Silver Medals To Go Along With 2018 WWI Commemorative

I can't argue with this, but, personally, I couldn't care less about their future potential on the secondary market. That's not why I collect the coins and medals that I do.

I collect what I do because I enjoy the history that is recalled through commemorative pieces - I get a history lesson with every addition to my collection. Granted, many of the items I've collected over the years have increased in value, but I don't like or appreciate those that did any more than the pieces that didn't.

I certainly understand this approach is not for everybody, but it does make me happy!

Well stated, commems.

Well said, commems. I agree 100%.

Follow up article on potential designs:

http://www.coinworld.com/news/us-co...-medals.html

@mellamobradley46: Thanks for the link!

Sign me up for a set! I think the designs will make for attractive and historically significant medals.

I do wish, however, that the mariners of the US Merchant Marines had been recognized with a medal along with the various military services. If it wasn't for these sailors, our soldiers would not have had the supplies, ammunition and other materiel needed to fight and secure victory.

From the http://www.usmm.org web site:

The Great naval leader, Admiral William Snowden Sims [Commander, U. S. Naval Forces in European Waters, WWI] , praised the officers and crews of the American merchant ships who transported supplies across the Atlantic for the American Expeditionary Force:

"The skill and seamanship of these sailors was something that amazed naval officers, and they proved themselves to be seamen in a sense that naval officers never have the opportunity to become. The courage, initiative, and sense of responsibility, skill in handling ships of all types, and noteworthy seamanship characterized the merchantmen.

"Without the merchantmen's skill, courage and loyalty the war could not have been won."

Food for thought...

Another interesting read on the selection process:

http://www.coinworld.com/news/us-co...-medals.html

Yeah who world know that medal selection could be so contentious

I suppose they pictured a S.P.A.D. because it's identifiable with Eddie Rickenbacker's 94th squadron. This plane was French as were many of the others flown by U.S. pilots. EVR relates a great story about his first escapade with one in his autobiography.