On December 21, 1891, a young physical education instructor named Dr. James Naismith introduced the game of basketball to his class at Springfield College, formally the YMCA International Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Three years later, the game was being played in more than a dozen nations.
Founded in 1959 in the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the game and its creator. The “Hall” is recognized globally as the premier institution entrusted with recording and disseminating the history of the game of basketball, and recognizing and honoring the achievements of its greatest players, coaches, and contributors.
These commemorative coins will be released in 2020 to recognize the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame’s 60th anniversary.
The obverse (heads) design features three players reaching for the ball in unison, reflecting how the sport of basketball has brought together diverse people around the world through a simple, universal, and unifying athletic experience. Their arms are slightly elongated to emphasize the full exertion of physical and mental energy required to excel in this sport. The rim and net are subtle background design elements complementing the three players.
The reverse (tails) design depicts a basketball about to pass through the net
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 2020
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- ONE DOLLAR
Artist Information
Obverse
- Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Justin Kunz, Artistic Infusion Program
Reverse
- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Donna Weaver, Artistic Infusion Program