United States Armed Forces Silver Medal – U.S. Coast Guard
Background
The U.S. Coast Guard Silver Medal is the second medal in the U.S. Armed Forces Silver Medals Program. In 2022, the U.S. Mint released a bronze medal of the same design.
The U.S. Coast Guard originated in 1790 as the Revenue Cutters, one of the federal government’s oldest agencies. In peacetime, the Coast Guard operates under the Department of Homeland Security, but in wartime it becomes part of the Armed Forces.
Characteristics
The obverse depicts a Coast Guard national security cutter at full throttle, speeding head-on toward the viewer. The hull number identifies the cutter Hamilton, named for Alexander Hamilton. The Coast Guard motto "SEMPER PARATUS" (always ready) curves around the top.
The reverse shows two iconic symbols of the Coast Guard, a life preserver ring and the racing stripe mark, which are found on almost all Coast Guard craft. The racing stripes are depicted with a heraldic hatching tradition to indicate color, with horizontal lines indicating the color blue and vertical lines indicating red. The Coast Guard emblem, which is part of the racing stripe mark, is also in the center. Inscribed into the life preserver ring are the Coast Guard's core values.
Obverse Inscriptions
- U.S. COAST GUARD
- SEMPER PARATUS (always ready)
Reverse Inscriptions
- HONOR
- RESPECT
- DEVOTION TO DUTY
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
The U.S. Coast Guard Medal has a matte finish. The medal does not have a mint mark.
One Ounce Silver Medal:
- Composition: 99.9% silver
- Diameter: 1.598 inches (40.60 mm)
- Weight: 1.000 troy oz.
2.5 Ounce Silver Medal:
- Composition: 99.9% silver
- Diameter: 2.000 inches (50.80 mm)
- Weight: 2.500 troy oz. (77.759 grams)
Bronze Medal:
- Composition: 95% copper, 5% zinc
- Diameter: 1.500 inches (38.10 mm)
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Richard Masters, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Renata Gordon, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Thomas Hipschen, Artistic Infusion Program