The United States Mint is launching a new coin program in 2025 to celebrate comic art with DC Comics characters. This exciting project will create gold coins and silver medals featuring some of the most famous superheroes, including Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman. In addition, there will be designs honoring the Code Talkers, Native American heroes who helped in World War I and II. Let’s dive into the details of these amazing new coins and medals!
New DC Comics Coin and Medals Program
Starting in 2025, the U.S. Mint will work with DC Comics for a three-year project. This program will produce coins and medals that recognize comic art as a unique part of American culture. Each year, the Mint will release coins and medals featuring three popular superheroes. The first year will feature Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
Superman Coins and Medals
The first superhero to be featured is Superman. The designs for Superman will be created by the Mint’s chief engraver, Joseph F. Menna. The front side of the coin will show Superman, while the back will highlight themes from his story that relate to American values.
Menna explains that Superman was created during the 1930s by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Superman’s popularity has lasted because he connects with people and reflects changing social issues. Superman’s values, which he learned from his adoptive parents, guide him to help others and make the world better.
Coin and Medal Details
The new product line will include:
- Gold Coins: Half-ounce, $50 Proof coins
- Silver Medals: 1-ounce and 2.5-ounce medals made from .999 fine silver
- Copper-Nickel Medals: 1.2-inch diameter medals
Each year will feature three designs of comic characters in gold and silver, with medals created in the following year. In total, nine DC Comics characters will be celebrated over the three years.
The Meaning Behind Superman’s Design
Menna has designed a special image of Superman flying over his family farm, showing how the sun represents his powers and his childhood. The back of the coin will show Clark Kent as a young adult. He is deep in thought while watching a plane fly overhead, with his father, Pa Kent, looking on. This design represents Clark’s journey to becoming Superman and understanding his destiny.
Congressional Gold Medal for Native American Code Talkers
In addition to the comic coins, there is also a special design for the Code Talkers from the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe. This medal honors Native Americans who used their native languages during military service in World War I and II.
Design of the Code Talkers Medal
This medal is the 31st of 33 medals created under the Code Talkers Recognition Act of 2008. The U.S. Mint will create both 1.5-inch and 3-inch bronze medals. The proposed front side will show soldiers from World War I, including a code talker sending messages. The back side will feature elements of the Lower Brule Sioux tribal seal, recognizing their heritage and service.
| Type of Medal | Size | Material |
|---|---|---|
| Congressional Gold Medal | 1.5 inches | Gold (for Congressional Medal) |
| Congressional Gold Medal | 3 inches | Gold (for Congressional Medal) |
| Bronze Medal | 1.5 inches | Bronze |
| Bronze Medal | 3 inches | Bronze |
Conclusion: Celebrating Heroes Through Art
The new coins and medals from the U.S. Mint are an exciting way to celebrate both comic art and the heroic contributions of Native Americans. Through these designs, people will connect with the stories of Superman and the brave Code Talkers. Each coin and medal is not just a piece of money; it’s a piece of art that tells important stories about American culture and values. This program not only honors the past but also inspires future generations to appreciate the heroes in their lives.
FAQ’s
What is the DC Comics Coin and Medals Program?
The DC Comics Coin and Medals Program is a new initiative by the U.S. Mint starting in 2025, featuring gold coins and silver medals of famous superheroes.
Who are the Code Talkers?
The Code Talkers were Native Americans who used their languages to communicate during World War I and II. They are being honored with a special gold medal.
How many designs will be featured?
The program will showcase nine different DC Comics characters over three years, with the first year featuring Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.