By Sharon McPike
December 15, 2023
The United States Mint hosted representatives from the Friends of the WWII Memorial to ceremoniously strike coins for the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program. Public Law 117-162 authorizes the U.S. Mint to issue $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half dollar clad coins emblematic of the National World War II Memorial. A ceremony was held at the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia on December 13, 2023 featuring speakers from the Mint, Friends of the World War II Memorial, and the National Park Service. Honored guests included Gold Star families, a World War II veteran, and one of the original Rosie the Riveters.
The gold obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Heidi Wastweet and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Eric Custer, depicts the Wall of Stars at the World War II Memorial with an olive branch. Designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Ben Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joe Menna, the gold reverse depicts a folded flag.
The silver obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Beth Zaiken and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, features an allegorical tableau of figures supporting a globe. Each figure represents a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces during WWII (Air Force, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, and Marine Corps) plus a figure representing the critical work of the Merchant Marine. Designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Ben Sowards and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon, the silver reverse depicts a view from beneath a baldacchino, a sculptural canopy, inside a victory pavilion in the World War II Memorial featuring four eagles holding a laurel wreath. Inside the wreath is a globe centered on the Pacific Ocean.
The half dollar obverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Elana Hagler and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist Craig Campbell, features a reimagining of the figure of Liberation on the World War II Victory medal, awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during the War. Designed by Artistic Infusion Program Designer Matt Swaim and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Artist John McGraw, the half dollar reverse depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers.
“Together, the Greatest Generation commemorative coin collection and the National World War II Memorial landmark, will inspire future Americans and deepen their appreciation of the World War II generation’s accomplishments,” said Deputy Director Kristie McNally. “We must never take our freedom and democracy for granted. These coins will forever serve as relics and reminders of their sacrifices.”
Surcharges from the sale of these coins are authorized to be awarded to the Friends of the National World War II Memorial to support the National Park Service in maintaining and repairing the National World War II Memorial, and for educational and commemorative programs.
The on-sale date for products in the 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Program will be February 29, 2024. When available, the Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/.
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