33mm, approximately 22g, sterling silver Obverse: Minuteman carrying a rifle, with the legend "U.S. TREASURY AWARD" with the treasury seal. https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgemo/14677756859/ Reverse: Wreath from 9:00 to 3:00, empty block filling inside of wreath (often engraved), legend "FOR PATRIOTIC SERVICE / U. S. / SAVINGS BONDS / PROGRAM". https://www.flickr.com/photos/georgemo/14861931454/ When did the Treasury mint these? Most of the ones I've seen are engraved 1944 or 1945. The one above is dated June of 1964, which puts it at the start of the Vietnam War. I suspect it was made using surplus medals from WW2, but am curious how late these were made.
Since the date is engraved (rather than part of the die), it was most likely produced during WWII as you said. Chris
I have only seen these with dates during WW II. As Chris noted these were awarded for an individual's efforts in selling War Bonds.
I agree, I've only seen them with 1944 or 45. I bought one recently but it's not dated or engraved. I'd post a pic but I'm in the middle of moving and I don't think I could find it if I tried. I'll try to find it sometime tomorrow though.
Hmmmm, interesting comments in this stream. I’m no expert by any stretch but care to point out that theses MUST have been manufactured no sooner than 25 February, 1945 when the image of the flag raising was published publicly. This image was used for the War Bond drive that raise $26B (1945/1946 dollars); so some inscriptions may indicate earlier dates, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for any of these medals to have been produced before mid-1945. Does anyone have information specifically from the Treasury Department to add? Thanks ~ doc the Jarhead
