2010 Boy Scouts of America commemorative silver dollars.

The U.S. Mint issues commemorative coins to honor great Americans and important American places, events, and institutions. These coins are authorized by Congress and are not intended for circulation. A small number of the coins are produced for a limited time.

Commemorative silver dollars also help to raise money for worthy causes and institutions. A surcharge, usually around $10 per coin, is designated to support the organization that’s being honored. Since the program started in 1982, more than $418,000,000 has been raised. This money has been used to fund new museums, national monuments, and to help preserve historical sites.

2010 Boy Scouts of Amercia Silver Dollar Obverse

U.S. Commemorative silver dollars not only help to do a lot of good, they are often a good investment. Proof Buffalo Silver Dollars that sold for $35 when they were issued in 2001 now sell for ten times that.

The U.S. Mint will issue two commemorative silver dollars in 2010. The first was the American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, which was released on February 25th 2010.

The second, The Boy Scouts of America Centennial Commemorative Coin, will honor the BSA’s 100th anniversary, which takes place on February 8th, 2010. The issue was authorized by Congress in October of 2008. And the surcharge for the coins will be used to support Boy Scout troops in hard-to-serve locations.

A total of 350,000 proof and uncirculated coins will be produced. Seventeen designs for the obverse and five for the reverse were developed. Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner chose the winning designs on September 16, 2009.

U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Donna Weaver designed the obverse, which shows a Cub Scout, a female Venturer, and a Boy Scout saluting. The image reflects the diversity in scouting today. The inscriptions on the obverse include CONTINUING THE JOURNEY, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and the years 1910 and 2010.

2010 Boy Scouts of America Silver Dollar Reverse

U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers designed the reverse which features the emblem of the BSA and the inscriptions ONE DOLLAR, BE PREPARED, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURBIS UNUM, and BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA.

The coins, which are 90% silver and 10% copper, weigh 27.73 grams and are 1.5 inches in diameter. They are available from the U.S. Mint and are scheduled to be released at noon ET on March 23, 2010. Uncirculated and proof silver dollars will be available for the introductory price of $33.95 and $39.85 respectively until April 22, 2010. After that, the price goes to $35.95 and $43.95.

Read about other U.S. Commemorative silver dollars here.

Images from the U.S. Mint.

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