Four Issues for the 230th Anniversary of the Marine Corps
The 2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar was the first silver commemorative dollar to honor a U.S. military branch. While the Marine Corps was founded in 1775, Congress authorized the minting of the 2005 Marine Corps silver dollar to commemorate its 230th anniversary. The surcharges added to the cost of each coin were used to support the construction of the National Museum of the United States Marine Corps in Triangle, Virginia, just outside of Quantico.
The National Museum of the United States Marine Corps is a free-admission museum that highlights the history, traditions, and values of the U.S. Marine Corps. The museum’s origins date back to 1933, when Marine Corps General Ben H. Fuller directed Marine Barracks Quantico to establish a trophy room to exhibit historical objects and photographs. In 1940, Commandant of the Marine Corps Major General Thomas Holcomb directed the establishment of a museum. The early displays included built-in wall cases with mannequins wearing historical uniforms, along with flags, weapons, trophies, and medals. The collection and exhibits expanded over time.
Design Inspiration
Norman E. Nemeth based the obverse design on the photograph by Joseph Rosenthal depicting several Marines raising the flag over Iwo Jima. On the upper periphery, arcing to the right, is the word “LIBERTY,” while below it is “IN GOD WE TRUST.” To the left of the central figures is the word “MARINES,” the date of inception “1775,” and the date of striking “2005.”
The reverse was modeled by artist Charles Vickers and displays the United States Marine Corps emblem, consisting of a globe, an eagle standing atop it, and an anchor positioned behind the globe. The upper periphery reads “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” while the lower periphery displays the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” Above the eagle is “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and below it is the Marine Corps motto “Semper Fidelis” (Always Faithful).
Mintage Details
Congress initially authorized the striking of 500,000 2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollars, but the Secretary of the Treasury later increased that number to 600,000 due to strong demand. These coins were produced in both uncirculated and proof finishes, with both versions struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The program reached its authorized maximum, with 49,671 uncirculated coins and 548,810 proof coins struck and sold.
These coins were offered individually or as part of two different sets. The Coin and Stamp Set included an uncirculated silver dollar and an uncanceled 3-cent Iwo Jima U.S. postage stamp and was limited to 50,000 units. Additionally, the Mint released the 2005 American Legacy Collection, which included the proof version of this commemorative silver dollar, the 2005 proof silver dollar, and all minor proof coins. This set was limited to 100,000 units.
Expand your collection today and shop our assortment of U.S. silver modern commemorative coins to find more military-themed commemoratives.
(A 2005-P Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
(A 2005-P Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
