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U.S. Mint
The US Mint 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
Press Release 11/28/17 - Coin Strike
NOV 28, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
UNITED STATES MINT HOSTS CEREMONIAL STRIKE OF NEW 2018 WORLD WAR I CENTENNIAL SILVER DOLLAR
Congressionally-authorized Coin Honors America's Veterans of World War I
PHILADELPHIA, PA: Today, the United States Mint hosted a ceremonial strike of the 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar honoring the 100th anniversary of American participation in World War I.
The World War I Centennial Silver Dollar was authorized by statute in 2014 with bipartisan Congressional support. Three of the sponsors of the legislation, U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri), U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Missouri), and U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) personally attended the strike event. A fourth sponsor of the coin legislation, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri), was unable to attend.
An exceptional group of distinguished guests joined the elected officials for the event. They included:
- - Colonel Gerald York, (U.S. Army-Retired) the grandson of famous World War I hero, Sergeant Alvin York
- -Mr. Rod Gillis, Education Director at the American Numismatic Association Money Museum in Colorado Spring, CO
- -Chief Dennis O’Connor, United States Mint Police
- -Mr. Michael Flynn, Vice President of Interpretation and Visitor Experience, Independence Seaport/Cruiser Olympia Museum. The USS Olympia is a World War I-era warship, and famously brought the remains of World War I's Unknown Soldier back from France, to Washington DC, in 1921.
- -Leroy Transfield, designer of the new Commemorative Coin.
- - Terry Hamby, Chair of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, a Congressional Commission created to mark American service and sacrifice in the war.
- - Donald Everhart, recently retired United States Mint Lead Sculptor.
Senator Blunt was pleased by the significance of the landmark occasion. "Missouri is home to the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which is why I’m especially proud to see that history remembered on the World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin. Our nation is forever indebted to the millions of Americans who served our nation in WWI. I hope this tribute will encourage future generations to recognize their sacrifices and gain a better understanding of how the ‘war to end all wars’ has had lasting implications for the world we live in today.”
Congressman Cleaver, co-author of the 2014 WWI American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, and longtime supporter of the World War I commemoration efforts, said “[t]his is truly a remarkable bi-partisan effort, the creation of the WWI Commemorative Coin. Not only will we have a coin to hold and cherish, but it will also allow the WWI Centennial Commission to continue educating and reminding people of the great sacrifices made during WWI.”
Congressman Lamborn, himself a coin collector, stated "[t]he centennial coin is a powerful tribute to WWI veterans. Their service and valor are also finally being recognized with a national monument in Washington. I’m thankful this effort was made possible through a strong partnership with the Colorado Springs-based American Numismatic Association. It has been a joy to see this coin through the legislative process and now into reality.”
Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby expressed great support for the coin's mission. "World War I was the war that changed the world. Millions of families across our country were impacted by this war, and we all continue to be touched by it every day. This coin is a tangible way for those families, and for all people, to be a part of this special centennial period".
The obverse design of the new coin is titled “Soldier’s Charge” and depicts an almost stone-like soldier gripping a rifle. Barbed wire twines are featured in the lower right hand side of the design.
The wire design element continues onto the reverse of the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar in a design titled “Poppies in the Wire,” which features abstract poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Barbed wire was part of the trench warfare of World War I, and poppies are the symbolic flower of veteran remembrance, a tradition that began during the war.
The Secretary of the Treasury selected the winning coin design following an open design competition in 2016 judged by a six-member jury comprised of three members each from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, and chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury’s designee.
The World War I Centennial Silver Dollar will be produced in limited quantities, and will be available for purchase from the Mint beginning in January 2018.
Surcharges from the sale of these coins are authorized to be paid to the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars to assist the World War I Centennial Commission in commemorating the centenary of World War I. The Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, whose mission is public outreach and education about American involvement in the war. The Centennial Commission receives no taxpayer funding.
The Foundation supports the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, and expects to use these funds for the creation of the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC. The Memorial, which was authorized by Congress in 2014, will be located at Pershing Park, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 14th Street NW, a block from the White House.
