To catch up on the 2019 American Legion Centennial coin program's journey through Congress, see: 2019 American Legion Centennial - Part I / In Congress
If you'd like to read about a commemorative medal for the Americn Legion's 50th Anniversary, check out: What If? 1969 American Legion 50th Anniversary - Part I / BackgroundThe sales window for the 2019 American Legion Centennial coin program opened on March 14, 2019 - the 100th Anniversary date of the Legion's founding. The program consisted of a Gold Half Eagle, a Silver Dollar and a Copper-Nickel (CuNi) Clad Half Dollar, with Proof and Uncirculated versions offered.
2019 American Legion Centennial Gold Half Eagle2019 American Legion Centennial Gold Half Eagle
Obverse Design: The foundation of the coin's obverse design is the same sun burst that serves as the base of the American Legion emblem; the rays suggest "the Legion's principles will dispel the darkness of violence and evil." Within the circular frame of the rays is found the Eiffel Tower - an allusion to the Legion's founding in Paris, France in 1919 - and a large "V" that is representative of Victory in World War I. The commemorative dates "1919" and "2019" flank the central elements.
Obverse Designer: Chris Costello (US Mint Artistic Infusion Program ("AIP"));
Phebe Hemphill.(Sculptor)
Reverse Design: A Bald Eagle in flight, representative of the United States, is depicted at the right, with the American Legion Emblem in the field to the left.
Reverse Designer: Paul C. Balan (US Mint AIP);
Joseph Menna (Sculptor)
2019 American Legion Centennial Silver Dollar2019 American Legion Centennial Silver Dollar
Obverse Design: The American Legion emblem flanked by oak leaves (each with an acorn) and a lily flower below. The lily recalls the initial organizational efforts made to establish the American Legion that took place in Paris, France in March 1919.
Obverse Designer: Paul C. Balan (US Mint AIP);
Renata Gordon (Sculptor)
Reverse Design: At its center, the reverse design features a pair pf crossed flags. The flag to the left is the US Flag, with the American Legion Flag to the right. The flags are flanked by the commemorative dates "1919" and "2019" with a fleur de lis and the commemorative inscription "100 YEARS OF SERVICE" on three lines above. (The fleur de lis is another nod to Paris and the site of the Legion's founding.)
Reverse Designer: Patricia Lucas-Morris (US Mint AIP); Michael Gaudioso (Sculptor)
2019 American Legion Centennial Clad Half Dollar2019 American Legion Centennial Clad Half Dollar
Obverse Design: Depicts a young boy and girl standing, their right hand over their heart, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. A star is seen on the patch of the American Legion hat worn by the little girl - it's her grandfather's. The design includes the beginning to the opening line of the Pledge, "I Pledge Allegiance to the flag..."
Obverse Designer: Richard Masters (US Mint AIP);
Phebe Hemphill (Sculptor).
Reverse Design: Presents an upward-looking view of a billowing, current (circa 2019) US Flag (not all 50 stars are visible) with a head-on view of the American Legion emblem above it. The design includes the inscription "...of the United States of America" to complete the Pledge's opening begun on the coin's obverse.
Reverse Designer: Richard Masters (US Mint AIP);
Joseph Menna (Sculptor).
The American Legion Centennial coin program was not nearly as successful as anticipated. The Gold Half Eagle sold 3,190 of the individual Proof version and 2,929 of the individual Unicirculated. In addition, 7,451 Gold Half Eagles were sold via the program's three-piece Proof Set. Combined, the Half Eagle sold a total of 13,570 coins of a total of 50,000 authorized (~27.1%).
The Silver Dollar sold 44,022 of the individual Proof version and 13,790 of the individual Unicirculated. In addition, 7,451 Proof Silver Dollars were sold via the program's three-piece Proof Set. Combined, the Silver Dollar sold a total of 65,263 coins of a total of 400,000 authorized (~16.3%).
The Clad Half Dollar sold 18,812 of the individual Proof version and 11,429 of the individual Unicirculated. In addition, 7,451 Proof Clad Half Dollars were sold via the program's three-piece Proof Set. Combined, the Clad Half Dollar sold a total of 37,692 coins of a total of 750,000 authorized (~5.0%).
The American Legion Centennial three-coin program had the potential to raise $9.5 million in total surcharge funds. Its disappointing sales, however, produced just ~$1.32 million (~13.85%).
The Pre-Issue (Discount) Price for the individual Proof Gold Half Eagle was $418.75; for the Uncirculated version it was $408.75. The price of each was subsequently adjusted based on the weekly Spot Price of Gold.
The Silver Dollar had a Pre-Issue Price of $54.95 (Proof), a Regular Issue Price of $59.95 (Proof) and $51.95/$56.95, respectively (Uncirculated). The Clad Half Dollar had a Pre-Issue Price of $27.95 (Proof) and a Regular Issue Price of $32.95 (Proof) and $25.95/$30.95, respectively (Uncirculated).
Note: The Regular Price for the coins listed went into effect on April 15, 2019.The three-piece (Gold, Silver and Clad) Proof Set was priced at $489.95 from its introduction; the Set had a Product Limit of 7,500 (once damaged/returned coins were reconciled, the Set was deemed a "Sell-out").
I'll be adding a pair of Addendums to this post with notes about the "Emblem Print" that was offered by the coin program, as well as the "Coin and Medal" Set. Stay tuned!
If you haven't already done so, make sure to have a look at the first part of this story:
2019 American Legion Centennial - Part I / In CongressFor other of my posts about commemorative coins and medals, including more about modern US commemorative coins, see:
Commems Collection 
Posted 01/13/2026 5:29 pm
