2006-P Benjamin Franklin Scientist Proof Silver Dollar

Acknowledging the scientific contributions of one of the United States best known founding fathers, the US Mint released the 2006-P Benjamin Franklin Scientist Proof Silver Dollar.

Mintage: 250,000 maximum across all product options
Final Mintage: 142,000
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Initially available for sale on the 300th anniversary of Franklin’s birth, the Scientist Coin highlights the fact that Franklin spent much of his life in the pursuit of knowledge – long before he became the statesman we remember him for today. Among his many scientific contributions were the study of electricity and the invention of the bifocals, flexible catheters, swimfins and the lightning rod.

The Franklin coins are struck from 90% silver to a diameter of 1.5 inches.

2006 Franklin Coin Products

The US Mint released a total of six different products in 2006 containing Benjamin Franklin related coins. These six items were:

  • 2006-P Benjamin Franklin Scientist Proof Silver Dollar
  • 2006-P Benjamin Franklin Scientist Uncirculated Silver Dollar
  • 2006-P Benjamin Franklin Founding Father Proof Silver Dollar
  • 2006-P Benjamin Franklin Founding Father Uncirculated Silver Dollar
  • 2006 American Legacy Collection (contained a proof Founding Father coin)
  • 2006 Franklin Coin & Chronicles Set (contained an uncirculated Scientist coin)

The US Mint placed a surcharge on the sale of each of the Franklin coins. Funds raised were forwarded to the Franklin Institute for purposes of the Benjamin Franklin Tercentenary Commission.

Issue Information

Struck from 90% silver, each Franklin Silver Dollar has a diameter of 1.5 inches.

Release Date

The US Mint released the Proof Franklin Scientist Coin on the 300th anniversary of his birth – January 17, 2006.

Issue Price

The initial price charged for the Franklin Scientist Proof Coin was $35.00.

U.S. Mint Production Facility

Each Franklin Silver Dollar was struck at the US Mint’s facility in Philadelphia and show the ‘P’ mintmark.

Designer & Sculptor

The obverse (heads side) of the Scientist Coin shows a young Franklin doing his famous kite experiment. It is the work of Norman E. Nemeth.

The reverse (tails side) was completed by Charles L. Vickers and shows Franklin’s "Join, or Die" cartoon published in 1754.

Coin Specifications

Face Value: $1
Finish: Proof
Composition: 90% silver, 10% alloy
Standard Weight: 26.730 g
Standard Diameter: 1.500 inches
Edge: Reeded

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