One of two commemorative silver dollars struck that year by the US Mint, the Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar was released by the mint in 2005. To commemorate the Marines' two centuries of continuous service, it was issued on July 20, 2005.
It was on November 10, 1775, that the first two battalions of the Continental Marines were organized. They have been invaluable to the country ever since, contributing their amphibious combat knowledge to every American battle.
The 230th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act, 2005 (Public Law 108-291) was passed by Congress and allowed the Silver Dollars of the Marine Corps.
By virtue of that Act, the Mint was authorized to produce proof and uncirculated coins "in commemoration of the 230th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps, and to support construction of the Marine Corps Heritage Center."
Included in the 2005 US Mint American Legacy Collection and the Marine Corps Coin & Stamp Set, a grand total of 600,000 coins were approved across all product possibilities.
On the front of every coin you'll find a reproduction of a famous image taken by Joe Rosenthal, an Associated Press photographer, showing American Marines hoisting the flag on Iwo Jima.
A sculptor and engraver at the United States Mint named Norman E. Nemeth was responsible for its creation. It has the words "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," "MARINES," and the years 1775 and 2005.
The 2005 Marine Corps 230th Anniversary Silver Dollar's reverse has the Marine Corps' official insignia, the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor. USA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, SEMPER FIDELIS, and ONE DOLLAR surround the symbol. Charles L. Vickers created the reverse for the US Mint.