03 May 2019
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The centenary of the American Legion is to be marked with the release of commemorative coins from the US Mint.
During Military Appreciation Month, the United States Mint has released details of the special coins to honour the work of the American Legion.
Founded on 15 March 1919, the American Legion is the largest service organisation for war veterans in the US and its work includes organising commemorative events, giving support and assistance to war veterans and lobbying on behalf of its members and other service veterans.
The American Legion currently has around 2 million members.
American Legion coins
Collectors can choose from three different designs:
Silver dollar
The obverse (heads) design depicts The American Legion emblem adorned by oak leaves and a lily, commemorating the founding of The American Legion in Paris, France. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2019.”
The reverse (tails) design represents the founding of The American Legion in Paris, France in 1919. Above the crossed American and American Legion flags is a fleur de lis and the inscription “100 YEARS OF SERVICE.” Additional inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1919,” “2019,” “$1,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
$5 gold coin
Obverse: The obverse (heads) design commemorates the inception of The American Legion and its mission to serve America and its war veterans. The outer geometric rim design from The American Legion emblem, the Eiffel Tower, and V for victory represent the formation of the organization in Paris in 1919 at the end of World War I. Inscriptions are “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” “1919,” and “2019.”
The reverse (tails) design depicts a soaring eagle, a symbol of the United States during times of war and peace alike. The American Legion’s emblem is depicted above the eagle. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$5,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Clad half dollar
The obverse (heads) design, depicts two children standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the little girl proudly wearing her grandfather’s old American Legion hat. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2019,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG…”
The reverse (tails) design completes the phrase from the obverse “I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG….OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.” The design depicts an American Flag waving atop a high flagpole as seen from the children’s point-of-view from the ground below. The American Legion’s emblem is featured just above the flag. Additional inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
Order the coins from the US mint's website.
QUICK LINK: Centenary of repatriation coins
