Franklin Mint 0795. 1980 ~ Olympic Mascot Roni Raccoon~

Never been worn. The 1980 Olympic mascot was Roni the Raccoon, designed by Donald Moss for the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Roni was chosen because raccoons are abundant in the Adirondack Mountain region, where Lake Placid is located. The name Roni was selected by local school children and comes from a Mohawk word for raccoon. Key facts about Roni: Mascot of: The 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. Creator: Sports illustrator Donald Moss. Animal: A raccoon, chosen for its familiarity in the Adirondack Mountains. Name Origin: Voted on by local children and derived from a Mohawk word for raccoon. Symbolism: His facial mask was a nod to the sunglasses and hats worn by competitors