Enduring Liberty Half Dollar Honors 9/11 Victims with Special Privy Mark

Introduction

The U.S. Mint has issued a special commemorative half-dollar coin to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. The release coincides with the 25th anniversary of the tragedies, offering a tangible reminder of national resilience.

What Happened

On Friday, the Mint delivered nearly 3,000 specially marked Enduring Liberty Half Dollar coins to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. Each coin carries a privy mark on the obverse reading 9-11-01 and ALWAYS REMEMBER, directly referencing the dates of the attacks. The 2,983 coins distributed represent the total number of lives lost in both the 2001 attacks and the 1993 bombing. The coins were struck at the Mint's West Point facility in New York and feature a close-up of the Statue of Liberty on the front, along with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN GOD WE TRUST and 1776 ~ 2026. The reverse side depicts Liberty passing her torch to a new generation, bearing the inscription KNOWLEDGE IS THE ONLY GUARDIAN OF TRUE LIBERTY. A standard version without the privy mark entered circulation at the start of 2026 and will be produced for one year only at the Denver and Philadelphia mints.

Why This Matters

The coin serves as a lasting tribute to those who died and an educational tool for future generations. Mint Director Paul Hollis emphasized that the coin reflects both the nation's founding strength 250 years ago and the profound impact of the events 25 years past. By embedding the 9-11-01 privy mark into circulating collectible currency, the Mint creates a permanent, portable memorial that encourages reflection and remembrance each time the coin changes hands.

Key Takeaways

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• Nearly 3,000 special half-dollar coins were delivered to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
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• Each coin bears a 9-11-01 privy mark and the motto ALWAYS REMEMBER.
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• The 2,983 coin count matches the total victims of the 1993 bombing and 2001 attacks.
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• Designs include the Statue of Liberty and a torch-passing motif symbolizing generational continuity.
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• Standard privy-mark-free versions began circulating in early 2026 at Denver and Philadelphia facilities.
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• The issue is part of the Mint's 250th anniversary coin program.
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Conclusion

The Enduring Liberty Half Dollar combines numismatic art with national remembrance, offering Americans a physical way to honor history. As the 25th anniversary approaches, the coin stands as both a collector's item and a symbol of enduring unity and resilience.