Celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday with our favorite Army-themed coins & collectibles

 

Each year, America celebrates Flag Day on June 14^th. But did you know June 14^th is also the official birthday of the United States Army?

The Continental Congress established the Army on June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence. So each year, the Army celebrates its birthday on June 14. And this year is extra special…

Because it marks the U.S. Army’s 250^th birthday!

My family has a long tradition of military service. Many of my relatives and ancestors served in the Army, including my father and my son. I chose the Air Force, where I worked satellite and combat communications for nearly a decade. But I did spend two years stationed on an Army Base in South Korea.

I still have Army buddies with whom I keep in touch. For them, June 14 is always an important holiday – and this one is especially historic.

So I hope you’ll join me this week in wishing all our Army friends and family a very Happy 250th Birthday!

U.S. Army Coins & Collectibles

Army-themed coins and collectibles are great ways to show your appreciation to those who’ve served. Because coins and the military go way back.

Since at least World War II, the armed forces have given challenge coins to recognize achievements, boost morale and build camaraderie. And let’s not forget the silver dollar salute traditionally given by newly commissioned officers.

So giving coins as gifts make sense.

If that appeals to you, you’ll find Littleton has plenty of options. You could go a traditional route, and gift a 2025 U.S. Mint Proof Set or Year Set. Or an always-appreciated American Silver Eagle.

But since we’re talking about the U.S. Army’s 250^th birthday, I’m personally leaning towards something more directly related to the Army.

That still leaves a lot of options. So let’s take a look at some of my favorites…

U.S. Army Challenge Coin

First, there’s Littleton Coin Company’s U.S. Army Challenge Coin.

This attractively enameled brass coin bears the Army Seal on its obverse. Its reverse features the American flag and an eagle holding oak branch and arrows.

The reverse also bears two moving inscriptions: all gave some, some gave all and in memory of all who have served and protected the united states.

As a veteran, I have a sizable collection of military challenge coins. And this one would not only fit right in, but stand out nicely.

It’s definitely a coin any Army soldier, veteran or family member would appreciate.

250 Years of Service Challenge Coin

Another option is Littleton’s 250 Years of Service Continental Army Challenge Coin.

This one is another Littleton exclusive. But unlike the previous challenge coin, it was specifically designed for the U.S. Army’s 250^th birthday.

The handsomely enameled obverse depicts a solider in the Continental Army, with a circle of white stars and red and blue stripes in the background. It also bears the inscription liberty and the dual dates 1775-2025.

The reverse bears the Army’s seal and motto this we’ll defend, along with the inscription 250 years of service.

Either of these challenge coins would make a fitting U.S. Army 250th gift. But if you’re looking for a legal tender alternative, check out …

Niue’s America 250th Continental Army Half Dollar

This half dollar coin was issued as legal tender by the Pacific island nation of Niue. And it’s part of a Niue series honoring America’s 250th birthday.

Like the other coins in the series, its obverse depicts an American bald eagle and the Niue coat of arms. While its reverse honors the establishment of the Continental Army in 1775, and the more than 230,000 soldiers who took up arms to fight for American freedom.

It’s an attractive coin. And it comes encapsulated to protect its brilliant, Prooflike finish. 

 

2025 Kennedy Half Dollar in Army Showpak®

Each year, Littleton packages a number of Uncirculated Kennedy half dollars into exclusive Showpak^® holders honoring branches of the U.S. military. They’ve proven very popular, and a great way to collect the series.

Especially if you’re a military collector.

I find the Army Showpak^® especially nice with its stirring images of U.S. Army soldiers and equipment in action.

And with a lustrous Uncirculated 2025 Kennedy half inside, it makes a fitting – and affordable – U.S. Army 250th gift or keepsake.

2025 American Silver Eagle in Freedom Showpak®

Speaking of Littleton Showpaks, Littleton’s Freedom Showpak^® is always among their most popular. And with good reason.

First, because the holder features stirring and patriotic images of the American flag, the Statue of Liberty and the Declaration of Independence.

And second, because it contains a beautiful Uncirculated 2025 American Silver Eagle struck in 1 oz. of 99.9% pure silver.

It may not have been specifically designed for the U.S. Army or its 250th birthday. But it’s still a fitting tribute – because the Army has been fighting for American freedom since 1775.

Of course, there are plenty of other options.

In addition to the above coins, Littleton also offers handsome U.S. Army Lapel Pin. As well as official Army-themed commemorative coins struck by the U.S. Mint…

2011 U.S. Army Commemoratives

In 2011, the mint struck commemorative half dollars, silver dollars and gold $5 coins honoring the U.S. Army.

