What is the Medal of Honor?
The 150th Anniversary of the establishment of the Medal of Honor took place in 2011. This medal is awarded to military personnel who demonstrate valor against an enemy force in battle. It is awarded for conspicuous bravery against the enemy and was first awarded during the Civil War.
Congress, through the 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Program, released the Medal of Honor Commemorative Silver Dollar as well as the Medal of Honor Commemorative Five Dollar Gold Coin to honor these brave heroes. The surcharges were intended to financially support the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation in educating the public about the importance of this medal to our country and our history.
Medal of Honor Commemorative Silver Dollar Design Details
Jim Licaretz designed as well as sculpted the obverse of this coin. The obverse depicts the three different Medals of Honor for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, all of which are worn around the neck of the recipient. The upper periphery has “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the word “LIBERTY” below it. The lower periphery has “MEDAL OF HONOR 1861 – 2011.”
The reverse of this commemorative silver dollar depicts an infantryman carrying a wounded comrade to safety while facing enemy fire. The self-sacrifice and courage of the infantry soldier are intended to represent the many recipients who put their lives in jeopardy to save their fellow soldiers. To the right of the soldiers is the phrase “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Around the periphery is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” and the denomination “ONE DOLLAR.” The reverse was designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill of the U.S. Mint.
The uncirculated version of the Medal of Honor Commemorative Silver Dollar was struck at the San Francisco Mint, and the proof coins were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. The Congress authorized a maximum of 500,000 silver dollars.
(2011-P Medal of Honor Commemorative Silver Dollar, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
Medal of Honor Commemorative Five Dollar Gold Coin Design Details
The purpose of the Medal of Honor Commemorative Five Dollar Gold Coin, exactly like the silver dollar, was to raise awareness and education about the award and its distinguished list of awardees. The public learned that this award is the highest award that can be awarded to any member of the armed forces.
The obverse of the Medal of Honor Commemorative Five Dollar Gold Coin was designed by U.S. Mint’s engraver Joseph Menna. It depicts the Navy version of the Medal of Honor in the center. To the left of the medal is “1861” and to the right is “2011.” Above the ribbon and the hanger is the word “LIBERTY.” The left side periphery features the phrase, “IN GOD WE TRUST,” while the right periphery has “MEDAL OF HONOR.”
The reverse was designed by Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Michael Gaudioso. A beautiful rendition of the Roman Goddess Minerva, the Goddess of War, adorns the central vignette. She holds an American flag in her left hand and a shield representing the Army and Navy in her right. Behind her are Civil War era cannons and various munitions and weapons of war. To the left of Minerva is the denomination “$5” with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” on the upper periphery and “E PLURIBUS UNUM” on the bottom.
The United States Congress authorized a maximum of 100,000 of these gold coins to be struck, including both uncirculated and proof versions. The uncirculated versions were struck at the Philadelphia Mint, while the proof versions were struck at the West Point minting facility.
(A 2011-W Medal of Honor Commemorative Five Dollar Gold Coin, Proof, Obverse [left], Reverse [right].)
To view these coins and discover new additions to your collection, view our selection of modern U.S. gold commemorative coins and U.S. silver modern commemorative coins.
