WASHINGTON — The United States Mint today announced its six designs for the 5–Star Generals Commemorative Coin Program. The designs will be on display October 22–24 at the Association of the United States Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Visitors may view the designs at the United States Army Command and General Staff College (CGSC) Foundation’s booth #1653.
The bureau will strike and issue up to 100,000 $5 gold, 500,000 $1 silver and 750,000 half–dollar clad coins – authorized by the 5–Star Generals Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111–262) – in recognition of United States Army 5–star Generals Douglas MacArthur, George C. Marshall, Henry “Hap” Arnold, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar N. Bradley. The coins’ release coincides with the celebration of the 132nd anniversary of the founding of the CGSC. The honored generals either attended or taught at CGSC.
THE DESIGNS
$5 Gold Coin
The obverse (heads side) design features a portrait of General Douglas MacArthur with the 5–star insignia on the right side of the design. Inscriptions are IN GOD WE TRUST, DOUGLAS MACARTHUR, 2013 and LIBERTY. United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Associate Designer Ronald D. Sanders designed the obverse, and United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Michael Gaudiso will execute the design. The reverse (tails side) design features the Leavenworth Lamp, the symbol of the CGSC. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, FIVE DOLLARS and FORT LEAVENWORTH. AIP Master Designer Barbara Fox designed the reverse, and United States Mint Sculptor–Engraver Joseph Menna will execute the design.
$1 Silver Coin
The obverse design features Generals George C. Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower against a striped background with the 5–star insignia above their heads. Inscriptions are GEORGE C. MARSHALL, DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, IN GOD WE TRUST, 2013 and LIBERTY. AIP Master Designer Richard Masters designed the obverse, and Menna will execute the design. The coin’s reverse design features the Leavenworth Lamp with the heraldic crest of Fort Leavenworth on its side. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, E PLURIBUS UNUM, U.S. ARMY COMMAND AND GENERAL STAFF COLLEGE and FORT LEAVENWORTH. Fox designed the reverse, and Menna will execute the design.
Half–Dollar Clad Coin
The obverse design features the portraits of Generals Henry “Hap” Arnold and Omar N. Bradley with the 5–star insignia above their heads. Inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, HENRY “HAP” ARNOLD, OMAR N. BRADLEY and 2013. Sculptor–Engraver Phebe Hemphill designed, and will execute, the obverse. The reverse design features the heraldic crest of Fort Leavenworth. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM and HALF DOLLAR. Hemphill also designed, and will execute, the reverse.
All coins will be available in proof and uncirculated qualities. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced within the authorized mintage limits. Surcharges collected from coins sales – $35 for each gold coin, $10 for each silver coin and $5 for each clad coin – are authorized to be paid to the CGSC Foundation to help finance its activities in support of the college. The United States Mint expects the coins to be available for purchase early in 2013.
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792. This year marks the bureau’s 220th anniversary. The United States Mint is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces numismatic products including proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.