Coins - 1983 Prestige Set

The US Mint began the Prestige Set in 1983 with a several "firsts." The Olympic Discus Thrower dollar was the first Olympic coin struck by the US Mint and was also the first silver dollar minted since 1935.

With six coins in the 1983 Prestige Set, the face value equates to $1.91, and the initial issue price was $59. Using the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Inflation Calculator, it would take $128.92 in 2010 money to equal the purchase in 1983.

This first Prestige Set, in addition to the 1984 Prestige Set, is different from the later sets in size and packaging. First, the physical size of the packaging is smaller than subsequent sets. With no identifying inscription, the simple, burgundy outer box measures 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches by 1 3/8 inches.

Secondly, the two piece box holds a leather book-like case housing the coins and the Certificate of Authenticity. The heraldic eagle from the Presidential seal decorates the front of the leather cover in a metallic emblem. A snap fastener on a small leather flap and on the front of the book holds the book closed.

Inside the front cover, the XXIII Olympiad's logo of stars over the five Olympic rings floats in silver print on a white padded fabric background. In the games' color logo, the stars are red white and blue over the multicolored Olympic rings.  

At the bottom, "United States Mint" is printed in silver script. The facing page holds the six  proof coins - five standard and one commemorative - in pale burgundy plastic with the coins sandwiched between two clear pieces of acrylic.

Inside the back cover, "1983 Prestige Set" shows at the bottom in silver script with the reverse of the coins visible on the facing page through their clear acrylic covering.

As noted in the Certificate of Authenticity, the Discus Thrower is the first Olympic coin minted by the United States Mint. The coin contains the inscriptions around the rim: "LOS ANGELES," "XXIII OLYMPIAD," and "LIBERTY."

The athlete holds the discus and prepares for an award winning throw. To his right, the logo of stars over the Olympic rings hovers over the inscription "IN GOD WE TRUST." The date and mint mark are located to the lower left of the athlete.

As the first silver dollar minted since 1935, the commemorative Olympic dollar contained .76 troy ounce of silver with the remainder copper.

The reverse of the coin shows a side view of the bold, proud head of an American eagle. Looking closely, you can see the detailed feathers, the carnivorous beak and the sharp eyes of a skilled hunter.

Around the rim of the coin, the inscription reads "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" and "ONE DOLLAR." "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is located to the left of the eagle.

Following the book theme, the spine of the 1983 Prestige Sets includes the year, "1983," in silver lettering. 

Made of leather, the Prestige Set books vary in color and in texture. Though all are a burgundy color, the hues range from more red to more brown. 

For the history buffs, here are some highlights of the XXIII Olympiad:

President Ronald Reagan officially opened the games on July 28, 1984 in his home state of California in the city of Los Angeles.

140 nations participated, however in response to the US boycott of the 1980 Olympics, many Eastern Bloc countries did not take part in the games.

6829 athletes joined in the games with 5263 men and 1566 women.

American Carl Lewis won gold in the 100 meter, 200 meter, 4x100 meter relay and the long jump. This was his first Olympics. He would later participate in three other Olympiads.

For the first time, the Los Angeles games included the women's marathon which was won by American Joan Benoit from Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Three other events debuted at the Los Angeles games: synchronized swimming, rhythmic gymnastics and wind surfing.

American Mary Lou Retton from Fairmont, West Virginia became the first gymnast outside Eastern Europe to win the gymnastics all-around competition.

The American men's team won all around gold in gymnastics.

The US won 174 medals: 83 gold, 61 silver and 30 bronze.

The Games of the XXIII Olympiad closed on August 12, 1984.