Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 2004
Mints: Philadelphia
Composition: 0.900 silver 0.100 copper,
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5")
Weight: 26.73 grams (0.7736 oz. actual silver weight)
Total Mintage: 92,510 (business), 211,055 (proof)
Edge: reeded
Authority: Public Law 105-331
Introduction
The year 2004 marked the 125th anniversary of Thomas Alva Edison's invention of the light bulb. Proceeds from the sale of Edison coins went to benefit of 8 different non-profit organizations:
- Museum of Arts and History
- Edison Birthplace Association
- National Park Service
- Edison Plaza Museum
- Edison Winter Home and Museum
- Edison Institute
- Edison Memorial Tower
- Hall of Electrical History
The obverse was designed by Donna Weaver and features the portrait of the Thomas Edison holding an early experimental light bulb in his laboratory. Next to Edison's right hand are the designer's initials “DW”. Next to Edison's left hand the the mintmark “P” for Philadelphia.
The reverse was designed by John Mercanti and features a rendering of Edison's first light bulb. On either side of the bulb are the dual anniversary dates of 1879 & 2004. Just above the date 2004 are the designer's initials “JM”
General Market Notes
Finding an affordable example should be no problem. Circulated strikes actually came in a special packaging that when opened a light bulb would light up. While gimmicky & a novelty it adds little to pricing values in the secondary market.
| Obverse | Reverse |
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