U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 Oz. Silver Medal--U.S. Navy

The U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal honoring the United States Navy is a substantial and masterfully crafted tribute to one of America’s most revered and versatile military branches. As part of the U.S. Mint’s larger-format expansion of its Armed Forces Medal Program, this oversized medal delivers profound visual and symbolic weight. Struck in 2.5 troy ounces of .999 fine silver, the medal not only celebrates the Navy’s sea power and heritage, but also does so with heightened detail and presence due to its increased diameter and thickness. Unlike traditional coins, this piece carries no denomination and is not legal tender—it is instead a commemorative medal intended to embody the Navy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment in physical form.

The Armed Forces Medal Program was launched by the U.S. Mint to honor the five major branches of the United States Armed Forces: Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard. The initial issues were produced in 1 oz silver formats, but due to the positive response from collectors and military communities, the Mint introduced a more substantial 2.5 oz silver variant. The Navy medal, among the most dynamic in the series, benefits greatly from the expanded format, offering a broader canvas for its layered maritime imagery and elevating its collectible stature. This larger version continues the Mint’s legacy of producing historically meaningful and visually stunning tributes to America’s military heritage.

The obverse of the Navy 2.5 oz silver medal is an ambitious and commanding composition that showcases the global might of the United States Navy. Designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Donna Weaver and sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill, the scene includes a Navy destroyer cutting through turbulent seas, an aircraft carrier anchored in the distance, and an F/A-18 Hornet flying overhead. A submarine lurks just beneath the surface, while a helicopter hovers in the sky, representing the Navy’s multidimensional capabilities—air, surface, and sub-surface. The inscription “UNITED STATES NAVY” arcs boldly above the imagery, grounding the action in identity and mission.

The reverse features a stylized representation of the U.S. Navy’s official emblem—an eagle perched atop a ship’s anchor with wings outstretched, flanked by a ship’s wheel that evokes navigation and command. Below, a flowing banner bears the Navy’s core values: “HONOR,” “COURAGE,” and “COMMITMENT.” Designed by AIP artist Steve Ferris and sculpted by Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw, this side of the medal offers a visual and thematic counterbalance to the action-driven obverse, focusing instead on institutional ideals and heraldic dignity. The contrast between the two sides underscores the duality of the Navy’s character: ready for war, devoted to peace, and anchored in tradition.

The specifications of this 2.5 oz medal are impressive. It is struck in .999 fine silver, weighs 77.76 grams, and measures 2 inches (50.8 mm) in diameter. The increased surface area allows the Mint’s engravers to incorporate enhanced detail and texture into the design, particularly visible in the cresting waves, the surface of the aircraft carrier, and the precise rendering of the eagle and anchor. The medal is struck with a matte or specimen finish—a softly frosted surface that yields strong visual contrast without the reflective sheen of a proof. This finish enhances the sculptural depth of the design and lends the medal a dignified, modern appearance.

The medal is struck at the Philadelphia Mint, which is the designated production site for all Armed Forces silver medals, both 1 oz and 2.5 oz variants. Though it bears no mintmark, the Philadelphia origin is confirmed by the packaging and certificate of authenticity provided by the U.S. Mint. Each medal is presented in a black velvet-lined clamshell case, enclosed within an outer box featuring the Department of the Navy’s official seal. The packaging includes a full-color certificate of authenticity that describes the design, specifications, and production background, providing both context and assurance of quality.

Unlike bullion coins or legal-tender commemoratives, these medals are minted in relatively low quantities, often dictated by market demand rather than predetermined limits. As a result, their mintage numbers remain modest compared to more widely distributed U.S. Mint products. While the Navy 2.5 oz medal is not officially limited, its run is naturally capped by the Mint’s production capacity and sales duration. This controlled distribution increases the medal’s long-term appeal, particularly for collectors building complete Armed Forces sets or those seeking patriotic silver medals with meaningful themes and exquisite artistry.

Many collectors choose to submit these medals for third-party grading through NGC or PCGS, especially to preserve the high level of detail and to potentially enhance market value. Most examples achieve high specimen grades, such as SP69 or SP70, thanks to the Mint’s meticulous production process. Special labels and signature editions often feature military themes, emblems, or patriotic banners, making them particularly appealing for display or gifting. Whether graded or kept in their original Mint packaging, these medals are generally preserved in excellent condition, protected from handling and environmental factors.

Symbolically, the 2.5 oz Navy medal speaks to the full breadth of the Navy’s mission: deterrence, presence, power projection, maritime security, and humanitarian assistance. The elements depicted—the ships, aircraft, and submarine—tell a story of technological superiority and strategic reach. The stormy seas through which the destroyer plows reflect both literal challenges and the figurative storms of global conflict and crisis that Navy personnel navigate daily. On the reverse, the emblem and values convey the moral compass that guides every sailor. Together, the two sides offer a complete visual tribute to the Navy’s past, present, and enduring ethos.

For veterans, active-duty sailors, or family members honoring loved ones who served, the Navy 2.5 oz medal serves as a deeply personal and meaningful memento. It is also a valuable addition to patriotic or military-themed collections, offering weight, scale, and significance. Its unique design and robust silver content ensure it appeals to both numismatists and bullion buyers. Whether presented at a promotion or retirement ceremony, displayed in a home or office, or tucked into a collection of U.S. Mint commemoratives, the medal evokes pride in service and respect for those who wear the Navy uniform.

In summary, the U.S. Mint Armed Forces 2.5 oz. Silver Medal—U.S. Navy edition—stands as one of the most visually striking and symbolically rich tributes to naval service ever issued by the Mint. With its bold maritime imagery, substantial silver content, and elegant finish, it represents the very best in modern numismatic art and military commemoration. It is a piece of silver and a piece of history—a tribute forged in metal to honor those who safeguard the seas with honor, courage, and commitment.