While the United States Mint was selling out of their popular 25th Anniversary Silver Eagle set, they were also busy introducing the designs for the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Commemorative Coin. This silver dollar was designed to commemorate the United States Army Infantry, and recognize the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center.
12 different designs were originally created for the obverse side of the coin, and seven different designs were drawn out for the reverse. Timothy Geithner, the 75th United States Secretary of the Treasury, made the final selections for the coin designs.
The design chosen for the obverse side of the coin features a soldier dressed in modern military garb. The soldier is charging forward, symbolizing the motto of the infantry, which is "Follow Me". The word "LIBERTY" is placed at the top side of this design. The words,"IN GOD WE TRUST" are to the right of the soldier, and the date 2012 is in the bottom left corner. This design was created by Joel Iskowitz, and engraved by Michael Gaudioso.
The reverse design was created by Ronald D. Sanders, and engraved by Norman E. Nemeth. It features the crossed rifle insignia, which is the branch insignia for the Armies Infantry. The words,"One Dollar", and "E Pluribus Unum" are placed underneath the crossed rifles, with the words "United States of America" placed at the top.
The coins images were shown to the public at Fort Benning's famous Doughboy Stadium in Columbus, Georgia before a football crowd of Columbus State University Cougars, and the Fort Benning Doughboys.
Former Buffalo Bills head coach, and World War II veteran, Mark Levy presented the opening coin toss for the game with an official prototype 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin.
This coin was authorized by Congress, and signed into law by President Bush in 2008, under the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act, or Public Law 110-357. This law allows for a maximum mintage of 350,000 silver dollar collector coins in uncirculated and proof condition. Designs for the coin were to be indicative of the history, courage, pride, sacrifice, and sense of duty of the United States Infantry.
The 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar Coin should be available from the US Mint in February of 2012.