2016-09-13 Tue

The terror attacks that hit New York City, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania on September 11th, 2001 had its devastating effect and killed almost 3,000 people. To fund the establishment and maintenance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center in New York City, one-ounce silver 9/11 1 Dollar coins were issued in 2011 as per a new Law.

The sale of these medals began on 20th June 2011 and they were initially priced at $56.95 USD till 18th August 2011, after which they were sold for $66.95. Two versions were issued, one with a “P” mintmark and the other with a “W” as they were struck at both Philadelphia Mint and the West Point Mint.

The medals were almost as large as the American Silver Eagle, but unlike the Silver Eagle which had a reeded edge, 9/11 1 Dollar had a smooth one. Only 177,293 medals out of a potential two million were sold, making a total sale worth $1,772,930 in surcharges for the museum.

The obverse features Lady Liberty raising the Lamp of Remembrance with two vertical beams of light symbolizing the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre. Other inscriptions include ALWAYS REMEMBER and 2001-2011 to mark the 10th year of this fateful day.

The reverse depicts a flying eagle with its head turned downward, looking at the two inscriptions HONOR and HOPE. The eagle symbolises the strength of the survivors, their loved ones and the entire nation. A depiction of the one-acre memorial waterfalls built in place of the Twin Tower buildings is also featured. The waterfalls symbolize peace and vitality.