World War II Memorial Commemoratives
The U.S. Mint has unveiled the designs for its Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. Set to be released in early 2024, the coins recognize the 20th anniversary of the National World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., which honors the 16 million Americans who served, the 400,000-plus service members who died in combat, and all those who supported the war effort at home. The program includes a $5 gold coin, silver dollar, and clad half dollar.
$5 Coin
The $5 coin’s (below) obverse features a portion of the World War II Memorial and an olive branch, with WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL engraved below. The reverse shows a folded U.S. flag with WWII MEMORIAL/TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW below.
The $5 pictures the World War II Memorial on the obverse. (Photo: U.S. Mint)
Silver Dollar
The silver dollar’s obverse depicts six figures supporting the earth, illustrating the cooperation of the military branches. The scene is framed with the text WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL/1941-45/DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM. The reverse shows four eagles with outstretched wings surrounding the globe with the inscription VICTORY/IN THE AIR/AT SEA/ON LAND.
The silver dollar depicts six figures that represent the military branches. (Photo: U.S. Mint)
Half Dollar
The half dollar’s obverse depicts Liberation in a tribute to the Victory medal with the inscription WE ANSWERED THE CALL. The reverse shows one of the memorial’s towers in the distance. For periodic updates, visit usmint.gov.
Liberty appears on the half dollar. (Photo: U.S. Mint)
A version of this article appears in the November 2023 issue of The Numismatist (money.org).