This article presents photos of World War I Centennial Silver Dollars, the U.S. Mint collector coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of America’s involvement in the First World War.
Released on Jan. 17, the collectibles are produced at the Philadelphia Mint in finishes of proof and uncirculated.
Proof coins have frosted designs that contrast attractively against mirror-like backgrounds. They are almost aways more sought than uncirculated coins which have a brilliant but more standard appearance. The following sets of photos show both coin types. In the first photo, a proof WWI Silver Dollar is to the left. You can see its mirrored qualities reflects the red, white and blue colors from its presentation case.
Both dollars ship in similar commemorative packaging. They arrive boxed, are held in a black-velvet presentation case, and are accompanied by a U.S. Mint Certificate of Authenticity.
Ordering
Available at discounted introductory prices until 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 20, with the proof $51.95 and the uncirculated $48.95, place orders using the U.S. Mint’s online commemorative page. Regular prices are $5 higher.
WWI Silver Medals
Honoring the Army, the Navy, the Air Service, the Marines and the Coast Guard, five companion WWI silver medals are sold alongside the silver dollars. Each of the five medals is sold in a set with a proof WWI Silver Dollar. The medals/sets go off-sale after 3:00 p.m. ET on Feb. 20.
Additional Photos
Here are some larger CoinNews photos of a proof dollar:
Finally, here are some larger CoinNews photos of an uncirculated dollar:
I always find myself having a hard time deciding if I like the glossier finish of the proof or the naturalistic tone of the uncirculated; each has its own unique appeal.
The detail on these coins = amazing. I feel the same way Old Collector. Both platforms have their unique qualities.
Mouse
Well the WWI medal sales have ended. Let the dust settle and see the final sales count. It can only go down from here…..
Beyond the funky ergonomics of the lefty advance….the self portrait of the designer…..where is the rest of his body, heads & hands it seems…. I am just Debby Downer on this issue!!!
Oh and there is this….IU.S. Entry into World War I, 1917. NOT 1918!???
JFK !ooth is in 2019 did you see the USM changed his birthday!!!
The U.S. entered the war in 1917 but did not join the fight until July 26 1918 when Gen. Pershing sent our troops over the wire to rush the German machine gunners that slaughtered those poor young boys. I have my great uncles death certificate stating that he was killed July 26 1918. Gen. Pershing resigned from command after the days fighting after personally seeing the slaughter of his troops.The French, English and others held the line in their trenches for months without gaining an inch. When they were pulled from the line and replaced with American Soldiers Gen. Pershing… Read more »
@chas barber
EXACTLY!!!!
On April 6, 1917, the U.S. joined its allies–Britain, France, and Russia–to fight in World War I. Under the command of Major General John J. Pershing, more than 2 million U.S. soldiers fought on battlefields in France. Many Americans were not in favor of the U.S. entering the war and wanted to remain neutral.
The coin is to commemorate the US contribution to the end of the war – not the entry.
April 6th was the date and the declaration of war had to happen. US merchant ships, 5 to be exact were sunk at the beginning of the year / January 1917. That was a show of force and superiority of the oceans by the aggressor. War had to take place, and I was surprised the declaration from congress took so long. No country can remain neutral when their citizens are being killed by an unjust aggressor. These coins are a reminder that no good comes of war / for both sides / but action must take place when innocent citizens… Read more »
My best guess regarding the date on the coin would be that it refers not to the year of the United States of America’s entry into World War I but rather the date of the declaration of cessation of all hostilities, which was November 11, 1918. Hence, the 1918-2018 inscription on this silver dollar. Indeed, if this coin had been intended instead to commemorate the 100th anniversary of America’s entry into the war, its release would have been sometime late last year and the inscription would then have read 1917-2017.
Mike Unser –
Thanks again for sharing your always great high res photographs with us fellow collectors!
-NumisdudeTX
I look forward to a commemorative bitcoin to mark the centenary of the end of the Second World War
Daniel,
The virtual World-Wide Web Mint will any day now begin accepting virtual design submissions for its upcoming series of WWII virtual commemoratives. Start saving your virtual dollars for this big virtual event!
Dear CJ & OLd Collector, NO sorry, it is another EXAMPLE of the mint’s ineptitude, or just ‘tude- No the COMMEMORATIVE PER THE MINT’s website is to: “Commemorates the centennial of America’s involvement in World War I” Unquote….so 1917 is 100 not ’18 that’s 1o1! We Americans are not supposedly great @ Math but I can count quite well & $100 for a .90% silver dollar (14.85 spot ‘i$h) & a medal (16.50) is a triple keystone markup I passed, I have cut down SO much on mint stuff, except my $800 in Pre$ dollars @ end (why I do… Read more »
I concur…the Jim Thorpe dollar is not just very well designed but also brilliantly evocative of his outstanding athletic attributes.
Chas – read the act.
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-113publ212/pdf/PLAW-113publ212.pdf
It literally says in there to make it in 2018 and put 2018 on it. So, the legislation told the Mint what to do.
Chas, relax mate. The mint does make a billion version if you want to stack silver. https://www.apmex.com/product/152627/2018-1-oz-silver-american-eagle-mintdirect-single
I’m failing to see why you are so angry at the price being asked.
No one is forcing you to buy a centenary medal, so don’t let it get to you.
My wife collects Versace coffee cups … now that is a stupid hobby 🙂
CJ,
Thanks for providing that link. The Act makes for very enlightening reading, especially as a way of learning how explicitly it covers every single factor involved in producing the coin, including any possible variables. They (the Congress) certainly do manage to have every base covered, don’t they?
Daniel,
Your illumination regarding the nature of your wife’s hobby has given me pause and urged me to reflect on whether or not my Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Rubber Ducky collection is in fact a good investment of my time and money. Ach du lieber!
Daniel,
By the way, there really IS exactly such a product line of rubber ducks on sale in the gift shop of the Mozart House & Museum in Salzburg, Austria!