Service & Sacrifice: 2010 Silver Dollar to Honor Disabled Vets

By Numismatic News August 28, 2009

 

The United States Mint has revealed the designs for the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Silver Dollar, a limited edition collector’s coin that will be available for purchase beginning in January.A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin will help build the nation’s first permanent memorial dedicated to disabled veterans – the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The new coin was introduced at the 88th Annual Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Auxiliary National Convention on Aug. 22 in Denver.

“We are honored that the United States Mint has designated a special commemorative coin to honor our country’s disabled veterans,” said Arthur Wilson, DAV National Adjutant and President of the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation. “Not only will the coin forever be a reminder of the brave service men and women who risked, and continue to risk their lives, but each coin sold will bring us one step closer to building a long overdue permanent tribute to disabled veterans in our nation’s capital.”

Secretary of the Treasury Timothy F. Geithner approved the designs for the coin on July 30. The main image on the coin’s front side shows the legs and boots of three veterans, including an amputee. The design represents the service and sacrifice of the nation’s disabled veterans across all service branches and times of conflict. The inscription in the upper rim, THEY STOOD UP FOR US, honors the brave service men and women who fight on behalf of the United States. Additional inscriptions include: IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY AND 2010.

The reserve side features a forget-me-not flower to commemorate the country’s fallen heroes. The flower is tucked into a wreath that cradles a cluster of oak branches – a symbol of strength and power. Inscriptions include Take This Moment to Honor Our Disabled Defenders of Freedom, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURBIS UNUM and ONE DOLLAR.

The United States Mint will mint proof and uncirculated versions of the commemorative $1 coin in 90 percent silver. The coins will bear the “W” mintmark of the United States Mint at West Point. Mintage is set at 350,000 coins across all product options.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act was passed by Congress and signed into law on July 17, 2008. The Act authorizes the United States Mint to produce and issue commemorative silver dollar coins in proof and uncirculated quantities to honor disabled veterans. The designs were recommended by Geithner after consultation with the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation (DVLMF).

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial plans to break ground in 2010. To date, the Foundation has raised 90 percent of the total funds needed to design, build and permanently maintain the Memorial. Approximately $5 million still must be raised before groundbreaking can begin.

To be placed on the early notification list when the coin becomes available for sale, send an email request to info@dvlmf.org. To make a tax-deductible donation or learn more about the Memorial, visit www.avdlm.org.