How to Identify the US Olympic Commemorative Dollar (1983)

What This Coin Is

The 1983 US Olympic silver dollar was the first of two commemorative dollars issued for the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. It marked the return of US commemorative coinage after a long hiatus and was sold to collectors to help fund the American Olympic effort.

Obverse Design and Inscriptions

The obverse presents a stylized discus thrower, inspired by classical Greek sculpture, shown in a dynamic pose. Inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the date 1983, and the words LOS ANGELES relating to the host city. The athletic figure is the coin's defining image.

Reverse Design and Inscriptions

The reverse features the head of an American bald eagle, with UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and Olympic references. This eagle reverse links the 1983 coin to its 1984 companion, which shares the same reverse but a different obverse.

Size, Weight, Metal and Edge

The coin is a standard silver dollar: 38.1 mm in diameter, weighing 26.73 grams, struck in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a reeded edge. These figures match other US silver dollar commemoratives and distinguish it from clad coinage.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

The 1983 dollar was struck at Philadelphia (P), Denver (D), and San Francisco (S). Uncirculated coins came from all three, while proofs came from San Francisco. Look on the obverse for the small mint-mark letter to determine which facility produced your coin.

Telling It Apart From Similar Coins

The discus thrower obverse and 1983 date distinguish this coin from the 1984 dollar, which shows the LA Coliseum. Both are 90% silver dollars with the same eagle reverse, so the obverse motif and date are the deciding clues. It is much larger than the smaller 1984 gold ten-dollar Olympic coin.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Inspect the discus thrower's torso and limbs and the eagle's head for sharp detail. Proof coins have deep mirror fields with frosted devices and should be pristine; uncirculated coins are lustrous with possible light marks. Silver toning is normal and not a defect.

Authenticity Red Flags

As a 90% silver coin, it should weigh 26.73 grams and measure 38.1 mm. Verify the reeded edge and crisp inscriptions. Since these were sold in protective holders, an example with heavy wear may have been mishandled; compare details to genuine images if uncertain.