Civil War Battlefields commemorative coins facts for kids
The Civil War Battlefields commemorative coins are special coins made to remember important places from the American Civil War. The United States Mint made these coins in 1995. They are called "commemorative" because they celebrate or honor a specific event or person.
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Why Were These Coins Made?
In 1992, a law was passed called the Civil War Battlefields Commemorative Coin Act. This law allowed the U.S. Mint to create three different coins. These coins were made to celebrate 100 years since people started protecting Civil War battlefields. It was important to save these historic sites for future generations. The coins were officially released on March 31, 1995.
What Do the Coins Look Like?
Each coin has a unique design on its front (called the "obverse") and back (called the "reverse"). These designs tell stories from the Civil War.
Half Dollar Coin Design
The front of the half dollar coin shows a young drummer boy from the Civil War. He is an important symbol of the many young people who were part of the war. Don Troiani designed this side. The back of the coin shows a scene from a battlefield. T. James Ferrell designed the back.
Silver Dollar Coin Design
The front of the silver dollar coin shows a powerful moment. An infantryman (a soldier on foot) is helping a wounded enemy soldier by giving him water from a canteen. This design, also by Don Troiani, shows kindness even in wartime. The back of the coin features a quote from Joshua Chamberlain. He was a college professor who became a hero at the Battle of Gettysburg. John Mercanti designed this side.
Gold Half Eagle Coin Design
The front of the gold half eagle coin features a Civil War bugler on horseback. He is sounding a call to the troops, which was a common way to give orders during battles. Don Troiani designed this side too. The back of the coin shows a bald eagle, which is a symbol of the United States. The eagle holds a banner that says, "Let Us Protect and Preserve." This message reminds us to take care of our history. Alfred Maletsky designed the back.
Coin Details
These special coins were made from different metals and had specific sizes.
Half Dollar Coin Details
- Weight: 11.34 grams
- Diameter (size across): 30.61 millimeters (about 1.2 inches)
- Made of: 92% Copper, 8% Nickel
Silver Dollar Coin Details
- Weight: 26.730 grams (about 0.86 troy ounce)
- Diameter (size across): 38.10 millimeters (about 1.5 inches)
- Made of: 90% Silver, 10% Copper
Gold Half Eagle Coin Details
- Weight: 8.359 grams (about 0.27 troy ounce)
- Diameter (size across): 21.59 millimeters (about 0.85 inch)
- Made of: 90% Gold, 6% Silver, 4% Copper
