Over $35,000 in Legion coin sales during national convention
The U.S. Mint has had a presence at the 101st National Convention of The American Legion in Indianapolis since last Friday where they have been selling the Legion’s 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin series inside the Exhibit Hall at the Indiana Convention Center. U.S. Mint Director David Ryder shared with Legion delegates during his address on the convention floor Aug. 27 that there’s been more than $35,000 in sales in that short amount of time.
“Hopefully by the end of this year we’ll have contributed over $1.5 million to The American Legion in surcharge from the sale of these important products,” Ryder said.
The commemorative coin series was released March 14 and includes three coins that celebrate The American Legion’s centennial and legacy – a $5 gold piece, a silver dollar and a clad half dollar. Each coin incorporates original designs by members of the Mint’s Artistic Infusion program, inspired by The American Legion’s history and legacy. Visit www.legion.org/coin for purchasing, pricing details and more with The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative coins. Order before Sept. 7 for free shipping with code FREESHIPAUGUST2019.
“The Mint is proud to have been a part of the Legion’s commemorative coin program that celebrates such an important milestone. You can be sure that veterans were involved in every step of the way with the development of this important program,” said Ryder, who shared that the U.S. Mint has nearly 1,700 employees and veterans make up 35 percent of that workforce.
Ryder shared with The American Legion that the organization’s mission of “improving the lives of those who have answered the nation’s call … our veterans,” is a mission near to his heart. His mother served as a Navy nurse, taking care of sick personnel around the world, while his father was a Naval aviator.
“Although I have never served in the military, I fully understand the depth of sacrifice that goes along with defending and protecting the freedoms we enjoy as Americans,” Ryder said. That understanding he said is from his parents, as well as from his service under Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Donald Trump, as well as Vice Presidents Dan Quayle and Dick Cheney, who he had the opportunity to visit Afghanistan with five times.
The visits to Afghanistan caused Ryder to “really enjoy the things of this country that I love so much, which are a sense of duty, a desire to serve the nation and stand with you. Your organization is truly a catalyst for driving positive change in the lives of veterans, active duty servicemembers, and the families of both. You invest time and other resources in youth sports and education programs. This organization is truly an American treasure that has gone well above to serve its founding members.
“I salute the great work you do for the United States of America. Your contribution in peace and war, in uniform and out that undoubtedly touched the lives of countless people around the globe.”