2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative (19C[J-R]) (Officially off-sale...)
BackroadJunkie
Posts: 3,745 ✭✭✭✭✭
Note: The Commem and Print set announcement here: https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/12403591/#Comment_12403591
For the first time in my failing memory, the Mint is offering both commemoratives this year in all three denominations with special sets. Thus, the commemorative product codes this year stretch from 19CA to 19CR. (There is no 19CI or 19CO, probably so no one confuses them with 19C1(one) and 10C0(zero).)
The law authorizing these commemoratives is Public Law 115–65 (pdf).
Edit: All web pages (except for the coin and medal set) has been populated.
There is a HHL of 1 across all products. These limits will be lifted March15 @ Noon.
All prices are introductory pricing. They will go up $5 at the end of thirty days from the start of sales.
All images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.
Gold:
There is a mintage of 50,000 across all three gold options. These will still use 90% gold stock.
Price will be dependent on spot:
| Avg Spot | Proof | Uncirc | 3-Coin Set | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1200-$1249 | $406.50 | $396.50 | $472.00 | ||
| $1250-$1299 | $418.75 | $408.75 | $484.25 | current price range | |
| $1300-$1349 | $431.00 | $421.00 | $496.50 |
(Table reflects introductory pricing.)
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary $5 proof gold (19CJ)
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary $5 uncirculated gold (19CK)
Silver:
There is a mintage limit of 400,000 coins across all four product offerings. Like the Apollo commemoratives, these will be offered in .999.
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary $1 proof silver (19CL)
The initial price will be $54.95.
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary $1 uncirculated silver (19CM)
The initial price will be $51.95.
Clad:
There is a mintage limit of 750,000 coins across all three product offerings. These are standard 8.3% nickel/balance copper clads.
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary 50¢ proof clad (19CN)
The initial price will be $27.95.
2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary 50¢ uncirculated clad (19CP)
The initial price will be $25.95.
Sets:
There will be two sets. The 3-Coin Proof set has the same release date as the other commems (March 14). The coin and medal set has a TBD release date.
The 3-Coin proof set will be your standard gold/silver/clad set. There is a 7,500 product limit.
The American Legion 100th Anniversary 2019 Three-Coin Proof Set (19CR)
No pricing available, yet. The three coin set is not listed in the PM schedule.
There will also be a Coin and Medal set, a proof silver dollar and an American Veterans Medal, which will probably be struck on an ASE blank. (There is no American Veterans Medal on the product schedule, so the only way to get the medal may be to buy the set, much like the WWI medals last year. You might want to keep that in mind if you're going to buy the silver proof and want the medal.)
The Coin and Medal set has a TBD release date. There are no images of the medal yet.
American Legion 100th Anniversary 2019 Silver Dollar and American Veterans Medal Set (19CQ)
Finally, I really like the eagle on the $5 reverse, but probably not $400+ worth of like. I could be wrong, but I think these will be take off sale at the end of the year without selling out. The coin and medal set could do well if there's a low product limit, but it would probably have to be a really low product limit...
Edit: The Coin and Medal set will be made available May 20, 2019. See this post.
I'll update this page when more information warrants.
Comments
Sales data courtesy of the US Mint.
I like the $5 gold! I'm in.
Wondering why the poppy flower was not included somewhere on the obv or rev of any of the designs. Acorns are okay but. Peace Roy
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Another military commemorative.
The Mysterious Egyptian Magic Coin
Coins in Movies
Coins on Television
I'm in!
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
I'm in for one of each, in a set if offered, possible duplicate a single if it's the only way to get a special silver medal.
These could be the best Mint Au & Ag designs for 2019.
@BackroadJunkie - Nice thread to follow thoughts by forum members on this Mint offering - AS USUAL !
I have been looking forward to these comms. Thanks @BackroadJunkie!
From the 14 Nov 2018 CCAC on the American Veterans Medal. http://news.coinupdate.com/for-u-s-military-veterans-a-silver-medal-from-a-grateful-nation/
Worthy cause, AWFULLY done! Wow, the mint is going cartoon with so many of its issues.....
Well, just Love coins, period.
Disney folks would do better. I recall the commemorative designed by Tiffany & Co.... much better than most of the timid Mint works.
PS: Former Director of the Mint Abram Piatt Andrew was one of the founders of the American Legion in France.
I am a Legion member and will likely get the proof/medal set....Cheers, RickO
Decent designs-I agree with the OP on the eagle on the gold-really attractive rendition. I will likely be in for the gold ones, though I will wait to purchas in the secondary market.
The American Legion Emblem: "There shines the Emblem of The American Legion, it is your badge of distinction, honor and service. It stands for God and Country, and the highest rights of man. Of its several parts, each has a meaning."
