US Mint launches basketball coins

The coin program consists of two proof and two uncirculated $5 gold coins, two silver dollars, and two clad half-dollars, whilst a special enhanced uncirculated half-dollar is included in a special coin pack intended for children.

All coins in the program are dome-shaped and feature a common obverse (heads) design that portrays the 'fast pace, intensity, and hands-on action of a basketball game – the constant, competitive struggle for possession of the ball and the skill required to clear the hoop'.

The US Mint has previously issued concave (or dome-shaped) coins to mark the Apollo 11 Moon Landings (2019) and the National Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative coins of 2014.

The design features three players reaching for the ball in unison, reflecting how the sport of basketball has brought together diverse people around the world through a simple, universal, and unifying athletic experience.

Their arms are slightly elongated to emphasize the full exertion of physical and mental energy required to excel in this sport. The rim and net are subtle background design elements complementing the three players. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2020.”

The US Mint has also revealed that they will issue their very first colour coins later this year, as part of the series. A statement explained: 'Colorized versions of the silver dollar and clad half dollar coins will be available later this year.'

Mintage for this commemorative coin program is limited to:

• 50,000 $5 gold coins
• 400,000 silver dollar coins
• 750,000 half dollar coins

Coin prices include surcharges of $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver coin, and $5 for each half-dollar coin, which will be paid to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

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