Today, Jan. 17, 2018, the United States Mint releases seven products commemorating the centennial of America’s involvement in World War I.
They include a 2018 Proof WWI Centennial Silver Dollar, a 2018 Uncirculated WWI Centennial Silver Dollar and five associated sets. The sets contain a proof WWI silver dollar and silver medals honoring branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that were active in the First World War — the Army, the Navy, the Air Service, the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Coast Guard.
All seven products launch at noon (ET) with special introductory pricing for the individual proof and uncirculated silver dollars available until Feb. 20, 2018, at 3:00 p.m.
World War I Centennial Silver Dollars
A design competition for the silver dollars was required by the authorizing law. LeRoy Transfield of Orem, Utah won the competition with an obverse (heads side) design named "Soldier’s Charge," which shows a soldier gripping a rifle and barbed wire twines. Inscriptions of LIBERTY, 1918, 2018 and IN GOD WE TRUST complete the image.
Transfield’s reverse design, titled “Poppies in the Wire,” depicts abstract poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Reverse inscriptions read ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Both the proof and uncirculated WWI silver dollars are produced at the U.S. Mint’s facility in Philadelphia and bear its ‘P’ mintmark.
Don Everhart sculpted the designs for use on coinage. Everhart’s and Transfield’s initials are seen on both coin sides.
Public Law 113–212 authorizes the silver dollars. To support the commemorative coin program, the U.S. Mint created the five medals that are available only within the sets — you have to buy each set to get all five medals. The medals depict designs emblematic of the military branch they honor.
World War I Centennial Army Medal
The Army silver medal obverse depicts a soldier cutting through German barbed wire, while a second soldier aims a rifle amid a shattered landscape of broken trees and cratered earth. A shell explodes in the distance. Emily Damstra designed the image and Don Everhart sculpted it.
The reverse features the United States Army emblem, which was also in use during World War I, with the inscriptions OVER THERE!, CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I, 2018, and UNITED STATES ARMY. Don Everhart also executed the design for medals.
This medal is produced at the West Point Mint.
World War I Centennial Marine Corps Medal
The Marine silver medal obverse depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood. One Marine stands guard as the other kneels to pay respect to the fallen. The inscription quotes a report to the American Expeditionary Forces: WOODS NOW U.S. MARINE CORPS ENTIRELY. Chris Costello designed the image and Michael Gaudioso sculpted it.
The reverse features the World War I-era version of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem with the inscriptions CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I, 2018, OVER THERE!, and BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD. Joseph Menna executed the design for medals.
This medal is produced at the San Francisco Mint.
World War I Centennial Navy Medal
The Navy silver medal obverse depicts a U.S. Navy destroyer on escort duty after deploying a depth charge in defense of a convoy. Above the destroyer, kite balloons provide Navy personnel a platform to spot submarines and other dangers. The inscription OVER THERE!, appears at the bottom of the design. Chris Costello designed the image and Michael Gaudioso sculpted it.
The reverse features an Officers Cap Device used in World War I. (An official, uniform seal of the United States Navy had not been adopted at the time of World War I.) Inscriptions are UNITED STATES NAVY, 2018, and CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I. Renata Gordon executed the design for medals.
This medal is produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
World War I Centennial Air Service Medal
The Air Service silver medal obverse depicts the iconic SPAD XIII, a World War I fighter flown by many Americans and valued for its speed, strength, and firepower, viewed from the top and side. The inscription SPAD XIII identifies the aircraft. Ron Sanders designed the image and Joseph Menna sculpted it.
The reverse design features the Military Aviator Insignia with the inscriptions CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I, 2018, OVER THERE!, AIR SERVICE, and AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES. Joseph Menna also executed the design for medals.
This medal is produced at the Denver Mint.
World War I Centennial Coast Guard Medal
The Coast Guard silver medal obverse depicts a lifeboat from the Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Seneca heading out in heavy seas toward the torpedoed steamship Wellington. Phebe Hemphill designed and sculpted the image.
