WASHINGTON United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore announced the public release of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park today. Dr. Robert Archibald, President and CEO of the Missouri Historical Society, hosted the event, which also featured Bobbie Conner, Director of the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Fife and Drum Corps was also on hand.

"This coin celebrates the landmark journey embarked upon two centuries ago by a team of adventurous souls, explorers whose curiosity, bravery and determination still stand as stirring examples of the young American spirit," said Director Fore.

The Missouri History Museum became the first place in the Nation at 10 a.m. on May 12, 2004, where the public could purchase and walk away with a genuine Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar. Congress may authorize no more than two commemorative coin programs annually. The first official commemorative coin of 2004 was the Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin. The Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin is the second and final United States Mint commemorative coin of 2004.

The Lewis and Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act authorizes a maximum mintage of 500,000 Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollars with a portion of the proceeds authorized to go to the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and the National Park Service. The funds will support activities associated with the commemoration.

Designed by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Donna Weaver, the obverse (heads side) of the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar depicts Captains Lewis and Clark on a stream bank, planning the following day. Lewis is holding his journal, and Clark is pointing at a landmark. The reverse (tails side) features a rendition of the Jefferson Peace Medal, surrounded by 17 stars representing the number of states in the Union in 1804. Lewis and Clark presented Jefferson Peace Medals on behalf of President Thomas Jefferson as tokens of goodwill and friendship to American Indian leaders they met along the trail. A depiction of two feathers on the reverse represents the many Native American Indian cultures touched by the Corps of Discovery.

The Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar is available as a proof silver dollar coin in a protective capsule, mounted in a handsome satin-lined velvet presentation case; an uncirculated silver dollar coin packaged in a premium gift box with tray and sleeve; and in two limited edition sets: the Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set, and the Lewis & Clark Coin & Pouch Set (available in September). Both the proof and uncirculated coins will bear the mint mark of the United States Mint at Philadelphia.

The proof silver dollar is available during the introductory sales period until June 11, 2004, for $35, and for $39 thereafter. The uncirculated silver dollar is available for $33, and $35 thereafter. The Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set is $90.

Customers can also purchase the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Silver Dollar and the Lewis and Clark Coinage and Currency Set by using the United States Mint's secure website, www.usmint.gov, or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders.