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The 2020 End of World War II 75th Anniversary Silver Medal issued by the United States Mint stands as a poignant and beautifully executed tribute to one of the most significant events of the 20th century. This medal honors the formal conclusion of World War II in 1945, a global conflict that reshaped the world and demanded tremendous sacrifice from millions of people. The year 2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the end of this global struggle, and the U.S. Mint commemorated it with a silver medal that not only pays homage to victory and peace but also echoes the enduring gratitude for those who served during the war years.
The silver medal was part of a broader commemorative program that included gold and silver issues honoring the World War II generation. Released on November 9, 2020, the silver medal was eagerly anticipated by collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Its release coincided with the broader observance of the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (May 8, 1945) and Victory over Japan Day (September 2, 1945). These dates collectively mark the official end of hostilities in both the European and Pacific theaters and symbolize the triumph of Allied forces over tyranny and fascism.
The obverse of the medal features an intricate and powerful design by artist Ron Sanders, sculpted by Phebe Hemphill. At the center of the design is an eagle in flight, its wings stretched fully open, symbolizing both freedom and the victorious conclusion of the war. The eagle’s talons are outstretched as if in motion, suggesting vigilance and strength. Surrounding the majestic bird is the inscription “LIBERTY,” as well as “WORLD WAR II” and the dual anniversary dates “1945–2020.” The entire composition conveys strength, determination, and an enduring sense of American ideals.
The reverse design, also by Ron Sanders and sculpted by Craig A. Campbell, portrays a close-up image of olive branches—symbols of peace—encircling the globe. The planet Earth, centered in the design, emphasizes the worldwide impact of World War II and the global desire for enduring peace. At the base of the medal is the inscription “75th ANNIVERSARY,” which complements the image with textual clarity. This reverse is a graceful and contemplative counterpart to the eagle on the obverse, tying together the ideas of power, victory, and peace in a unified artistic statement.
The medal was struck at the Philadelphia Mint and carries no mint mark, in keeping with the Mint's tradition for many commemorative medals. Crafted from 99.9% fine silver, the medal contains one troy ounce of precious metal, aligning it with many of the U.S. Mint’s other modern silver releases in terms of content and size. It has a diameter of 40.6 millimeters and a plain edge. The finish is proof, achieved through multiple strikes using specially polished dies and planchets, giving the medal mirror-like fields and frosted design elements that display exquisite detail and depth.
Although technically not a coin and therefore not legal tender, the 2020 End of World War II Silver Medal is part of the Mint’s long-standing tradition of issuing medals to commemorate major events and historical milestones. The mintage for this medal was limited to 20,000 pieces, and it was offered individually in a presentation case with a certificate of authenticity. Upon release, the medal quickly sold out due to high demand, especially from those interested in World War II memorabilia and collectors of modern U.S. Mint issues. Its limited availability and emotional significance make it highly desirable on the secondary market today.
The medal's production quality is superb, consistent with the U.S. Mint’s high standards for modern commemorative issues. Collectors who have obtained certified examples from grading services such as NGC or PCGS frequently receive PF69 or PF70 grades, indicating near-perfect or perfect condition. These top-grade medals exhibit flawless mirrored fields, frosted devices, and no visible imperfections under magnification. The elegant packaging and official U.S. Mint documentation further enhance the appeal for collectors seeking a pristine, historically significant issue to commemorate the end of the Second World War.
The emotional resonance of this medal is profound. It serves as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by the “Greatest Generation,” including the over 400,000 Americans who lost their lives in the conflict and the millions more who served on the home front or in uniform. Its powerful imagery speaks to themes of resilience, honor, and hope, qualities that defined the Allied victory and have continued to shape national memory. The 75th anniversary marked one of the final major commemorations likely to include living veterans of World War II, adding even more historical weight to this numismatic piece.
For collectors of military-themed or patriotic U.S. Mint products, the 2020 End of World War II Silver Medal is a standout piece. It bridges numismatics and history, offering not only artistic beauty and precious metal content but also the intangible value of remembrance. It is particularly suitable for display, often showcased alongside related memorabilia such as wartime photographs, medals, or service records. Its symbolism extends well beyond the numismatic community, resonating with anyone who values the freedoms secured through Allied perseverance and sacrifice during World War II.
The 2020 End of World War II 75th Anniversary Silver Medal is a fitting tribute to a monumental moment in world history. Combining stunning design, impeccable production, and deep emotional significance, it honors the past while ensuring that the legacy of those who served is never forgotten. With its low mintage, high-grade availability, and historical gravitas, the medal has quickly become one of the most admired and meaningful commemoratives issued by the United States Mint in recent years. It remains a powerful reminder of peace hard-won and the enduring gratitude owed to the heroes of World War II.