Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 10 Dollars 2000, KM# 312, United States of America (USA), 200th Anniversary of the Library of Congress
  • 10 Dollars 2000, KM# 312, United States of America (USA), 200th Anniversary of the Library of Congress
Description

The 2000 Library Of Congress Ten Dollar Bi-metallic coin was authorized to commemorate the new Millennium and the 200th anniversary of the Library Of Congress. Composed of an outer ring of gold and center of platinum, the coins represented the first bimetallic gold and platinum coins ever issued by the United States Mint.

To celebrate the 200th anniversary of its founding, the 2000 Library of Congress Ten Dollar Bi-metallic coin was issued by the United States Mint.

The Library of Congress (LC) is the research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the de facto national library of the United States. It is the oldest federal cultural institution in the country. The library is housed in three buildings on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.; it also maintains a conservation centre in Culpeper, Virginia. The library's functions are overseen by the Librarian of Congress, and its buildings are maintained by the Architect of the Capitol. The Library of Congress is one of the largest libraries in the world. Its collections are universal, not limited by subject, format, or national boundary, and include research materials from all parts of the world and in more than 450 languages.

The library's primary mission is to research inquiries made by members of Congress, which is carried out through the Congressional Research Service. It also houses and oversees the United States Copyright Office. The library is open to the public for research, although only high-ranking government officials and library employees may check out (i.e., remove from the premises) books and materials.

Obverse

Depicts the hand of Minerva raising the torch of learning. The Library of Congress Jefferson building dome is visible in the background. The inscriptions around the ring state “Liberty”, “2000”, and “Library of Congress”. The motto “In God We Trust” appears in the platinum portion of the coin to the left of the hand and torch.

The Thomas Jefferson Building is the oldest of the four United States Library of Congress buildings, located on First Street SE between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street in Washington, D.C. Built between 1890 and 1897, it was originally known as the Library of Congress Building. The Beaux-Arts style building is known for its classicizing facade and elaborately decorated interior. The building's main architect was Paul J. Pelz, initially in partnership with John L. Smithmeyer, and succeeded by Edward Pearce Casey during the last few years of construction. The building was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1965.

Design: John M. Mercanti

• LIBERTY 2000 •
IN GOD
WE
TRUST
JM
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Reverse

Depicts the Seal of the Library of Congress surrounded by a laurel wreath. The outer ring carries the inscriptions “United States of America” and “Ten Dollars”. The motto “E Pluribus Unum” appears in the platinum center below the eagle.

Design: Thomas D. Rogers, Sr.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
W
TDR E•PLURIBUS•UNUM
TEN DOLLARS

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Bi-Metallic
Ring Gold
Center Platinum
Weight 16.259 g
Diameter 27 mm
Thickness 2.35 mm
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mint
West Point Mint (W)

Related coins