One of the biggest names in American history is without a doubt, Kennedy. Considered the American “royals” of our time, the large family has been plagued by triumph, tragedy, and scandal. While the most well-known members are the men that have served our nation in the political sphere, it is the women who have taken on quieter, yet impactful roles. That is certainly the case with this next woman in our blog series covering Whitman’s 100 Greatest Women on Coins.
#98 – Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Born to Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy in July of 1921, Eunice Mary Kennedy was the sister of famous United States President John F. Kennedy, U.S. senator Ted Kennedy, and U.S. attorney general Robert Kennedy. She would grow up and eventually graduate from Standford University with a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology in 1943. She would marry Sargent Shriver in 1953, who would later become the U.S. ambassador to France. They would have five children together.
Her degree in sociology would set up her professional work later in life as she worked with children with disabilities. Eunice would receive multiple awards for her advocacy work, including the prestigious Presidential Medal of Freedom, a papal knighthood from Pope Benedict XVI, and more. Perhaps one of the biggest things she did was help found the Special Olympics in 1968. Worldwide and well-known today, the event gave children and adults with intellectual disabilities the ability to participate in athletic events.
She would pass at the age of 88 two weeks before her brother, Ted.
For her work with the Special Olympics, the United States Mint honored her in 1995 as she appeared on a modern commemorative silver dollar. Her profile is observed on the obverse with a rose, a Special Olympics award medal, and her quote “As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us” on the reverse.
The 1995 Special Olympics commemorative is readily available to collectors and can be purchased in Proof and Uncirculated versions.