The 2006 Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Silver Dollars were released by the US Mint to mark the 300th anniversary since the birth of one of America’s most famous founding fathers.
2006 Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Silver Dollars (Proof)
Two different silver dollars were actually struck as part of the series:
- Benjamin Franklin Founding Father Silver Dollar
- Benjamin Franklin Scientist Silver Dollar
The strikes depicted just two of the many different careers in which Franklin participated in. He was also a noted author, diplomat, inventor and even played a role in the infant nation’s development of currency and coinage.
Congress authorized the coins with the Benjamin Franklin Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 108-464).
For the obverse of the Scientist Silver Dollar, an image of a young Franklin flying a kite is shown recalling his famous experiments in electricity. It was designed by Norman E. Nemeth and also includes the inscriptions of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, SCIENTIST, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 1706-2006.
2006 Benjamin Franklin Scientist Silver Dollar (Proof and Uncirculated)
The reverse of the Scientist coin shows Franklin’s political cartoon known as "Join, or Die" depicting his belief in the need for a united colonies. It was designed by Charles Vickers and also shows the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR.
On the obverse of the Founding Father Silver Dollar, a portrait of an older Franklin is shown. It was completed by Don Everhart and includes the inscriptions of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TERCENTARY, 1706, 2006, IN GOD WE TRUST and LIBERTY.
2006 Benjamin Franklin Founding Father Silver Dollar (Proof and Uncirculated)
For the reverse of the the Founding Father coin, a depiction of a 1776 Continental Currency dollar is shown to acknowledge the influence Franklin had on early American currency and coinage. It was designed by Donna Weaver and also shows the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR.
Surcharges collected on the sale of the strikes was forwarded to the Franklin Institute for purposes of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission.
