The recent passage of the 2025 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin program made me wonder about previous coin bills that sought to honor the US Marines. Of course, the 2005 Silver Dollar that celebrated the 230th Anniversary of the US Mariner Corps came immediately to mind, but I wondered what other coin proposals involving the US Marine Corps are a part of US coin history?
In July 1999, a bill that sought 100,000 Gold Eagles ($10) and 500,000 Silver Dollars ($1) "in commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Korean War to honor the United States Marine Corps participation" was introduced in the House of Representatives by John Patrick Murtha, Jr. (D-PA). Murtha was a member of the US Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955 and then again in 1966 and 1967. Between 1955 and 1966 - and then again from 1967 to 1990 - Murtha was a member of the US Marine Corps Reserves. His record of service in the Marines certainly made him a vey qualified US Marine Corps commemorative coin sponsor.
The Korean War (some call it a "Conflict") began with the invasion of South Korea by North Korean forces on June 25, 1950. The opening months of the War did no go well for South Korea and its allies - the United States and United Nations troops. North Korea, supported by China and the Soviet Union, made multiple advances and appeared on the verge of overall victory.
To turn things around for the South Korean, US and UN forces, an amphibious landing was planned at Inchon (South Korea - west of Seoul). The plan was not universally supported within the US military leadership, with many questioning its viability. General Douglas MacArthur, Head of the US Far East Command, supported the plan, however, and advocated for its approval. He prevailed, and, on September 15, 1950, a landing force consisting of the US Army's 7th Infantry Division, the 1st Marine Division of the US Marine Corps, units of the Republic of Korea and forces of the United Nations went ashore to do battle with the North Koreans.
The Battle of Inchon lasted from September 15 to September 19, 1950. It was a success for South Korea, the US, etc. and proved to be a turning point in the War. Two weeks later, South Korea was able to retake its capital - Seoul.
Note: Inchon is today known as Incheon.The designs to be featured on the gold and silver coins were to be "emblematic of the Marine Corps Landing at Inchon during the Korean War." The coins were to feature the date "2001" along with the standard mottoes and inscriptions. The designs were to be determined by the US Marine Corps Foundation and Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), with review by the Citizens Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee (CCCAC). The Secretary of the Treasury, as always, was to make the final selection.
Upon its introduction, the bill was referred to the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services, with a subsequent referral to that Committee's Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy. It was never reported out of Committee, however, and never considered by the Whole House. As no companion bill was introduced in the Senate, the House's inaction brought about the demise of the proposal.
An interesting twist of the coin bill was the fact that it specifically stated "No surcharge may be included in the cost of any coin issued under this Act." The coins were to be "pure" commemorative coins, with the net proceeds generated by the Mint likely being deposited in the General Fund of the US Treasury and being used to reduce the national debt, and/or possibly helping to fund US Mint operations. In any case, it appears the intention of the coins was not to benefit a particular sponsor or purpose (e.g., museum development). Of course, had the bill proceeded, it might have been amended to name the Marine Corps Foundations as sponsor/beneficiary.
For more of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including other What If? stores from the classic and modern US commemorative coin series, see:
Commems Collection.
Posted 12/02/2023 7:32 pm
