One (1) dollar coin, Lafayette
United States, 1900
Obverse Image: Portraits of George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette facing right.
Obverse Text: UNITED STATES OF AMERICA / LAFAYETTE DOLLAR
Reverse Image: Statue of Lafayette on horseback.
Reverse Text: ERECTED BY THE YOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES IN HONOR OF GEN LAFAYETTE / PARIS / 1900
This coin was struck in connection with the Paris Exposition of 1900—specifically, to defray part of the cost of creating a statue of Lafayette on horseback to be shown at the fair. Fifty thousand pieces were struck in mid–December of 1899. One proof has been reported as well. This coin is not a proof, but a regular business strike in extraordinary condition.
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