Pre-Ordering Begins for 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins

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Debuting today from the United States Mint are six coins issued as part of the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. Additionally, a special three-coin proof set is part of the release, all becoming available for pre-order beginning at Noon ET.

2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins - gold, silver and clad
Images of the proof versions of the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins

The commemorative program honors the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II, as outlined in Public Law 117-162, the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act.

Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Designs

This release includes both proof and uncirculated $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and clad half-dollars. Each denomination depicts distinct imagery recognizing the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians of the era.

"These coins honor the unwavering commitment, achievements, and sacrifices of all Americans who served during World War II," said U.S. Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson. "For millions of Americans, the National World War II Memorial provides a rare glimpse into the past — a physical reminder showcasing the service and dedication of American soldiers and civilians during World War II."

The design candidates for the coins were first unveiled by the U.S. Mint earlier last year, with the final designs unveiled in September.

The obverse (heads side) design of the $5 gold coins depict a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial, accompanied by an Olive Branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, while the Olive Branch symbolizes the peace that followed due to their sacrifice. The inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "2024," and "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL." This obverse design was created by Heidi Wastweet, with Eric David Custer sculpting.

2024-W Proof Greatest Generation $5 Gold Coin
2024-W Proof Greatest Generation $5 Gold Coin

Appearing on the reverse (tails side) of the $5 coins is a design by Ben Sowards, with sculpting by Joseph Menna. This design showcases a folded American flag, reminiscent of the flag 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 obverse imagery 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 include "1941-1945," "WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL," "DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM," "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and "2024." This design was created by Beth Zaiken, with Phebe Hemphill responsible for sculpting.

2024-P Proof Greatest Generation Silver Dollar
2024-P Proof Greatest Generation Silver Dollar

Reverses of the silver dollars show 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 rests a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean. The inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," "VICTORY," "IN THE AIR," "AT SEA," "ON LAND," "WWII MEMORIAL," and "ONE DOLLAR." This design was created by Ben Sowards, with Renata Gordon sculpting.

Obverses of the half-dollar feature a recreation of the Victory Medal, which 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 conclusion of the war. Inscriptions include "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "WORLD WAR II," "2024," and "WE ANSWERED THE CALL." This design was created by Elana Hagler, with Craig A. Campbell responsible for its execution.

2024-S Proof Greatest Generation Half Dollar
2024-S Proof Greatest Generation Half Dollar

Reverses of the half-dollar depict the World War II Memorial from the perspective of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers. Inscriptions include "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "E PLURIBUS UNUM," and "HALF DOLLAR." Matt Swaim is credited as the artist, with John P. McGraw responsible for sculpting.

Specifications of Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins

These commemorative coins are being produced at the U.S. Mint facilities in West Point, Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco, each with the following specifications:

  $5 Gold Silver Dollar 50c
Finish Proof and Uncirculated Proof and Uncirculated Proof and Uncirculated
Mintage Maximums 50,000 400,000 750,000
Composition 90% Gold,
6% Silver,
Balance Copper
99.9% Silver 8.33% Nickel,
Balance Copper
Weight 8.359 Grams 26.73 Grams 11.34 Grams
Diameter 0.850 Inches 1.500 Inches 1.205 Inches
Edge Reeded Reeded Reeded
Mint and Mint Mark West Point – W Philadelphia – P San Francisco – S (Proof)
Denver – D (Uncirculated)

 

The three-coin proof set has a maximum product limit of just 5,000 units.

Pricing

Introductory pricing of the products is shown below along with initial household order limits:

  • Greatest Generation Three-Coin Proof Set: $836.25, with an initial household order limit of 1
  • Greatest Generation $5 Gold Proof Coin: $718, with an initial household order limit of 1
  • Greatest Generation $5 Gold Uncirculated Coin: $708, with an initial household order limit of 1
  • Greatest Generation Proof Silver Dollar: $82, with no initial household order limit
  • Greatest Generation Uncirculated Silver Dollar: $77, with no initial household order limit
  • Greatest Generation Proof Half-Dollar: $49, with no initial household order limit
  • Greatest Generation Uncirculated Half-Dollar: $47, with no initial household order limit

The introductory pricing for the individual coins will end on March 29, 2024 at 3:00 PM (ET). After thirty days, each of these prices will go up by $5. The three-coin set has no introductory pricing attached to it.

Prices for gold products can change weekly based on market conditions and are determined by the Mint’s pricing matrix for gold coins.

Terms of the authorizing Act require surcharges on the sale of each coin with proceeds (after associated costs) to be forwarded to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the World War II Memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.

Ordering

2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins may be pre-ordered directly from the United States Mint from their online store of commemoratives.

The expected ship date for all Greatest Generation products is April 5, 2024.

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