The 2004 Thomas Alva Edison Silver Dollar was released by the US Mint as one of two commemorative coins that year. These coins were issued to the public on February 11, 2004 to celebrate 125 years since Edison invented the light bulb.

Thomas Alva Edison was born on February 11, 1847 and would grow up to become one of America’s most important and influential scientist, businessman and inventor. Among his more famous inventions were the phonograph, the motion picture camera and of course the first practical light bulb.

These silver dollars were authorized by Congress with the passage of the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 105-331). Under the Act, the Mint was authorized to strike the coins in both proof and uncirculated condition to "be emblematic of the light bulb and the many inventions made by Thomas A. Edison throughout his prolific life."

United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver designed the obverse of the Thomas Alva Edison Silver Dollar to show an image of the famous inventor holding one of his light bulbs. Surrounding Edison are the inscriptions of THOMAS ALVA EDISON, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2004.

The reverse shows a rendering of the 1879 light bulb invented by Edison with rays emanating from it. It was designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti and also includes the inscriptions of 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIGHT BULB, 1879, 2004, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Surcharges collected on the sale of these strikes was to be divided equally and forwarded to the Port Huron, Michigan, Museum of Arts and History; the Edison Birthplace Association; the National Park Service; the Edison Plaza Museum; the Edison Winter Home and Museum; the Edison Institute; the Edison Memorial Tower; and the Hall of Electrical History.