National Community Service – 1996

A National Community Service Silver Dollar and Its Impact

In order to foster the spirit of volunteerism and recognize its importance and encourage citizens to become volunteers, Congress authorized the 1996 National Community Service Silver Dollar commemorative coin to be struck.

But the timing of this coin was poor; too many commemorative coins had been issued between 1995 and 1996 and collectors were truly angry that their collections would not be complete without all of the many new issues that were being struck. In order to remedy that situation, Congress did listen to its constituents and legislation was passed that mandated no more than two commemorative coin programs could be approved for striking in any calendar year. That legislation was well received by collectors and investors alike.

The obverse design was originally based on an early medal design by Augustus Saint-Gaudens for the Women’s Auxiliary of the Massachusetts Civil Service Reform Association. It was skillfully adapted by US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Thomas D. Rogers. His design depicted a standing view of Miss Liberty holding a book with the lamp of knowledge on it in her right hand and holding an American shield in her left. She is standing in front of a rising sun with rays emanating from it behind her. Above her is the phrase “LIBERTY” and to the right is “IN GOD WE TRUST” and to the left is “NATIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE.” Below that is the date “1996.”

The reverse has an olive wreath as its central vignette with “SERVICE FOR AMERICA” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” inside the wreath. Around the outer periphery are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and the denomination of “ONE DOLLAR.” The reverse was designed by William C. Cousins.

The 1996 National Community Service Commemorative Silver Dollar was struck in both Uncirculated and Proof versions at the San Francisco Mint and both bear an “S” mintmark. A scant 23,500 Uncirculated coins were struck while 101,453 Proof versions were also struck. The authorized maximum mintage was 500,000 coins of both types combined. 

These coins were sold individually, together as a two-coin set and also as a single Proof coin with an original 1940 United States Postal Service postage stamp of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, complete with a booklet of his major sculpting and engraving achievements.

The 1996 Community Service Dollar was issued in proof and uncirculated versions, both produced at the San Francisco Mint. The coins had a maximum authorized mintage of 500,000 coins, but sold very few, particularly for the uncirculated version. The proof and uncirculated included an original 1940 USPS stamp featuring Augustus Saint Gaudens and a booklet describing his achievements.

Explore the world of numismatic wonders and enhance your collection with our assortment of rare coinage.