Leif Ericson Millennium – 2000

Celebrating the Landing of Leif Ericson in North America

The United States Mint, in cooperation with the Republic of Iceland, honored Viking explorer Leif Ericson upon the anniversary of the Millennium of the landing of Ericson on North American shores. The US Mint struck a Silver Dollar, in both Uncirculated and in Proof finishes and the Proof coin was also matched with an Icelandic 1,000 Kronur Coin celebrating the same anniversary.

The obverse of the US Silver Dollar depicts an allegorical portrait of Leif Ericson, in Viking helmet, facing right. Above his portrait was his name “LEIF ERICSON,” to the left is the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST,” to the right is the word “LIBERTY,” and below him is the date “2000.” There is an ornate Viking-inspired design around the border and the obverse was designed by John Mercanti.

The reverse of the coin depicts a Viking ship in full sail, heading left (West), to the right of the ship is the denomination “ONE DOLLAR,” to the left is the motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and below the ship is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The upper periphery is dominated by “FOUNDER OF THE NEW WORLD.” T. James Ferrell designed the reverse.

Offered in both Uncirculated and Proof versions, the Silver Dollar coins were available individually, as a 2-coin set and the Proof coin was also offered paired with the Icelandic 1000 Kronur Leif Ericson coin as well.

Both the Uncirculated and Proof versions were struck by the Philadelphia Mint and bear the “P” mintmark. The Uncirculated coin sold 28,150 coins, while the Proof version sold 144,748 coins.

The surcharge benefitted the “Leifur Eiriksson Foundation” which funded exchange programs between the United States and the Republic of Iceland.

The Icelandic version is a 1,000 Kronur silver coin that depicts a body portrait based on the famous statue of Ericson by Stirling Calder. The reverse has the Icelandic coat of arms. The coin was designed by Throstur Magnusson.

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