For the millennium of Ericson's discovery of the new globe, the US Mint issued 2000 Leif Ericson Commemorative Silver Dollars. The Mint minted these coins on June 21, 2000, together with Icelandic striking commemorating Ericson.
With the passage of the Leif Ericson Millennium Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 106-126), the United States Congress gave its approval to the coins. The building in Philadelphia that houses the United States Mint was responsible for striking both the proof and the uncirculated silver dollar.
Coin engraver and sculptor John Mercanti's finished picture of Leif Ericson appears on the front of the coin. The letters LEIF ERICSON, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, and 2000 surround the image.
Typical of the equipment that Ericson would have used to make his discovery, the reverse of the coin depicts a Viking ship that is sailing with its sails fully extended.
Inscriptions that read "FOUNDER OF THE NEW WORLD," "ONE DOLLAR," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" can be seen all over the ship. It was engraver and sculptor James Ferrell of the United States Mint who designed it.
An image of Stirling Calder's sculpture of Leif Ericson is included on the silver dollar that was minted in Iceland. This particular version of the dollar was also made at the Philadelphia Mint.
The Icelandic Coat of Arms is depicted on the reverse side of the coin, which has an eagle, a dragon, a bull, and a giant. Designed by Throstur Magnusson, both of them were created.
The surcharges that were collected from the sale of silver dollars from the United States Mint were sent to the Leifur Eiríksson Foundation. This foundation was established with the intention of providing financial support for student exchanges between students from the United States and the Republic of Iceland.