As The American Legion prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, one initiative being adopted by a number of departments is the manufacture and sale of a commemorative coin.
Around half of the 55 Legion departments are known to either offer, or be considering the offer of, such coins. Costs vary, but the average price point hovers around $10. The Department of Wisconsin is not so much selling them as awarding them as part of a fundraising campaign, for a minimum donation of $100.
The designs vary greatly by department. Several include their state flag. New York has the Statue of Liberty, Indiana the Soldiers and Sailors Monument – the center of the state capital of Indianapolis – and Florida the Four Pillars of the Legion.
The destinations of money from the sales of these coins varies as well. Although many intend to put the funds specifically toward their Centennial celebrations, the Department of Wisconsin plans to allocate its money (about $100,000 gross so far) for its department service officers and Camp American Legion. And the Department of Illinois also plans to use the money for Legion programs.
The easiest way to find out about your department’s coin sale or possible plans for one is to contact it directly; a directory and links are located at www.legion.org/departments.
