26 October 2023
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The United States Mint recently unveiled the designs for its 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program at a ceremony held at the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC.
Emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II, the designs will feature on a $5 gold coin, a $1 silver coin and a half dollar clad coin. The price of each coin will include a surcharge payable to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the memorial, and for educational and commemorative programmes.
United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designers created all the designs, which were sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artists.
The obverse design on the half dollar clad coin reimagines the Victory Medal that 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, symbolising the war’s conclusion The reverse design depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers.
The design of the $1 silver coin 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 reverse features 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 is a globe centred on the Pacific Ocean.
The design on the obverse of the $5 gold coin features a section of the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an olive branch. Each star on the wall represents 100 Americans who lost their lives in the war, and the Olive Branch represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice. The reverse design shows a folded American flag, such as one that would be presented at the funeral of a fallen service member.
