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- Product ID: 5624
The Commemorative Half Dollar 1996-S Swimming BU coin is a distinctive numismatic piece that pays homage to the sport of swimming and its significance within the framework of the 1996 Summer Olympics held in Atlanta. This event not only highlighted the exceptional talent and dedication of athletes from around the globe but also underscored the importance of swimming in fostering a spirit of competitiveness, discipline, and international unity. Swimming, as an Olympic sport, encapsulates the pursuit of excellence and the relentless drive to push human limits, themes that are deeply embedded in the Olympic ethos. The issuance of this commemorative coin serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of swimming and its role in bringing together diverse cultures through the shared language of sport.
Struck at the San Francisco Mint, which is denoted by the "S" mint mark, the 1996-S Swimming Commemorative Half Dollar BU is part of a venerable tradition of producing coins that are more than mere currency. They are symbols of cultural, historical, and sporting milestones. The San Francisco Mint, with its rich heritage dating back to the days of the California Gold Rush, is renowned for crafting coins of the highest quality and artistic merit. The minting of the Olympic Swimming coin at this facility links it to a long lineage of commemoratives that celebrate pivotal moments in American and world history, reinforcing the coin's significance as a collector's item and a piece of Olympic heritage.
The design of the Commemorative Half Dollar 1996-S Swimming BU coin is both elegant and dynamic, capturing the grace and power of aquatic athletes in motion. The obverse showcases a swimmer cutting through water with precision and determination, a vivid representation of the skill, endurance, and strength that the sport demands. This imagery not only celebrates the physical prowess of swimmers but also symbolizes the broader Olympic values of striving for excellence and pushing beyond perceived limits. The reverse side of the coin features the emblem of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, firmly anchoring the coin to this historic sporting celebration and its role in promoting peace, friendship, and mutual respect among nations through the universal appeal of sports.
The mintage of the 1996-S Swimming Commemorative Half Dollar was intentionally kept limited to enhance its appeal to collectors, sports enthusiasts, and aficionados of Olympic memorabilia. This deliberate limitation on production ensures that the coin remains a sought-after commemorative piece, capturing an event that occupies a special niche in the history of the Olympics and the world of competitive swimming. The scarcity of the coin adds to its value and desirability, making it a prized possession for those wishing to own a tangible piece of Olympic history.
Denominated as a half dollar, this coin continues the United States' tradition of issuing commemorative currency to mark significant events, achievements, and personalities. The half dollar denomination has been historically chosen for many of the nation's most notable commemorative issues, making it a fitting medium for a coin that celebrates such a significant occasion in Olympic and swimming history. The condition of the coin, Brilliant Uncirculated (BU), means that it has been preserved in its original mint state, maintaining its luster and intricate details. This pristine condition is highly valued by collectors, as it represents the coin at its most perfect, as intended by the mint, free from the wear and tear of circulation.
In summary, the Commemorative Half Dollar 1996-S Swimming BU coin is more than just a piece of currency; it is a celebration of swimming's legacy, the Olympic spirit, and the unifying power of sports. Through its elegant design, historical significance, limited mintage, and exceptional condition, the coin offers a unique opportunity to commemorate the spirit of competition, discipline, and global camaraderie that defines both the sport of swimming and the Olympic Games. For collectors, swimming fans, and those who cherish the ideals of the Olympics, it represents a meaningful and lasting tribute to one of the world's most challenging and beloved sports and its role in the Olympic tradition.