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The U.S. Mint Armed Forces 1 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Coast Guard is a powerful and artistic tribute to the maritime branch that plays a vital role in America’s national security and public safety. Part of the U.S. Mint’s broader Armed Forces Silver Medal series, this medal celebrates the proud heritage and enduring values of the U.S. Coast Guard. Struck in one troy ounce of .999 fine silver, it is not legal tender but is instead a commemorative medal designed to recognize the dedication, sacrifice, and service of Coast Guard personnel. With a bold design, high silver content, and government-issued authenticity, the Coast Guard medal stands as a distinguished piece for collectors, service members, and those with a personal connection to the military.
The U.S. Mint initiated the Armed Forces Silver Medal Program to honor the five primary branches of the U.S. Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard—with specially designed silver medals. Each medal in the series features unique obverse and reverse designs that reflect the identity, mission, and traditions of the respective military branch. The Coast Guard medal was released after several of the other service branch medals, completing the series and adding its own distinct symbolism rooted in maritime defense, rescue, and law enforcement duties. This series is not only a celebration of military heritage but also a showcase of contemporary medallic art and precision U.S. Mint craftsmanship.
The obverse of the Coast Guard silver medal features a striking scene of a Coast Guard national security cutter cutting powerfully through stormy seas, with a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter in flight above. The design conveys the branch’s readiness to perform in extreme conditions and its diverse capabilities in both search-and-rescue and national defense. This maritime action scene, rendered with dynamic movement and fine detail, captures the spirit of the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus” (“Always Ready”), though the motto is not inscribed on the obverse. This design was created by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Richard Masters and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso.
The reverse of the medal features the Coast Guard’s official emblem—an eagle with outspread wings holding a U.S. shield in front of a crossed anchor, which represents the Coast Guard’s origins in maritime security and defense. Surrounding the emblem are the inscriptions “UNITED STATES COAST GUARD” and the motto “SEMPER PARATUS.” The reverse design was created by AIP artist Thomas Hipschen and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. The reverse presents a cleaner, more traditional layout than the energetic obverse, reinforcing the dignity and authority of the service.
The medal has a diameter of 1.598 inches (40.6 mm) and a weight of 1 troy ounce (31.103 grams), providing a substantial feel in hand and a generous surface for the finely detailed design elements. The .999 fine silver purity aligns it with investment-grade bullion coins and rounds, though this piece is not classified as legal tender. It features a matte finish, which provides a soft, satiny texture and enhances the contrast between the raised designs and the flat fields. This finish, also known as a “specimen” finish, combines aspects of both business strikes and proof coinage, resulting in a refined and modern presentation.
The Coast Guard medal was struck at the Philadelphia Mint, consistent with the other releases in the Armed Forces Silver Medal series. While it does not bear a physical mintmark, its origin is documented through official U.S. Mint packaging and certificates of authenticity. Each medal is housed in a black velvet presentation box with a satin-lined interior and accompanied by an outer box that features the official seal of the Coast Guard. A printed certificate of authenticity is included, offering historical context and production details. This packaging elevates the medal’s status as both a collectible and a meaningful gift.
The U.S. Mint did not pre-set a mintage limit for this issue, though it was available only for a limited time. Mintage figures are generally capped by demand and production capacity, making the actual number of medals in existence relatively modest. The limited production run, coupled with the medal’s silver content and its position as the final issue in a popular commemorative series, gives it added appeal for long-term collectors and those seeking completeness in their Armed Forces medal collections. Collectors who acquire medals at launch typically find them to be stable or appreciating assets within the numismatic market.
Many collectors and military memorabilia enthusiasts submit these medals for third-party grading through services like NGC or PCGS. When encapsulated and certified, the medals frequently earn high grades—SP69 or SP70—thanks to the Mint’s careful striking and packaging standards. Special labels, such as “First Releases” or patriotic signature series, may add further value for collectors focused on presentation and provenance. While grading is not necessary to appreciate the medal’s beauty and significance, it can be a valuable step for those focused on preservation and long-term value.
Symbolically, the Coast Guard silver medal resonates deeply with those who serve or have served in this unique branch of the armed forces. As both a military and humanitarian service, the Coast Guard’s mission spans disaster relief, search-and-rescue, homeland security, and environmental protection. The medal's bold imagery—depicting a cutter braving rough seas and a rescue helicopter in action—aptly captures the bravery and skill of its personnel. For families of Coast Guard members, veterans, or those with maritime ties, the medal provides a meaningful, tangible representation of the service's values and dedication.
In summary, the U.S. Mint Armed Forces 1 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Coast Guard is a stunning and powerful tribute to a branch that protects and serves at sea and in crisis. With its bold maritime design, .999 fine silver purity, and official U.S. Mint quality, the medal holds great appeal for collectors, service members, and anyone who honors the Coast Guard’s legacy. Whether displayed as a personal tribute, preserved as part of a military medal collection, or gifted in appreciation of service, it stands as a dignified and lasting token of America’s maritime defenders—always ready, always proud.