Honoring Veterans Day with Coins

Veterans Day is celebrated in the United States every November 11 and honors all living and deceased military veterans who served in any branches of the United States Armed Forces. The holiday originally stemmed from Armistice Day in 1919 and officially marked the end of World War I, which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918 – November 11, 1918. Over the decades, the parameters of the holiday morphed into an annual occasion to honor those who served in the U.S. military during wartime and peacetime, with Congress and President Dwight D. Eisenhower renaming Armistice Day to Veterans Day in 1954.

Veterans Day is honored in many different ways, from solemn ceremonies at military cemeteries to grand parades down the main streets and through town squares from sea to shining sea. And then there are the myriad numismatic avenues one can travel down when paying tribute to the nation’s bravest.

And when perusing the list of United States coins that pay homage to the countless contributions of the nation’s Armed Forces, you’ll find virtually endless possibilities. Many classic and modern commemorative coins pay tribute to the nation’s military heroes, and there are even many regular-issue circulating coins that commemorate U.S. military figures. Among these are notable figures like Revolutionary War General George Washington (who has appeared on the quarter since 1932) and World War II General Dwight D. Eisenhower (making an appearance on several coins, including the Ike dollar of the 1970s).

Then there are the multitude of coins that remember major conflicts, military branches, and other symbols of national valor. Dramatic moments from the Civil War are epitomized with the 1936 Gettysburg Half Dollar, women of the military and disabled veterans are numismatically venerated on silver dollars. World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam veterans all have coins dedicated to their tours of combat. And then there are the many other commemoratives that honor various segments of military life. Take, for example, the celebrated West Point academic institution, the Medal of Honor, and the American Legion. What’s more, there are PCGS Registry Sets ready for all of these coins.