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The United States has honored certain sports and sporting events on commemorative coins for years.
However, there is one particular sporting event which has been featured on dozens of commemorative coins since 1983: the Olympics.
The Olympics have inspired the U.S. Mint to produce many coins over 30 years.
Olympic coins have been minted to commemorate both domestic Olympiads (those held in the United States) as well as those held abroad.
Following is a list of all popular U.S. Olympic coins and their values…
Individual Event Olympic Coins
The U.S. usually commemorates the Olympics with coins featuring individual events.
This is especially the case with the 1995 to 96 Olympic coins which honor the games held in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1996.
During the 2 years the U.S. Mint struck Atlanta Olympic coins, 12 individual events were pictured on separate coins. At that time, the U.S. Mint also sold four $5 gold Olympic coins picturing a torch runner, the main stadium, a flag bearer, and the Olympic cauldron.
These $5 gold Olympic coins sell for $600 to $800 in uncirculated condition and $350 to $500 in proof condition.
The 10 events honored during 1995 and 1996 are:
- Basketball (half dollar) $14 to $17 in uncirculated or $18 to $20 in proof
- Baseball (half dollar) $14 to $17 in uncirculated or $18 to $20 in proof
- Swimming (half dollar) $115 to $120 in uncirculated or $30 to $35 in proof
- Soccer (half dollar) $100 to $110 in uncirculated or $80 to $85 in proof
- Gymnastics (dollar) $60 to $65 in uncirculated or $50 in proof
- Track and Field (dollar) $85 to $90 in uncirculated or $40 to $45 in proof
- Cycling (dollar) $140 to $150 in uncirculated or $40 to $45 in proof
- Tennis (dollar) $295 to $315 in uncirculated or $75 to $80 in proof
- Rowing (dollar) $295 to $315 in uncirculated or $55 to $60 in proof
- High Jump (dollar) $295 to $315 in uncirculated or $55 to $60 in proof
Also, in 1995 and 1996, the U.S. Mint struck a silver dollar recognizing the Paralympics. The 1995 Paralympics silver dollar sells for $75 to $80 in uncirculated and $50 in proof.
The 1996 uncirculated Paralympics silver dollar is valued at around $300. Proof versions are priced at $80.
U.S. Olympics Anniversary Coins
The 1995 to 1996 Olympic coins are notable for the many designs that were struck to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the modern Olympic games. But the first U.S. coins to mark the occasion of the Olympics were produced in 1983 and 1984.
The 1983 Los Angeles silver dollar Olympic coin honors the 23rd Olympics. A discus thrower is pictured on the obverse and an American eagle on the reverse. The 1983 Olympic silver dollar costs around $20 apiece, in both uncirculated and proof.
In 1984, the Olympic Coliseum graced the obverse of that year’s commemorative silver dollar Olympic coin. An American eagle is found on the reverse. The 1984 $10 Olympic coin costs $550 to $600, in either uncirculated or proof.
The 1984 $10 gold coin features 2 Olympic torch runners. The interesting story behind the commemorative Olympic coin is that it was the first gold coin produced in the U.S. since 1933. Furthermore, it became the first U.S. coin to bear a W (West Point, New York) mint mark.
Seoul Olympics Commemorative Coins
Though the 1988 summer games were held halfway across around the world in Seoul, South Korea, the U.S. Mint turned out a commemorative silver dollar Olympic coin and $5 gold Olympic coin to honor the event and the United States’ involvement in the games.
The 1988 silver dollar Olympic coin shows the lighting of an Olympic torch. The reverse depicts olive branches surrounding the Olympics’ iconic 5 rings and under USA. The 1988 Olympic silver dollar will set you back around $20 to purchase in either uncirculated or proof.
The 1988 $5 gold Olympic coin depicts Nike (the goddess of Victory), her head dressed with a crown of olive leaves. The reverse of the coin shows the Olympic flame boldly burning. The 1988 Olympic $5 gold coin costs $280 to 350 in uncirculated and proof versions.
Barcelona Spain Olympic Coins
The 1992 Olympic games inspired the creation of 3 United States commemorative Olympic coins honoring the event. The 1992 Olympic half dollar features a leaping gymnast.
On the reverse is a flaming Olympic torch near the Olympic motto: “Citius, Altius, Fortius” (Faster, Higher, Stronger). The 1992 Olympic half dollar costs $10 to $15 in both uncirculated and proof.
