Armistice Day Colossal Commemorative Coin

In 1914, Europe erupted in a war unlike any the world had even known. Grueling trench warfare and the introduction of modern weaponry such as machine guns, tanks, and chemical weapons led to unprecedented levels of carnage and destruction throughout the entire continent. The Great War - as it was then known - lasted for four years with the Central Powers of Germany, Austria Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire fighting the Allied Powers of Great Britain, France, Russia, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

World War I marked a turning point for America when the isolationist nation halfa world away involved itself in world affairs and began its ascent to the most powerful nation in the world. The war cost more than 9 million lives - 100,000 of which were American - and destroyed most of Europe.

In 1918, Allied forces pushed towards the German border. As the American, British, and French armies advanced, the Central Powers began to collapse. By the end of October the Ottoman Empire surrendered and a few days later Austria-Hungary followed suit. Finally - on November 11, 1918 - an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany marking the end of WorldWar I.

President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th as Armistice Day in 1919. In 1954, Congress officially changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to honor all of the American veterans from every war.

American Mint proudly presents our official coin specially minted to mark the 100th Anniversary of World War I. This limited-edition coin is a massive 2.75" in diameter and islayered entirely in 24k gold. Minted to the highest quality "Proof" standard, it features a highly detailed engraving of American soldiers in jubilant celebration as they receive news of the signingof the armistice ending the Great War.