Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1982
Mints: Denver (business), San Francisco (proof)
Composition: 0.900 silver 0.100 copper,
Diameter: 30.6 mm (1.205")
Weight: 0.4019 Troy oz. (12.5 grams)
Total Mintage: 2,210,458 (business), 4,894,044 (proof)
Edge: reeded
Authority: Public Law 97-104 of Dec 23, 1981
Introduction
The first 90% silver coin to be minted since 1964, this issue opened the modern commemorative era. Designed by the Chief Sculptor and engraver of the U.S. Mint Elizabeth Jones, the obverse shows General Washington in military uniform sitting astride a horse (the designers initials are at the left just above the horse’s rump). The reverse is a 3/4 view of the eastern facade of Washington’s home Mount Vernon (again the designers initial are on the hill to the right of the mansion just below the arbor). The mint marks are on the obverse, to the right of the horses mane at approximately 4:00 o’clock. This coin also started the modern trend of issuing coins in both Business strike and proof.