The United States Mint unveiled images of the 2024 commemorative coins honoring the Greatest Generation. These images were showcased on Capitol Hill earlier this week at an event hosted by Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur.
Authorized under Public Law 117-162, known as the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, which was originally introduced by Rep. Kaptur, the U.S. Mint will begin offering $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and half dollar clad coins bearing designs that are emblematic of the the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II, starting on Feb. 29.
U.S. Mint images and design descriptions of the commemorative coins follow.
$5 Gold Coin Image
Obverse Designer: Heidi Wastweet
Obverse 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."
Reverse Designer: Ben Sowards
Reverse 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 Image
Obverse Designer: Beth Zaiken
Obverse 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."
Reverse Designer: Ben Sowards
Reverse 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 Image
Obverse Designer: Elana Hagler
Obverse 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."
Reverse Designer: Matt Swaim
Reverse 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."
Coin Sales Will Include Surcharges
Each coin’s purchase price will include a surcharge that will be directed to the non-profit Friends of the National World War II Memorial. This funding will support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, as well as for educational and commemorative programs.
For more information about the U.S. Mint’s Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program, visit catalog.usmint.gov/greatest-generation-commemorative-coin/.
