Obverse. Photo © United States Mint
  • 1/2 Dollar 2024, KM# 794, United States of America (USA), Greatest Generation
  • 1/2 Dollar 2024, KM# 794, United States of America (USA), Greatest Generation
Description

The 2024 Commemorative Coin Program pays tribute to the service and sacrifices made by American soldiers and civilians in World War II. Authorized by Public Law 117-162, known as the Greatest Generation Commemorative Coin Act, this legislation empowers the U.S. Mint to produce $5 gold coins, $1 silver coins, and half-dollar clad coins that symbolize the National World War II Memorial.

The National World War II Memorial pays tribute to the American spirit and sacrifice during World War II. It honors the 16 million who served, the 400,000 who died, and those on the home front who contributed through work, production, and rationing. Designed to inspire future generations, the memorial symbolizes the achievements of the World War II generation in preserving freedom and democracy. Dedicated on May 29, 2004, it stands as a powerful symbol of American national unity on the National Mall in Washington, DC.

Obverse

Depicts the Victory Medal that was awarded to all who served in the Armed Forces during World War II. The figure of Liberation stands with open arms holding two halves of a broken sword, symbolizing the war’s conclusion.

The United States military instituted the World War II Victory Medal through an Act of Congress on July 6, 1945 (Public Law 135, 79th Congress) and announced it in Section V of War Department Bulletin 12, 1945. Its counterpart from World War I is the World War I Victory Medal.

Sculptor: Craig Campbell (CAC)
Designer: Elana Hagler (EH)

LIBERTY
IN GOD
WE TRUST
WORLD
WAR II
2024
EH CAC
WE ANSWERED THE CALL

Reverse

Depicts the World War II Memorial from the point of view of a person walking up a ramp leading to one of the towers.

The U.S. World War II Memorial, located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., pays tribute to Americans who served in World War II. Designed by Friedrich St. Florian, it features 56 pillars representing states and territories, triumphal arches for the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, and a memorial wall with 4,048 gold stars, each symbolizing 100 Americans who died in the war. The poignant message "Here we mark the price of freedom" is situated in front of the Freedom Wall, overlooking the Reflecting Pool and Lincoln Memorial.

Sculptor: John P. McGraw (JPM)
Designer: Matt Swaim (MMS)

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
MMS JPM
D
E
PLURIBUS
UNUM
HALF DOLLAR

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Nickel Clad Copper
Weight 11.34 g
Diameter 30.6 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Denver Mint (D)
San Francisco Mint (S)

Related coins

Greatest Generation

Silver, 26.73 g, ⌀ 38.1 mm

Greatest Generation

Gold, 8.359 g, ⌀ 21.6 mm