The 2011 United States Army Silver Dollar honors the first branch of the US Military which was established by the Continental Congress in 1775. It was struck by the United States Mint as part of the larger 2011 United States Army Commemorative Coin Program.

Congress authorized the coins with the United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-450). President George W. Bush signed the Act into law on December 1st of that same year. According to the text of that legislation, the purpose of the Act was:

"To require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the establishment of the United States Army in 1775, to honor the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, and to commemorate the traditions, history, and heritage of the United States Army and its role in American society, from the Colonial period to today."

Surcharges of $10 per 2011 United States Army Silver Dollar sold by the US Mint is to be forwarded to the Army Historical Foundation to support the construction of the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

The obverse of each 2011 United States Army Silver Dollar depicts the theme of "Modern Service" by showing a 21st century male and female soldier standing back to back. Surrounding the soldiers are the inscriptions of LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2011. AIP Master Designer Richard Masters designed the obverse which was sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso.

The Great Seal of the United States is shown on the reverse of the coin. This symbol has been used on the Army’s dress and service uniforms since the early 1800’s. Surrounding the seal are the seven core values of the United States Army – LOYALTY, DUTY, RESPECT,SELFLESSSERVICE, HONOR, INTEGRITY and PERSONAL COURAGE. Additional inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, U.S. ARMY, ONE DOLLAR. The reverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.

Also issued by the Mint as part of the US Army Commemorative Coin Program is the United States Army $5 Gold Coin and the United States Army Half Dollar Coin.