Coins for Veterans: Honoring Our Heroes with Timeless Tributes

 

Quick question: What does November 11th mean to you?

For some, it’s a welcome day off from work. But for many Americans – myself included – it’s a day of remembering all who laced up boots in response to Uncle Sam’s call.

I’m talking, of course, about Veterans Day.

For me, this holiday isn’t about a break from the daily grind. It’s a time to reflect and give thanks to those who sacrificed so much, and placed themselves in harm’s way to defend our nation and of freedom around the globe.

Often paying a steep price.

You see, I come from a long line of military veterans. I served in the U.S. Air Force, performing satellite and combat communications. And I have family and friends who are veterans of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines.

So each November 11th, I like to show my appreciation to my fellow vets. And I know I’m not alone. Many of you do as well. Even the U.S. Mint has shown its appreciation, by issuing coins honoring America’s veterans and service members.

Let’s take a look at some of these coins for veterans. But first, let’s look at the origins of this heroes’ holiday…

 

From Ceasefire to Celebrating Military Service

The date was November 11, 1918.

For four long years, the brutality of World War I had ground on. Over 16 million lives were lost. But on the eleventh day of the eleventh month, at the eleventh hour, the fighting finally came to an end.

In the trenches, the silence of a cease fire brought echoing silence. And when the armistice held, cheers erupted the world over.

Stateside, citizens craved a way to commemorate it properly. So in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson named November 11th Armistice Day. It was a call for reflection and grace, and to thank those who preserved our freedom.

In 1938, Congress officially made it a national holiday. But despite hopes for peace after “the war to end all wars,” the world erupted into conflict again.

First came World War II. Then Korea and Vietnam.

Yet despite it all, Armistice Day remained.

In 1954, WWII general and 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the holiday’s name to Veterans Day.

It had transcended its origins, becoming a day to honor every patriot who ever donned a uniform… patrolled the seas or skies… or fought for freedom far from home.

Honoring Veterans on Our Coins.

As a veteran and numismatist, I love the permanence of paying tribute to our veterans on our coinage.

And as a collector, I appreciate the many coins for veterans we can add to our collections. Or give to someone as thanks for their service.

You’ll find many available in Littleton Coin Company’s online store. But here are five of my personal favorites…

Challenge Coins for Veterans

Challenge coins have long been a tradition in the U.S. Military. So they’re a great way to show your appreciation on Veterans Day.

And Littleton has some superb pieces to choose from. They have coins for each military branch, which make wonderful gifts. But for Veterans Day, I find another one of Littleton’s challenge coins even more fitting.

So I’ll make that my first recommendation: Littleton’s Thank You Veterans challenge coin.

On its obverse, this coin bears the emblems of all six military branches – Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard and Space Force. As well as a waving American flag enameled in red, white and blue. While encircling them is the legend honor ★ loyalty ★ excellence ★ respect ★ service.

It’s a handsome, eye-catching design. And the enameled flag and antiqued brass complement each other perfectly.

The reverse also a great design.

At the top, silhouettes of six military troops stand before six military vehicles, from ships and planes to a tank and a satellite. While along the bottom’s inside rim has the names of all six military branches.

And in the center is the heartfelt message thank you to our veterans. god bless our troops.

This side isn’t enameled. But its antiqued brass gives it a timeless appearance. And it’s a perfect coin to give a veteran to show of your appreciation for their service.

Recognizing American Valor

Next up is Littleton’s American Valor challenge coin.

This one’s another beauty. It features a classic American eagle with a Union Shield, set against a deep navy background. In its talons, it holds an olive branch and a bundle of arrows. And in its beak, a ribbon bearing the motto e pluribus unum

The reverse features an enameled American flag. As well as the emblems of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard. Plus an encircling navy-blue ring with the legends serving our country with courage, honor & bravery and american valor.

This challenge coin is definitely eye-catching, and another great way to recognize a veteran’s service.

Honoring Our Disabled Veterans

Did you know nearly one-third of all U.S. veterans have service-connected disabilities? That’s 5.5 million disabled vets. They sacrificed themselves for our liberty.

And in 2010, the U.S. Mint recognized those sacrifices on commemorative silver dollars.

Struck in 90% silver by the West Point Mint, this coin depicts the legs and boots of three disabled veterans above the motto in god we trust. Along the top is a banner that reads they stood up for us. While the legend liberty appears below.

The reverse features a forget-me-not flower and twin oak branches held with a ribbon. And between them is the inscription take this moment to honor our disabled defenders of freedom.

It’s a powerful coin, with an even more powerful message.

But mintage was limited to just 350,000 pieces. So if you want it – either for a gift or for your own collection – you shouldn’t wait.

Littleton currently has a limited number of these in its online store, which you can find here while their supply lasts.

Once a Marine, always a Marine…

Those who serve in the United States Marine Corps earn the title “Marine” for life. And like the Army and Navy, the USMC celebrates its 250th anniversary of service this year.

To mark the occasion, the U.S. Mint issued commemorative clad half dollars, silver dollars and gold $5 coins. All three are attractive coins. But my personal preference is the silver dollar.

Minted by the Philadelphia Mint, its obverse depicts the iconic raising of the American flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. The reverse features the Marine Corps’ emblem and its timeless legend the few, the proud.

Army 250th Anniversary Silver Eagle

Last but not least is another special issue. But for the Army’s 250th anniversary, the mint didn’t issue a commemorative coin.

Instead, it struck special American Silver Eagles at West Point. Each bears a privy mark in the form of the U.S. Army seal, above in god we trust.

Like other 2025 Silver Eagles, these are minted in 99.9% pure silver and feature A.A. Weinman’s timeless Liberty Walking obverse design. Along with Emily Damstra’s Landing Eagle reverse.

You can find these in Littleton’s online store, like the other coins for veterans I’ve covered. But only 100,000 Proofs were produced, making it one of the lowest-mintage Proofs in the series.

So if you want one, be sure to grab it when you see it. Because even non-Army collectors will want it for their collections.

How will you honor the veterans in your life?

Of course, you don’t need to give coins to show your appreciation. There are many ways we can thank the veterans in our lives.

In fact, saying “Thank you for your service” to a veteran can be a powerful and uplifting moment for both you and them.

So how will you honor them? We’d love to hear. Share your ideas in the comments!

Until next time,

Happy Collecting!

Sources

Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Employment Situation of Veterans News Release.” U.S. Department of Labor. March 20, 2025. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/vet_03202025.htm

United States Marine Corps. “Once a Marine Always a Marine.” Marines.com. Accessed October 30, 2025. https://www.marines.com/life-as-a-marine/life-in-the-marine-corps/once-a-marine-always-a-marine.html

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