The first of two commemorative series released by the US Mint in 2007 was the 2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coins. These strikes honored the founding of Jamestown, Virginia in 1607 by English settlers.
2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coins (Proof)
Struck as part of the series were two different coins, each minted in both proof and uncirculated condition:
- Jamestown 400th Anniversary $5 Gold Coins
- Jamestown 400th Anniversary Silver Dollars
Congress authorized the strikes with the Jamestown 400th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-289). It required the strikes to be emblematic of the settlement of the colony with the specifications of each strike similar to other commemorative coins in the modern era. As such, each gold coin contains 90% gold and each silver dollar is struck from 90% silver.
Shown on the obverse of the Jamestown 400th Anniversary $5 Gold Coin is a scene depicting Captain John Smith conversing with an American Indian. Surrounding the design are the inscriptions of 1607, 2007, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and FOUNDING OF JAMESTOWN. The obverse was designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti.
2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary $5 Gold Coins (Proof and Uncirculated)
The reverse of the $5 coin was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart to show the Jamestown Memorial Church. Surrounding the church are the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $5, E PLURIBUS UNUM and JAMESTOWN MEMORIAL CHURCH.
On the obverse of the silver dollar is an image of three different individuals representing the cooperation required for the colony to survive. It was designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Donna Weaver and sculpted by Don Everhart. Included as well are the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1607-2007 and FOUNDING JAMESTOWN.
2007 Jamestown 400th Anniversary Silver Dollars (Proof and Uncirculated)
For the reverse of the silver dollar, the three ships responsible for carrying the colonists to the New World are shown – Susan Constant, the Godspeed and the Discovery. Surrounding the ships are the inscriptions of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR.It was designed by United States Mint AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.
Surcharges collected on the sale of these strikes was forwarded to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Secretary of the Interior, and the Association for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities.