The reverse features the World War I-era Coast Guard emblem, with the inscriptions CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I, 2018, and OVER THERE! Phebe Hemphill also executed the design for medals.
This medal is produced at the Philadelphia Mint.
WWI Silver Dollar and Medal Pricing and Specifications
Introductory and regular pricing for the silver dollars and prices for the sets follow.
| Product Option | Introductory Price | Regular Price |
| WWI Proof Silver Dollar | $51.95 | $56.95 |
| WWI Uncirculated Silver Dollar | $48.95 | $53.95 |
| Army Special Set Coin & Medal | N/A | $99.95 |
| Air Service Special Set Coin & Medal | N/A | $99.95 |
| Marine Corps Special Set Coin & Medal | N/A | $99.95 |
| Navy Special Set Coin & Medal | N/A | $99.95 |
| Coast Guard Special Set Coin & Medal | N/A | $99.95 |
Coin specifications for the commemorative silver dollars include a composition of 90% silver and 10% copper, a weight of 26.730 grams, a diameter of 1.5 inches and a reeded edge. The medals feature similar specifications but have a plain edge.
Ordering and Limits
Order the products directly from the United States Mint via its Commemorative Coins page. Orders are also accepted by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Each product ships in a Mint-branded presentation case and includes a certificate of authenticity.
Up to 350,000 of the silver dollars will be issued. No more than 100,000 of the sets will be sold across all product options. There are no household ordering restrictions.
Surcharges of $10 will be collected on the sale of each commemorative product with proceeds, after associated costs, paid to the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars to assist the World War I Centennial Commission in memorializing the centenary of the war.
Boycott the medals until the US Mint offers them individually or a medals only set!!
I don’t know about boycotting these sets… Something tells me with no household limits these sets will be gone in a flash.
I can’t make up my mind if these are worth getting or not. Any thoughts everyone? Any takers on these?
Ernesto I assume I can put you down as a NO SALE.
I’m thinking if each double-set consists of the same dollar coin AND an expensive medal, that I don’t want, I’ll probably just buy one proof dollar and one uncirculated. I don’t want 5 expensive dollars and 5 expensive medals.
That said, for those that love and honor the military, I hope they get them all and enjoy them. Some people seem to confuse collecting with investing.
I’m in for 5
Mark “Some people seem to confuse collecting with investing” I get the feeling you might be referring to me? Hmmm… I collect coins, but I also normally consider the investment into it. (Nothing wrong with that) People collect Coca Cola products by the tons! However most of it is really worthless and finds itself ending up in their local rummage sale in about 10 years for 10-25cents. I guess I prefer not to throw money away on things. I also don’t purchase any and all coins even if they ended up with a good investment value. I happen to think… Read more »
Nah, I’m not pointing fingers at anyone, nor am I judging anyone. Buy what you like, or don’t. Personally, I don’t think the price is reasonable for me with these coins. It’s not because I feel entitled to make money out of them, it’s just not worth it to me. For someone that is really into US military history, they might be cheap at double the price. I do dislike like it when people value an item at the cost of metal + a premium. People don’t purchase a good art print, based on paper price plus premium. Some people… Read more »
Hmmmm.
So order is placed, but they are all on back order.
As an international purchaser, I have no way of returning sub-standard coins, so I am hoping that my order is fulfilled, and it’s not just with the rejects after the big coin shops have taken the ones they want
The Centennial Silver Dollar is 90% silver and weights about 5 grams less than an ounce. Maybe if they made the nose even bigger, they could get it up to a full ounce. Too bad this was not done in pure silver.
I will buy 2 unc and 2 proof, the others I will get graded from 3rd party. Don’t see it economicall buying uncirculated so many time. But it seam to me that the proof dollar will be the most apritiative one down the road. Am I wrong?
