Obverse: the obverse depicts Nike, the goddess of victory, wearing a wreath of olive leaves – a symbol of victory and honour since antiquity. The year “1988” appears to the left, while “LIBERTY” is inscribed below. The ribbon beside the portrait bears the inscription “IN GOD WE TRUST”. The obverse was designed by U.S. Mint artist Elizabeth Jones.
Reverse: the reverse features a stylised Olympic flame beneath the five Olympic rings. The letters “USA” appear within the three upper rings. Below the flame is the national motto “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, together with the denomination “FIVE DOLLARS”, while “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” appears around the lower edge. The “W” mint mark identifies the West Point Mint. The reverse was designed by Marcel Jovine.
About the coin: this commemorative $5 gold coin was issued in 1988 to honour the participation of American athletes in the XXIV Summer Olympic Games held in Seoul, South Korea. Struck at the West Point Mint from .900 fine gold, the coin weighs 8.359 g, measures 21.6 mm in diameter and contains approximately 0.2419 troy oz of pure gold. Part of the proceeds from the coin programme supported the United States Olympic Committee, American athletes and amateur sports programmes. The coin was issued in both standard and Proof versions.
