The United States Coast Guard (www.uscg.mil) will be commemorated on a new set of coins if legislation recently presented in the Senate becomes law.
On May 7, 2014, Senator Christopher S. Murphy [D-CT] and Senator Richard Blumenthal [D-CT] introduced bill S.2303, the United States Coast Guard Commemorative Coin Act. It calls for the U.S. Mint to issue coins to honor the men and women of the Coast Guard and support the establishment of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London, Connecticut.
"The brave men and women who serve our country in the United States Coast Guard should have their legacy honored for generations to come," Sen. Murphy said in a news release. "The new United States Coast Guard Museum in New London will showcase the Coast Guard’s rich history and its noble contributions to our country. Our bipartisan bill will provide further support to this important project and I urge my colleagues to back it."
Specific terms of S.2303 have yet to get published, but they are likely the same as first outlined in H.R. 2932, which was introduced last year in the House of Representatives and bears the same title. Assuming that is correct, up to 100,000 $5 coins, 500,000 silver dollars and 750,000 clad half dollars would get struck in 2017 with motifs that honor the present and past members of the Coast Guard.
Surcharges of $35 for every $5 coin, $10 per silver dollar and $5 for every half-dollar would be collected with each sold by the United States Mint. These surcharges would be forwarded to the National Coast Guard Museum Foundation, a non-profit group with a mission of improving public understanding of the history, service and missions of the Coast Guard. The funds would be used to help finance the design, construction, operations, and maintenance of the National Coast Guard Museum (www.coastguardmuseum.org) in New London, CT.
"This commemorative coin gives all Americans an opportunity to help build a new museum — and a living monument — honoring the brave heroes and history of our Coast Guard," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal [D-CT]. "By buying this coin, Americans can contribute to the construction and commemoration of the Coast Guard’s proud Semper Paratas legacy. This museum will serve as a beacon of public service, sparking new generations of service men and women inspired by the courageous careers of our dedicated Coast Guard veterans."
The United States Coast Guard Museum recently broke ground and is expected to open in 2017. When completed, all branches of the United States Military will be honored with a national museum.
An estimated 42,300 men and women serve on active duty in the Coast Guard. Their efforts help to save thousands of lives a year with tens of thousands of missions undertaken annually to protect the public, the environment, and economic and security interests of the United States.
For the the United States Coast Guard Commemorative Coin Act to become law, it must pass in the Senate, the House and get signed by the President.
Well, I bought the United States Marine Corps Dollars and I bought the U.S. Army Dollars, and having been stationed at Marine Barracks, New London, Conn as one of two Sergeants of the Guard, I can do no less, than to buy these. Nave and Air Force will complete the set.
Was there an Air Force commem? I don’t seem to recall one…
So glad to hear this, I hope the funding helps to build a great museum, I know I will be glad to contribute to the honoring of my fellow mates as well as the fine group of guys I know who are serving now.
Chaplain no one cares about the Air Force that’s why.
This is a good idea. I will certainly buy one being a USCG veteran and a disabled Vet.
I would love to have one of these coins! Having served in the USCG, have and honorable discharge, for medical reasons! And now 100% peramitely disabled. Please let me know when they become available!!!!