A baseball player pitching a ball dominates the obverse of the 1992 silver dollar Olympic coin . The reverse is covered with emblems of the United States (stars and stripes) and the Olympics (Olympic rings and olive branches). The 1992 Olympic silver dollar is priced at $20 to $25 in proof and uncirculated.
The 1992 $5 gold Olympic coin has a sprinter on the obverse. The reverse of the Olympic coin bears an American eagle. You can buy a 1992 Olympic $5 gold coin in either proof or uncirculated for $300 to $350.
Special Olympics Coin
In 1995, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the the Special Olympics — which she founded — were honored.
The obverse of the Eunice Shriver Olympic coin pictures a bust of Eunice Shriver.
On the reverse is a rose lying close alongside this Shriver quote, “As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us.”
The Eunice Shriver silver dollar sells for $25 to $30 in both uncirculated and proof.
Winter Olympics Coins
The Summer Olympic games have drawn the most attention from the U.S. Mint. However, the 2002 Winter Olympics (which were held in Salt Lake City, Utah), were the feature of 2 Olympic coins, a silver dollar and $5 gold coin.
The silver dollar bears an image of the mountainous backdrop framing the skyline of Salt Lake City. The 2002 Olympic silver dollar is priced at around $30 in proof and $40 in uncirculated.
The $5 gold coin shows a flaming Olympic torch. The 2002 Olympic $5 gold coin sells for $400 in uncirculated grades and $300 in proof.
I’m the Coin Editor here at TheFunTimesGuide. My love for coins began when I was 11 years old. I primarily collect and study U.S. coins produced during the 20th century. I’m a member of the American Numismatic Association (ANA) and the Numismatic Literary Guild (NLG) and have won multiple awards from the NLG for my work as a coin journalist. I’m also the editor at the Florida United Numismatists Club (FUN Topics magazine), and author of Images of America: The United States Mint in Philadelphia (a book that explores the colorful history of the Philadelphia Mint). I’ve contributed hundreds of articles for various coin publications including COINage, The Numismatist, Numismatic News, Coin Dealer Newsletter, Coin Values, and CoinWeek. I’ve authored nearly 1,000 articles here at The Fun Times Guide to Coins (many of them with over 50K shares), and I welcome your coin questions in the comments below!
Looking for the price of a 1996 us olympic coin of the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Games, I have one in the box with certificate of Authenticity. Could you give me the price. It is a half dollar proof.
Hiter,
The value of your coin depends on the type of proof Olympic half dollar you have. These are quotes from the 2010 Guide Book of United States Coins:
The 1996 Swimming Event Proof Half Dollar is valued at $40.
The 1996 Soccer Event Proof Half Dollar has a price of $110.
looking for the worth of 1983 olympic silver dollar. 1984 olympic silver dollar &200th anniversary whitehouse silver dollar all are sealed in plastic & in boxes
Hi, David —
Thanks for your question. Each is worth approximately $18 to $20 in either proof or uncirculated version, so you’re looking at about $50 to $60 for all three. Though, if you were to sell, you may get a different offer based on the individual condition of each of the coins.
The prices above are for coins averaging around Mint State 67, which is typical for collector coins straight from the mint.
I have a 20 coin set from 1988 olympice seoul 16 silver 4 gold what is the value if any more than just for the weight of silver & gold
Hi, Dcs —
Are these United States coins? While the U.S. did produce Seoul Olympic Games commemorative coins in 1988, there are only 4 possible different Olympic coins that the U.S. produced that years:
*Uncirculated silver dollar
*Proof silver dollar
*Uncirculated $5 gold coin
*Proof $5 gold coin
Do you have 5 such sets? The reason I’m asking is unless you have the U.S. coins, I don’t know what nation’s coins you’re talking about, and I won’t be able to give you a really thorough answer without knowing exactly what coins we’re dealing with here.
Here’s what I can tell you on the assumption you have Seoul Olympic coins from the U.S.:
The present value of gold is around $1,375 per ounce and $24 per ounce for silver, so…
Each 1988 Seoul Olympic silver dollar (U.S.) is worth around $16 to $18
Each 1988 Seoul Olympic $5 gold coin (U.S.) is worth about $280 to $300
Hope this helps…
I have the following coins, can you tell me what I am missing to complete the set? These coins were done for the 1976 Olympics I believe? I have 1 coin of each one.
