WASHINGTON — Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Marshals Service Director Stacia Hylton, and United States Mint Deputy Director Richard A. Peterson unveiled the official designs today for the U.S. Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coins during a public event at the Department of Justice.
In his remarks, Deputy Director Peterson said, “Every day, across the Nation, the United States Mint connects Americans through coins, and in 2015 it will be our great privilege to connect America to the legacy of the U.S. Marshals Service and your distinguished service to our country since 1789.”
Designed by artists in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program, the three coins highlight the legacy of the Nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency and its 225 years of service, which will be officially celebrated Sept. 24.
“We are extremely proud that two of our own inspectors, Scott Sanders and Oscar Blythe, conceived this idea several years ago, working diligently with the help of several organizations to mark this special occasion,” stated Director Hylton. “The artists’ work depicts our rich history which is reflected in these designs. The coins represent the work of all the men and women behind the badge who have served our country throughout the decades, risking their lives to secure our judicial process and protect our communities and children from violent offenders.”
Organizations who are authorized to benefit from sales of the collectible coins are the U.S. Marshals Museum, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, and the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.
Authorized by Public Law 112–104, the United States Mint may mint and issue up to 100,000 $5 gold coins, 500,000 $1 silver coins, and 750,000 half–dollar clad coins.
The $5 gold coin memorializes fallen U.S. Marshals Service operational personnel. The obverse of the $5 gold coin features a current badge and the words “225 YEARS OF SACRIFICE.” The reverse depicts an eagle with a shield on its chest inscribed with “U.S. Marshal.”
The $1 silver coin honors the agency’s frontier history. The obverse features a historic badge and deputy U.S. Marshals on horseback. The reverse features a frontier U.S. Marshal holding a wanted poster that reads “Wanted in Fort Smith.” Fort Smith, Ark., is the future home of the U.S. Marshals Museum.
The half–dollar clad coin captures the diverse missions of the agency throughout the Nation’s history. The obverse features a present–day female deputy U.S. Marshal and an old west U.S. Marshal in the background. The reverse depicts Lady Justice holding scales in one hand and a U.S. Marshal’s badge in the other. Other elements symbolize U.S. Marshals’ involvement during the Nation’s changing times, including public school integration.
The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the coins in early 2015.
About the United States Mint
The United States Mint was created by Congress in 1792 and became part of the Department of the Treasury in 1873. It 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 and gold bullion coins. The United States Mint’s numismatic programs are self–sustaining and operate at no cost to the taxpayer.