- Year of Issue: 2019
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 115-65
Background
In 2019, the U.S. Mint released the American Legion 100th Anniversary $5 Gold Coin as part of the American Legion 100th Anniversary Coin Program. The program includes a $5 gold coin, $1 silver coin, and half dollar clad coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the American Legion.
The American Legion is a non-partisan organization founded in 1919. It is the nation’s largest veterans group, with nearly two million members in more than 12,000 posts throughout the United States.
Recipient Organization: The American Legion
The price of each $5 gold coin includes a surcharge of $35, which the law authorizes to be paid to the American Legion to support the Legion’s programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other purposes specified by the authorizing legislation.Commemorative Coin Surcharges
Commemorative coin programs are created by acts of Congress to honor a person, place, or event. Surcharges from the sales of these coins help fund a variety of organizations and projects that benefit the public. Commemorative coins are only available from the United States Mint for a limited time, as specified by public law.
Characteristics
The obverse (heads) design commemorates the inception of the American Legion and its mission to serve America and its war veterans. The outer geometric rim design from the American Legion emblem, the Eiffel Tower, and V for victory, represent the formation of the organization in Paris in 1919 at the end of World War I.
The reverse (tails) design depicts a soaring eagle, a symbol of the United States during times of war and peace alike. The American Legion emblem is depicted above the eagle.
Obverse Inscriptions
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- LIBERTY
- 1919
- 2019
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- $5
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
- Composition: 90 percent gold, 6% silver, balance copper
- Diameter: 0.850 inches
- Weight: 8.359 grams
- Mintage Limit: 50,000 across all gold product options
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Paul C. Balan, Artistic Infusion Program
