2018-P $1 WWI Centennial, DCAM (Proof)

The 2018-P WWI Centennial Silver Dollar

Efforts to authorize a commemorative coin honoring the centennial of the First World War languished in Congress for six years before the passage of the World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act in 2014. These efforts were hindered by the Commemorative Coin Reform Act of 1996, which limits the Mint to only two commemorative programs per year.

During this period, Congress prioritized other military-themed issues, including commemoratives for the National Infantry Museum, the U.S. Army, the Congressional Medal of Honor, Disabled Veterans, and America’s 5-Star Generals. While this created a competitive "glut" of military subjects, most found an audience, with only the 5-Star General coins suffering from notably poor sales.

The World War I Centennial Silver Dollar fared better. The Philadelphia Mint struck 22,340 uncirculated coins (#659612) and 127,848 of the Proof version (#659610). The official first strike ceremony took place on November 28, 2017, featuring a distinguished group including Senator Roy Blunt, Colonel Gerald York (grandson of famous Sergeant Alvin York), and the coin's designer, Leroy Transfield. Also present were representatives from the ANA Money Museum and the USS Olympia—the historic cruiser that transported the remains of the Unknown Soldier from France to Washington, D.C., in 1921.

The Mint employed a tiered pricing strategy for the release:

• Uncirculated: Launched at an introductory price of $48.95, later rising to $53.95.
• Proof: Launched at $51.95, later rising to $56.95.

While the proof version saw higher sales, the Mint’s marketing strategy drew sharp criticism from the collecting community. To acquire the five limited-edition silver medals representing different branches of service, collectors were forced to purchase five separate "Coin and Medal" sets at $99.95 each. Because the medals were not sold individually or as a standalone set, many collectors felt the Mint's decision was an unnecessary burden on those seeking a complete collection.

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