Elements of the emblem
The rays of the sun
The rays of the sun form the background of our proud emblem and suggests the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil.
The wreath
The wreath forms the center, in loving memory of those brave comrades who gave their lives in the service of the United States that liberty might endure.
The star
The star, victory symbol of World War I, also symbolizes honor, glory and constancy. The letters "U.S." leave no doubt as to the brightest star in the Legion's star.
Outer rings
The larger of two outer rings stands for the rehabilitation of our sick and disabled comrades. The smaller inside ring denotes the welfare of America's children.
Inner rings
The smaller of two inner rings set upon the star represents service to our communities, states and the nation. The larger outer ring pledges loyalty to Americanism.
American Legion
The words American Legion tie the whole together for truth, remembrance, constancy, honor, service, veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, loyalty, and Americanism.
https://www.legion.org/emblem
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10158085835554409&id=520719408&tn=%2As%2AsH-R
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Mint hosts first strike of American Legion commemorative coin
By Matt Grills
JAN 31, 2019
The first American Legion commemorative coins came off the press Thursday during a ceremonial striking at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia.
"As we reflect on our legacy of support to our nation's veterans, servicemembers and their families in patriotic communities everywhere, these coins are lasting and timeless expressions of the service and values The American Legion holds dear," National Commander Brett Reistad said.
"I am proud that all surcharges received from sales of American Legion commemorative coins will help us continue to fulfill our mission. Whether it is delivering hope in a time of need, advocating for veterans benefits, giving college scholarships to our nation's youth or providing much-needed assistance to veterans, servicemembers and their families, The American Legion will be there."
Set to go on sale March 14, coinciding with The American Legion's 100th birthday, the silver dollar pays tribute to the organization's Paris founding. The coin's heads side, or obverse, is designed by Paul Balan and features the American Legion emblem surrounded by oak leaves and a lily. The reverse side is designed by Patricia Lucas-Morris and has crossed U.S. and American Legion flags under a fleur-de-lis, with the dates 1919-2019 and the inscription 100 YEARS OF SERVICE.
Following remarks by Reistad and David Croft, the Mint's associate director of manufacturing, the commander stepped up to a German-made Gräbener coinage press to feed in a 1-ounce pure silver blank, an inch and a half in diameter. It was struck three times by the coinage dies, with a striking pressure of roughly 190 tons per strike.
"Every day across America, the Mint connects Americans through coins, and it is our great privilege to connect America to the legacy of the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization," Croft said. "We hope you will be as pleased with these coins as we are."
Past National Commanders Denise Rohan and David Rehbein joined Reistad at the first strike, along with National Adjutant Daniel Wheeler, Marketing Commission Chairman James Rohan, Past Pennsylvania Department Commander Paul Kennedy and American Legion Auxiliary National President Kathy Dungan.
Also present were former House Veterans' Affairs Committee chairman Steve Buyer, R-Ind., and former U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards, D-Texas, who in 2017 rallied their congressional colleagues to support H.R. 2519, known as the American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.
"The overwhelming support for this legislation was an incredible testament to the respect that The American Legion has in our country, among Republicans, Democrats, independents, people from all walks of life," Edwards said. "To pass this bill was a way we could say 'thank you' to the Legion for the positive influence it's had on our nation."
"Today, in the same place where our country was founded, we get to honor an organization that has taken those values of our founding fathers and carried them forward into the 21st century."
In addition to the American Legion silver dollar, the Mint will sell a $5 gold piece and a clad half-dollar. The gold coin's obverse is designed by Chris Costello, and features the Eiffel Tower and a V for Victory in World War I, with LIBERTY and 1919-2019 encircled by the outer ring of the Legion's emblem. The reverse side, designed by Paul Balan, has a soaring bald eagle and the American Legion emblem.
The clad coin is designed by Richard Masters; the heads side depicts two children, one wearing her father's American Legion cap, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, while the reverse shows a billowing U.S. flag and American Legion emblem above the words ... OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
Passed by Congress on Oct. 6, 2017, Public Law 115-65 allows the Mint to strike and issue 50,000 of the gold coins, 400,000 of the silver dollars and 750,000 of the half-dollars.
"We all want to leave a legacy," Rehbein said. "These coins are an outstanding symbol of an individual's legacy, as to what they accomplished as part of The American Legion. It's not just what The American Legion accomplished; it's what Legionnaires accomplished. We don't do things as a large mass. We do them as individuals. I'd like to see people buy a coin, maybe a set, to pass along to their families as a reminder of what we've achieved as Legionnaires."
The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act had broad support on Capitol Hill. The House version of the bill had 385 cosponsors -- more than any other coin bill authorized in the past decade.
