Resources Covering World War II History
Monthly Mint Trivia: During World War II, copper was needed for the war effort. Pennies were made out of what metal in 1943?
The Greatest Generation
In honor of Memorial Day, the Mint shares resources connected to the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. The coins honor the National World War II Memorial in Washington, DC, dedicated to the sacrifice of the American people during World War II. The groups represented on the memorial include the 16 million who served in the armed forces; the more than 400,000 who died; and all who supported the war effort from home by joining the workforce. Read on for how you can bring these stories to your students this month.
- Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Coloring Pages
- Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program (U.S. Mint)
- Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program High-Resolution Coin Images (U.S. Mint)
- Virtual Tour of the World War II Memorial (YouTube)
- World War II Memorial (National Parks Service)
- Teaching with Historic Places (National Parks Service)
- General World War II Resources (National Parks Service)
- Veteran’s Stories: Struggles for Participation (Library of Congress)
- Japanese American Internment (Library of Congress)
- Research Guides (Library of Congress)
- World War II Teaching Resources (National Archives)
- Department of Veteran’s Affairs World War II Unit Plan, Grades 3-5 (PDF)
- Japan Surrenders News Reel (American Battle Monuments Commission)
- Commemorating the 76th Anniversary of the End of World War II (Department of Defense)
- Tracing World War II (National Archives YouTube)
- The Battle of Midway, 1942 (National Archives YouTube)
- World War II Films (National Archives YouTube)
Want more ideas? Reach out to education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov for recommendations on lesson plans and activities for your students.
Coin of the Month: 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Silver Dollar
The Mint will strike $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins as part of the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. The designs are emblematic of the National World War II Memorial and the service and sacrifice of American soldiers and civilians during World War II. The obverse (heads) of the $1 silver coin features six figures working together to support the Earth, illustrating the cooperation of each of the military, as well as the Merchant Marine during World War II.
The reverse (tails) of the coin 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 centered on the Pacific Ocean.
Play Coin Drop Game
Download Coins For You
Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter
Watch artist John McGraw describe his work on the Patsy Takemoto Mink Quarter.
We Want to Hear from You!
Are you interested in incorporating coins into your classroom next year, but aren’t sure where to start? Let us help you! The U.S. Mint offers K-6 lesson plans, online educational games, videos, online quizzes, a free Coin Coloring Book, and other resources. Reach out to us at education.outreach@usmint.treas.gov to request resources that fit your education needs.