“Greatest Generation” Commemorative Designs Unveiled
The U.S. Mint pays tribute to those who served in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.
The United States Mint joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), along with representatives from the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, to unveil the designs for the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program during a ceremony at the World War II Memorial Sept. 20 in Washington, D.C. The designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II and will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half-dollar clad coin.
As authorized by Public Law 117-162, the sales price of each coin will include a surcharge payable to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the National World War II Memorial and for educational and commemorative programs.
“Friends [of the National World War II Memorial] plays a vital role in educating the American public about World War II as well as facilitating key commemorative programs at the memorial to pay a fitting tribute to America’s ‘Greatest Generation,’’ said Jane Droppa, Friends chair. “We pay tribute to those veterans such as Bob Dole, who was instrumental in the original fundraising for the memorial. Now, it is our time and turn to ensure this national treasure does not fall into disrepair.”
The National World War II Memorial was dedicated in Washington, D.C., on May 29, 2004 – the culmination of a 17-year effort led in Congress by Congresswoman Kaptur, who also authored the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act. The World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II and acknowledges the commitment and achievement of the entire nation. The memorial honors the 16 million who served in the Armed Forces of the U.S. during World War II, the more than 400,000 who died, and the millions who supported the war effort at home.
Today, the memorial is a top destination for millions of annual visitors from all over the country and the world. For many young visitors, their visit to the memorial is a first glimpse at a grateful nation’s remembrance of the sacrifices made by the brave men and women who fought against tyranny. For WWII veterans, the Memorial is a special destination, a rendezvous point, and a gathering place for reflection, reunions, and commemorative programs. The memorial stands as an important symbol of America’s national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and power that flows when free people are united and bonded together in a common and just cause for liberty.
“As a World War II veteran who lives in the District of Columbia, I’m fortunate enough to be able to visit the memorial as often as I can, which includes nearly all the commemorative ceremonies,” said Harry Miller, a U.S. Army and Air Force veteran of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. “The memorial has started to show its age and I’m proud that Congress authorized the legislation of the commemorative coins to ensure this beautiful tribute to my generation will live on in perpetuity.”
“The Greatest Generation commemorative coin designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II,” said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We hope this program will honor their unwavering courage and selfless spirit.”
The United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program designers created all the designs, which were sculpted by United States Mint medallic artists.
The $5 gold obverse design features a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an olive branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, and the olive branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice. The inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2024,” and “WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL.”
Designer: Heidi Wastweet, Medallic Artis: Eric David Custer
The reverse design features a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an olive branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, and the olive branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice. The inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2024,” and “WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL.”
Designer: Ben Sowards, Medallic Artist: Joseph Menna
The silver dollar obverse design features six figures working together to support the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of the military branches (Army Air Forces, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps), as well as the Merchant Marine during World War II. The inscriptions are “1941-1945,” “WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL,” “DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2024.”
Designer: Beth Zalken, Medallic Artist: Phebe Hemphill
The reverse design features a view from beneath a Baldacchino, a sculptural canopy inside a Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture depicts four eagles holding a laurel wreath, within which is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “VICTORY,” “IN THE AIR,” “AT SEA,” “ON LAND,” “WWII MEMORIAL,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”
Designer: Ben Sowards, Medallic Artist: Renata Gordon
The obverse design of the half dollar clad coin re-imagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, symbolizing the war’s conclusion. The inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “WORLD WAR II,” “2024,” and “WE ANSWERED THE CALL.”
Designer: Elana Hagler, Medallic Artist: Craig A. Campbell
The reverse design depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. The inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
Designer: Matt Swaim, Medallic Artist: John P. McGraw
The on-sale date for products in the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program will be published on the Mint’s 2024 Product Schedule. When available, the Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov.
