Military Mementos

It’s that time of year again—these ideas will help you prepare to go shopping for some special Christmas and Hanukkah gifts.

Coins are a popular and logical option for numismatists. Items such as proof and mint sets, silver American Eagles and other 1-ounce silver pieces, and moderately priced Morgan and Peace dollars are traditional choices for gift giving. Perhaps it’s time to go beyond the tried-and-true approach for some people on your list.

According to multiple sources, 16 to 17 million Americans are military veterans. For many, their time in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard remains a significant experience in their lives. Why not give a gift that recognizes their service to the nation?

Recent U.S. Military Commemoratives

Modern commemorative coinage offers numerous options. This year’s releases from the U.S. Mint include a selection of coins that will appeal to those with military experience. The U.S. Army, Navy, and Marine Corps were founded in 1775, which makes this year their 250th anniversary. But these commemorative copper-nickel half dollars, silver dollars, and gold $5 pieces aren’t the only possibilities.

What about the Air Force and Coast Guard? One-ounce silver medals honoring those branches of the Armed Forces are available on the U.S. Mint’s website, along with similar products for the Army, Navy, and Marines. Privately minted 1-ounce silver rounds for each branch of the U.S. military sell for bullion-related prices.

Although not well known to the general public, the mint also offers a wide range of military-themed 1.5-inch copper medals for $20 apiece. These medals delve into history and honor many deserving subjects, such as the Native American code talkers who used their tribal languages to communicate crucial information during World Wars I and II. Code talkers speaking Navajo, Cherokee, and other languages effectively relayed information that adversaries could not decode.

Blast from the Past

Don’t forget the military-related commems the mint has issued in the past. These include the 1990 Eisenhower silver dollar, the 1991 Korean War “cartwheel,” the 1992 United Service Organization $1, and the series of coins issued to commemorate World War II.

The 1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial silver dollar would make a fine gift for those who served in that conflict. The U.S. Prisoner of War Museum and Women in Military Service $1 pieces carry a 1994 date too. History buffs might also like the 1995 Civil War issues. The bicentennial of West Point was honored in 2002 with a silver dollar, which could make for another meaningful gift. 

How about a coin that quickly sold out? The 2005 Marine Corps silver $1 had a planned mintage of 500,000. That number was bumped up to 600,000 when it became apparent that many fiercely loyal Marines wanted this keepsake.

Options Abound

The 2018 World War I centennial $1 marks a major historical period, and the 2019 American Legion centennial silver dollar will appeal to the many members of that organization. The 2022 Purple Heart Hall of Honor and 2024 Greatest Generation three-piece series are more recently minted options. 

What if you’re operating on a limited holiday budget? This might be the moment for a one-off shift to philately, as 20-piece sheets of first-class stamps honoring the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps are currently available for $15.60. A thoughtful present for a veteran can show how much you care about the recipient and their service.

A version of this article appears in the November 2025 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).