A new commemorative coin was unveiled Monday to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and honor those Americans who served.
The silver dollar coin, authorized by Congress in 2014, features a service member holding a rifle to honor those who fought in the war from 1914 to 1918.
Acting Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy and Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley unveiled the design on the first day of the Association of the U.S. Army’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C.
“It’s an opportunity to remember 4.7 million men and women who served 100 years ago,” McCarthy said. “Those soldiers performed their difficult mission and left a legacy that touches us all every day.”
No war should be forgotten, he said, and neither should anyone’s military service.
World War I veterans are the only ones who don’t have a national memorial in Washington, D.C., said Terry Hamby, a Vietnam veteran and commissioner of the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission.
“With this coin, it starts the process to commemorate their service,” Hamby said, adding that the proceeds from the coin will help with the construction of the planned World War I memorial at Pershing Park near the White House.
There will be a groundbreaking ceremony on Nov. 9, with plans to eventually add a flagpole and a 65-foot-long commemorative wall.
“This is the first step in establishing the memorial so that those 4.7 million men and women won’t be forgotten,” Hamby said.
The Treasury secretary selected the coin design from a 2016 public competition held by the U.S. Mint where artists were encouraged to submit their ideas.
The coin, titled Soldier’s Charge, will be available in January, with proceeds benefiting the U.S. World War I Centennial Commission. The commission focuses on public outreach and education about American involvement in the war.
No price has been set yet, but prices for silver dollar commemorative coins were $51.95, according to the U.S. Mint website.
Congress authorizes commemorative coins to celebrate American people, events, places and institutions. The World War I coin will be available throughout 2018, and although these coins are legal tender, they’re not minted for general circulation.
Charlsy is a Reporter and Engagement Manager for Military Times. Email her at cpanzino@militarytimes.com.
