Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar
- Year of Issue: 2012
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 110-357
Background
On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress authorized the formation of 10 companies of light infantry, creating the first elements of what we now know as the U.S. Armed Forces. From the beginning, the Infantry has borne the brunt of sacrifice for securing and protecting the freedoms of this Nation, our friends and allies. It is the “boots on the ground,” armed with both rifle and bayonet, and owns the last 100 yards of the battlefield. The Infantry’s seven values mirror the Army’s: honor, integrity, duty, selfless service, personal courage, loyalty and respect.
While only one branch of the Army, it has accounted for more than half of all the Medals of Honor awarded. Members of the Infantry have suffered approximately 75 percent of the casualties in our Nation’s wars. Fifteen U.S. Presidents, including Andrew Jackson, Ulysses S. Grant and Dwight Eisenhower, served in the Infantry, all of whom saw combat action. Infantrymen have been called upon to fight all over the world in every sort of weather, over every kind of terrain and in every diverse culture.
The National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center tells the Infantry’s story and preserves its legacy.
The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized to mint and issue up to 350,000 silver dollar coins in commemoration of the legacy of the U.S. Army Infantry and the establishment of the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center. The coin designs are emblematic of the courage, pride, sacrifice, sense of duty and history of the Infantry. As authorized, the United States Mint is producing 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar coins in proof and uncirculated qualities.
Recipient Organization: National Infantry Foundation
Surcharges from this commemorative coin program are authorized to be paid to the National Infantry Foundation.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 side) design of the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar features a modern Infantry soldier on rocky ground charging forward and beckoning the troops to follow, symbolizing the "Follow Me" motto of the Infantry. The representation of the contemporary soldier captures the essence of the Infantry's motto.
The reverse (tails) design features the crossed rifles insignia, the branch insignia of the Infantry. The insignia is a universally recognizable symbol of the Infantry, as all members wear it.
Both 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar designs were approved by the Department of the Treasury on July 19, 2011, at the recommendation of the United States Mint, after consultation with the National Infantry Foundation and the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts, as well as review by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.
Obverse Inscriptions
- LIBERTY
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- 2012
Reverse Inscriptions
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
- ONE DOLLAR
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Weight: 26.730 grams nominal
Composition: 90 percent silver; 10 percent copper
Diameter: 1.500 inches (±0.003) or 38.10 mm (±0.08)
Mintage Limit: 350,000 across all product options
Place struck: United States Mint at West Point ("W" mint mark)
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Joel Iskowitz
- Designer: Ronald D. Sanders, Artistic Infusion Program