1994-W $1 Women in Military Silver Commem – BU

The 1994-W $1 Women in Military Silver Commemorative coin stands as a powerful tribute to the countless women who have served in America's armed forces throughout history. Issued during a time when the nation was beginning to more fully recognize the contributions of women in military service, this commemorative dollar played a crucial role in funding the first major memorial dedicated to these brave servicewomen.

In the early 1990s, the United States government approved the construction of a memorial to honor the more than two million women who had served in various military capacities since the American Revolution. Located at the Ceremonial Entrance of Arlington National Cemetery—America's most hallowed ground for fallen soldiers—the Women in Military Service Memorial would become a lasting testament to their courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

This silver dollar was part of a broader commemorative program in 1994 that included three coins with military themes, alongside the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Prisoners of War silver dollars. Together, these coins represented a national acknowledgment of service members whose contributions had often been overlooked in historical narratives. The Women in Military Service Memorial coin specifically aimed to highlight the unique challenges and achievements of women who served in all branches of the armed forces.

With a limited mintage of only 53,069 uncirculated coins from the West Point Mint, this commemorative piece quickly became a treasured collector's item. Beyond its numismatic value, each purchase directly supported the construction of the memorial, creating a tangible connection between coin collectors and the preservation of this important chapter in American military history.

The 1994-W Women in Military Silver Dollar represents more than just a commemorative issue—it embodies a pivotal moment when America began formally acknowledging and celebrating women's military service. As one of the first U.S. coins specifically dedicated to women's military contributions, it holds particular significance for collectors interested in coins that represent social progress and recognition.

Design Features

The obverse design of this commemorative dollar features a striking profile view of five women standing side by side, each representing a different branch of the military: Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. These branches are inscribed along the upper rim of the coin, with each name separated by a small five-pointed star. The word "LIBERTY" appears prominently beneath the profiles, with "IN GOD WE TRUST" and the date "1994" appearing on separate lines below. This powerful imagery, designed by T. James Ferrell, visually represents the solidarity and unified purpose of women across all military branches.

The reverse, designed by Thomas D. Rogers, depicts the Women in Military Service Memorial building itself—a structure with significant architectural importance located at the entrance to Arlington National Cemetery. The inscription "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" curves along the top edge, with "WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE MEMORIAL" below it. The denomination "ONE DOLLAR" appears to the right of the memorial, while "E PLURIBUS UNUM" is inscribed on three lines near the bottom of the design. The architectural representation on this coin serves as a permanent numismatic record of this important national landmark, linking the physical memorial with this silver tribute.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: W – West Point
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Profile view of five women representing different branches of the military, with inscriptions for each branch, "LIBERTY," "IN GOD WE TRUST," and the date "1994."
• Reverse: Depiction of the Women in Military Service Memorial building with inscriptions "UNITED STATES OF AMERICA," "WOMEN IN MILITARY SERVICE MEMORIAL," "ONE DOLLAR," and "E PLURIBUS UNUM."

Investment Appeal

The 1994-W Women in Military Silver Commemorative Dollar offers compelling investment potential beyond its precious metal content. With its extremely limited mintage of just over 53,000 uncirculated coins, it represents one of the lower production runs among modern U.S. commemorative issues, creating inherent scarcity that appeals to serious collectors.

This coin's thematic significance adds substantial value for specialized collectors focusing on military-themed numismatics or items celebrating women's historical contributions. As society continues to recognize previously overlooked achievements of women in various fields, commemorative pieces explicitly honoring women's military service may see increasing collector interest and demand.

The coin's 90% silver composition provides an intrinsic precious metal foundation, while its historical significance and limited availability create potential for premium appreciation beyond mere silver content. For collectors seeking pieces with both cultural importance and numismatic scarcity, this commemorative dollar represents an opportunity to own a tangible piece of American military history that honors the often-overlooked service of millions of women who served their country with distinction.