Washington, DC, Sept. 20, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United States Mint (Mint) joined U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) and U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), along with representatives from the Friends of the National World War II Memorial, to unveil the designs for the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program during a ceremony at the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II and will be featured on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin, and a half dollar clad coin. As authorized by Public Law 117-162, the sales price of each coin will include a surcharge payable to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the National World War II Memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designers created all the designs, which were sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artists.
$5 Gold Coin Obverse
Designer: Heidi Wastweet
Medallic Artist: 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
Designer: Ben Sowards
Medallic Artist: 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 THEGENERATIONS OF TOMORROW,” and “FIVE DOLLARS.”
$1 Silver Coin Obverse
Designer: Beth Zaiken
Medallic Artist: 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.”
$1 Silver Coin Reverse
Designer: Ben Sowards
Medallic Artist: 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 Clad Coin Obverse
Designer: Elana Hagler
Medallic Artist: 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 Clad Coin Reverse
Designer: Matt Swaim
Medallic Artist: 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.”
All coin images are available at https://www.usmint.gov/news/image-library/commemoratives.
“The Greatest Generation commemorative coin designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II,” said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. “We hope this program will honor their unwavering courage and selfless spirit.”
The on-sale date for products in the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program will be published on the Mint’s 2024 Product Schedule. When available, the Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/.
About the United States Mint
Congress created the United States Mint in 1792, and the Mint became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. As the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage, the Mint is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; silver and bronze medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
- Visit https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coins/greatest-generation for additional information about the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program.
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