Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 2005
Mints: Philadelphia
Composition: 0.900 silver 0.100 copper,
Diameter: 38.1 mm (1.5")
Weight: 26.73 grams (0.7736 oz. actual silver weight)
Total Mintage: 49,671 (business), 548,810 (proof)
Edge: reeded
Authority: Public Law 108-291 of August 6, 2004
Introduction
The year 2005 marked the 230th anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps.
The obverse was designed by Norman E. Nemeth and features the historically famous image of “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima" flanked with the inscriptions "MARINES 1775 2005" and "IN GOD WE TRUST". On the outer periphery is the word “LIBERTY” and year of issue. In the lower right of the design are the designer's initials “NEN”.
The reverse was designed by Charles L. Vickers and features the Marine Corps emblem of the the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor as well as their motto "Semper Fidelis". On the outer periphery are 13 stars representative of the original 13 colonies as well as the words UNITED STATES OF AMERICA", "E PLURIBUS UNUM", and "ONE DOLLAR". Located above the word ONE DOLLAR is the mint mark “P” for Philadelphia. Immediately blow the main design are the designer's initials "CLV".
General Market Notes
Though the coinage act Public Law-108-291 allotted for a maximum mintage of 500,000, the series proved so popular that the Secretary of the Treasury authorized an additional 100,000 coins. It's not hard to guess that many of these coins were given as gifts which will not be parted with easily. Acquiring an example may take some patience.
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