Intaglio Prints Commemorate Five Branches of U.S. Armed Forces

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) last month introduced its latest Intaglio Print Program, "Defenders of Democracy.".

Paying tribute to the five branches of the United States Armed Forces – the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard, the collection features engraved vignettes that are emblematic of the military branches and recognize the men and women who defend democracy.

BEP images and descriptions of each 8 1/2" x 11" print follow.

Defenders of Democracy Army

Top Center: Vignette (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier) – Miscellaneous Die #16854 Engraved by William B. Matthews, 1954. From the original drawing by designer Robert Miller.

Center: Emblem (United States Army). Embossed gold foil.

Bottom Center: $10 Military Payment Certificate, Series 681 (Back)

Main Vignette taken from Miscellaneous Die #17628: Tank (M48A4 Patton). This die was engraved by Arthur W. Dintaman in 1966.

Defenders of Democracy Navy

Top Center: Vignette (Sailor) Miscellaneous Die #17627
Engraved by Joseph S. Creamer, Jr., 1966. From photograph furnished by the Defense Department. Offset version used on $5 Military Payment Certificate, Series 681.

Top Center: Vignette (Submarine) Miscellaneous Die #17626
Engraved by Edward R. Felver, 1966. From photograph furnished by the Defense Department. Used on "Significant Events of the 20th Century" souvenir cards, BEP Gift Shop.

Center: Emblem (United States Navy). Embossed gold foil.

Bottom Center: $20 Military Payment Certificate, Series 691 (Back)

Main vignette – Misc. Die #398: Eagle. Engraved in1863.

Defenders of Democracy Marines

Top Center – Vignette/Iwo Jima Flag Raising (Miscellaneous Die #16487) Engraved by Matthew D. Fenton, 1950.

Bottom Center – $10 Military Payment Certificate, Series 521 (Back)

Main vignette – Misc. Die #7032 Justice. Engraved by Marcus W. Baldwin in 1908.

Defenders of Democracy Air Force

Top Center – Vignette/Four Aircraft in Flight (Miscellaneous Die #17620) engraved by Charles A. Brooks, 1966.

Top Center – Vignette/Head of Pilot (Miscellaneous Die #17606) engraved by Charles A. Brooks, 1966.

Bottom Center – $20 Military Payment Certificate, Series 681 (Back)

Main vignette – Misc. Die #17633: Bomber (B–52). Engraved by Edward R. Felver in 1966.

Bottom Center – Gold foil embossed, seal of the United States Air Force.

Defenders of Democracy Coast Guard

Top Center – Vignette/U.S. Coast Guard Academy (Miscellaneous Die #16821) engraved by Richard M. Bower, 1954.

Bottom Center – $10 Military Payment Certificate, Series 691 (Back)

Main vignette – Misc. Die #11371: Female Head. Engraved by John Eissler in 1926.

Center Seal – Gold foil embossed, seal of the United States Coast Guard.

Prices and Ordering

The complete five-card collection is $85, and individual cards are sold for $22.50, with quantities of 10 or more priced at $17 each. Place orders using the BEP’s online store, www.moneyfactorystore.gov, or by calling 800-456-3408.

About the Bureau of Engraving and Printing

While the BEP makes and sells detailed intaglio prints and engravings, it is best known for producing United States currency. The agency prints billions of Federal Reserve Notes for delivery to the Federal Reserve System each year. These notes are produced at facilities in Washington, DC, and Fort Worth, Texas.