$5.00 and $10.00 in coin value
1974 (Montreal 1976 Olympics) $5.00
Olympic Ring
Athlete with Torch
Rowing
Canoeing
1975 (Montreal 1976 Olympics) $5.00
Marathon
Ladies Javelin
Swimmer
Diver
1976 (Montreal 1976 Olympics) $5.00
Fencing
Boxing
Olympic Village
Olympic Flame
$10 SILVER COINS
1974 (Montreal 1976 Olympics) $10.00
Lacrosse
Cycling
Temple of Zeus
Head of Zeus
1975 (Montreal 1976 Olympics $10.00
Men’s Hurdles
Ladies Shotput
Sailing
Paddler
1976 (Montreal 1976 Olympics) $10.00
Olympic Velodrome
Olympic Stadium
Field Hockey
Football
I have seen the complete set, which you seem to have, Untouched in the plastic containers with the original leatherette box is worth about $1075.
Gifted a one dollar silver 1995 uncirculated Track & Field Clasped Hands design Denver Mint coin from the centennial olympic games. Encased in a holder with a certificate of authenticity. Would like to know it’s worth and what is the difference between “proof” and “uncirculated”. Thanks
Jay,
Modern proof coins have mirror-like reflective surfaces and whitish, frosty looking designs and lettering. An uncirculated coin has no wear, but it won’t necessarily be any where nearly as reflective as a proof coin.
In your case, an uncirculated piece is worth around $80, but a proof is worth $35 to $40.
I have a silver coin that has two hands exchanging a baton on one side and the other side is five people running with a torch. Along the middle of the coin printed is Los Angles 1984. The coin also seems to list countries that participated in the games. Please help with information of this coin. Thanks.
I have a High Jump (dollar) from the olympics at atlant georgia but don’t know what to do with it.
Are the coins ever going to be up in value?
We have 4 leatherette boxes with 2 x $5.00 and 2 x $10.00 coins in each box. Each coin is sealed in plastic. These coins were proof sets made for the Montreal Olympics. What are they worth today?
Catherine
Hi, Catherine –
The $5 coins are worth around $35 today and the $10 each sell for around $70
Thanks for your question.
1988 proof silver dollar Olympic coin in original box with certificate of authenticity…value?
Zodie,
Your 1988 Olympic commemorative silver dollar is presently worth around $30.
I have a 1988 figure skating commemrative silver dollar…what is it worth? I remember paying alot for it….
I have several 1972 Munich Olympics coins what are their value? Is there any interested buyers for them?
I have a high jump coin uncerculated!!!:)
hi, sorry for the strange question. my dad left behind some coins. one of which is a boxed 1984 $10 gold coin with a serial number. From the link given i see its worth around $400? But i am wondering if anyone knows how much it cost back in 1984. Btw, is the info in the link updated? cos i see some in ebay going for much more than $400 and its without box.
Hi, Bochup,
Actually, the 1984 $10 Olympic coin is worth closer to $900, as the prevailing value of gold has increased since the article was written. I recall reading somewhere, but can’t remember where, that the 1984 $10 Olympic commemorative coin originally sold for something like $300 to $350.
tyvm =)
I have a 1972 Olympic coin and I cant seem to find any of the same type on the Internet. There also seems to be a misprint because the symbol for the Olympics on the coin is missing two of its rings. I am extremely interested to know what the coin is worth and I would appreciate a quick response thank you
Hi, Brad –
If you could would you please post a picture of this coin? You may post it here in the comments section. Thank you!
I have a 1984 SCRTD Fare coin with what looks like wrestlers? on the front. Can you tell me its value? Thanks!
Hi,
May we see a picture of your coin? You can post the image right here in the comments section. Thanks!
Here are pictures, as requested. Thanks a bunch,
Jen
Hi, Jen –
These 1984 Olympic game tokens are fairly common and worth around $3 each.
Thanks! I appreciate your time and info.
Jen
I purchased two gold olimpic 1984 W,S $10 cameo coins for $3800 from U.S. Mint. Did I get ripprd off?
Hi, Dusty –
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In general, each 1984 $10 Olympic gold coin is currently worth around $800 to $1,000, which is a price largely based on prevailing gold bullion values.
