Obverse. Image Courtesy of Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS.com)
  • 1/2 Dollar 2015, KM# 602, United States of America (USA), 225th Anniversary of the United States Marshals Service
  • 1/2 Dollar 2015, KM# 602, United States of America (USA), 225th Anniversary of the United States Marshals Service
Description

The United States Mint issued three commemorative coins to celebrate the 225th anniversary of the US Marshals Service. The clad half dollar issued for the program was stipulated under the authorizing legislation to contain images emblematic of the history of the Marshals Service and the role it played in a changing nation.

The United States Marshals Service (USMS) is a federal law enforcement agency in the United States. The USMS is a bureau within the U.S. Department of Justice, operating under the direction of the Attorney General, but serves as the enforcement arm of the United States federal courts to ensure the effective operation of the judiciary and integrity of the Constitution. It is the oldest U.S. federal law enforcement agency, created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 during the presidency of George Washington as the "Office of the United States Marshal". The USMS as it stands today was established in 1969 to provide guidance and assistance to U.S. Marshals throughout the federal judicial districts.

The Marshals Service is primarily responsible for the protection of judges and other judicial personnel, the administration of fugitive operations, the management of criminal assets, the operation of the United States Federal Witness Protection Program and the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System, the execution of federal arrest warrants, and the protection of senior government officials through the Office of Protective Operations. Throughout its history the Marshals have also provided unique security and enforcement services including protecting African-American students enrolling in the South during the civil rights movement, escort security for United States Air Force LGM-30 Minuteman missile convoys, law enforcement for the United States Antarctic Program, and protection of the Strategic National Stockpile.

Obverse

Depicts the image of a US Marshal and a horse from the Old West contrasted with a modern female Marshal wearing tactical gear. The inscriptions include “Liberty”, “In God We Trust”, the anniversary dates “1789-2014”, and the date of issue “2015”.

Design: Joel Iskowitz
Modelling: Michael Gaudioso

LIBERTY
1789-
2014
JI
2015 MG
D
IN GOD WE TRUST6

Reverse

Contains a broad collection of objects symbolizing well-known areas of responsibility in the history of the US Marshals Service. Lady Justice is depicted holding a scale in her left hand and the US Marshals Service Star in her right. In the field below is a copy of the United States Constitution, a stack of school books, handcuffs, and a whiskey jug. These objects represent the Marshals ties to the Constitution, the Whiskey Rebellion, slavery and the legacy of equality, and the struggle between labor and capital.

Design: Susan Gamble
Modelling: Phebe Hemphill

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
E
PLURIBUS
UNUM
HALF
DOLLAR
We the People
HALF DOLLAR
SG PH

Edge
Characteristics
Type Commemorative Issue (Non-circulating)
Material Copper Nickel Clad Copper
Weight 11.34 g
Diameter 30.61 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Coin
Mints
Denver Mint (D)
San Francisco Mint (S)