Commems Collection Medals: Gen. Colin Powell / Persian Gulf Veterans Set

Shown are the two medals included in the US Mint's General Colin Powell Medal / Persian Gulf National Medal Presentation Set.

The Powell medal is a replica of the gold medal awarded to General Powell by the US Congress in recognition of Powell's display of "extraordinary degree of leadership, competence and professionalism fulfilling his statutory responsibilities throughout Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm" as the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, the principal military adviser to the President, the National Security Council, and the Secretary of Defense. The gold medal was authorized on April 23, 1991.

The Persian Gulf Medal was authorized by Congress with silver versions being awarded to each soldier/veteran of the Persian Gulf War in appreciation of their contributions to the US military effort in connection with the War. The medal was authorized May 13, 1992; bronze duplicate medals for sale to the public were also authorized.

Each of the medals in the Presentation Set is 1-1/2 inches in diameter and both have been given an antiqued finish.

The Mint's issue price for the set was $21.00. It was advertised for sale in 1995/96. The two medals were delivered in a velour, burgundy clam shell presentation case (essentially the same as what was used by the Mint for its coin sets at the time).