The United States Mint issued the 2004 Thomas Alva Edison Silver Dollar in commemoration of the inventor that year. In honor of the 125th anniversary of Edison's invention of the light bulb, these coins were released to the public on February 11, 2004.
Thomas Alva Edison became one of the most prominent and consequential scientists, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the United States after being born on February 11, 1847. The first practical light bulb, motion picture cameras, and phonographs were among his most well-known innovations.
The Thomas Alva Edison Commemorative Coin Act, also known as Public Law 105-331, was the legislation that gave Congress the authority to issue these silver dollars.
In accordance with the Act, the Mint was granted permission to strike the coins in both proof and uncirculated state. The purpose of this authorization was to "be emblematic of the light bulb and the many inventions made by Thomas A. Edison throughout his prolific life."
A sculptor and engraver named Donna Weaver from the United States Mint was responsible for designing the obverse of the Thomas Alva Edison Silver Dollar. The obverse features a depiction of the famed inventor holding one of his light bulbs.
"THOMAS ALVA EDISON," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2004" are some of the inscriptions that can be seen across the entirety of Edison.
The back depicts Edison's 1879 light bulb with rays. The US Mint sculptor/engraver John Mercanti created it, which reads 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LIGHT BULB, 1879, 2004, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The Port Huron, Michigan, Museum of Arts and History, the Edison Birthplace Association, the National Park Service, the Edison Plaza Museum, the Edison Winter Home and Museum, the Edison Institute, the Edison Memorial Tower, and the Hall of Electrical History received equal shares of strike surcharges.