During a ceremony today at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, representatives from the U.S. Mint, USMC, and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation unveiled the designs for the commemorative coins that will honor the United States Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, scheduled for release in 2025.
These designs feature various elements symbolizing the courage, dedication, tradition, and values of the Marines. The Marine Corps was founded on November 10, 1775, by a resolution from the Second Continental Congress.
"These coins are a testament to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of all Marines, ensuring that their stories will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come," stated Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, USMC (Ret), President and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
In accordance with Public Law No: 118-10, the U.S. Mint will produce and sell $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and clad half dollars as a part of the anniversary celebration. The coins will feature unique designs on their obverse (heads side), while all will share a common reverse (tails side) design depicting the Marine Corps’ official emblem: the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.
Earlier this year, a total of 63 design candidates, including 35 obverse and 28 reverse designs, were presented for review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). During the discussions, with guidance from Marine Corps liaisons – including Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s President and CEO Major General James W. Lukeman USMC (Ret) and COO Jennifer M. Vanderveld – the parties narrowed down their recommendation to four designs: three unique ones for the obverses of each coin and one common design to be shared across all three coins. These recommendations received the Secretary of the Treasury’s stamp of approval.
$5 Gold Coin Designs
For the gold coin, the obverse design depicts a Marine Corps color guard, paired with a reverse design depicting the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem. Most recently, this emblem was also featured on the reverses of the U.S. Mint’s Armed Forces Marine Corps Silver Medals (1oz and 2.5oz) and bronze medal.
Obverse Designer: Donna Weaver
Obverse Sculptor: John P. McGraw
Reverse Designer: Donna Weaver
Reverse Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell
Silver Dollar Designs
For the silver dollar, the obverse design depicts the flag raising at Iwo Jima. The reverse design features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the official emblem of the Marine Corps.
Obverse Designer: Ron Sanders
Obverse Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill
Reverse Designer: Donna Weaver
Reverse Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell
Half Dollar Designs
For the half dollar, the obverse design depicts a modern Marine in the foreground with a Continental Marine in the background. The reverse design features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the official emblem of the Marine Corps.
Obverse Designer: Emily Damstra
Obverse Sculptor: Eric David Custer
Reverse Designer: Donna Weaver
Reverse Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell
The U.S. Mint will strike the gold, silver, and clad commemorative coins in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated, totaling six unique coins. When the Mint offers them in 2025, the coin sales prices will include surcharges of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver dollar, and $5 per half-dollar. If the commemoratives generate a profit, the collected funds will be paid to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation and used exclusively to support the mission of the Marine Corps Heritage Center.
