United Service Organization (USO) – 1991

Celebrating 50 Years of the USO

In 1991, the United States was celebrating the 50^th Anniversary of the United Service Organization, popularly called the “USO”. The USO is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that was started during the outset of American involvement in World War II, in 1941. The organization, which is well-known to all US service men and women, provides social, spiritual, welfare and recreational facilities to be enjoyed by all members of the US military, regardless of branch or rank. The USO provided a great deal of entertainment to US troops stationed overseas during World War II, in Korea, Vietnam, and numerous Middle Eastern locations. The USO brings entertainers to the troops near war zones to boost morale and demonstrate to them that their country hasn’t forgotten about them.

To raise money for the USO, Congress authorized the striking of 1,000,000 Silver Dollar coins to be struck in Uncirculated and/or Proof conditions with the balance of the surcharge for the benefit of the USO. The designer/engravers competed with five outside artists to develop the most interesting and emblematic designs.

 The obverse of the Silver Dollar features a banner resembling the official USOP flag. The banner is emblazoned with the “USO” initials. Above the banner is “50^th Anniversary” done in calligraphy with flourishes. The upper periphery has the motto “IN GOD WE TRUST” while the lower periphery has the word “LIBERTY” and the date “1991” on it. This obverse was designed by Rhode Island artist Robert Lamb, who beat designs by the US Mint’s engravers and four other invited artists.  

The reverse of the coin features a large American bald eagle, perched atop a globe of the world. In its beak is a banner upon which the letters “USO” are inscribed. The globe has text to the left “FIFTY YEARS SERVICE” and to the right “TO SERVICE PEOPLE” and 11 five-pointed stars in a semi-circle below the globe. The globe has “E PLURIBUS UNUM” across it. On the upper periphery is “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and on the lower periphery “ONE DOLLAR.” The designer was Mint engraver John Mercanti.

Although one million silver dollars were authorized by Congressional legislation, 124,958 Uncirculated coins and 321,275 Proof coins were struck and sold. The Uncirculated coin was struck at the Denver Mint and bears a “D” mintmark and the Proof version was struck at the San Francisco Mint and bears an “S” mintmark.

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