The United States Mint at Philadelphia is the nation’s oldest and largest mint. It provides a wide array of coins and manufacturing services. The Philadelphia Mint produces coin and medal dies, circulating coins, numismatic products (including annual uncirculated coin sets), commemorative coins as authorized by Congress, and special medals.
The Philadelphia Mint employs the team of sculptor-engravers who are entrusted with creating designs and sculptural models for the production of all the Nation’s coins and medals.
In support of this coin program, the Mint has created special companion medal honoring each of the military branches active during the War. These medals will be available as part of five different World War I Silver Dollar and Medal Sets. Information on these coin and medal sets can be found here.
CONTACTS
Chris Isleib, Director of Public Affairs
U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
chris.isleib@worldwar1centennial.org
301 641 4060
Sharon McPike, Public Affairs Specialist
Office of Corporate Communications
United States Mint
Sharon.McPike@usmint.treas.gov
202 354-7228
About the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
About the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/about/the-foundation.html
About the U.S. Mint, and the U.S. Mint Philadelphia
https://www.usmint.gov/about/mint-tours-facilities/philadelphia
About the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
Sen. Roy Blunt
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/
Sen. Claire McCaskill
https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II
Rep. Doug Lamborn
World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 113–212)
https://www.congress.gov/113/plaws/publ212/PLAW-113publ212.pdf
About the new National World War I Memorial
Gerald York, grandson of WWI hero SGT Alvin York, holds the U.S. Mint's newly-minted 2018 WWI Centennial Silver Dollar. He is joined by (l to r) Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-Missouri), Daniel Basta, U.S. Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars, Congressman Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado), U.S. WWI Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby and Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri). The new commemorative coin was authorized by Congress, through bipartisan legislation. The coin, available to the public in January 2018 via www.usmint.gov, honors America's WWI veterans during the centennial period of the war, and a surcharge will support work of the Foundation. The new coin will be available to the public in January 2018 via www.usmint.gov
Press Release 9/9/17 - Silver Coin
October 9th, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
US MINT UNVEILS DESIGN FOR NEW WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE COIN
Congressionally-authorized Coin Honors America's Veterans of World War I
WASHINGTON DC: Today, the U.S. Mint officially unveiled their new collectible commemorative coin that marks the 100th anniversary of American participation in World War I.
The unveiling was hosted by the Acting Secretary of the U.S. Army, Ryan McCarthy, and took place at the National Meeting of the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA), in Washington DC.
At his side, representing the U.S. Mint, was Mr. T.V. Johnson, the Mint's Director of Corporate Communication, along with Mr. Terry Hamby, the Chair of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission.
"This is a great day for the Army, and for the services, McCarthy said. "This coin honors all of the 4.7 million American men and women from the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, the Air Services, and from the Army, who stepped forward to serve 100 years ago".
The obverse design of the new coin is titled “Soldier’s Charge,” and depicts an almost stone-like soldier gripping a rifle. Barbed wire twines are featured in the lower right hand side of the design.
The wire design element continues onto the reverse of the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar in a design titled “Poppies in the Wire,” which features abstract poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Barbed wire was part of the trench warfare of World War I, and poppies are the symbolic flower of veteran remembrance, a tradition that began during the war.
This new collectible coin was authorized by statute in 2014, via bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado) in the House, and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Missouri) and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Missouri) in the Senate.
Rep. Cleaver expressed support for the design. "No war should be forgotten, and no veteran should be forgotten. This new coin will help us to remember the stories, and the lessons, from the people who served in that war. It will help to preserve their legacy".
The Secretary of the Treasury selected the winning coin design after the Mint held an open design competition in 2016 judged by a six-member panel comprised of three members each from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, and chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury’s designee.
The coin will benefit the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. The Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, whose mission is public outreach and education about American involvement in the war.
Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby was honored by the coin project. "World War I was the war that changed the world. Millions of families across our country were impacted by this war, and we all continue to be touched by it every day. This coin is a tangible way for those families, and for all people, to be a part of this special centennial period".
The coin will be produced in limited quantities, and will be available for purchase from the U.S. Mint in January of 2018.
Surcharges of $10 per coin sold are authorized to be paid to the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars to assist the World War I Centennial Commission in commemorating the centenary of World War I.
