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The U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Coast Guard is a tribute of remarkable distinction, honoring a service branch that has operated at the intersection of law enforcement, military defense, and humanitarian assistance since its founding in 1790. Struck in 2.5 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, this medal is part of the U.S. Mint’s expanded Armed Forces Medal Program and offers both historical and artistic resonance. Unlike circulating coinage, this is a non-denominated medal created solely to commemorate the Coast Guard’s unique and vital role in American history and maritime security. Its larger size allows for breathtaking detail and symbolism, making it a coveted piece for collectors, service members, and patriotic Americans alike.
The Armed Forces Silver Medal Program was introduced by the U.S. Mint to honor each of the five military branches with specially designed silver medals. After initially issuing 1 oz versions, the Mint expanded the program with 2.5 oz medals to enhance the depth, complexity, and presentation of these tributes. The Coast Guard edition is one of the most visually captivating in the series. Its imagery speaks to the Coast Guard’s many missions—from search and rescue and port security to drug interdiction and environmental protection. This 2.5 oz format elevates its significance and allows collectors to fully appreciate the artistic precision and the powerful stories these medals tell.
The obverse of the Coast Guard medal, designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Richard Masters and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Michael Gaudioso, features a commanding scene of a Coast Guardsman on deck, holding binoculars and scanning the horizon. In the background, a cutter ship sails through turbulent seas, and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter flies overhead. The composition is dynamic, layered, and full of movement, capturing the urgency and versatility of Coast Guard operations. The inscription “UNITED STATES COAST GUARD” crowns the top of the design, emphasizing the branch's identity. Together, the elements symbolize vigilance, preparedness, and the multifaceted responsibilities shouldered by the Coast Guard every day.
The reverse features the Coast Guard’s official emblem, composed of a life ring, two crossed anchors, and the inscription “SEMPER PARATUS,” Latin for “Always Ready.” This emblem is flanked by stylized waves, adding texture and reinforcing the maritime domain in which the Coast Guard operates. The reverse was designed by AIP artist Thomas Hipschen and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist Renata Gordon. The motto captures the spirit of the service and the expectations placed upon Coast Guardsmen, who must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice to threats, disasters, or calls for assistance. The emblem serves as a visual anchor tying modern service members to a lineage of seafaring defense stretching back over two centuries.
This substantial medal is crafted from 2.5 troy ounces (77.76 grams) of .999 fine silver and measures 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter. The matte specimen finish lends the medal a soft, stately texture with frosted devices and smooth, even fields. Unlike proof finishes, the specimen style creates a contemporary aesthetic that suits the modern, action-oriented nature of the design. The enhanced weight and size provide a noticeable presence in hand, while the refined sculpting brings out exquisite detail in every element—from the waves surrounding the cutter to the folds in the Guardsman’s uniform.
Although the medal does not bear a mintmark, it was struck at the Philadelphia Mint. All Armed Forces silver medals in both the 1 oz and 2.5 oz sizes are produced there. Each medal is housed in a handsome black velvet presentation case, with a satin-lined interior and protective outer box bearing the seal of the United States Coast Guard. A certificate of authenticity accompanies every medal, detailing the artists, specifications, and the design’s symbolism. The packaging elevates the item from collector’s piece to heirloom-quality tribute, ideal for ceremonial presentation or proud personal display.
The U.S. Mint did not assign a hard mintage limit to the 2.5 oz Coast Guard medal, but production numbers remain relatively modest due to the specialized nature of the program. These medals are not mass-produced like circulating coinage, which enhances their scarcity and appeal among collectors. Whether obtained as a standalone tribute or as part of a complete Armed Forces medal set, the Coast Guard medal occupies a critical place within the series. Its distinctive imagery and noble theme ensure lasting interest and rising demand as the series matures.
Many collectors and military families choose to have their medals graded and encapsulated by third-party certification services like NGC or PCGS. Due to the Mint’s high-quality striking and care in packaging, most receive top specimen grades such as SP69 or SP70. Some slabs may include special designations like “First Day of Issue,” “First Releases,” or “Early Releases,” and feature labels with patriotic imagery, the Coast Guard insignia, or even autographs from figures associated with the military or Mint. These enhancements further increase their desirability and commemorative value, particularly among presentation or gift buyers.
The medal’s symbolism is rich and deeply resonant. The Guardsman on the obverse serves as a stand-in for the thousands of men and women serving on vessels and shore stations across the globe. The imagery highlights the Coast Guard’s readiness to operate in all weather conditions and respond to crises at sea, whether conducting rescue missions, enforcing maritime law, or safeguarding American ports. The helicopter and cutter underscore the branch’s technological capability and far-reaching presence, while the reverse emblem and motto remind viewers that the Coast Guard is always alert and always willing to serve.
For those with connections to the Coast Guard—be they active-duty personnel, retirees, veterans, or family members—this medal is a deeply meaningful object. It is both a piece of fine medallic art and a tribute to commitment, bravery, and silent service. Its impressive weight, powerful design, and elegant packaging make it a natural gift for enlistment, retirement, promotion, or acts of exceptional valor. It also serves as a valuable addition to patriotic collections, representing one of the most unique and multifaceted branches of the U.S. military.
The U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Coast Guard is a masterwork of design and intent. It pays tribute to a service defined by vigilance, adaptability, and honor on the high seas and in the coastal waters that frame American life. From its storm-swept obverse to its proud, enduring reverse, the medal immortalizes the timeless mission of those who serve under the Coast Guard banner. “Semper Paratus”—always ready—is more than a motto; it is a promise engraved in silver and lived every day by those who wear the uniform.