These coins all did an excellent job showcasing the Army’s long and diverse history. And the 2011 U.S. Army Clad Half Dollar, in particular, could easily have been designed as a U.S. Army 250th commemorative.

The tri-panel obverse depicts three of the peacetime missions performed by the Army. It shows a soldier surveying, and two soldiers stacking sandbags to form a flood wall. As well as a Redstone Army Rocket, used in the early years of American space exploration.

The reverse highlights the Army’s establishment in 1775. It features an iconic Continental Army soldier with the inscription first in service to the nation.

The silver dollar, on the other hand, takes a more modern approach.

Its obverse features two soldiers, one male and one female, standing back-to-back with a globe in the background. While its reverse bears the U.S. Army Symbol encircled by seven core values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.

The gold $5 commemorative features a timeless design that would have been perfectly suited for a U.S. Army 250th coin.

Its obverse shows a modern Army soldier at center point, with Revolutionary, Civil War, WWII and WWI soldiers flanking to either side. The reverse bears the Army’s emblem, representing its unbroken history of loyalty and commitment to defend the nation.

2012-W Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar

Throughout our nation’s history, Army infantry troops have suffered some 75% of our wartime casualties, and received over half the awarded Medals of Honor. So it’s fitting they are honored on this limited-edition silver Proof struck by the West Point Mint.

Its obverse shows an infantry soldier charging forward while beckoning those behind to follow – symbolizing the infantry’s “Follow me!” motto. While the reverse features the infantry’s crossed rifles insignia.

It’s a great design. And a coin any Army infantry soldier would be proud to have.

2013 U.S. Army Commemoratives

Yet another option is the U.S. Mint’s 2013 Five-Star Generals commemoratives.

Unlike the previous commemoratives, these coins honor those officers who attained the Army’s highest rank. And each coin features not one, but two Generals of the Army.

The clad half dollar coin features Henry “Hap” Arnold and Omar Bradley. While the silver dollar honors 5-star generals George Marshall and Dwight D. Eisenhower – who would also serve as America’s 34^th president.

But wait… Let’s not forget Flag Day!

Of course, we can’t forget June 14th is also Flag Day. So let’s close with two more challenge coins – this time, honoring Old Glory and her stars and stripes.

First, we have Littleton’s Star-Spangled American Flag Challenge Coin. This unique coin has a special cut-out design that perfectly showcases its obverse and reverse designs.

The enameled obverse shows an American flag rippling in the wind, with the inscriptions broad stripes – bright stars – brave hearts and united states of america. While the reverse has an antique silver finish and the final, rousing words from our national anthem.

Last but not least, we have Littleton’s Pledge of Allegiance Challenge Coin. It’s a popular item, especially among those who treasure the flag.

And it’s easy to see why.

This classic brass coin features the U.S. flag in brightly colored enamel on the obverse. While the reverse bears the patriotic Pledge of Allegiance.

Are you celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday?

So there you have it – over a dozen coins and collectibles that make fitting U.S. Army 250^th mementos.

Which ones do you like best? And will you be adding them to your collection… or perhaps giving them as gifts to someone you know?

We’d love to hear. Let us know in the comments below!

Until next time,

Happy Collecting!

PS: As this article went to press, Littleton unveiled a new U.S. Army 250th Showpak®. It’s perfect for this historic event. Plus, it holds a stunning 2025 American Silver Eagle struck in 99.9% pure silver. You can find this and other Army coins & collectibles in their online store while supplies last.

Sources

“U.S. Army’s 250th Birthday Celebration.” United States Army. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://www.army.mil/1775/

“The United States of America to Honor the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army with a Grand Military Parade and Celebration in Washington, D.C.” America250.org. May 21, 2025. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://america250.org/news/the-united-states-of-america-to-honor-the-250th-anniversary-of-the-u-s-army-with-a-grand-military-parade-and-celebration-in-washington-d-c/

S., Kierstin. “The Joy of Collecting Challenge Coins!” Heads & Tails by Littleton Coin Company. January 11, 2022. Last updated August 5, 2024. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://blog.littletoncoin.com/discover-the-easiest-challenge-youll-ever-face/

LCC Writing Team. “’Silver Dollar Salute’ a big part of military commissioning ceremonies.” Heads & Tails by Littleton Coin Company. September 8, 2016. Last updated October 21, 2022. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://blog.littletoncoin.com/silver-dollar-salute/

“2012-W Infantry Soldier Commemorative Silver Dollar.” Littleton Coin Company. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://www.littletoncoin.com/shop/2012-w-infantry-soldier-commemorative-silver-dollar-7137pr-wc