The foundation supports the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, and will use these funds for the creation of the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC. The Memorial, which was authorized by Congress in 2014, will be located at Pershing Park, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 14th Street NW, a block from the White House.
The AUSA's 2017 Annual Meeting and Exposition takes place 9-11 October.
About the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission
www.ww1cc.org
ww1cc.org/Coin
About the Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars
http://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/about/the-foundation.html
About the U.S. Mint
www.usmint.gov
Acting Secretary Ryan McCarthy
https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography-View/Article/1267101/ryan-d-mccarthy/
Rep. Emanuel Cleaver
https://cleaver.house.gov
Rep. Doug Lamborn
https://lamborn.house.gov
Sen. Roy Blunt
https://www.blunt.senate.gov/public/
Sen. Claire McCaskill
https://www.mccaskill.senate.gov
About the Association of the U.S. Army
www.ausa.org
About the new National World War I Memorial
www.ww1cc.org/Memorial
WWI Press Resource photos
FAQs
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The Secretary of the Treasury selected the winning coin design after the Mint held an open design competition in 2016 judged by a six-member panel comprised of three members each from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, and chaired by the Secretary of the Treasury’s designee.
{slider title="When will be coin be available for purchase?" class="icon"}
The coin will be produced in limited quantities, and will be available for purchase from the U.S. Mint in January of 2018.
{slider title="How much will the coin cost and how do I order them?" class="icon"}
The coin will be priced similarly to other 1-ounce silver commemorative coins available from the US Mint at: https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/silver-coins/
{slider title="What is the World War One Centennial Commission's connection to this project?" class="icon"}
The coin will benefit the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. The Centennial Commission is a Congressional Commission, whose mission is public outreach and education about American involvement in the war.
Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby was honored by the coin project. "World War I was the war that changed the world. Millions of families across our country were impacted by this war, and we all continue to be touched by it every day. This coin is a tangible way for those families, and for all people, to be a part of this special centennial period".
Surcharges of $10 per coin sold are authorized to be paid to the United States Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars to assist the World War I Centennial Commission in commemorating the centenary of World War I.
The foundation supports the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission, and will use these funds for the creation of the new National World War I Memorial in Washington DC. The Memorial, which was authorized by Congress in 2014, will be located at Pershing Park, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW and 14th Street NW, a block from the White House.
{/sliders}
Remarks
R. McCarthy, US Army
Remarks by the Honorable Ryan D. McCarthy
Acting Secretary of the United States Army
Good afternoon:
Before I get started, a special thank you to Terry Hamby (HAM BEE) and Chris Isleib (EYES LIB), the U.S. Mint and WWI Centennial Commission representatives for helping make this happen today.
This is a great day, because it is an opportunity for us to remember the 4.7 million American men & women who served, one hundred years ago, as soldiers, and as sailors, as marines, as airmen, and as coast guardsmen, during World War I.
The soldiers that served one hundred years ago represented the birth of the modern United States Army we serve today.
The First Army, the Second Army, the Third Army, the I Corps -- as well as Division after Division, to include such legends as the 33rd “Prairie” Division, from my own home state of Illinois, the “Yankee” Division, the “Rainbow” Division, the All-Americans of the 82nd, our 101st, the list goes on and on.
All came into being as our nation’s direct response to the worldwide threats of World War I. Those soldiers performed their difficult mission, and they left a legacy that touches us all every day, today.
You can find more information on the U.S. Army role in World War I at the Center for Military History’s special webpage, found at www.history.army.mil
No war should be forgotten, and no military member's service should be forgotten.
The lessons of their service needs to be honored, and to be learned from. Their service, their inspiring legacy, is our nation’s heritage. It is our gift to future generations of Americans.
To that end, I would like to extend our genuine thanks to the U.S. Congress for authorizing this commemorate our soldiers, and their comrades.
Thank you, also, to the U.S. Mint for developing and producing this special coin.
And finally, thank you to the U.S. WWI Centennial Commission for creating this program, along with their other programs to teach people about what those 4.7 million American veterans did, why it mattered, and why it still matters today.
