Before 2020 ended, the United States Mint unveiled designs for the 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coins.
"These designs will be featured on coins that honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States," said United States Mint Director Dave Ryder. "We hope this program will assist the Museum in its mission to bridge the past and the present and to increase public understanding and support for the law enforcement community."
Authorized under Public Law 116-94, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, the U.S. Mint will produce and sell up to 50,000 $5 gold coins, no more than 400,000 silver dollars, and a maximum of 750,000 half-dollars in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated.
$5 Gold Coin Designs
The gold dollars’ obverse (head side) design depicts male and female officers in profile saluting, with the inscriptions "LIBERTY," "2021," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Their reverse (tails side) shows a folded flag with three roses beneath symbolizing remembrance. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "FIVE DOLLARS," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."
| Obverse Artists | Reverse Artists |
|---|---|
| Designer: Frank Morris | Designer: Ron Sanders |
| Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill | Sculptor: Craig Campbell |
Silver Dollar Designs
Silver dollar obverses depict a police officer kneeling next to a child, who is reading a book and sitting on a basketball, symbolizing service to the community and future generations. Inscriptions are "SERVE & PROTECT," "LIBERTY," "2021," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Reverses show a handshake between a law enforcement officer and a member of the public, representing the work law enforcement officers do within their communities to increase safety through trusting relationships. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "ONE DOLLAR."
| Obverse Artists | Reverse Artists |
|---|---|
| Designer: Frank Morris | Designer: Ron Sanders |
| Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill | Sculptor: John P. McGraw |
Half Dollar Designs
Half dollar obverses depict a sheriff’s star, representing the community served by law enforcement officers and the important role they play. Inscriptions are "SERVE AND PROTECT," "LIBERTY," "2021," and "IN GOD WE TRUST."
Reverses depict an eye in a magnifying glass looking at a fingerprint, portraying the human side of justice, a reminder that law enforcement is not only officers on the street but also many others behind the scenes. It also features the emblem of the National Law Enforcement Museum. Inscriptions are "UNITED STATES of AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "HALF DOLLAR," and "NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM."
| Obverse Artists | Reverse Artists |
|---|---|
| Designer: Ron Sanders | Designer: Heidi Wastweet |
| Sculptor: John P. McGraw | Sculptor: Renata Gordon |
Surcharges and 2020 Christa McAuliffe Commemorative Coin Program
Prices and an on-sale date for the commemorative coins have yet to be published.
The authorizing law calls for added surcharges of $35 per gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar, and $5 per clad half-dollar. Provided the coins turn a profit, the collected surcharges are to paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
Current law provides for two U.S. Mint commemorative coin programs each year. The other 2021 program includes silver dollars honoring Christa McAuliffe, the first participant in NASA’s Teach in Space Project (TISP) and one of the seven crew members killed in the Space Shuttle Challenger explosion on Jan. 28, 1986.
