US Commemorative Dollar Proof 2000-P Library of Congress

The Library of Congress began as a small library housed in the US Capitol after it moved to Washington DC. The library had many major setbacks in the early 19th century. During the War of 1812, most of the library’s collection was burned by the British. After the war, the United States Congress decided to purchase Thomas Jefferson’s personal collection of 6,487 books to restore the library. Thomas Jefferson was actually near bankruptcy, so the Congress did this largely as a favor. The second tragedy to hit the Library of Congress was a fire in 1851 that destroyed many of the volumes, including many of Jefferson’s. After the Civil War, the Library of Congress grew and started a campaign to replace the volumes lost.

The obverse of the 2000 Proof Library of Congress Silver dollar shows an open book directly in front of the torch that rests on the dome of the Library. The book in the forefront of the obverse of the coin shows illegible writing and rests on top of a closed book. Under this are the American mottos, “In God We Trust” and “Liberty”. The obverse of the coin was designed by Thomas D Rogers. The reverse of the coin shows the architecture of the Library of Congress, showing special significance to the library’s dome. The reverse was designed by veteran US Mint sculptor engraver John Mercanti.

The 2000 Proof Library of Congress Commemorative Silver dollar has a mintage of 198,503 coins. The coin was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Library of Congress. If you have any questions regarding this or any commemorative coin, please call our knowledgeable staff at (800) 735-1311.

• Denomination: $1
• Year: 2000
• Diameter: 26.5 mm
• Mint Mark: P
• Thickness: 2 mm
• Grade: Ungraded