Medal of Honor Silver and Gold Coins in 2011

Legislation authorizing the US Mint to strike up to 500,000 $1 silver coins and 100,000 $5 gold coins was signed into law by President Obama on Friday, November 6, 2009. Known as the Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act, the coins will be struck in 2011 to mark the 150th anniversary since the creation of the Medal of Honor in 1861.

The Medal of Honor is awarded "in the name of Congress" by the President of the United States to members of the military who have shown extreme courage in the face of almost certain death, above and beyond the call of duty. Due to the requirements for the Medal, most recipients are honored with it posthumously.

"We are grateful to all those who wear the uniform of our Armed Forces and serve and sacrifice on behalf of our great nation," said Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, co-sponsor of the companion Senate bill [The identical House version was the legislation which passed Congress and was signed into Public Law No: 111-91 by President Obama].

"The Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin honors those who have distinguished themselves courageously by going beyond the call of duty. We owe these heroes a debt of gratitude that our nation can never fully repay. We must never forget their sacrifice and will always keep the Fallen and their families in our thoughts and prayers."

A surcharge from the sale of each coin will be forwarded to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation to help with their educational, scholarship and outreach programs.

"The Foundation is proud to help perpetuate the Medal of Honor’s rich legacy of courage, sacrifice and selflessness through this coin honoring the Medal’s 150th anniversary," said Nick Kehoe, President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation.

The final design for the Medal of Honor coins will be announced by the Mint closer to their release date, but will be "emblematic of the traditions, legacy, and heritage of the Medal of Honor, and the distinguished service of its recipients in the Nation’s history," according to the legislation.