The United States Mint will produce the 2005 Medal of Honor $5 Gold Coin in both proof and uncirculated condition. This coin will be issued in 2011. During that year, the Mint will produce two commemorative coin series, and this particular coin is a part of one of those series.
Congress approved the striking under the 2009 Medal of Honor Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 111-91). The legislation states that the 2011 Medal of Honor $5 Gold Coin would 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."
A Silver Dollar, which will likewise be struck by the Mint in both proof and uncirculated state, was also authorized as part of the series. This dollar will be issued in both of these conditions.
It wasn't until 1861 that Congress first authorized the medal. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a military personnel by the United States government in recognition of valorous conduct taken while fighting an enemy force.
The 2011 Medal of Honor $5 Gold Coin has Congress' 1861 Medal of Honor on the obverse. The medal reads LIBERTY, 1861, 2011, IN GOD WE TRUST, and MEDAL OF HONOR. The obverse was created by US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.
The legendary goddess Minerva holds a shield in her right hand and the Union flag on her left. Joel Iskowitz, the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer, and Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso collaborated on the design of the coin's reverse.
There are a number of inscriptions that may be seen in the vicinity of Minerva, some of which include the words "E Pluribus Unum," "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," and $5.
A surcharge of ten dollars will be added to each gold coin that is sold for five dollars. This surcharge will be given to the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation in order to assist in financing the Foundation's educational, scholarship, and outreach initiatives.