Army Strong!
BIO
Ryan D. McCarthy was designated as the acting secretary of the U.S. Army, Aug. 02, 2017. He has statutory responsibilities that include 1.4 million Soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians, Reserve affairs, installations, environmental issues, weapons systems and equipment acquisition, communication and financial management, while taking care of Army Families and Soldiers for Life.
McCarthy was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate and appointed as the 33rd under secretary of the Army, Aug. 1, 2017. The under secretary of the Army is the secretary of the Army's senior civilian assistant and principal adviser on matters relating to the management and operation of the Army, which includes development and integration of Army programs and budget. He is responsible for the effective and efficient organization of the Army's operations and initiatives for the business transformation of the Army.
Prior to his confirmation, McCarthy worked for Lockheed Martin Corporation in sequential vice president roles responsible for the sustainment, customer solutions and program integration of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program and the company's global security policy.
McCarthy previously served as the special assistant to the 22nd Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, under Presidents Bush and Obama, where he advised as the secretary's representative to the White House, Congress, National Security Agencies and other Foreign Governments. He also served as the special assistant to the under secretary of defense for Acquisition Technology and Logistics and was responsible for policy development and coordination with the joint staff and uniformed services acquisition leaders on procurement and supply chain management policies.He also served as a professional staff member in the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on International Relations.
McCarthy proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1997 to 2002 and was involved in combat operations in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 75th Ranger Regiment, U.S. Special Operations Command.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Virginia Military Institute and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business.
McCarthy and his wife have been married for over 10 years and have one daughter.
T.V. Johnson, US Mint
Remarks by T.V. Jonhson
Chief of Corporate Communications
United States Mint
Good Afternoon
Our team at the United States Mint is proud to have the privilege of crafting the coin that will commemorate and honor the contributions and the history made by American men and women—of all walks of life—who bravely stepped forward one-hundred years ago to defend the interests of the nation and those of her allies.
It was billed as “THE WAR TO END ALL WARS,” and they came from every corner of our country to answer the call to arms to meet a global security threat head-on. They came from farmers’ fields, bustling cities and one-horse towns around the USA—they were among the best of their generation. They readily shouldered the burden of making the world safe for democracy and many must have felt certain that by serving, they would spare future generations the horrors of war. Whatever their motivation, these warriors and their fighting spirit represented the best of American intentions.
President Woodrow Wilson clearly articulated our nation’s noble rationale in this excerpt from his famed Fourteen Points address, which he delivered before Congress on January 8, 1918
“We entered this war because violations of right had occurred which touched us to the quick and made the life of our own people impossible unless they were corrected and the world secured once for all against their recurrence.
What we demand in this war, therefore, is nothing peculiar to ourselves. It is that the world be made fit and safe to live in; and particularly that it be made safe for every peace-loving nation which, like our own, wishes to live its own life, determine its own institutions, be assured of justice and fair dealing by the other peoples of the world…”
Sadly, we as human beings have not lived up to Wilson’s post- World War I vision. We have not developed a solution to end war. Just as there was one-hundred years ago, there is a need for tough American men AND women who will run to the sound of the guns in order to defend our freedoms and our way of life. I have a deep appreciation and a high regard for all who have worn the cloth of our nation. Thank you to all who have served.
The World War I Centennial Coin celebrates and honors the Soldiers, Sailors, Marines and Coastguardsmen who fought the Great War. The authorizing legislation for this coin program called for a public design competition, and many talented artists submitted incredible artwork. The Mint offers hearty congratulations and thank you to the winning artist, Mr. Leroy Transfield for his design emblematic of America’s involvement in World War I.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you the designs for the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar.
(Unveiling of the first design)
The obverse of the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar, titled “Soldier’s Charge,” depicts an almost stone-like soldier gripping a rifle. Barbed wire twines in the lower right hand side of the design. Inscriptions include “LIBERTY,” “1918”, “2018,” and IN GOD WE TRUST.”
(Unveiling of the second design)
The reverse of the WWI Centennial Silver Dollar, titled ”Poppies in the Wire,” features abstract poppies mixed in with barbed wire. Inscriptions include “ONE DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” AND “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.”
