The 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coins are part of a two-coin series released by the United States Mint in 2011. These coins, issued in both $5 gold and silver dollar versions, were made available in both proof and uncirculated conditions.
Authorized by the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-91), which was signed into law by President Barack Obama on November 6, 2009, the purpose of these coins was to honor the Medal of Honor, the highest military decoration for valor in action against an enemy force. Established in 1861, the Medal of Honor is awarded to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who demonstrate extraordinary courage and selfless service. The coins also aim to raise awareness about the Medal of Honor’s significance and highlight the remarkable acts of bravery that recipients have performed. Less than 3,500 individuals have been awarded this prestigious honor in the more than 150 years since its inception.
The U.S. Mint announced that the release date for the 2011 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin series was February 25, 2011. For each coin sold, surcharges of $35 for the $5 gold coin and $10 for the silver dollar were collected, with proceeds directed to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to support its educational, scholarship, and outreach programs.
Here’s a closer look at the two main coins in this series:
Medal of Honor $5 Gold Coin
This $5 gold coin is struck from 90% gold and has a diameter of 0.85 inches. The Mint set a maximum mintage limit of 100,000 coins.
The obverse of the gold coin features an image of the original 1861 Navy Medal of Honor, with the inscriptions LIBERTY, 1861, 2011, IN GOD WE TRUST, and MEDAL OF HONOR. This design was created by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
The reverse, designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso, depicts Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, holding a shield and a Union flag. The surrounding inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, $5, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
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Medal of Honor Silver Dollar
Struck from 90% silver and 10% copper, the Medal of Honor silver dollar measures 1.5 inches in diameter, with a maximum mintage of 500,000 coins.
The obverse, designed by Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz, showcases the three modern-day versions of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Medal of Honor. It also bears the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, MEDAL OF HONOR, and 1861–2011.
On the reverse, designed by AIP Master Designer Richard Masters and sculpted by Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill, a modern soldier is depicted carrying a wounded comrade to safety under enemy fire. The reverse also includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR, and E PLURIBUS UNUM.
These commemorative coins serve as a lasting tribute to the recipients of the Medal of Honor and to the ideals of courage, sacrifice, and patriotism that the medal represents.