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The 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial & Museum 3-piece Proof Set was issued by the United States Mint to honor the service and sacrifice of American law enforcement officers, both past and present. This commemorative program was authorized by Congress under Public Law 116-94 and was struck in recognition of the 30th anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. The set pays tribute to the brave men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting communities across the United States. Featuring a silver dollar, a gold $5 coin, and a clad half dollar, the 3-piece proof set showcases distinct yet unified designs that reflect the themes of duty, honor, and remembrance.
The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, which opened in 1991, is a solemn and powerful site that bears the names of more than 22,000 officers who have died in the line of duty since 1791. It serves as a place of reflection and recognition for law enforcement families and the broader public. The 2021 commemorative set also celebrates the National Law Enforcement Museum, which opened in 2018, offering interactive exhibits and educational resources to deepen the public’s understanding of the role law enforcement plays in society. The set was released to raise funds for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, with surcharges from the sale of each set authorized to support the museum and memorial.
The $5 gold coin in the set features an elegant and symbolic obverse design created by artist Frank Morris and sculpted by U.S. Mint Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It depicts a male and female officer in profile, facing opposite directions to suggest vigilance and watchfulness in all directions. Between them is a police badge, framed by the inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021.” The design is bold, direct, and highly detailed, with the proof finish enhancing the contrast between the frosted devices and the mirror-like fields. The reverse design, also by Frank Morris and engraved by Craig Campbell, shows a folded American flag, a symbol of mourning and respect, above the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “FIVE DOLLARS,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The silver dollar, perhaps the centerpiece of the set, features an inspiring obverse by artist Ronald D. Sanders and sculptor Phebe Hemphill. It presents a police officer kneeling before the memorial wall, where the engraved names of fallen officers are located, with a child’s hand resting on his shoulder—a powerful representation of legacy, memory, and the continuity of service. The background includes inscriptions such as “SERVE AND PROTECT,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and the year “2021.” The reverse, also by Sanders and engraved by Joseph Menna, features a beautiful rendering of a police badge with olive branches to either side, symbolizing peace and honor. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR” encircle the design in a stately layout.
The clad half dollar in the set features a contemporary and symbolic obverse design by artist Emily Damstra and sculptor John P. McGraw. It depicts a police officer comforting a distressed young girl, set against an urban backdrop, representing the humanitarian side of law enforcement. The inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2021” are arranged harmoniously around the image. The reverse features a design by Thomas Hipschen and sculpted by John P. McGraw, showing a pair of clasped hands—one representing a law enforcement officer, the other a civilian. Behind the hands is a depiction of a flag, and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “HALF DOLLAR” complete the design.
All three coins in the 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial & Museum Proof Set were struck at different mints, each bearing the “W,” “P,” or “S” mintmarks for West Point, Philadelphia, and San Francisco respectively. The $5 gold coin was produced at the West Point Mint, the silver dollar at the Philadelphia Mint, and the clad half dollar at the San Francisco Mint. Each coin was struck in proof quality, showcasing the Mint’s highest production standards, including sharp reliefs and deeply mirrored fields. The combination of high relief and frosted finishes highlights each design’s intricate detail and emotional depth, enhancing their impact as tributes to public service.
The mintage limits for the individual coins and sets were established to maintain their collector appeal. The maximum mintage across all product options for the $5 gold coin was capped at 50,000 pieces, the silver dollar at 400,000, and the clad half dollar at 750,000. However, the number of full 3-piece sets was far more limited, contributing to their desirability among modern U.S. commemorative collectors. These sets were issued in special U.S. Mint packaging that includes a Certificate of Authenticity and a tri-fold presentation box, designed to display all three coins side by side. The packaging adds to the visual and emotional presentation of the set, making it a fitting keepsake or gift for those connected to law enforcement.
In terms of condition, the coins in the 3-piece proof set are struck to the highest possible standards of the U.S. Mint’s proof coinage. Each coin should exhibit flawless mirrored fields, deep cameo contrast between the raised devices and background, and no post-mint imperfections. Collectors often seek out sets that have been certified by third-party grading services such as PCGS or NGC, where a grade of PR70 DCAM or PF70 Ultra Cameo confirms a perfect specimen. These examples are especially prized and can command premiums on the secondary market. Even uncertified sets, when kept in their original government packaging, retain strong collector interest, especially due to the commemorative subject and low distribution volume.
Beyond its artistic and numismatic appeal, the 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial & Museum 3-piece Proof Set holds significant emotional and societal value. Each design was thoughtfully developed to represent various facets of law enforcement—duty, compassion, remembrance, and community engagement. By purchasing the set, collectors not only acquire a trio of high-quality proof coins but also contribute to funding the museum and maintaining the memorial, ensuring the stories and sacrifices of fallen officers continue to be honored and preserved for future generations. The program bridges the numismatic world with the ongoing national conversation about the roles and challenges faced by law enforcement.
The 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial & Museum 3-piece Proof Set is a beautifully executed and deeply meaningful commemorative issue that captures the spirit of service and sacrifice. With stunning designs, low mintages, and flawless proof finishes, the set appeals to collectors, patriots, and supporters of law enforcement alike. Its historical significance, combined with its role in supporting a national cause, ensures that it will remain a treasured part of modern U.S. commemorative coinage. Whether acquired for personal reflection, display, or collection building, this set serves as a lasting tribute to those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.