Senate Passes American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act

Every session, Congress authorizes the US Mint to produce commemorative coins that celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions.

These coins help raise money for important causes. Part of the price of these coins is a surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community. For example, surcharges on the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center commemorative coins helped build a new visitor center under the U.S. Capitol’s East Plaza.

Since the modern commemorative coin program began in 1982, the United States Mint has raised more than $506,301,189 USD in surcharges to help build new museums, maintain national monuments like the Vietnam War Memorial, preserve historical sites like George Washington’s home, support various Olympic programs, and much more.

The US Senate just passed S.1182, authorizing the US Mint to produce a commemorative coin to mark the 100th Anniversary of The American Legion (1919-2019). The funds raised by this act will help support many of The American Legion’s veteran support programs.

Below is our statement:

“On the behalf of our nation’s American Legionnaires, I extend our sincere thanks to the members of the U.S. Senate, especially Senators Joe Donnelly, Todd Young, Johnny Isakson and Jon Tester, for the passage of S. 1182, The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act.

This bill will authorize the U.S. Mint to produce a commemorative coin celebrating the 100th birthday of The American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veteran service organization with more than two million members and 13,000 posts across the U.S…

The American Legion assists veterans and their families access the benefits they earned while defending our Nation. We ensure America’s veterans receive healthcare and disability compensation for their injuries, and the education and training required to be contributing members of society following their military service.

1. 1182 is budget-neutral and will generate funds for veteran-support activities in every community in America – at no cost to the taxpayer. One hundred percent of the funds raised by The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act will go to support veteran programs.

Again, we are thankful for the Senate’s steadfast support of our veterans and military families.  We look forward to swift passage of this bill’s companion, H.R. 2519, in the House of Representatives so that the President can sign this important legislation into law.”

Charles E. Schmidt
National Commander
The American Legion