2011 U.S. Army Commemorative Coins in Gold, Silver and Clad

The United States Mint today, January 31, 2011, released at special introductory prices its new series of 2011 U.S. Army Commemorative Coins which celebrate the founding and history of the U.S. Army.

For the first time since 2008, collectors can purchase commemoratives in gold, silver and clad and in either proof or uncirculated qualities, bringing the total available commemorative coins to six. In 2009 and 2010, collectors also had the opportunity to purchase commemorative coins in either proof or uncirculated, but only in silver.

The United States Army Commemorative Coin Act, which was signed into Public Law 110-450 by President George W. Bush on December 1, 2008, authorized a Commemorative Clad Half-Dollar composed of the same metals used in circulation coins, a Commemorative Silver Dollar struck in 90% silver (0.774 troy ounces) and 10% copper, and a Commemorative $5 Gold Coin minted from 90% gold (0.242 troy ounces) and 10% alloy. Each of the three denominated versions have differing obverse and reverse designs and each celebrates the 1775 establishment of the U.S. Army, which was founded 236 years ago.

Prices, design descriptions and mintage limits for each gold, silver and clad coin follow.

U.S. Army Commemorative $5 Gold Coin

The $5 gold coin has a top mintage of 100,000, the least of the commemoratives. The proof was struck at West Point and includes the "W" mint mark. The uncirculated option bears the Philadelphia "P" mint mark.

The obverse design represents the U.S. Army’s war service from the Revolutionary War through today, symbolizing its continuity of strength and readiness. The design features, from left to right, Continental, Civil War, modern, World War II and World War I soldiers. Inscriptions are LIBERTY, 2011 and IN GOD WE TRUST. The obverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.

The reverse design is based on the official U.S. Army emblem and represents the unbroken history of loyalty and commitment to defend the Nation. It includes the inscription This We’ll Defend, the motto of the U.S. Army. Additional inscriptions are DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, E PLURIBUS UNUM, 1775, FIVE DOLLARS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, and the mint mark. It was sculpted by Joseph Menna.

U.S. Army Commemorative Silver Dollar

The Silver Dollar has a mintage of 500,000 across both the proof and uncirculated versions. The proof was minted in Philadelphia and has the designating "P" mint mark while the uncirculated coin was struck in San Francisco and includes the "S" mint mark.

The obverse design, by Richard Masters, depicts the busts of a male and female soldier, symbolizing worldwide deployment of the 21st century U.S. Army. The inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2011. It was sculpted by Michael Gaudioso.

The reverse, by Susan Gamble, symbolizes the seven core values of the U.S. Army. It features an image of the Great Seal of the United States, worn on U.S. Army dress and service uniforms since the early 1800’s. Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, U.S. ARMY, ONE DOLLAR, the seven core values: LOYALTY, DUTY, RESPECT, SELFLESS SERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY and PERSONAL COURAGE, and the mint mark. The reverse was sculpted by Don Everhart.

U.S. Army Commemorative Clad Half-Dollar

The Clad Half-Dollar has the largest authorized mintage ceiling at 750,000. The proofs were made in San Francisco and the uncirculated coins minted in Denver.

The obverse design, by Donna Weaver, represents significant contributions of the U.S. Army during peacetime and features a soldier surveying, two servicemen building a floodwall and a Redstone rocket used during early space exploration. The inscriptions are U.S. ARMY, SERVICE IN PEACE, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2011 and LIBERTY. The sculpting was by Charles L. Vickers.

This reverse design symbolizes the U.S. Army as the first military service to defend the country and its key role in the Nation’s internal development. It shows an enlisted Continental soldier armed with a musket and 13 stars representing the original Colonies. The inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, FIRST IN SERVICE TO THE NATION, E PLURIBUS UNUM, HALF DOLLAR, and the mint mark. The reverse was designed by Thomas Cleveland and sculpted by Joseph Menna.

2011 Commemorative Coin Prices

The United States Mint’s commemorative coins have introductory prices, and if they are not sold out, regular prices that go into affect several weeks later.

The regular prices will go into affect after 5:00 p.m. ET on March 2, 2011.

Buyers can order the coins through the United States Mint website (http://catalog.usmint.gov/) or by phone at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The United States Mint indicates shipping of the coins will be available on February 28.

Surcharges from the sale of each coin will be paid to the Army Historical Foundation to support the construction of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va. The surcharges are $35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 for each silver $1 coin and $5 for each half-dollar clad coin.

There will also be six distinct coins for the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins which will be available on February 25. Prices will be the same as above. Learn about other forthcoming commemoratives.

About the US Mint

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.