The 2002 Olympic Winter Games Commemorative Coins were struck to mark the games held that year in Salt Lake City, Utah. In actuality, the Mint released the coins the previous fall as part of their Annual Catalog.

The Olympic Winter Games Commemorative Coin Program consisted of two different coins, each struck to both proof and uncirculated condition:

• 2002 Olympic Winter Games $5 Gold Coin
• 2002 Olympic Winter Games Silver Dollar

Congress authorized the coins with the 2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 106-345). Under the Act, no more than 80,000 of the gold coins and 400,000 of the silver dollars were allowed to be issued. Also, these strikes were to feature the standard specifications for similar commemorative coins. As such, the $5 gold coins were struck from a composition of 90% gold to a diameter of .850 inches. The silver dollars were composed of 90% silver and had a diameter of 1.5 inches.

Shown on the obverse of the Olympic Winter Games $5 Gold Coin is the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games crystal emblem superimposed on top of the another Olympic mark entitled: "Rhythm of the Land." The reverse depicts the Olympic flame in relief atop a cauldron. Both designs were the work of U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver.

The silver dollar obverse shows the Crystal Emblem of the 2002 Olympic Winter Games, Olympic Rings and the "Rhythm of the Land" mark. It was designed by U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti. The reverse of the coin contains the Salt Lake City skyline with the Rocky Mountains used as a background. It was designed by U.S. Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver.

Of interest, the US Mint facility in Denver struck the uncirculated silver dollar whereas the proofs were struck in Philadelphia. Both the proof and the uncirculated $5 gold coin were struck at the Mint’s facility in West Point, NY.

Surcharges collected on the sale of these strikes was used to support the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Winter Games.