The American Legion was founded March 15, 1919, in Paris, France, out of concern for the welfare of soldiers and the communities they returned to in the United States afterWorld War I. The non-partisan organization is the nation's largest veterans group, with nearly two million members in more than 12,000 posts throughout the United States.Membership is open to men and women alike, regardless of ethnic background or religious affiliation.

The Legion focuses its efforts in four areas: Veterans Affairs and Rehabilitation, Children and Youth, National Security, and Americanism. These areas are known as "the FourPillars" of American Legion service. Throughout its years of service to the nation, it has been a catalyst for social change and it has recorded myriad accomplishments. TheLegion's advocacy on behalf of veterans has been instrumental in the passage of numerous legislation including the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, better known as the GIBill, and multiple legislation to advance government recognition and promote effective treatment of service-connected conditions.

The Legion has awarded millions of dollars in Child Welfare Foundation grants and college scholarships, and has implemented numerous programs and services to assist veterans,their families, and the community.

About the Coins
The American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 115-65) authorizes the United States Mint to strike and issue up to:

50,000 $5 Gold Coins
400,000 Silver Dollar Coins
750,000 Clad Half Dollar Coins

Recipient Organization
Coin prices include surcharges of $35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar coin and $5 for each half dollar coin. The Public Law authorizes the Mint to pay thesurcharges to The American Legion to support the Legion's programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other purposes specified by the authorizing legislation.

To read the complete press release, see:
American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative CoinProgram (https://www.usmint.gov/learn/coin-and-medal-programs/commemorative-coins/american-legion-100th-anniversary)

The obverse (heads) design commemorates the inception of the American Legion and its mission to serve America and its war veterans. The outer geometric rim design from theAmerican Legion emblem, the Eiffel Tower, and V for victory, represent the formation of the organization in Paris in 1919 at the end of World War I.

The reverse (tails) design depicts a soaring eagle, a symbol of the United States during times of war and peace alike. The American Legion emblem is depicted above theeagle.

Obverse
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program

Reverse
Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Paul C. Balan, Artistic Infusion Program

The obverse (heads) design depicts the American Legion emblem adorned by oak leaves and a lily, commemorating the founding of the American Legion in Paris, France.

The reverse (tails) design depicts represents the founding of the American Legion in Paris in 1919. Above the crossed American and American Legion flags is a fleur de lis andthe inscription "100 Years of Service."

Obverse
Sculptor: Renata Gordon, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Paul C. Balan, Artistic Infusion Program

Reverse
Sculptor: Michael Gaudioso, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Patricia Lucas-Morris, Artistic Infusion Program

The obverse (heads) design depicts two children standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the little girl proudly wearing her grandfather's old American Legion hat.

The reverse (tails) design completes the phrase from the obverse "I pledge allegiance to the flag... of the United States of America." The design depicts an American Flag wavingatop a high flagpole as seen from the children's point-of-view from the ground below. The American Legion's emblem is featured just above the flag.

Obverse
Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Richard Masters, Artistic Infusion Program

Reverse
Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Sculptor-Engraver
Designer: Richard Masters, Artistic Infusion Program