Duty to Defend
The U.S. Mint has released a one-ounce silver medal that celebrates the United States Army’s longstanding mission to defend the nation. Designed by Lucas Durham and sculpted by Craig A. Campbell, the obverse depicts a Continental soldier standing behind a crouched modern-day soldier. Both are armed with weapons of their respective eras. To the right is the inscription SINCE 1775.
The reverse, designed by Emily Damstra and sculpted by Renata Gordon, shows the top of the U.S. Army flag on a flagpole. A multitude of streamers above the flag billow in the breeze, representing several major battles in United States history from a range of wars, such as the Battle of Lexington (1775), Appomattox (1865), and Normandy (1944). To the left, inscriptions for the army’s seven core values line the length of the flagpole.
The medal, which features a matte finish, is available for $75 on the U.S. Mint’s website. Mintage is not limited.
A version of this article appears in the July 2024 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).