In 2025, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps with a special commemorative coin program. This program will include three unique coins: a gold $5 coin, a silver dollar, and a copper-nickel clad half dollar. These coins will honor the history and sacrifice of the U.S. Marines. The designs were revealed on July 17, 2024, at the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Virginia. Let’s take a closer look at these coins and their designs.
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Overview of the 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Program, including the significance and details of the coins. |
| Gold $5 Coin Design | Description of the gold $5 coin, its design, and minting details. |
| Silver Dollar Design | Overview of the silver dollar coin, its design features, and minting details. |
| Copper-Nickel Clad Half Dollar | Explanation of the half dollar coin design, its symbolism, and minting process. |
| Coin Program Overview | Total production numbers and minting locations for the gold, silver, and half dollar coins. |
| Significance of the Coins | How the coins honor the 250 years of service and sacrifice by the U.S. Marines. |
| Conclusion | Summary of the commemorative coin program and its importance for collectors and the U.S. Marine Corps. |
Gold $5 Coin Design
The gold $5 coin is made from 90% gold, 6% silver, and 4% copper. It features a Marine Corps color guard on the obverse, symbolizing the service and dedication of Marines. The design includes the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1775, and 2025.
- Designer: Donna Weaver, a retired U.S. Mint sculptor-engraver, designed the obverse, while Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw sculpted it.
- Reverse: The reverse side features the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, the official emblem of the Marine Corps. It also includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, THE FEW, THE PROUD, and FIVE DOLLARS.
- Minting: The coin will be struck at the West Point Mint with the W Mint mark.
Silver Dollar Design
The silver dollar, which is .999 fine silver, will have a striking design inspired by the iconic flag raising at Iwo Jima during World War II. This powerful image on the obverse honors the bravery of the Marines.
- Designer: The obverse design was created by AIP designer Ron Sanders, and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill.
- Inscriptions: The obverse features the words LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, 1775, MARINES, and 2025.
- Reverse: The reverse of the silver dollar features the same Marine Corps emblem as the gold $5 coin, but with the denomination listed as ONE DOLLAR.
- Minting: The silver dollar will be struck at the Philadelphia Mint with the P Mint mark.
Copper-Nickel Clad Half Dollar Design
The copper-nickel clad half dollar showcases a design that contrasts a modern Marine with a Continental Marine from the past. This design symbolizes the 250 years of service and dedication by the U.S. Marine Corps.
- Designer: The obverse was designed by AIP designer Emily S. Damstra and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist David A. Custer.
- Inscriptions: The obverse includes the words 250 YEARS OF HONOR, COURAGE, AND COMMITMENT, 1775–2025, USMC, LIBERTY, and IN GOD WE TRUST.
- Reverse: The reverse is the same as the one used on the gold $5 and silver dollar coins, but the denomination is listed as HALF DOLLAR.
- Minting: The Proof half dollar will be struck at the San Francisco Mint (S Mint mark), while the Uncirculated version will be struck at the Denver Mint (D Mint mark).
Coin Program Overview
The U.S. Mint will strike a total of up to 50,000 gold $5 coins, 400,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 copper-nickel clad half dollars. These coins will be available in both Proof and Uncirculated finishes. The commemorative coin program is authorized under Public Law 118-10, and the coins will be released throughout 2025.
Significance of the Marine Corps Coins
The release of these coins is not just a way to mark a historical milestone but also a tribute to the Marines who have served over the last 250 years. Each design on these coins carries a significant message about the Marines’ dedication to honor, courage, and commitment. The U.S. Mint’s involvement in creating these coins provides a way for Americans to honor the men and women who have served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Conclusion
The 2025 U.S. Marine Corps commemorative coin program is a meaningful tribute to 250 years of service, with unique designs that highlight the bravery and sacrifice of the Marines. The gold, silver, and half-dollar coins offer collectors a way to preserve this important piece of history. Whether you’re a collector or a Marine Corps enthusiast, these coins are a symbol of national pride
FAQs
1. What is the 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Program?
The 2025 U.S. Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Program is a special set of coins created to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps. The program includes three coins: a gold $5 coin, a silver dollar, and a copper-nickel clad half dollar. These coins will be released in both Proof and Uncirculated finishes.
2. What designs are featured on the coins?
Gold $5 Coin: The obverse features a Marine Corps color guard, while the reverse showcases the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem of the Marine Corps.
3. How many coins will be minted?
Gold $5 Coins: Up to 50,000 will be minted.
Silver Dollars: Up to 400,000 will be minted.
Copper-Nickel Clad Half Dollars: Up to 750,000 will be minted.
4. Where will the coins be minted?
Gold $5 Coins: Struck at the West Point Mint (W Mint mark).
Silver Dollars: Struck at the Philadelphia Mint (P Mint mark).
5. When will these coins be available for purchase?
The coins will be released throughout 2025 as part of the U.S. Mint’s commemorative coin program. Dates will be announced on the U.S. Mint’s official website.