American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar
- Year of Issue: 2010
- Authorizing Legislation: Public Law 110-277
Background
Members of the U.S. Armed Forces have answered the call to duty and served with distinction around the world—from hitting the beaches in World War II in the Pacific and Europe, to the cold and difficult terrain of Korea, the steamy jungles of Vietnam and the desert sands of the Middle East. Americans owe a tremendous debt to those who gave so much of themselves for our country. These include the millions of disabled veterans who continue to live with the wounds and scars of military service; those who have died after living with those wounds and scars; and those who gave their lives while defending our principles of democracy.
The United States Mint minted and issues commemorative silver dollar coins in proof and uncirculated versions to honor these heroes. The images on the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar capture the service of the brave men and women who have honored us with their selfless duty to defend our country. These veterans often carry permanent life-altering disabilities that serve as strong reminders of the price of freedom.
Recipient Organization: Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation
A surcharge of $10 from the sale of each 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar is authorized to be paid to the Disabled Veterans' LIFE Memorial Foundation to support the construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., authorized by Congress in 2000.Commemorative Coin Surcharges
Commemorative coin programs are created by acts of Congress to honor a person, place, or event. Surcharges from the sales of these coins help fund a variety of organizations and projects that benefit the public. Commemorative coins are only available from the United States Mint for a limited time, as specified by public law.
Characteristics
The coin designs are emblematic of the many stories of our disabled veterans' courage, loyalty and sacrifice. The obverse features an image of the legs and boots of three veterans. The inscription in the banner along the upper rim pays tribute to our courageous disabled veterans who have survived military service injuries for our freedom.
The reverse design depicts a forget-me-not flower at the base of a wreath wrapped in a ribbon that cradles and supports clusters of oak branches. The oak branches represent strength, while the forget-me-not is a widely recognized icon that first served as a reminder of those who fought and became disabled in World War I. The significance of the small blue flowers is attributable to an image conveyed by World War I soldiers who had seen them growing on the graves of comrades and allies who had been killed. After the war, the flower became the accepted symbol for commemorating those who had fallen.
Obverse Inscriptions
• THEY STOOD UP FOR US
• IN GOD WE TRUST
• 2010
• LIBERTY
Reverse Inscriptions
• TAKE THIS MOMENT TO HONOR OUR DISABLED DEFENDERS OF FREEDOM
• UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• E PLURIBUS UNUM
• ONE DOLLAR
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
Weight: 26.73 grams nominal
Diameter: 1.500 inches (±0.003) or 38.10 mm (±0.08)
Composition: 90% Silver; 10% Copper
Mintage Limit: 350,000 across all product options
Artist Information
Obverse- Don Everhart, Sculptor-Engraver
- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist