Among 2011's commemorative coin series, the United States Army Half Dollar Coin is the sole clad coin that the US Mint released. Released on January 31st of that year, these proof and uncirculated coins will be minted by the Mint.
The 2008 United States Army Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 110-450) granted congressional authorization for the coins. The coins are a fitting tribute to the nation's first military organization, the Continental Congress, which was formed in 1775.
The series of coins will "contain motifs that specifically honor the American soldier of both today and yesterday, in wartime and in peace, such designs to be consistent with the traditions and heritage of the United States Army, the mission and goals of the National Museum of the United States Army, and the missions and goals of the Foundation" in accordance with the legislation.
There will be a $5 surcharge on each 2011 US Army Half Dollar Coin that the US Mint sells. This surcharge will go toward building the US Army National Museum at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and the Army Historical Foundation.
The United States Mint announced the 2011 US Army Half Dollar Coin's final design details on December 11, 2010. The announcement came with the news that the Army Half Dollar will include images representing "Service in Peace."
To that end, the coin's obverse depicts a U.S. Army soldier conducting a survey, two troops constructing a flood wall, and, to the right, an early space research rocket known as the Redstone.
Among the other inscriptions displayed are the following: LIBERTY, 2011; IN GOD WE TRUST; SERVICE IN PEACE; and U.S. ARMY. Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers of the United States Mint created the obverse, while AIP Master Designer Donna Weaver was responsible for the design.
The reverse depicts a Continental soldier and the Army as the first service to defend the nation. US OF A, FIRST IN SERVICE TO THE NATION, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF DOLLAR surround the soldier. AIP Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and US Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna created and sculpted the reverse.