AnnounceMints: Greatest Generation Honored on Coins

On February 29, the Greatest Generation coins will be going on sale at the U.S. Mint. The three coins in this program commemorate the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians alike.

The first coin, a gold 5-dollar coin has an obverse design featuring a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial and an Olive Branch. The stars on the wall each represent 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war and the Olive Branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice.

The reverse design is that of a folded American flag, replicating the flag that would be presented at the service of a fallen service member. Beneath is the inscription “WWII MEMORIAL” and “TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW.”

The half-dollar design reimagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to all the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms, holding two halves of a broken sword to symbolize the war’s conclusion. The inscription below is “WE ANSWERED THE CALL.”

On the reverse, the World War II Memorial is seen from the viewpoint of someone walking up one of the ramps leading to a tower.

The silver dollar features six figures working together to support the Earth on the obverse. It honors the cooperation of each of the branches of the military as well as the Merchant Marine during World War II. The inscriptions include “1941-1945,” “WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL,” and “DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM.”

The reverse shows the view from beneath a Balacchino sculptural canopy inside a Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture is four eagles holding a laurel wreath, with a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean in the middle. Inscriptions include “VICTORY,” “IN THE AIR,” “AT SEA,” “ON LAND,” and “WWII MEMORIAL.”

The coins in this program are sure to sell out quickly, so you won’t want to wait long to get yours.