The United States Mint announced the designs for the 2024 commemorative coins honoring the Greatest Generation.
Authorized under Public Law 117-162, the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, the U.S. Mint will offer proof and uncirculated quality coins in 2024, including up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 clad half dollars, all emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II.
"We hope this program will honor their unwavering courage and selfless spirit," said U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.
Each coin’s sale price will include a surcharge, which will be directed to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial. This surcharge is intended to provide support for the National Park Service, aiding in the maintenance and repair of the National World War II Memorial, as well as funding educational and commemorative programs.
U.S. Mint-published line art images and descriptions of the coin designs follow.
$5 Gold Coin Obverse Design
Designer: Heidi Wastweet
Sculptor: Eric David Custer
The obverse (heads) design features a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an Olive Branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, and the Olive Branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice. The inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "2024," and "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL."
$5 Gold Coin Reverse Design
Designer: Ben Sowards
Sculptor: Joseph Menna
The reverse (tails) design shows a folded American flag, such as one that would be presented at the funeral of a fallen service member. The inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "WWII MEMORIAL," "TO UNITE THE GENERATIONS OF TOMORROW," and "FIVE DOLLARS."
Silver Dollar Obverse Design
Designer: Beth Zaiken
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill
The design features six figures working together to support the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of the military branches (Army Air Forces, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps), as well as the Merchant Marine during World War II. The inscriptions are "1941-1945," "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL," "DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2024."
Silver Dollar Reverse Design
Designer: Ben Sowards
Sculptor: Renata Gordon
The reverse design features a view from beneath a baldacchino, a sculptural canopy inside a Victory Pavilion in the World War II Memorial. The sculpture depicts four eagles holding a laurel wreath, within which is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "VICTORY," "IN THE AIR," "AT SEA," "ON LAND," "WWII MEMORIAL," and "ONE DOLLAR."
Half Dollar Obverse Design
Designer: Elana Hagler
Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell
The obverse design re-imagines the Victory Medal that was awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, symbolizing the war’s conclusion. The inscriptions are "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "WORLD WAR II," "2024," and "WE ANSWERED THE CALL."
Half Dollar Reverse Design
Designer: Matt Swaim
Sculptor: John P. McGraw
The reverse design depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. The inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "HALF DOLLAR."
I like the half dollar designs the best. Not sure about the dollar image until I see how it develops on a coin. Gold coin looks like another boring gold commemorative with no secondary market potential.
The obverse depicts Atlantic Major D for the struggles there and for Europe as well as North Africa.
Agree fully about no civilian contribution. Scratched my head seeing no Rossie the Riveter. I guess because the silver dollar coin states the WWII Memorial on it which honors military personnel not civilians.
Whereas, the half dollar has that memorial on its reverse this coin should have had a civilian contribution to the war effort as a component.
I guess with the WWII draft you can stretch the civilian contribution making them into troops for civilians in the USA war effort?
Yep. Mindful the Eastern Seaboard of the USA and parts of the Gulf of Mexico were inudated w/Nazi submarines sinking Allied shipping Major D. It was a battlefield even before USA entered the war.
Japan population in 1940 was 73M Germany 79M USA 132M USSR 194M (ten years later it’s population was 179M! WWII was not too good for our Soviet Allies). Also the technology for over the horizon offensive weapons was very limited. With USA being too far away to use it’s air assets from USA bases they needed to be forward deployed and open to enemy attack. Additionally, USA had to send all its troops, war material and warships overseas to engage the enemy. Also, USA had to supply many of its allies (UK, USSR, etc.). The USA military was ranked low… Read more »
Some folks like blue cars and others like green colored ones – we all have different opinions and likes. I hope I’ve never belittled anyone’s opinions here. If I have I’m sorry. I believe many folks here are civil and provide very good insight to our hobby, collection and for others investment. We all jest at times here and I hope just that and not being elevated to personal attacks.
😉
Sometimes the written word is the most misconstrued thought put forth to others. What we believe is clear writing and train of thought in our minds is not perceived by the reader. All good Major D as none of us “attack” others here.
I’m liking the silver & clad coins. The gold coin looks a little boring although the imagery of fallen troops is riveting w/the stars on a wall and the folded flag.
I’m not looking forward to some of the 2026 250th USA anniversary coins though. If you’ve answered the questionnaire the Mint sent out you’ll know what I’m writing about.
I agree with you in regards to the 2024 commemoratives.
I’ll pick up the silver dollar and the clad half.
If you’ve completed the Mint’s survey for the 2026 coins you’ll probably not be impressed what may be coming down the line for coin designs for 250th USA anniversary coins