Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar program ending | News

COLUMBUS, GA (WTVM)- The
last chance to order the 2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar from the United
States Mint is just three weeks away.

The
National Infantry Foundation, which receives $10 for every coin sold, is hoping
the holiday gift season will give the program a last minute, much needed boost.

The
2012 Infantry Soldier Silver Dollar, approved by Congress and one of only two
such commemorative coins minted by the United States Mint this year, honors the
Infantryman and celebrates the establishment of the National Infantry Museum
and Soldier Center. The program launched in February and will close out
December 17. Any unsold silver dollars will be melted down.

To
date, approximately 194,000 Infantry Silver Dollars have been sold. Legislation
authorized a maximum minting of 350,000.

"We'd
love to have sold every one of those 350,000 coins," National Infantry
Foundation President Ben Williams said. "The best we can do is make sure every
Infantryman knows it exists before it's too late to purchase one."

The
National Infantry Museum is not funded by any state or federal program. It does
not charge admission. It relies on donations and programs like the Infantry
Silver Dollar to cover operating costs.

The
Foundation hopes Infantrymen – both active duty and retired – and the people
who support them will consider purchasing the coins for holiday gifts.

"This
is a gift that truly will be cherished," Williams said. "Equally important to
the recipient will be the knowledge that the coin is helping the National
Infantry Museum fulfill its mission of honoring Soldiers."

The
proof version of the coin sells for $54.95; the uncirculated version sells for
$49.95. There are a few remaining Defender of Freedom sets available for
$51.95.

Orders
for this commemorative coin will be taken on the United States Mint's website only until 5 p.m. December 17, 2012. A limited
supply of the proof version of the coin is available at the Soldier Store
inside the National Infantry Museum.

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