In 2005, the

United States Mint The United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce, as well as controlling the movement of bullion. It does not produce paper money; tha ...

released a silver dollar

commemorative coin Commemorative coins are coins issued to commemorate some particular event or issue with a distinct design with reference to the occasion on which they were issued. Many coins of this category serve as collectors items only, although some countries ...

in honor of the 230th birthday of the

United States Marine Corps The United States Marine Corps (USMC), also referred to as the United States Marines, is the maritime land force service branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for conducting expeditionary and amphibious operations through combi ...

. The coin was sold as both as a

proof coin Proof coinage refers to special early samples of a coin issue, historically made for checking the dies (as in demonstrating that something is true) and for archival purposes. Nowadays proofs are often struck in greater numbers specially for c ...

and an uncirculated coin, for a total number of 600,000 coins. They became available to order on July 20, 2005, and by September 21, 2005, all coins had been purchased. This was the first time the United States released a coin to represent a branch of its military.

Specifications

The coin features one of the most recognizable scenes of Marine Corps history, '' Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima''. Additionally, the Marine Corps official emblem, the

Eagle, Globe, and Anchor The Eagle, Globe, and Anchor (commonly referred to as an EGA) is the official emblem and insignia of the United States Marine Corps. The current emblem traces its roots in the designs and ornaments of the early Continental Marines as well as the ...

is on the reverse. Mintage (max.): 600,000 Based on independent market research provided by the recipient organization (the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation), the

Secretary A secretary, administrative professional, administrative assistant, executive assistant, administrative officer, administrative support specialist, clerk, military assistant, management assistant, office secretary, or personal assistant is a ...

exercised his authority (for the first time) to increase the legislated maximum mintage (500,000) to 600,000. U.S. Mint Facility:

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania#Municipalities, largest city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the List of United States cities by population, sixth-largest city i ...

Public Law: 108-291

External links

Original press releaseNotification that all coins have been soldSpecifications of the minting
Currencies introduced in 2005 Modern United States commemorative coins United States Marine Corps lore and symbols United States silver coins Eagles on coins Maps on coins Flags on coins Works about the United States Marine Corps {{USMC-stub