The Mint has the authority to mint coins in .999 ag, yet still goes the .9oo route, can the $ difference be motivation? They would sell ALOT of .999 coins, maybe waiting until the ATB is complete, why wait? The WW1 coin is a mess & the medals are alot nicer, but not worth a $500 investment for 5 coin silver medals (I don’t care a sheet about the dollar, a tribute to the Artist who designed this slug) with a silver value of about $70…… I will wait & get later, & if not, oh well no biggy, I… Read more »
Too bad the Mint was so desperate to sell some WWI Zombie artist self portrait dollars that they had to hit the purely medal buyers for it … I was interested in one or two of the medals . but can’t stand that Zombie dollar which does no honor to those who served but instead is a self portrait promotional piece by the artist. IMO
Daniel –
The Mint sent out information about a month ago that these 5 different coin & medal sets ($99.95 each set plus $4.95 budget slowest shipping method) will not ship till late in May! They are basically taking pre-orders for a month (or when/if they sell all 100,000 coin & medal sets) & will then strike the medals & package them with the Proof commemorative 90% silver $1 coin & you will receive them in the mail 4 months from now. Crazy!
-NumisdudeTX
No way am I spending $500 for the 5 sets of centennial silver dollars and the medals. That’s way too much for silver coins not even an ounce and not pure silver. Plus, I don’t need 5 of the centennial dollars.
The Mint is using the trick they deployed with the RR C&C sets where instead of a silver medal unique to each President like previous Prez C&C sets they stuffed the 2016 ASE in, without even mentioning why on the folder and they increased the product to what, 75k? .. and really what the F did it really have to do with Reagan’s inauguration ..
Crazy aliright, but thems the rules. WWI is a significant part of Australian history, and 1918 is a significant year for us. They haven’t even announced all of the coins our Mint will punch out this year.
For Australia, the First World War remains the costliest conflict in terms of deaths and casualties. From a population of fewer than five million, 416,809 men enlisted (representing 38.7 per cent of the male population aged between 18 and 44), of whom more than 60,000 were killed and 156,000 wounded, gassed, or taken prisoner.
I don’t like to have to buy 5 dollar coins, but I want the medals. The numbers on these will be limited (maybe less than 20k each). I would have like them full silver, but what is is. Also the option of proof or uncirculated dollar. Also what was the $5 BT? Thanks.
JP I would have bought the medals if they were sold separately or a medals only set. I don’t need 5 proof WW1 coins
Ernesto, I understand the dilemma. I feel the same way. I don’t need 5 of the coins JUST to get the medals. (Not even full 1 ounce silver either….pity) As for the coin itself, it seems most peoples opinion on the obverse was negative. I feel the same way. It looks very disconnected and the face on the soldier isn’t to my likening. I do very much like the reverse. The poppy’s and razor wire design are great. I have not made up my mind if I am buying yet. From the comments on this site it does not seem… Read more »
Hi JP yeah I don’t think the soldier translated as well as I would have liked based on the original drawing. But I’m going to buy 1 proof & 1 uncirculated version.
Daniel – Our shared history between Australia & the USA is so very important & great allies too (& I like the numismatic variety & quality the Perth Mint puts out & have been a customer since 2012). My father worked for the United States Air Force & NSA as an intelligence officer & never talked about his espionage job he had for 20 years until he got much older & told me what I had known since I was a teenager from other military/NSA brats, about The Five Eyes alliance that keeps the bonds between the USA & Australia… Read more »
My grandfather served in France during WW1 so I have always had an interest. I don’t think the dollar design is all that but not to shabby. I do appreciate what it commemorates and the fact that we even got a WW1 commemorative period. I like the medals, but again, more for what they represent than their designs. I like the story they tell and history is a huge reason why I am a collector. I agree that it would have bee great to get them in a set but because we can’t it will limit me to one set… Read more »
I very much appreciate the artistry and history of any coin or medal. Its not possible for me to purchase all works made of precious metals so I am thankful I can appreciate the pictures. As a Canadian I am a fan of my RCM, Perth and US mint.
Mouse
I am trying to not get distracted by shiny objects. I’m working on a ms commemorative set and will stick to that.
