In late December of 2020, the United States Mint unveiled the chosen designs for the upcoming 2021 National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin Program. As recent as this week, they finally released details about the coins and they are now set for release tomorrow, January 28th, on a Pre-order status. The coins will be officially available and will ship out to customers in early May. Consisting of a total of seven products for the commemorative series, it features a $5 Gold Coin in both Proof and Uncirculated condition, a Clad half dollar coin in Proof and Uncirculated condition, a Silver dollar in Proof and Uncirculated condition, and a 3-coin Proof Set consisting of all three Proof coins.
The aim of the series according to the Mint is to “honor and commemorate the extraordinary service and sacrifice of America’s law enforcement officers and serve as a bridge between past and present, as well as between peace officers and the public.” Mint Director David J. Ryder adds: “These designs will be featured on coins that honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers throughout the history of the United States. We hope this program will assist the Museum in its mission to bridge the past and the present and to increase public understanding and support for the law enforcement community.” Surcharges for each sale of the different coins will be paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc., for educational and outreach programs and exhibits.
Below are the design descriptions for each authorized coin.
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum 2021 Uncirculated/Proof $5 Gold Coin
The obverse of the $5 gold coins, designed by Frank Morris and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, features the profile of a male and female officer in salute. Engraved around the design are the words “LIBERTY,” “2021,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse of the design depicts a folded flag with three roses beneath it representing remembrance. Inscriptions also featured read “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “FIVE DOLLARS,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The reverse was designed by Ron Sanders and sculpted by Craig Campbell. Both will be minted at West Point.
Both of the Proof and Uncirculated versions of the $5 gold coin are limited to $50,000 across all products. A surcharge in the amount of $35 for each coin sold will be paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc.
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum 2021 Proof/Uncirculated Clad Half Dollar
The obverse of these half dollar commemorative coins feature a sheriff’s star representing the community that is served by law enforcement officers and the importance of their daily role. The inscriptions “SERVE AND PROTECT,” “LIBERTY,” “2021,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” Ron Sanders designed the obverse while John P. McGraw sculpted it. Depicting an eye in a magnifying glass looking at a fingerprint, the reverse of the Clad half dollar coins aim to remind people of the human side of justice as law enforcement officers are not only a presence in the streets but also behind the scenes. It also shows an emblem of the National Law Enforcement Museum with the inscriptions “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “HALF DOLLAR,” and “NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MEMORIAL AND MUSEUM” around the design. The reverse was designed by Heidi Wastweet and sculpted by Renata Gordon. The Uncirculated Clad half dollars will be minted at Denver while the Proof version will be produced at San Francisco.
Each coin is limited to 750,000 across all items for both finishes. A surcharge in the amount of $5 for each coin sold will be paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc.
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum 2021 Proof/Uncirculated Silver Dollar
Designer Frank Morris and Sculptor Phebe Hemphill are behind the obverse for the Proof and Uncirculated Silver dollar coins. It features a police officer kneeling down next to a child. The child is reading a book and sitting on a basketball. This design is to symbolize the service to the community and the importance of future generations. Inscriptions on the design read “SERVE & PROTECT,” “LIBERTY,” “2021,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.” The reverse, designed by Ron Sanders and sculpted by John P. McGraw, depicts a handshake between a member of the public and a law enforcement officer. This handshake is to represent the important role and work that law enforcement officers contribute to the community with an emphasis on the increased safety through the trustworthiness of relationships created. The words “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR” are also seen on the reverse design. Both versions will be minted at Philadelphia.
Each version will be limited to just 400,000 across all products. A surcharge in the amount of $10 for each coin sold will be paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc.
National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum 2021 Three-Coin Proof Set
This three-coin Proof Set will contain the $5 Proof Gold coin, the Clad Proof half dollar coin, and the Proof Silver dollar coin. The product limit is set at 7,500 with surcharges of $35, $5, and $10 being paid to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, Inc.
Source: United States Mint