Honoring those who answered freedom’s call…
Admiring the U.S. Mint’s 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative Coins

They’re known as “The Greatest Generation” – and with good reason.

When evil threatened to conquer and consume the entire world, they are the ones who answered freedom’s call… doing their parts at home and abroad to defend lives and liberty around the globe.

And this year, they are being honored on coins by the U.S. Mint.

On August 3, 2022, Congress passed Public Law 117-162. Also known as the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, it had a powerful purpose. First, it authorized the U.S. Mint to issue commemorative coins in honor of those who sacrificed so much in World War II.

The sale of these coins also helps support the National World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. The memorial first opened in 2004, so the coins mark its twentieth anniversary as well.

All three 2024 Greatest Generation commemorative coins are beautiful pieces. As well as fitting tributes. And if you haven’t seen them yet, you’re in for a treat because we’re going to take a close look at all three coins.

By law, these coins can only be minted and issued in 2024. So don’t wait if you want to add them to your collection. I’ll share the links in a moment.

But first…

Let’s start with the Half Dollar…

First up is the 2024 Greatest Generation commemorative clad half dollar.

Struck by the prestigious San Francisco Mint, this copper-nickel clad coin was designed by two members of the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP).

Elana Hagler designed the obverse, which was inspired by the Victory Medal awarded to all Armed Forces service members who served in WWII.

It features a re-imagined figure of Liberation, shown with a broken sword held in open arms to symbolize the war’s end. The date and motto in god we trust also appear on the obverse. As well as the inscription we answered the call.

And if you look closely, you’ll find the initials of both Hagler and Craig Campbell, the sculptor who brought her design to life.

It’s a classic, timeless design. One that would not seem out of place in any era of U.S. coinage.

However, as appealing as it is, I personally find Matt Swalm’s reverse even more impressive. It shows the view you would see walking up a ramp to one of the towers of the World War II Memorial. And it’s masterfully done. I love how it naturally captures the eye and draws one into the design.

The “S” mint mark of San Francisco and the denomination half dollar are subtly placed in the design. Along with the motto e pluribus unum and legend united states of america.

And like on the coin’s other side, a close look will reveal initials of its designer (Swalm) and sculptor (John P. McGraw).

All in all, this a superb coin. If you’d like one for yourself, you can buy it here while supplies last.

The Greatest Generation Silver Dollar

Next up is the 2024 Greatest Generation commemorative silver dollar. Struck in 99.9% pure silver, this is another piece that will shine in your collection.

Unlike the half dollar, the silver dollar bears the “P” mint mark of Philadelphia. But it, too, was designed by two members of the Mint’s AIP. Beth Zaiken designed the obverse, while Benjamin Sowards designed the reverse.

Interestingly, both contributed to the mint’s other commemorative series this year. Zaiken designed both the obverse and reverse of the 2024 Harriet Tubman commemorative silver dollar. While Sowards designed the $5 Gold coin’s reverse.

But back to the Greatest Generation silver dollar…

Zaiken’s obverse depicts the Earth supported by six figures. These represent the cooperative efforts of the U.S. Army Air Forces, Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines and Merchant Marines.

The obverse bears the date and motto in god we trust. Plus the inscriptions liberty, world war II memorial, 1941-1945 and defenders of freedom.

And once again, you can find Zaiken’s initials and those of the obverse’s sculptor, Phebe Hemphill. They’re located at the bottom left and right of the central figures supporting the globe.

This coin’s other side is just as unique…

Sowards’ reverse recreates the view of a sculptural canopy, called a baldacchino, which is in a Victory Pavilion inside the World War II Memorial.

Centered on the reverse is a globe turned to show the Pacific Ocean. The globe is encircled by a laurel wreath. And the wreath, in turn, is wrapped by a ribbon held in the beaks of four eagles.

Like the obverse, the reverse is far from letterless. First, it bears the mint mark, denomination one dollar and legend united states of america. It also has the mottoes e pluribus unum and in god we trust. Plus the legends wwii memorial and victory in the air at sea on land.

