Our Favorite Coins that Honor U.S. Military Members
Throughout the history of the US Mint, commemorative coins have been struck that honor those who put their lives on the line to uphold American Freedom and preserve our union. On this Memorial Day, Rare Collectibles TV would like to highlight some of our favorite designs honoring American military service members.
2020-W V75 American Silver Eagle
In 2020, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Allied powers victory in World War II, the West Point Mint struck a limited amount of End of WWII 2020-W American Silver Eagles. To differentiate these 2020-W ASEs from the standard ones, the Mint included a privy mark that reads “V75” on the obverse. With a minuscule mintage of just 75,000 coins, this “End of WWII” ASE has one of the lowest mintages in the entire series. This exclusive American Silver Eagle sold out from the United States Mint in just three hours, showing the popularity of the privy mark.
2021-W Type 1 American Silver Eagle NGC PF69 UCAM First Salute U.S. Navy
While not struck as a commemorative coin, this American Silver Eagle pays tribute to members of the US Army. As part of an old tradition, United States Service Members give a silver dollar to the first enlisted person who salutes them upon graduation. This 2021 American Silver Eagle was struck at the West Point Mint and was intended to be a part of that traditional First Salute. Only 306 coins were leftover after every enlisted member had the chance to purchase them. All 306 coins were sent directly from the Annapolis Gift Shop to the grading services at NGC to house them in First Salute holders.
1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Silver Dollar
In 1994, US Congress authorized the striking of several commemorative silver dollars to honor veterans of the Vietnam War. The proceeds from the sale of the coins would go towards helping to maintain and repair the memorial. Struck in Proof at the Philadelphia Mint and Mint State at the West Point Mint, this silver dollar showcases the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall which was completed in 1982. The Wall features over 58,000 names of those who died due to injuries sustained in the Vietnam War.
John Mercanti designed the obverse of this coin which shows a hand reaching out and touching the wall of names with the Washington Monument in the background. This image reflects the reverence that many people have when they visit the solemn memorial. Thomas D. Rogers Sr.’s reverse depicts three military medals awarded during the Vietnam War: the Armed Forces Expeditionary Award, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.
1994 U.S. Prisoner of War Museum Silver Dollar
The 1994-W U.S. Prisoner of War Commemorative Silver Dollar was struck to commemorate National Prisoner of War Museum located in Andersonville, Georgia. The obverse, designed by Tom Nielson, depicts a bald eagle in flight with a broken chain on one leg, representing the freedom of the prisoners of war. The reverse, designed by Edgar Z. Steever, showcases a front view of the National Prisoner of War Museum.
1995 Civil War Battlefield Preservation Silver Dollar
In 1995, three commemorative issues were minted to honor 100 years since the creation of Gettysburg National Military Park in 1895, which was the first Civil War Battlefield preserved as a historical site. A $5 gold coin, silver dollar, and silver half dollar were struck, each with unique designs. Of the three, the silver dollar is the most striking. The obverse, designed by Don Troiani, showcases a wounded soldier after a battle as another soldier helps him drink from a canteen, a simple act of kindness on the battlefield. Across the reverse is this quote from soldier Joshua Chamberlain, “In great deeds something abides. On great fields something stays. Forms change and pass, bodies disappear: But spirits linger to consecrate ground for the visionplace of souls.” John Mercanti designed the Gettysburg landscape that is situated below the quote.
2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar
The 2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary silver dollar commemorates the establishment of the United States Marine Corps. Over the years, many Marines have given their lives for their country. In 1775, the Continental Marines were formed to serve in the Revolutionary War, with John Adams appointing Samuel Nicholas as the first Marine. It was not until 1798 that the United States Marine Corps as we know it today would be created by Congress. The obverse of this coin, designed by Norman E. Nemeth, pays tribute to the soldiers who fought at Iwo Jima, with a design based on the famous scene of Marines raising an American Flag over Iwo Jima that was originally photographed by Joe Rosenthal. The illustrious Marine Corps Emblem along with their motto “Semper Fidelis” is displayed on a reverse designed by Charles Vickers.
These are only a small handful of US coins that pay tribute to the soldiers throughout all of American history that gave their lives defending the freedom of this country. Commemorative coins of the highest quality are available from Rare Collectibles TV year-round.
