U.S. Mint offers commemorative Army coins
U.S. Mint offers commemorative Army coins
The 2011 Army Commemorative Coins consist of a five dollar gold coin, a silver dollar, and a copper-clad half dollar that the U.S. Mint is offering during Calendar Year 2011 only.The three different commemoratives are the first and only coins in American history to afford unique public recognition of the U.S. Army and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers, past and present.The respective themes of the coins are "Army Service in War," "Modern Army Service," and "Service in Peace."Symbolically, the design of each distinct coin celebrates the storied history and traditions of the U.S. Army from the colonial period to the present.In 2008, the Army Historical Foundation (AHF) initiated action with congressional leaders that resulted in presidential approval of the United States Army Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 (Public Law 110-450) in December 2008.The foundation, on behalf of the secretary of the Army, recommended specific themes for the coins to U.S. Mint officials and provided conceptual design guidance to Mint artists who created a portfolio of over 30 images for the obverse and reverse of the coins.The foundation evaluated each proposed design for historical accuracy and appropriateness and recommended six final designs which were approved by the secretary of the Army in May 2010.The then Army chief of staff, Gen. George W. Casey Jr., unveiled the approved designs on Dec. 11, 2010, at the Army-Navy game.The Army Historical Foundation is engaging in an aggressive publicity campaign in Army-related and commercial media to ensure soldiers and their families, Army retirees, the 11 million surviving Army veterans and members of the general public are aware of the availability of the coins through the United States Mint.The commemorative coins are a prestigious form of public recognition of all soldiers, past and present, and they will help cultivate an appreciation for Army history and Army values on a national scale.In addition, part of the proceeds from the Mint’s sale of the coins goes to the Army Historical Foundation to help build the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, Va.By law, the foundation will receive $35, $10, and $5, respectively, for each gold, silver, and copper-clad coin sold.To order your coins, go to https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coin…, or call 1-(800) USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech- impaired customers may order by calling TTY 1-(888) 321-MINT (6468). The coins are available in either proof or uncirculated qualities.