I love medals but I don’t even own all the silver bicentennial medals yet and they can be picked up for melt. Medals always drop in price. These sets are really expensive considering they are only offered with extra dollars I won’t need.
if no one is going to buy the medals because they don’t need 5x proofs $1…. Does that mean that the medal sets will be pretty rare? I think so. I really don’t want to do it but I feel like the mintage will be low. What do you guys think?
I did pull the trigger on a UC $1, the army, and the marine set. Wondering if I should bite the bullet on the others.
I love that juvenile looking U.S. Navy Eagle with the stub’y drumsticks, he*s ready for a brawl. lol
I gave up on the commemorative mint products years ago due to the high prices and the horrible designs. Sales the last few years have reflected this with several of the coins barely breaking the threshold for the organizations to get the funds. 2017 sales of commemorative coins was anemic because of the subjects and the designs. The CFA and CCAC are out of touch with reality and have agendas that give us terrible coins. That said – I broke my boycott of Mint commemorative products on this one since the coin design was nice and as a Marine veteran,… Read more »
Chas Barber is correct. $500 is a lot to spend (waste) on 5 commems. I ordered my five sets then cancelled my order yesterday in the afternoon. But since I collect medals I will buy the 5 medals in the aftermarket (only at a reasonable price). If my arithmetic is correct there are only 20,000 of each medal.
Is my arithmetic correct???
Eddie – From what I read they are saying 100K total for all of the medals. I haven’t read anything saying 20K of each. I would guess the Army and Marines would exceed 20K while the Coast Guard won’t hit that number. I may be wrong and if they cap each medal at 20K then the Marine one is bound to be the most expensive aftermarket medal.
One man’s opinion so take it for what it is worth.
Thanks Cincinnatus.
Eddie
I would pass on all of these no future value in medals…
Maybe not Sam but as a Marine Veteran, the Belleau Woods medal was one of the defining moments for the Corps. That battle earned the Marines the nickname Teufel Hunden or Devil Dogs, so even if it eventually gets sold off at spot, I will enjoy having it in my collection.
Cincijnnatus, you’re right as to Vets & these medals, they are nice & I’m from a NAVY …family & like the medals but the hostaging them to the $1 Commem is a slick gimmick @ best. I always feels IF you like it buy it, regardless of the price (if you can pay the $$) or the mintage, it is like art to a degree. THe medals may return in Bronze later (I hope) or not. But, historically, the medal market is thin, but to counter tjhat alot of Vets who like this stuff, maybe a wash on the AG… Read more »
Questionable why US Mint seems to be doing frequent Silver Medals in lieu of Coins recently. With “back orders” now stating February 9 for orders. Collectors are subjected to the Dealer clout and funds who see aftermarket $$$. The whole coin industry is being molded into “Labels” “Editions” “Pedigree”, etc. Even “grading” from NGC and PGCS membership “Free” submissions annually are not worth it because you can shop the after market and eBay to get coins cheaper. The Mint might as well only sell to HSN, MCM and the Big Players. I don’t believe this will end well for the… Read more »
Gary,
Whatis the February 9 date?
NGC and PCGS are soon to be history.. Can’t wait!!!! Lol
@sam tweedy. Sorry was your comment sarcastic? The reason I’m asking is I don’t see NGC or PGCGS going away anytime soon. It seems more people are using them now than ever before. I do think they serve a purpose in the coin community but they are going way overboard with all these “special” labels.
Mint message on “Back orders” showed “February 9th” now does not have date…..who knows?…one thing for sure The Mint is not a source of Gospel truth.
Gary – If you are talking about the silver medals in this series, they are taking pre-orders till February 20 (unless they sell out) & will only then strike the medals to that demand & the Mint says they will not ship till late May – 4 months from now! So have lots of patience on these “expensive” 90% silver 10% copper less than 1 troy ounce coin & medal sets. The Mint can’t seem to walk & chew gum at the same time without a U.S. Mint Director for the past 7 years – no accountability at all at… Read more »