"The American Legion, I think, represents the fabric of America," Buyer said. "My grandfather was a charter member of a post in Francesville, Ind., when he returned from World War I, and my parents dedicated their lives to The American Legion. My mother was a past president of the Auxiliary in Indiana, and my father was a district commander.
"Having a coin to commemorate its 100th anniversary is an opportunity for the Legion to look back and say, 'What is the impact we've had on the nation? Have we served the ideals of the charter members?' I would say the Legion has done well, and it's the next 100 years everyone's looking forward to."
Holding an American Legion silver dollar left Buyer "glassy-eyed," he said. "I remember as a young boy, maybe 10 or 11 years old, every time I would walk into the Francesville post I would look up on the wall and see my grandfather's picture. He was a past commander." He felt that pride again today, he added.
The commemorative coins were designed through the Artist Infusion program and U.S. Mint sculptors and engravers, in consultation with The American Legion, the Citizens Coin Advisory Committee and the U.S. Commission on Fine Arts.
At the Legion's 100th National Convention in Minneapolis last August, U.S. Mint Director David Ryder said sales could raise up to $9.5 million for the organization's programs and services.
To be added to the mailing list for updates, go to legion.org/coin. For prices and other ordering information, go to usmint.gov.
https://www.legion.org/centennial/244694/mint-hosts-first-strike-american-legion-commemorative-coin#.XFM00vye8qM.facebook
Is it just me, or does it look like the girl is sticking her tongue out??
Looks goofy to me too, obviously she is reciting the pledge and the artist decided to capture her in mid verse. Too much tongue is not a good thing in this instance.
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Why can't Congress change the law to make these commemorative half dollars in .999 silver like they just did with 2019 proof quarters, dimes, and Kennedy's?
I may just stop collecting commemorative halves altogether as I just don't like clads, and I don't really want to support this design.
I do like the silver and gold and will gladly support the Legion and get one of each of them as it is a great organization and designs are more classic.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
alty, and Americanism.
Thank you for posting the elements of the American Legion Emblem--Very meaningful to gain a deeper understanding...most appreciated.
Picked this up as a complement to the upcoming American Legion coins
They did.
U.S. Mint moving from coin silver to .999?
Edit to add: It is also mentioned in the OP...
@BackroadJunkie said: They did.
This is from your op link to the new 2017 Public law 115-65
" **HALF-DOLLAR CLAD COINS.—Not more than 750,000 half- dollar coins which shall— (A) weigh 11.34 grams; (B) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and (C) **be minted to the specifications for half-dollar coins contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United States Code."****
That code says:
31 U.S. Code § 5112.Denominations, specifications, and design of coins
U.S. Code
(a)The Secretary of the Treasury may mint and issue only the following coins:
(1)a dollar coin that is 1.043 inches in diameter.
(2)a half dollar coin that is 1.205 inches in diameter and weighs 11.34 grams.
The new American Legion Halves are clad per the specs noted above and in the OP. The Apollo commemorative halves are also clad.
Sorry but I can't find the section where it changed the law for half dollar commemoratives so that they can be silver? The clad halves weigh 11.34 grams, the 90% silver Kennedy's are 12.5 grams if they keep the same diameter again, a .999 silver half would be almost 12.7 grams.
Edited to say I am a miner, not a lawyer, so I might be missing something.
It seems if they were allowed to do .999 silver commemorative halves now they would make the change, pun intended.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
Whoops! Sorry about that, thought you were talking about the dollars.
The halves are clad because the US halves are clad, and the metal makes the price difference bearable.
Should he halves be silver, they would not be 50% of the dollar price. Heck the clad halves are 50% of the silver dollar price. It would be defeating the purpose of the lower cost commemorative.
Personally, I don't collect any modern commems. I buy a few I like every now and then. But I certainly don't mind that the halves are clad.
If I want silver, I buy bullion. If I want art, I buy the image not the medium.
The quarters are clad, and yet they make the 2019 ATB commemorative set in .999 silver now.
Kennedy's are clad, but they make silver ones now also .999 as well in the new proof sets.
I just don't see the difference really why commemorative halves are any different except for the law hasn't changed for them. The clads are half the price of the silver dollars like you said.
I don't think their costs would go up very much if they were silver. The Apollo silver dollar proof is $54.95 at .999 and the Apollo clad proof half is 27.95. I think most people would be happy to pay $30-35 for a .999 silver half which has some real silver value, vs one of 8.33% nickel, and 91.67% copper.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
One more added to the complement
Then you should definitely write your congresscritters and get the law changed.
And good luck with that.
It will be interesting to see if this limited audience coin set does better or worse than the last few...
