Coin Type – Marine Corps 230th Anniversary – 2005

In 2005, we celebrated an unusual anniversary for the Marine Corps. It was the 230^th anniversary of their founding but it was still celebrated by Congress who authorized a commemorative Silver Dollar. Due to the subject matter and the use of the Marine Corps logos, these Silver Dollars were well-received by the public. The surcharges added to the cost of each coin were used towards the construction of the Heritage Center of the United States Marine Corps, which is in Quantico, Virginia.  

Norman E. Nemeth used the famous photograph by Joseph Rosenthal of the Marines raising the flag over Iowa Jima as his inspiration for the obverse of this coin. 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” and their date of inception “1775” and the date of striking “2025.” 

The reverse was modelled by artist Charles Vickers, and it displays the United States Marine emblem, which is a globe, with an eagle standing a top it, and an anchor behind the globe. The upper periphery has “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).  

(A 2005-P Marine Corps 230^th Anniversary Silver Dollar, Uncirculated, Obverse [left], Reverse {right].) 

 Congress had initially authorized 500,000 Silver Dollars to be struck but that number was raised to 600,000 by the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury due to extraordinarily strong sales. These coins were struck in both Uncirculated and Proof finishes and both types were struck at the Philadelphia Mint.  

The coins achieved the maximum authorized success allowable as 49,671 Uncirculated coins were struck while 548,810 Proof coins were struck and sold. This commemorative coin issue was a rousing success.  

(A 2005-P Marine Corps 230^th Anniversary Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse {right].) 

These coins were offered individually or with two differing sets. There was a Coin and Stamp set that offered the Uncirculated Silver Dollar and an uncanceled 3-cent Iwo Jima US Postage stamp. This set was limited to 50,000 available units. Additionally, the Mint offered a 2005 American Legacy Collection which included the Proof version of this Commemorative Silver Dollar and one of each of 2005 Silver Dollars and all the minor proof coins. This special set was limited to 100,000 units.