The 2013 5-Star Generals $5 Gold Coin is offered by the United States Mint as part of its larger 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Program. Shown on the obverse of the strike is a portrait of General Douglas MacArthur with the reverse containing a design depicting the Leavenworth Lamp.
A release date for the 5-Star Generals Gold Coin of March 21, 2013 has been indicated by the US Mint. The commemorative gold coin will be offered in both proof and uncirculated conditions with a maximum mintage of 100,000 across all product options.
Congress authorized the coin program with the passage of the 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111-262). The Act was introduced in the House of Representatives by Dennis Moore of Kansas.
“These men served their country in unforgettable ways,” stated Rep. Dennis Moore of Kansas who introduced the Act. “We can never fully show our gratitude for their service, but we can honor them by continuing to support the Command and General Staff College’s tradition of training the world’s finest military officers.”
The Act calls for the release of these $5 gold coins as well as silver dollars and half-dollar clad coins. Featured on the obverse of the 5-Star Generals Silver Dollars are portraits of Generals George C. Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower. The 5-Star Generals Half Dollar Coin contains the likenesses of Generals Henry “Hap” Arnold and Omar N.Bradley.
As for the 5-Star Generals $5 gold coins, their required specifications are the same as all other modern day commemorative gold coins including a composition of 90% of the precious metal. The strikes have a diameter of 0.850 inches with a total gross weight of 8.359 grams.
Surcharges are to be collected on the sale of each strike. The $5 gold coins include a surcharge of $35 per coin. This surcharge is to be collected by the US Mint and forwarded to the United States Army Command and General Staff College Foundation (CGSC Foundation), to help finance its activities in support of the college.
The obverse of the 5-Star Generals $5 Gold Coin contains a portrait of General Douglas MacArthur by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Associate Designer Ronald D. Sanders with United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudiso in charge of execution. Surrounding the portrait are the inscriptions of IN GOD WE TRUST, DOUGLAS MACARTHUR, 2013 and LIBERTY.
Offered on the reverse is a likeness of the Leavenworth Lamp, a symbol of the CGSC. The reverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Barbara Fox with sculpting by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna. Reverse inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE DOLLARS and FORT LEAVENWORTH.
