2011 Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins

The 2011 Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Commemorative coin was authorized by the U.S. Congress with the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act of 2009 (Public Law No: 111-91). Along with $5 gold coins also authorized by the Act, the United States Mint was allowed to strike up to 500,000 of the silver dollars.

US Mint images of the Proof and Uncirculated Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Commemorative Coins

The US Mint released the silver commemoratives on February 25, 2011, in two collector versions. A proof version which sold initially priced at $54.95 and the uncirculated coin which sold for $49.95 at first. Prices for each coin went up by $5 following the end of the introductory period.

The Medal of Honor was established in 1861 and is the nation’s highest award for valor in action against an enemy force. Presented by the President of the United States in the name of Congress, the medal has been awarded to less than 3,500 individuals since its creation.

Another military related commemorative, the Army Silver Dollar, was issued by the US Mint on January 31, 2011.

Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Information

Each 2011 Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Commemorative coin is composed from 90% silver and 10% copper, with a face value of $1. The silver coins have a diameter of 1.5 inches and a weight of 26.73 grams — all consistent with other commemorative silver dollars recently issued by the U.S. Mint.

The obverse or heads side of the silver dollars depict the three current Medals of Honor of the Army, Navy and Air Force. The ribbon with the field of stars in the center is common to of all three medals. It reflects the "joint nature of modern era warfare." The medal is the only U.S. military medal worn around the neck." Designed by Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz, the obverse also includes the inscriptions LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, MEDAL OF HONOR and 1861–2011.

The silver dollar commemorative coin reverse portrays an infantry soldier carrying a wounded soldier to safety under enemy fire. The theme is meant to reflect the "courage and self-sacrifice" of all medal recipients. Designed by Richard Masters and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, the silver coin also includes the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

The Mint may not issue the coins past December 31, 2011 even if the entire mintage has yet to be sold.

A $10 surcharge added to the sale of each coin by the Mint was required to be forwarded to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to help finance the foundation’s educational, scholarship and outreach programs.

2011 Medal of Honor Silver Dollar Coin Specifications