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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just a thought here, but wouldn’t it have been a better business plan to release these coins while most of the ‘greatest generation’ folk were alive?
“better business plan” and “functional government” are not necessarily shared commonalities these days 🙂
Plenty of their children and grandchildren remain.
Yeah, but these days they just tattoo images on their skin, no need for a coin.
the best plan would be to have not made these at all in the first place – commemorating an entire generation is a bit too broad.
yes perhaps 20 years ago they would have gotten more buyers, not just because there were more of that generation still alive (and spending $$$), but due to the fact that more recent generations are simply not interested in buying (non-crypto) coins.
now maybe if they had a commemorative coin for instagram, twitter (er, x), facebook, etc, that might get a lot more younger buyers.
Sadly true. Perhaps if they made boomer coins, they’d hit the sweet spot.
I hope I’m still alive when the Gen X commemoratives come out.
Live long and prosper, my friend.
c_q,
Good suggestion in your last paragraph for sure c_q. Or maybe a coin commemorating cell phones/mobile phones/smart phones!
NumisdudeTX
These look awesome! No complaints here!
I was in the “waiting room” for a couple of minutes. Ultimately, little muss & no fuss. Just like I prefer ALL of my purchases from the Mint to go.
No Thanks >>>>>U S Mint>>> Bye Bye!!!! Keep Running “FORREST”>>>>>>>>
I like the designs overall. The gold coin is sort of lame. Normally I would purchase these coins but the commemorative coins secondary market shows no love to commemorative coins. Thus I may pick some in a few years when the buzz wears off.
Even though I’m primarily a collector of precious metal proofs, I still think I like the half-dollar design the most. The dollar is too busy and the gold is as you described – “sort of lame.”
The 50c is the best design. Gold is meh and for $3,000 an Oz.I gotta pass. Maybe the HT gold BU another low mintage wonder <1000???
The dollar is way too BUSY so much
Absolutely. The computer renders look bad, I can only imagine how convoluted a pressed coin will look.
But that 50c Liberty is amazing. Reminds me of Sigourney Weaver in Aliens.
Lady Liberty is about to kick ass.
Are people really spending $47 (plus shipping, of course) for a clad half dollar coin? Maybe there are more folks that have trouble with math than we know, $50 for .50c…no thanks.