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The U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Army stands as a monumental tribute to the oldest and most storied branch of the American military. As part of the U.S. Mint’s Armed Forces Silver Medal Program, this medal elevates its presence with a substantial 2.5 troy ounce weight of .999 fine silver, offering collectors and patriots a larger canvas upon which the Army’s valor, strength, and service are beautifully portrayed. This is not a legal tender coin but a meticulously crafted commemorative medal, symbolizing the Army’s role in defending freedom and preserving the Republic since 1775. Its enhanced size and weight set it apart from the 1 oz medals in the series, allowing for even greater detail and visual impact.
The U.S. Mint introduced the Armed Forces Medal Program to pay tribute to the five primary branches of the United States Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. While the initial releases were struck in 1 oz silver, the program was later expanded to include larger, more imposing 2.5 oz versions, starting with the Army. The increased weight provides both aesthetic depth and numismatic significance, making this medal particularly attractive to serious collectors and military enthusiasts. With the U.S. Army having served in every major conflict since the Revolutionary War, this medal serves as a timeless expression of the courage and resilience that define the service.
The obverse of the 2.5 oz. Army Silver Medal is a bold and inspirational design created by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Emily Damstra and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. It features a soldier in full modern combat gear, advancing forward with determination and resolve. Behind the central figure, a second soldier kneels with a radio, while a Chinook helicopter transports additional troops in the background. The combination of motion, focus, and teamwork depicted in this design embodies the Army’s constant readiness to respond to threats both foreign and domestic. The inscription “U.S. ARMY” appears at the top, anchoring the imagery in proud identification.
The reverse of the medal, designed by AIP artist Matt Swaim and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso, showcases the official U.S. Army emblem. The centerpiece is a field cannon placed above a sword, drum, and flag—elements drawn from the Army’s Revolutionary War origins. Surrounding these devices is a circle of stars and the inscriptions “UNITED STATES ARMY” and “THIS WE’LL DEFEND.” The motto, which serves as the Army’s enduring creed, is displayed on a scroll beneath the emblem. The reverse provides a solemn and historically grounded complement to the active scene on the obverse, reinforcing the Army’s long lineage and guiding principles.
This medal is struck at the Philadelphia Mint in 2.5 troy ounces (77.76 grams) of .999 fine silver, offering a wide and commanding 2-inch (50.8 mm) diameter. The increased scale allows the U.S. Mint’s sculptors to realize finer levels of depth, detail, and texture than are possible on smaller formats. The finish is a matte specimen style—also referred to as an enhanced uncirculated finish—which creates a soft, even appearance with sharp devices and frosted surfaces that contrast elegantly with smooth fields. While the medal does not carry a mintmark, it is packaged with full documentation verifying its authenticity and origin.
The U.S. Mint does not assign a face value to this medal, as it is not legal tender. Its purpose is ceremonial and commemorative, celebrating the spirit of military service rather than functioning as currency. Each medal is carefully encased in a black velvet presentation box, nestled within a durable and elegant outer box bearing the seal of the Department of the Army. Accompanying the medal is a certificate of authenticity, offering information on its design, specifications, and production. This refined packaging adds to the medal’s desirability as a collectible, presentation piece, or gift to veterans, active-duty personnel, or family members honoring a loved one’s service.
The mintage of the 2.5 oz. Army Silver Medal is limited, and while exact numbers may vary depending on demand and mint scheduling, the U.S. Mint typically keeps production of these larger-format medals constrained. This intentional scarcity enhances the medal’s appeal on the secondary market. Collectors who appreciate completeness may seek all five branches in both 1 oz and 2.5 oz formats, and the Army medal, as the first branch recognized by Congress, holds a special place in such collections. Its large silver content also makes it attractive to precious metal buyers seeking both bullion and numismatic value in a single object.
Given its impressive size and detail, this medal is a strong candidate for third-party certification through grading services such as NGC and PCGS. When graded, these medals frequently receive SP69 or SP70 designations, reflecting their high quality and the Mint’s strict production standards. Graded examples may carry designations like First Releases or Early Releases, which, along with military-themed labels or autographs of veterans or Mint officials, can enhance their marketability. Uncertified medals preserved in original government packaging remain highly collectible as well, especially when free from blemishes or handling marks.
Symbolically, the medal captures the core essence of what it means to serve in the United States Army. The forward-advancing soldier represents the Army’s commitment to defending the nation and supporting allies around the globe. The background elements—air support and communication—remind the viewer of the Army’s integrated and adaptive capabilities. On the reverse, the historically grounded insignia connects modern service members to the founding of the Army and the centuries of military excellence that followed. It is a striking balance between past and present, between action and honor, and between military might and historical memory.
Whether given as a retirement gift, presented at a promotion, displayed in a collection, or acquired as a patriotic investment, the U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal—Army edition—is a masterpiece of modern medallic art. It embodies the values of loyalty, duty, respect, and selfless service in every line and relief. As a physical representation of honor and commitment, the medal preserves the Army’s legacy not only in precious metal, but in the hearts of those who understand its significance. It is a noble tribute to the soldiers who have stood ready for nearly 250 years to defend the nation—“This We’ll Defend.”