How to Identify the 1900 Lafayette Dollar

What It Is

The Lafayette Dollar was struck in 1900 to help fund a monument to the Marquis de Lafayette in Paris, commemorating French assistance during the American Revolutionary War. It holds the distinction of being the only silver dollar-denomination commemorative coin produced in the 19th century and one of the earliest U.S. commemorative coins overall.

Obverse Design and Inscriptions

The obverse features conjoined (overlapping) busts of George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette facing right, with Washington's bust in front. Around the rim reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "LAFAYETTE DOLLAR," with the date "1900" below the busts.

Reverse Design and Inscriptions

The reverse depicts Lafayette on horseback, based on an existing equestrian statue design, with the inscription "ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN HONOR OF GEN LAFAYETTE" encircling the design, referencing the fact that the monument was largely funded through public subscription.

Size, Weight, Metal, and Edge

The Lafayette Dollar matches standard silver dollar specifications of the era: approximately 38.1 mm in diameter, 26.73 grams, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a reeded edge.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

All Lafayette Dollars were struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carry no mint mark, so there is no branch mint letter to search for on this issue, unlike many other silver dollars of the period.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

Because of its unique double-portrait obverse and equestrian reverse, the Lafayette Dollar is not easily mistaken for regular-issue Morgan or Trade dollars of the same silver dollar size. The key distinguishing features are the conjoined Washington-Lafayette busts on the obverse and the mounted rider on the reverse, both unlike any circulating dollar design of the time.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Check the high points of the design for wear: Washington's cheek and hair on the obverse, and Lafayette's arm, leg, and the horse's mane and flank on the reverse. Because this coin was often saved as a souvenir rather than circulated heavily, many surviving examples show only light to moderate wear, but cleaned or artificially brightened surfaces are common due to its popularity as a keepsake.

Authenticity Red Flags

Given its historical significance and value, this coin has been counterfeited, so weigh and measure any example against the standard 26.73 gram, 38.1 mm specifications, and examine the fine details of both portraits and the horse for softness or unnatural texture that might indicate a cast or struck counterfeit. Look also for die-like doubling or aberrant surfaces near the lettering, and be wary of coins that have been noticeably polished or altered to hide wear or defects, as this is common on frequently handled souvenir coins of this type.