The United States Mint unveiled more than sixty potential designs for commemorative coins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps in 2025 as per Public Law No: 118-10. The coins, which include $5 gold coins, silver dollars, and clad half dollars, will be minted and sold by the U.S. Mint to mark this special anniversary.
Passionate Guidance from Marine Corps Liaisons
During the review process by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), Marine Corps liaisons, including Major General James W. Lukeman USMC (Ret) and Jennifer M. Vanderveld from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, provided valuable insight and recommendations. The final selection encompassed three unique designs for each coin’s obverse and a common design for all three coins.
Recommended Designs for Each Coin
For the $5 gold coin, the recommended obverse design featured a color guard with a woman Marine, while the reverse design depicted the Marine Corps Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblem. Similarly, the silver dollar showcased the flag raising at Iwo Jima on the obverse and the Marine Corps emblem on the reverse. The half dollar design displayed a modern Marine blended with a Continental Marine on the obverse and featured the Marine Corps emblem on the reverse.
Unique Pairings and Historical Significance
It is worth noting that these designs bear a resemblance to past Marine Corps commemorative coins, such as the Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar, highlighting the historical significance and continuity of the Marine Corps heritage.
Collector Qualities and Surcharge Information
The U.S. Mint plans to produce these commemorative coins in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated, resulting in six unique coins overall. The sales prices will include surcharges of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver dollar, and $5 per half-dollar. Any profits generated from the sale of these coins will go to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation to support the mission of the Marine Corps Heritage Center.
Insight into the Commemorative Coins
The intricate detail and thought put into the selection of designs highlight the significance of commemorating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps. These commemorative coins not only pay homage to the Marine Corps but also serve as a way to support the Foundation’s mission and preserve the rich history and traditions of the Marine Corps.