And last but not least, you can find the initials of Soward and Renata Gordon, who sculpted the reverse, at the bottom left and right between the eagles’ heads and wings.

All these elements could easily have produced a cluttered, chaotic design. But somehow, they don’t. True, some words are closer to the eagles’ wings than others. But the motif aptly conveys its heartfelt tribute to those who served in WWII.

If you’d like one of these silver dollars, you can find them in Littleton Coin Company’s online store. But again, supply is limited. So don’t wait to order or you may be disappointed.

The 2024-W $5 Gold Commemorative

Struck at the West Point Mint in 90% gold, the third and final 2024 Greatest Generation Commemorative is yet another thing of beauty.

Like the silver dollar, the Greatest Generation Gold $5 coin features a reverse designed by Benjamin Soward. However, its obverse is the work of AIP Designer Heidi Wastweet.

Wastweet’s obverse shows a portion of the World War II Memorial’s Wall of Stars. Appropriately named, it features 4,048 gold stars – one for every 100 Americans who lost their lives in WWII. Also featured is an olive branch, which represents the peace that followed thanks to their sacrifice.

The obverse bears the date, liberty, in god we trust and world war ii memorial. Wastweet’s initials and those of the obverse’s sculptor, Eric David Custer, can be found below and to the right of the olive branch.

Soward’s reverse is simple yet fittingly solemn. It shows an American flag, folded as when presented at the funeral of a fallen service member.

Beneath the flag are the denomination five dollars and the inscriptions wwii memorial and to unite the generations of tomorrow. While united states of america and e pluribus unum appear above.

The West Point “W” mint mark appears to the right of the flag. And the initials of Soward and the reverse’s sculptor, Joseph Menna, appear at the lower left and right, respectively.

I personally love this coin’s designs and symbolism. And I’m sure I’m not alone. But by law, mintage of these gold coins is limited to no more than 50,000 pieces.

As I write this, Littleton has a small quantity of these beautiful pieces in their online store. But I suspect they’ll sell quickly.

So if you want to acquire one for your collection, do it now.

Get the complete set while supplies last

All three 2024 Greatest Generation commemorative coins are home runs in my book.

Each coin is a fitting tribute. And each blends respect and appreciation for the many sacrifices made during WWII with hope for the future. So how does one choose which coin to buy?

Fortunately, you may not have to.

While supplies last, you can purchase a 3-coin set of 2024 Greatest Generation Commemoratives from Littleton Coin Company.

Each set includes the clad half dollar, silver dollar and gold $5 coin. All three coins are beautiful Choice Proofs. Plus, your set comes in official U.S. Mint packaging.

However, Littleton only has a limited number of sets. So be sure to buy yours before they sell out!

Which coin do you like best?

If I had to choose just one of these coins, I’d have to say the half dollar is my favorite. Although the powerful symbolism of the gold coin comes in a very close second.

But what about you?

What do you think of the mint’s 2024 Greatest Generation Commemoratives? Do you prefer the half dollar… the silver dollar… or the gold $5 coin?

I’d love to hear your opinion on the designs. As well as whether or not you plan on adding one or more to your collection. Let us know in the comments below!

Until next time…
Happy Collecting!

Sources

Congress.gov. “Text – H.R.1057 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act.” August 3, 2022. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1057/text

Congress.gov. “Actions – H.R.1057 – 117th Congress (2021-2022): Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act.” August 3, 2022. https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/1057/all-actions

Paul Gilkes. “Approved designs revealed for Greatest Generation commemorative coins.” Coin World, September 24, 2023. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/approved-designs-revealed-for-greatest-generation-commemorative-coins

Numismatic News Staff. “’Greatest Generation’ Commemorative Designs Unveiled.” Numismatic News, October 6, 2023. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://www.numismaticnews.net/coin-market/greatest-generation-commemorative-designs-unveiled

“History and Culture – World War II Memorial.” National Park Service, Accessed October 31, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/wwii/learn/historyculture/index.htm