The 2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar marks the second silver commemorative coin issued by the United States Mint in 2005. Signed into law as the Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-291), a maximum of 500,000 were initially authorized to be struck in either proof or uncirculated condition.
2005-P Proof Marine Corps Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
The silver dollar was minted to honor the United States Marine Corps. The proof and uncirculated pieces have the distinction of being the first commemorative coins issued by the US Mint to celebrate a branch of the United States military. The coins also commemorate the 230th anniversary of the founding of the Marine Corps on November 10, 1775.
Since then, the Marine Corps has served the United States in many roles, both in wartime and in peace.
Marine Corps Silver Dollar Information
President George W. Bush signed the authorizing act for the Marine Corps Silver Dollar on August 6, 2004. The original legislation only allowed for a maximum of 500,000 commemorative coins. However, demand proved strong for the silver dollars. Consequently, for the first time, the U.S. Treasury Secretary exercised his authority to increase the total mintage to 600,000.
The commemorative coins were produced to the normal specifications of a commemorative silver dollar from the US Mint, including a composition of 90% silver, a diameter of 1.5 inches and a total weight of 26.73 grams.
2005-P Uncirculated Marine Corps Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin
The obverse of each coin offers a rendition of Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal’s historic photograph showing the raising of an American Flag by the United States Marines on Iwo Jima in World War II. It was designed by US Mint sculptor-engraver Norman E. Nemeth.
On the reverse, the Marine Corps’ emblem of an eagle, globe and anchor is depicted and was designed by US Mint sculptor-engraver Charles L. Vickers.
A surcharge of $10 per coin was collected by the US Mint and forwarded to the United States Marine Corps Heritage Foundation for the purpose of constructing the Marine Corps Heritage Center.
The US Mint produced a second commemorative coin in 2005 known as the 2005 John Marshall Silver Dollar.
2005 Marine Corps Silver Dollar Coin Specifications
| Face Value: | $1 |
| Composition: | 90% silver, 10% copper |
| Total Estimated Mintage: | 548,810 Proof; 49,671 Uncirculated |
| Diameter: | 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 26.73 grams |
| Edge: | Reeded |
| Minting Facility: | Philadelphia (P) |
| Obverse Design: | Image of Marines raising flag on Iwo Jima |
| Obverse Designer: | Norman E. Nemeth / Joe Rosenthal |
| Reverse Design: | Marine Corps Emblem |
| Reverse Designer: | Charles L. Vickers |
The commemorative 
The commemorative 
, author Eric Jordan and Contributing Editor Debbie Bradley show you how to include modern commemorative coins in your investments.
