiage shall be an inscription of the years 2001-2011 and an inscription of the words “Always Remember.”
Final designs are selected by the Secretary of the Treasury following consultation with the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Current estimates are a $40 to $50 coin. Most probably the technical specifications will include:
• 1.598 inches wide (10.4mm)
• 0.122 inches thick (3.1mm)
• Composition 99.9% or greater purity of silver
• Weight: 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams)
• Finish: Proof mirror-like details
The legislation was introduced Feb. 24 of this year by Rep. Jerrold Nadler, in whose district the World Trade Centre twin towers resided.
2011 U.S. Coin Digest: Commemoratvie Coinage 1982-Present
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