United States Mint Commemorative Coin Programs for 2010

Each year the United States Mint issues one or more commemorative coins to celebrate or honor American people, places, events, or organizations. The coins are issued as part of programs authorized by Congress. For 2010, the US Mint will issue coins to honor American Veterans who have become disabled for life and to celebrate the centennial of the Boy Scouts of America.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Program was authorized under Public Law 110-277. It calls for the production of up to 350,000 silver dollar with a design emblematic of the service of our disabled veterans who survived the ordeal of war and made enormous personal sacrifices defending the principles of our democracy. The coins will be issued in proof and uncirculated versions and are expected to be released in February 2010.

The images for the design of the Disabled Veterans Silver Dollar were unveiled by the US Mint last year. The obverse features an image of the legs and boots of three veterans with the inscription "They Stood Up for Us." The reverse of the coin features a wreath of oak branches and leaves with a forget-me-not flower at the base. A central inscription reads "Take this moment to honor our disabled defenders of freedom."

The Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver Dollar was authorized by Public Law 110-363. The coins will be issued to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the organization. Similar to the other program, silver dollars will be produced in a maximum quantity of 350,000 across proof and uncirculated options. The coins are expected to be available in March 2010.

The design for the Boy Scouts Silver Dollar is intended to be emblematic of the 100 years of the largest youth organization in the United States. The obverse features a scene of a Cub Scout, Boy Scout, and female Venturer saluting with the inscription "Continuing the Journey". The reverse of the coin features the universal emblem of the Boy Scouts of America with their motto "Be Prepared."

As with other commemorative coin programs, the cost of each coin will include a surcharge distributable to related organizations or projects. The surcharges from this year's programs will be paid to the Disabled Veterans´ LIFE Memorial Foundation for the construction of the American Veteran´s Disabled for Life Memorial and to the Boy Scouts of America Foundation for the extension of scouting to hard to serve areas.

Michael Zielinski is an internet entrepreneur and coin collector. Find more information on the American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar or other 2010 coins.