1962 Seattle World's Fair One Dollar Coin
The 1962 Seattle World's Fair One Dollar Coin is a commemorative silver dollar coin that was issued by the United States Mint to celebrate the 1962 World's Fair in Seattle, Washington. The coin was designed by James Earle Fraser, who was also responsible for designing the Buffalo nickel.
History of the Seattle World's Fair
The Seattle World's Fair was held from April 21 to October 21, 1962, and was officially known as the Century 21 Exposition. The fair was held to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the city of Seattle and was attended by over 10 million visitors.
One of the most iconic structures built for the fair was the Space Needle, which still stands as a symbol of Seattle to this day. Other notable attractions included the Monorail, the World of Science, and the United States Science Pavilion.
Design of the Coin
The obverse of the coin features the Seattle Space Needle with the words "Seattle World's Fair" and "Century 21 Exposition" around the edge. The reverse of the coin features an image of the state seal of Washington with the words "Washington" and "1889" (the year Washington became a state) around the edge.
The coin is made of 90% silver and 10% copper and has a diameter of 38.1mm. The coin was struck at the Denver and Philadelphia mints and a total of 2,006,869 coins were produced.
Value of the Coin
The value of the 1962 Seattle World's Fair One Dollar Coin varies depending on its condition and rarity. A coin in excellent condition can be worth several hundred dollars, while a coin in poor condition may only be worth its silver content.
Collectors should be careful when purchasing these coins, as there are many counterfeits on the market. It is important to purchase coins from a reputable dealer and to have them authenticated by a professional grading service.
Conclusion
The 1962 Seattle World's Fair One Dollar Coin is a unique and valuable piece of American history. It serves as a reminder of the incredible engineering and innovation that took place during the World's Fair and the impact it had on the city of Seattle.