Americans are justifiably proud of their military. They have beaten insurmountable odds in numerous conflicts and always been there to protect and defend our allies. One of the two commemorative issues for the year 2010 authorized by Congress was a Commemorative Silver Dollar to honor the great personal sacrifices made by our veterans who were permanently disabled in the service to our country. These American heroes deserve our praise, recognition, thanks, and respect.
The obverse of this Silver Dollar was designed and sculpted by the US Mint designer, Don Everhart. It depicts the legs and boots of three US military personnel, one of whom is missing a leg and is on crutches. Above that image is a banner that reads “THEY STOOD UP FOR US.” Below where they stand is another break on which is inscribed “IN GOD WE TRUST,” with the date of striking “2010,” below and the word “LIBERTY” adorning the lower periphery.
The reverse design was created by Thomas Cleveland and sculpted by the US Mint’s Joseph Menna. It depicts It features a wreath, with a “Forget-Me-Not” flower as the bow on the wreath. This flower gained popularity representing disabled military personnel as early as during World War 1. Inside the wreath is the inscription, “TAKE THIS MOMENT TO HONOR OUR DISABLED DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM.” The upper periphery has “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR” cover the lower periphery.
(A 2010-W American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
These Commemorative Silver Dollars were struck in both Uncirculated and Proof finishes and both versions were struck at the West Point minting facility. Between both types of coins, Congress authorized a maximum of 350,000 coins could be struck. Both types of this American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Silver Dollars were offered individually to the public.
(A 2010-W American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
The additional surcharge on these Commemorative Silver Dollars was used to establish and endowment that could help fund the construction of a memorial to all American military personnel who was disabled during their military service. The funds were distributed to the Disabled Veterans’ Life Memorial Foundation, which was the organizing body.
The public responded to these coins celebrating our heroes- The coins were nearly a complete sell-out.
| Date | Mintmark | Denomination | Type | Mintage | Value |
| 2010 | W | One Dollar | Uncirculated | 78,301 | $50 |
| 2010 | W | One Dollar | Proof | 244,963 | $70 |
