2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollars Launch

Commemorating the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes Foundation, the United States Mint on Friday started accepting orders for 2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollars.

These commemorative coins are available in proof and uncirculated collectible finishes. For a limited time of one month, they are at discounted introductory prices.

Established on Jan. 3, 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the then named National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis fought the polio epidemic. Now called the March of Dimes in remembrance of public fund-raising campaigns to contribute dimes for support, the foundation’s mission has refocused as it works to reduce the incidence of pre-term birth, infant mortality, birth defects, and lifelong disabilities and disorders.

The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act, Public Law 112-209, authorizes both coins. Under the terms of the Act, the U.S. Mint can sell up to 500,000 across all product options.

Right now, there are two options — the two silver dollars, with another product with three coins scheduled for May. Introductory pricing for the new issues are:

• 2015-W March of Dimes Proof Silver Dollar – $46.95. The West Point Mint strikes this coin and it has the ‘W’ mintmak.
• 2015-P March of Dimes Uncirculated Silver Dollar – $43.95. The Philadelphia Mint produces this coin and it has the ‘P’ mintmak.

According to the U.S. Mint, introductory pricing lasts until April 13, 2015, at 3 PM ET. Orders after that are at regular prices — $5 more per coin with the proof at $51.95 and the uncirculated at $48.95.

March of Dimes Silver Coin Designs and Specifications

Both the proof and uncirculated silver dollars have the same basic designs emblematic of the Foundation’s mission and its efforts to protect children’s health. They won out from among 40 design candidates.

Artistic Infusion Program artist Paul C. Balan designed the obverse of the coins with sculpting completed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso. Obverses offer a profile portrait of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dr. Jonas Salk, two individuals instrumental in the fight against polio. Obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and 2015.

A baby cuddled in the hand of a parent appears on silver dollar reverses, reminding all that the mission of the Foundation is the health of babies everywhere. Inscribed on reverses are MARCH OF DIMES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and $1. United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart created the image and executed its sculp.

Specifications for the coins include a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper along with a weight of 26.730 grams and a diameter of 1.5000 inches. The reeded edge coins each have a total silver weight of 0.7736 troy ounces.

Ordering and Limits

2015 March of Dimes Silver Dollars are sold on the United States Mint website at www.usmint.gov/catalog or from 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

There are no household or ordering limits.

Surcharges of $10 has been added to the price of each coin with raised funds to be forwarded to the Foundation to help finance research, education, and services aimed at improving the health of women, infants, and children.

March of Dimes Special Silver Set

A three-coin 2015 March of Dimes Special Silver Set is also in the works. (See set coin images.) This set goes on sale May 4, 2015 and will include one proof silver dollar and two special collectible finish dimes in 90% silver.

Specifically, the silver set will include:

• 2015-W March of Dimes Proof Silver Dollar
• 2015-P Roosevelt Reverse Proof Silver Dime
• 2015-W Roosevelt Proof Silver Dime

Pricing for the set will be $61.95. It has a product limit of 75,000.