Saturday, November 26, 2011

US Mint Reveals 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin Designs

United States Mint Associate Director of Sales and Marketing B. B. Craig unveiled the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin designs on Thursday evening, October 27, 2011, before a football game at Fort Benning's Doughboy Stadium in Georgia.

2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin Designs 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin Designs

Large poster displays of the line art designs were on the field and the coin's literature was distributed in the stands. The coin's obverse portrayed the "Follow Me" motto of the Infantry, with an Infantry soldier in stride and carrying his rifle in one hand while signaling with his other hand.

United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz designed the image which was sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso. Inscriptions included LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2012.

On the reverse, the infantry's branch insignia was depicted, two rifles crossed. It was designed by US Mint AIP Associate Designer Ronald D. Sanders and sculpted by US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Norman E. Nemeth. Inscriptions consisted of UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

An official test strike of the Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar was used for the coin toss between the team captains of the Fort Benning Doughboys and the Columbus State University Cougars. Marv Levy, former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, was invited and tossed the coin.

Up to 350,000 commemorative dollars will be struck under the 2012 National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Program in both proof and uncirculated qualities and each will be composed of 90 percent silver. The surcharges from sales of the coins will be paid to the National Infantry Foundation, a private organization that runs the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. An issue date of February 2012 is anticipated.

For reference, the United States Mint press release about the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin designs follows.

COLUMBUS, Ga. - Officials from the United States Mint and National Infantry Foundation, joined by Vietnam War Medal of Honor recipients, unveiled designs for the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar today at Fort Benning's historic Doughboy Stadium.

"The United States Mint wanted infantry soldiers and their families to be the first people in the nation to see the designs of this new U.S. commemorative silver dollar being created in their honor," said B. B. Craig, Associate Director of Sales and Marketing for the bureau. "So we have come here tonight, joined by these distinguished guests, to unveil the coin designs of the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar for the first time." 

Public Law 110-357 - the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act of 2008 - authorizes the United States Mint to mint and issue up to 350,000 silver dollar coins to commemorate the legacy of the U. S. Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. A $10 surcharge included in the price of each coin is authorized to be paid to the National Infantry Foundation.

Marv Levy, former head coach of the National Football League's Buffalo Bills, conducted the coin toss using a prototype of the 90 percent silver dollar for the football game between the Fort Benning Doughboys and the Columbus State University Cougars. The coin's designs are emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty, and history of the U.S. Infantry. 

The obverse (heads side) features a modern Infantry soldier on rocky ground charging forward and beckoning the troops to follow, symbolizing the "Follow Me" motto of the Infantry. Inscriptions are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and 2012. The coin's reverse (tails side) features the crossed rifles branch insignia of the Infantry, with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM. 

The 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar will be available in both proof and uncirculated qualities. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof and uncirculated coins produced. The United States Mint expects to offer the coin for sale in February 2012.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Related posts:

Army Infantry Silver Dollar Commemorative Passed in Congress – Coin NewsSilver Coin to Honor U.S. Infantry – Coin NewsTagged as: Commemorative Coins, United States Mint


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