Devil Dogs

Submitted by: MCB Quantico
Story Identification #: 2005721104520
Story by Sgt. Donald Bohanner

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va (July 21, 2005) — Marine Corps Base Quantico and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation hosted the unveiling ceremony for the U.S. Mint’s commemorative U.S. Marine Corps silver dollar coin at Lejeune Hall Wednesday.

“This is the first time the United States Mint has ever struck a coin for one of the services, and we are extremely proud,� said Gen. Michael Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps.

Congress authorized the Mint to create the coin to commemorate the Marine Corps’ 230th birthday and to honor past, present and future Marines who have made sacrifices to defend the nation.

“This is a very exciting day,� said Henrietta Holsman Fore, director of the United States Mint. “This historic coin is the first we have created for any service. It is in celebration of the 230th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, and we are proudly minting these coins.�

The Basic School and Marine Corps Systems Command had several static displays at the ceremony showcasing Marine Corps equipment, and the Martial Arts Center of Excellence gave several demonstrations. The MV-22 Osprey and several helicopters were on display for spectators to see them up close and personal.

“On May 25, the director of the U.S. Mint and the assistant commandant of the Marine Corps went to the mint in Philadelphia to view the striking of the first sets of coins to ensure that the design was good,� said retired Col. Raymond Hord, Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s vice president of development and marketing.

According to Hagee, a portion of each sale will go to the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation in support of the National Museum of the Marine Corps’ construction.

“The museum will be a wonderful addition to the Marine Corps,� said Hagee. “It will be a place where we are going to be able to tell our story, not only to Marines but to all Americans. And it’s a great story to tell.�

The first 30 days after the unveiling of the coin, uncirculated coins will cost $33 and proof coins will cost $35. After Aug. 22, the coins will be sold for $35 and $39, respectively.

According to a description on the U.S. Mint’s Web site, the coin is distinguished by a frosted cameo image. The “proof� coins shimmer with mirror-like backgrounds and are packaged in acrylic cases to preserve their finish. The “uncirculated� coins are carefully handled, minted on special presses, and have not been used in everyday commerce. The uncirculated coins are protectively sealed in clear Mylar to ensure they stay in their original mint condition.

“This commemorative coin program includes additional special products. The Marine Corps Coin and Stamp Set offers an uncirculated Marine Corps 230th anniversary silver dollar with an original Iwo Jima 3-cent stamp issued in 1945,� said Fore.

For more information on the USMC silver dollar or to purchase the coin online, visit www.usmint.gov.