Happy Veteran’s day! One way we honor our American veterans is through coins. Whether they are circulating or commemorative, coins are a great way to help us remember veterans and their valiant service to our country. Here are some coins that relate directly to our veterans:
Bicentennial Quarter
The bicentennial quarter was first produced in 1975 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the independence of the United States. This coin features George Washington on the front. The back of the coin depicts a Revolutionary War soldier playing the drums with a victory torch encircled by 13 stars. The inscription on the coin says: Liberty and In God We Trust– further celebrating American independence.
Massachusetts Quarter
Similar to the above coin, the Massachusetts quarter also honors George Washington on the obverse side. However, this coin also features a design of “The Minuteman,” a famous statue that stands guard in front of The Minuteman National Historical Park in Concord, MA, on the reverse. The Minuteman played a crucial role in protecting our nation during the Revolutionary War. For this reason, the first quarter of the new millennium represents the farmers and colonists that represented the original American forces.
World War II Half Dollar
The World War II half dollar coin was created to commemorate the U.S. entry into World War II. This clad coin honors the men and women that fought and died for our freedoms. Bearing the dual dates 1991 and 1995, this half dollar honors the 50th anniversary of the war. The front side features a solider, sailor and airman looking up confidently as a B-17 flies overhead. A “V” for victory lies in the background. The back side depicts a Marine recapturing a Japanese-held Pacific island.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Silver Dollar
The 1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial silver dollar was specially designed to commemorate those who served in the U.S. armed forces during the Vietnam War. This coin is compromised of 90 percent silver. The obverse side displays an outstretched hand brushing across a loved one’s name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The reverse side features the three medals awarded during the Vietnam War; the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Prisoner of War Memorial Silver Dollar
The Prisoner of War Memorial silver dollar was one of three commemorative coin programs including the Women in Military Service Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial Dollar (above). The obverse side depicts a bald eagle in flight with a broken chain on one leg and barbed wire encircling the design. The reverse side displays the plan view of the proposed Prisoner of War Museum, as rendered by Edgar Z. Steever.
Gary Dyner is the owner of Great American Coin Company. Connect with him on Google+.
