Yesterday the United States Mint unveiled the commemorative 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar designs in a pre-game ceremony at Fort Benning’s historic Doughboy Stadium in Georgia.
Taking place before the football matchup between the Fort Benning Doughboys and the Columbus State University Cougars, B. B. Craig, Associate Director of Sales and Marketing at the United States Mint, spoke before the crowd and special guests representing the National Infantry Foundation and Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients.
"The United States Mint wanted infantry soldiers and their families to be the first people in the nation to see the designs of this new U.S. commemorative silver dollar being created in their honor. So we have come here tonight, joined by these distinguished guests, to unveil the coin designs of the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar for the first time," Craig stated.
Marv Levy, former NFL coach of the Buffalo Bills, then used a prototype of the newly designed coin in the coin toss before the football game.
The Public Law No: 110-357 creating the commemorative coin, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act, was signed by President George W. Bush on October 8, 2008. Its purpose is to honor the U. S. Army Infantry and the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.
In particular, the designs had to be "emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and history of the U.S. Infantry."
Designed by Joel Iskowitz and engraved by Michael Gaudioso, the obverse features a modern Infantry soldier in mid-stride carrying a rifle. Two rifles crossed in the form of an X are featured on the reverse, which was designed by Ronald D. Sanders and engraved by Norman E. Nemeth.
Obverse inscriptions include LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2012. Reverse inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
The United States Mint has said that the coin is expected to debut in February 2012 in proof and uncirculated collector qualities. The maximum mintage will be 350,000 and divided between the two versions based on demand. Like many modern commemoratives, the Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar will contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper, have a diameter of 1.5 inches, and weigh 26.73 grams.
A $10 surcharge for the sale of each coin would go to the National Infantry Foundation to establish an endowment to support the maintenance of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.
looks like a cheap foreign mint coin
is it law liberty is on everything?
Your not a grunt! Never have been. Leave it guy. The coin is awesome. The idea and histroy behind the coin is awesome.
I think the $10.00 surcharge is BS. All the government resources they have and we still have to pay a surcharge. Dont get me wrong I appreciate what the infantry or armed services has done, but it has nothing to do with coin collecting. Go to the Franklin Mint if there is a coin to be commisioned to raise funds.
I also like the idea and the cause. However, shouldn’t the word “Infantry” or at least “Army” be on the coin somewhere? Sorry, but I believe the Selection Committee could have done better!
You don’t need the word “Infantry” nor “Army”. Anyone who has been in the Infantry knows who Iron Mike is and not only that it has the cross rifles.
Grunt has it exactly correct…no need for “Infantry” or “Army”! The symbolism of the coin tells the story…the crossed rifles of infantry branch and Iron Mike leave no doubt in anyone’s mind what the coin commemorates. Benning School for Boys was a wonderful place to unveil this coin…thank you!
I’m a Marine and I know who Iron Mike is! The coin looks great!
Beautiful coin!
This is in reply to Patrick, “I also like the idea and the cause. However, shouldn’t the word “Infantry” or at least “Army” be on the coin somewhere? Sorry, but I believe the Selection Committee could have done better!”
The Infantry is not just the Army, what about the Marine Corps and Special Ops groups, Army, Navy and Air Force. By leaving a name off the coin they honor all Infantry.
It is too simplistic. The engravings done from many years back make these modern engravings look juvenile. Having served in Corps in late 60s and then Army and with multiple deployments, I don’t feel some commentors should criticize my feelings. I look at commemorative coins done in Canada and England- the intricacy and detail. The USA made beautiful coins years back but modern era is marked by junk in coins, poster work (movie marquees), and so much more. Look at commemorative coins done in USA- Stone Mountain coin, Columbus, and other themes involving historical figures, Indians, sailing vessels, and so… Read more »
The idea is great but the coin is weak! The soldier on the coin dosen’t look ready or confident and is not holding the wepon the right way. It looks weak! The reverse is not bad. Sorry but the coin is not good enough for me to buy. The mint think what ever they splat on a blank coin will sell like the end of days. NOT! This coin is far from Beautiful. For these Great US soldiers the coin needed to be Masterpiece.
I would like to buy one of these for a Son-In-Law where would I do that at?? Anyone that could help. Web site?
Thank you
HD