Q. David Bowers
Final distribution figures for the 1984 Olympic Games silver dollars are as follows: 1984-P 217,954 Uncirculated; 1984-D 116,675 Uncirculated; 1984-S 116,675 Uncirculated and 1,801,210 Proof.
As noted, distribution was innovative and varied. Never before in the history of American commemoratives had such a variety of options been offered. Almost $74 million was raised in surcharges "to support our Olympic effort and training facilities through the sale of 5 million gold and silver coins," according to a Treasury release. "The Olympic program was the first for which the Mint used aggressive marketing strategies to increase visibility, distribution and sales."
Representative Frank Annunzio later investigated the use of these funds and accused the United States Olympic Organizing Committee of sequestering nearly $42.5 million of the profits of the coinage. An audit by the Government Accounting Office revealed that of the $49.2 million given to the U.S.O.O.C., only a small fraction amounting to just $6.4 million was used to train athletes, $338,000 went overseas for "royalties and coin sales," and the balance, representing the bulk of the profits, was put in interest-bearing investments, certainly not the intent of the original legislation.
Collecting 1984 Olympic Silver Dollars
Today 1984-P, D, and S Olympic commemorative silver dollars are readily available in condition as issued, with by far the most plentiful variety being the 1984-S Proof.
Commemorating: 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California
Obverse motif: Headless figures on pedestal
Reverse motif: Eagle
Authorization date: July 22, 1982
Date on coins: 1984
Dates when coins were actually minted: 1983-1984
Mints used: Philadelphia, Denver, San Francisco
Maximum quantity authorized: 50,000,000 (combined 1983 and 1984 silver dollar authorization)
Total quantity minted: Information not released by the Mint
Quantity melted: Specific information not released by the Mint, but more than 1,170,511 (figure which probably includes coins for two years, dated 1983 and 1984) (Source: Annual Report a/the Director a/the Mint, 1985, p. 39; see footnote under quantity of 1983 Olympic dollars melted.)
Net number distributed: Uncirculated Philadelphia Mint coins: 217,954; Uncirculated Denver Mint coins: 116,675; Uncirculated San Francisco Mint coins: 116,675; Proof San Francisco Mint coins: 1,801,210
Issued by: U.S. Mint, with certain profits to go to the U.S. Olympic Committee and the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee. (Retail orders: The United States Mint, 55 Mint Street, San Francisco, CA 94175; wholesale and bulk ordering information: United States Mint, Warner Building, Room 1006, 501 13th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20220)
Standard original packaging: Various options (see text)
Official sale prices: Uncirculated Philadelphia Mint coins $28 (also as part of Uncirculated P-D-S dollar set at $89, price later raised to $100; also sold as part of other options-see text); Uncirculated Denver Mint coins: (part of Uncirculated P-D-S dollar set at $89, price later raised to $100; also sold as part of other options-see text; not sold singly); Uncirculated San Francisco Mint coins: (part of Uncirculated P-D-S dollar set at $89, price later raised to $100; also sold as part of other options-see text; not sold singly); Proof San Francisco Mint coins $32 (later, $35); sales closed January 18, 1985
Designer of obverse and reverse: Robert Graham
Interesting fact: The obverse of this dollar is among the most controversial of all modern commemorative designs.
(average market prices)
1985 MS-65 $35
1986 MS-65 $24
1990 (spring) MS-65 $21
1990 (December) MS-65 $20
(average market prices)
1985 MS-65 $52
1986 MS-65 $60
1990 (spring) MS-65 $60
1990 (December) MS-65 $62.50
(average market prices)
1985 MS-65 $52
1986 MS-65 $55
1990 (spring) MS-65 $37
1990 (December) MS-65 $37
(average market prices)
1985 Proof-65 $34
1986 Proof-65 $26
1990 (spring) Proof-65 $18
1990 (December) Proof-65 $15.50