Honoring the American Legion on Coins

The American Legion was founded March 15, 1919, in Paris, France. It was then first chartered in the United States on September 16, 1919, as a patriotic veterans’ association. The organization was founded out of concern for the wellbeing of the soldiers and their communities after they returned home from World War I.

Today, The American Legion’s primary focus is to assist veterans, its service members, and communities as a non-profit organization. The American Legion is the largest veteran organization in the United States, with almost two million members. It has 55 different post locations, one in each state and in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, France, Mexico, and the Philippines.

The American Legion’s mission statement is “To enhance the well-being of America's veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.” The American Legion's vision statement is "The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America.” The American Legion currently focuses its efforts in four areas: veterans affairs and rehabilitation, children and youth, national security, and Americanism. For over a century, the organization has been a great advocate for veteran affairs and has made a major impact on court rulings and legislations, supporting veterans and their families. It has also helped veterans as well as their families and youth receive millions of dollars in financial grants and assistance throughout the years. Additionally, it has implemented programs to assist war veterans, their families, and their communities. Overall, the American Legion has supported and assisted many veterans around the country for more than a century.

In the year 2019, the U.S. Mint recognized and celebrated American Legion Day, recognized every September 16, by producing six different commemorative coins. The Mint produced an American Legion Half Dollar, Dollar, and $5 Gold commemorative, all dated 2019, with each produced in a Mint State and Proof version to total six different coins as charted below:

With the production of the 2019 American Legion coins, the U.S. Mint has undoubtedly made more people aware of this legendary organization, who they are, and what they do. At the same time, the mint has also introduced some nice coins for collectors to add to their collections. Therefore, the American Legion Coin Program is a win, win, win – for the American Legion, for the U.S. Mint, and for collectors.