I have a single gold dime 1984 says liberty on front and on the back United States of America in center has a tourch between 2 different kind of leaves and under that says one dime, has anyone seen something like this or even what its worth?
what is a set of proof and uncirculated coins from the atlanta 1992 games worth? my neighbor has a set in fancy wooded box that he will sell me what is it worth?
Hi, Charles –
The typical proof/uncirculated 1992 Olympics set, which includes the gymnast half dollar, baseball dollar, and runner $5 gold in a wooden box is worth around $700 to $800.
Thanks for your question!
Hello I have a 1995/1996 Atlanta olympic silver proof 8 coin set. How much is it worth?
Hello, Matt —
A set of the 8 1995/6 Olympic silver dollars in proof is worth around $380 to $400. That same set with uncirculated coins is wort around $1,250.
Hi I have 24 1984 games of xxiiird Olympiad los angeles mint condition in the box and everything mothing wrong with them how much would they be worth?
Hi, Sissy!
Proof and uncirculated 1984 Olympic silver dollars are worth around $30 to $35 each. You might get a tad less selling them to a coin dealer, so if you want to unload them, I suggest listing them on eBay.
Best,
Josh
Hi. I have the complete Centennial Olympic Coin Program, 1992-1996 with 15 coins. 10 in silver and 5 in gold. All with certificates. See pictures.Year of IssueMintTheme1992Royal Canadian Mint, CanadaCitius, altius, fortius1993Royal Australian Mint, AustraliaParticipation, Friendship, Fair Play1994Monnaie de Paris, FranceThe First Congress1995Münze Österreich, AustriaArt, Music, Sport1996Banknote Printing Works, The Bank of GreeceThe I Olympic GamesWhat is this worth? I cannot find any price lists for these coins.
Thank you for your time.
hello, i have the 1984 olympic mintmark set of 4 – 10$ gold coins PF ULTRA CAMEO, would you know the value of this set now. Thanks, Dan Robinson
Hi, Dan —
The value of a set like your would easily reach past $2,800 to $3,000, depending on exactly what Proof numerical grade each of your coins would receive.
Nice set!
Josh
Hi I would like to knoe the value of this coin set.
oops I would like to know the value of my coin set.
I would like to know the value of my coin set.
Joshua- I am trying to research a mint set that I have. They are all still in the original packaging and I have the Certificate of Authenticity. It is a full set of 1984 uncirculated coins from the Denver and Pennsylvania mints. Included in the packs are 2 commemorative nickle-silver medals for the Summer and Winter Olympics. Any direction you could give me I would appreciate. Looking for their value etc.
Hi, Amy —
I’ll need to see a photo of these coin sets to provide you with more information, please. Based on the fact that you said both sets contain Olympic medals/coins, these don’t sound like ordinary government-issued uncirculated coin sets.
Thank you,
Josh
Hi, I have a set of uncirculated 1984 Los Angeles Olympic coin set and was just wondering what it might be worth. Thanks Joshua.
I have a full set of Silver coins from the 1980 Olympics in Russia.
Do you know what is their value?
Hi, Mike —
Is this the six-coin 5- and 10-Ruble set in a blue velvet holder? If so, it’s worth somewhere around $140 to $160, more or less.
Thank you for your question,
Josh
I’m not sure if this thread is still active but I’ll ask just in case.
Recently I started collecting Olympic coins, not just US but from all around the world. One of the last sets in my collection was 2018 PeyongChang Silver Proof Set of 8 coins. They are pretty expensive. The official issue price for this set is around $440 USD and I got it for $540 from South Korea. They say the maximum mintage per coin will be not more than 25000, which I understand is relatively low comparing to other Olympic Silver coins sets.
Here’s my question:
Do you think the value of this set will go up with time or it will go down?
I’ve seen other sets selling for much less now than at the time of issue because of high mintage. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/bb7438350b99b9288dc0857616ddafb1915bf8089a114de23b4fbb634e8bc092.jpg
Hi, Danny —
Unfortunately coin prices can’t be predicted; their value depends largely on two things:
*Demand compared to relative supply
*Silver bullion prices
Sets like these are usually wort more right after they are released and then decrease in value as interest in the coin sets subside. However, a low mintage plus high demand could keep their values buoyant. I hope you find the value of these coins favorable in the years to come!
Good luck,
Josh
Yeah, hopefully this set will keep the value. I like it and probably will buy the second issue too as soon as it’s available. Thanks.
You’re welcome, Danny!