The Girl Scout coin failed to sell enough to cover the mint's costs and thus sent no surcharge $s to the target.
https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/2014/01/girl-scouts-will-get-no-commem-surcharges.all.html
Several of the others forwarded far less than the potential $s, e.g. US Marshals, Boy's Town, and the Lions Club:
https://www.coinworld.com/news/us-coins/2019/01/commemorative-coin-surcharges-not-automatic.all.html
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
I feel the same way about the American Legion coins that I felt about last year's World War I coins.
World War I made a very big difference in the history/future course of the little town that I grew up in, and it made a big difference in the lives of my grandparents and their relatives, friends and acquaintances. When I was in grade school, most of these people were around seventy years old and they influenced me greatly.
Accordingly, I bought the World War I coin and medal sets as a remembrance of the town and of all those folks.
The American Legion was also very important to the town and the people of my grandparents' generation. It was still a force in the town in 1969, and mostly a spent force twenty years later. Also, we think (but can't verify) that one of my great-uncles may have been in Paris at the big formative meeting of the Legion in early 1919. Later, my Dad was also active in the local Legion, but it didn't mean quite as much to him as his parents and their generation.
So, I will buy the Five dollar and one dollar coins and the medal too, all in memory of the people who came before me. Possibly I will end up with a half dollar too, but the design is trite and corny.
While I am at it I will suggest they quit making billions of circulated cents a year at a loss. Just make a few real copper ones in proof sets or uncirculated mint sets and those will be really popular again. There are enough Lincolns out there to last for decades. Sure people hoard them, but really is there a good reason to keep any dated after 1983, other than the 2009's?
Waste of space and time IMO to have literally more than 100 billion of them with 97.5% zinc sitting in jars with a current melt value of only 0.7 cents? Maybe I can send a note to AOC and say the major zinc mine in Alaska is polluting the environment and she will add it to her green list of projects.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
The minting of Morgan and Peace silver Dollars was largely economically unnecessary too, but what is super highly popular with collectors today?
Then why not mint about 300,000,000 of them a year for those collectors who like to find new ones in change, instead of OVER 8 billion a year like they have since 2014? Then there would be some real collector interest and improve the hobby IMO.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
DOH. Cents are largely minted for the use in the collection of very small local taxes. This is also a major reason for minting Nickels.
Well yes I know it is a very unpopular idea to get rid of them or limit production, but 75% of the country uses credit cards now, not cash, Australia did away with the penny in 1966, and Canada did away with them in 2013, with no major negative effects.
Jarden Zinc a subsidiary of Newell Brands NWL based in NY and is the sole supplier to the Mint for cent production. They have a big lobby and also they have already proposed to make the cents and nickels out of plated steel which they also can produce to allow production at the Mint to continue without a loss.
So my prediction is that it won't be long and 1943 style steel cents will make a comeback (99% steel and thin layer of zinc or maybe copper now), and nickels will be steel as well with maybe nickel plating that Jarden Zinc will supply to the Mint. Win for the company, win for the mint, and everyone can still hoard and use as many as they want.
The Mint by law is not supposed to lose money as it is supposed give profits to the Treasury.
Some people hate change. Pun intended.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
20th Anniversary Armistice Day 1918 - 1938
edit to add a serendipitous find while clearing the one above
1969 25th. Anniversary of D-Day American Legion Medallion
This one deserves it's own post. I like the style
At eighth grade graduation our Grade school had a single individual award (besides the diplomas themselves) and that was the American Legion School Award. In 1973, I recieved a medal and two certificates and the medal was exactly like the one posted by @Kudbegud...
My copy was later stolen, but I remember the graduation and the American Legion award very well.
@BillDugan1959 - Which one was the one you got?
@Kudbegud It was the same as yours, the eagle design, three inch size - I believe that the design with military figures was earlier.
Thanks. That's a nice one.
Added an American Legion Medallion
That is an amazing collection of Legion medals. Thanks for posting.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
One more added
+1
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
Just added one and one to go @ 3:00 pm HST
Last one. I have to stop ...... but can I?
OK, here is another one. I couldn't resist it. Silver .999 1.26 ounces.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
All nice ones thank you!
Bump.
Web pages updated. See initial post for updates.
Gold, silver and the set with the Veterans Medal.
Clad... Hmm...
Actually, they should just have banks buy the cents back at 60 to 75 cents per roll if they want them back in circulation. It would be cheaper for the government to acquire them that way than Mint new ones.
That is an interesting concept, but a little tough logistically. I just went through my big cans of change, pulled out the pre-1982's and 2009 Lincolns, and turned in about 5,000 cents to the bank along with a bunch of other modern clad.
The bank has a free machine just like Coinstar, so it is really easy to just dump them in and so no need to fill rolls and sign them like I used to have to do.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set