Thank you!
Bio
T.V. Johnson joined the United States Mint as its Chief of Corporate Communications in January of 2017. He is based at the Mint’s headquarters in Washington, DC.
Prior to joining the Mint, T. V. worked for Pentagon Federal Credit Union. He became the firm’s Vice President of Corporate Communications immediately after retiring from the U. S. Marine Corps in 2014.
T.V.’s Marine Corps career spanned 29 years. He enlisted in 1985 and ultimately attained the rank of Colonel. During his service, he was a cannon crewman, an air traffic controller and a public affairs officer. Key public affairs assignments include directing the Motion Picture/Television Liaison Office in Los Angeles, directing public affairs operations at two large Marine Corps installations in Southern California and serving as the public affairs officer and chief spokesman for the Commandant of the Marine Corps. His final military assignment was that of Chief Diversity Officer for the Marine Corps.
T.V. holds a B. A. degree in communication from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College.
T.V. is married to the former Catherine Sarah Elisabeth von Eichhorn of San Diego, California. They reside in Alexandria, Virginia and have one daughter—Alannah, who attends Edison High School.
T. Hamby, US WW1CC
Remarks by Commissioner Terry Hamby
Chair
U.S. World War One Centennial Commission
Thank you, Secretary McCarthy, Director Johnson.
Thanks to the elected officials who made this idea a reality, Representative Cleaver, Representative Lamborn, Senator McCaskell, and Senator Blount. Also a thank you to Representative Poe, who has been an overwatching supporter for our organization since its creation.
And of course, thanks for being here today to help us tell the story of this coin, and of the American men and women that this special coin honors.
Why is the story of this coin important?
World War I was the war that changed the world. As mentioned earlier, was an endless cataclysm. Shifted borders, destroyed empires, and created diplomatic challenges that touch us every day. It gave us technology that would lead to that cell phone in your pocket, that car that took you to work today, the airplanes over our heads every day, the medicines that save our lives. And the role that our country plays among the other nations of the world, every day.
On a personal scale, World War I was the horrible war that took my great uncle away from my family, one hundred years ago. It took away my grandfather's hearing. It demanded a commitment to responsibility, a challenge of sacrifice that inspired my father to serve in the next world war, me to serve in my time, and my son to serve in our current military.
From World War I, you can find literally millions of personal stories just like ours. One for each of the 4.7 million men and women who put their lives on hold, who bravely ignored the grave risks, and stepped forward, in the uniform, to help out.
Ultimately, the war gave us lessons that are ours, to study, be inspired by, and to learn from. All of our families were touched by World War I. This story is the story of all of us.
That is why this coin is important. This coin is a symbol. It represents a tangible symbol of the part our families played in this war. It is a token. It offers a way for people to touch that era. A way for people to join into this centennial. To partner with those who are ringing the bell of remembrance for those veterans of 100 years ago.
This coin is a way to support those who are building a place in the nation's capital, to tell the story. Our Centennial Commission is building that special place here, and a portion of our proceeds from this coin will create that place for those men and women, whose efforts still touch us every day.
Thank you!
Bio
Terry Hamby is a Viet Nam veteran, serving in the Naval Air Wing during the conflict. After discharge he joined the US Army Reserves, retiring with 26 years of service in 1993. Mr. Hamby is part of a family filled with a tradition of military service with his Great Grandfather serving in the Civil War Union Army, his Grandfather was in the Army during WWI, his father served in the Army Pacific Theater during WWII, and his son served in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War. As a result, Mr. Hamby has dedicated his life to serving and honoring our U.S. military and is a Life Member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
Mr. Hamby has over 45 years of experience providing Base Operations and Support Services and Construction for the Department of Defense, both as a civil servant and later as a contractor. He was the founder and CEO of BMAR & Associates, Inc., which provided services to the Department of Defense in CONUS and OCONUS to include the Far East, Middle East, Africa, Europe and Central America.
As a native Kentuckian, Mr. Hamby has been actively involved in Community Military Affairs for over 25 years. He was awarded the Department of Army Commanders Award for Public Service for his work with the Association of the United States Army, Ft. Campbell and Citizens for Ft. Campbell Group. The mission of this group is working to improve the Quality of Life for the Soldiers and Families of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), Ft. Campbell and the US Army. He was also recognized by the Commander as an honorary member of the 101st Airborne Division, (Air Assault).
Mr. Hamby is keenly interesting in the memorialization of significant events in history so our citizens are aware of the accomplishments of our service members and never forget their sacrifices that shaped and protected this great experiment of Democracy!
He was appointed to the Commission by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. He was elected Chair on September 13, 2017.
Image Resources
Obverse Design
Reverse Design
WWI Press Resource Photos
Click on the picture to link to the downloadable images
Press Release 10/10/17 - Silver Medals
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United States Mint Announces Designs for World War I Centennial Silver Medals
WASHINGTON D.C. 10/10/17 – The United States Mint today revealed the obverse (heads) and reverse (tails) designs for five silver medals that will be issued in conjunction with the 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar. Each medal, composed of 90 percent silver, pays homage to branches of the U.S. Armed Forces that were active in World War I. Design descriptions and the respective minting facilities are below.
World War I Centennial Army Medal - West Point Mint
The Army medal design depicts a soldier cutting through German barbed wire, while a second soldier aims a rifle amid a shattered landscape of broken trees and cratered earth. A shell explodes in the distance. The medal’s reverse design features the United States Army emblem, which was also in use during World War I, with the inscriptions “OVER THERE!,” “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” and “UNITED STATES ARMY.”
The obverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Emily Damstra and sculpted by now retired United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, who also designed and sculpted the reverse.
World War I Centennial Marine Corps Medal – San Francisco Mint
The Marine Corps medal’s obverse design depicts the aftermath of the Battle of Belleau Wood. One Marine stands guard as the other kneels to pay respect to the fallen. The inscription quotes a report to the American Expeditionary Force: “WOODS NOW U.S. MARINE CORPS ENTIRELY.” The medal’s reverse design features the World War I-era version of the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” “OVER THERE!,” and “BATTLE OF BELLEAU WOOD.”
The obverse was designed by AIP Designer Chris Costello and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso. The reverse was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
World War I Centennial Navy Medal – Philadelphia Mint
The obverse design of the Navy medal depicts a U.S. Navy destroyer on escort duty after deploying a depth charge in defense of a convoy. Above the destroyer, kite balloons provide Navy personnel a platform to spot submarines and other dangers. The inscription "OVER THERE!" appears at the bottom of the design. The medal’s reverse design features an Officer’s Cap Device* used in World War I. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES NAVY,” “2018,” and “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I.” (*Note: An official, uniform seal of the United States Navy had not been adopted at the time of World War I.)
The obverse was designed by Chris Costello and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso, while the reverse was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon.
World War I Centennial Air Service Medal – Denver Mint
The obverse of the Air Service medal design depicts the iconic SPAD XIII, a World War I fighter flown by many Americans and valued for its speed, strength, and firepower, viewed from the top and side. The inscription "SPAD XIII" identifies the aircraft. The medal’s reverse design features the Military Aviator Insignia with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” “OVER THERE!,” “AIR SERVICE,” and “AMERICAN EXPEDITIONARY FORCES.”
This obverse was designed by AIP Designer Ronald D. Sanders and sculpted by Joseph Menna, who also designed and sculpted the reverse.
World War I Centennial Coast Guard Medal – Philadelphia Mint
The obverse of the Coast Guard medal depicts a lifeboat from the Coast Guard Cutter USCGC Seneca heading out in heavy seas toward the torpedoed steamship Wellington. The reverse design features the World War I-era Coast Guard emblem, with the inscriptions “CENTENNIAL OF WORLD WAR I,” “2018,” and “OVER THERE!”
Both the obverse and reverse of the Coast Guard medal were designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
Each silver medal will be paired with a World War I Centennial Silver Dollar and offered as a special set. These medals will not be available individually. Additional information about these sets will be available prior to their release in 2018.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver and gold bullion coins. Its numismatic programs are self-sustaining and operate at no cost to taxpayers. The Mint is celebrating its 225th anniversary in 2017 (#USMint225).