1995-P $1 Civil War Silver Commem – BU

As the United States approached the centennial anniversary of Civil War battlefield preservation in 1995, the U.S. Mint commemorated this significant milestone with a silver dollar that speaks volumes about America’s most defining internal conflict. The 1995-P Civil War Battlefield Preservation Silver Dollar not only honors the preservation efforts that began a century earlier but also captures the profound human experience of the war that divided and ultimately reunited a nation.

The coin’s design reflects a powerful moment of compassion amidst the brutality of war. The obverse portrays an infantryman raising a canteen to the lips of a wounded adversary—a poignant reminder that even in our nation’s darkest hour, humanity persevered. This touching scene of mercy between opponents embodies the complex emotions and relationships that defined the Civil War era, where brother often fought against brother, and former friends became battlefield enemies.

Joshua Chamberlain, a hero of the Battle of Gettysburg whose words grace the reverse of this commemorative coin, exemplifies the spirit the coin seeks to honor. A college professor who volunteered for service, Chamberlain led the 20th Maine Infantry in a desperate bayonet charge down Little Round Top that helped secure Union victory at Gettysburg. His eloquent quote about the spiritual legacy of battlefields reminds us why preservation matters: these hallowed grounds connect present generations to the sacrifices of the past.

The Philadelphia Mint struck just 45,866 of these silver dollars in business strike (uncirculated) format, making them relatively scarce among modern commemoratives. Each contains nearly a full ounce of 90% silver, continuing the traditional silver dollar composition that dates back to the early republic. The limited mintage reflects the coin’s special purpose—part of a six-coin program that included half dollars and $5 gold pieces in both proof and uncirculated finishes.

Beyond its numismatic value, this coin represents America’s ongoing commitment to remembering and understanding its complex history. The funds raised through this commemorative program directly supported the preservation of Civil War battlefields, ensuring that future generations would have the opportunity to walk these historic grounds and contemplate the sacrifices made there. In this way, the coin itself becomes part of the preservation story it was created to commemorate.

Design Features

The obverse design, created by Don Troiani, depicts a deeply human moment amidst the carnage of war. A standing Union soldier offers water from his canteen to a wounded Confederate soldier, illustrating compassion transcending battle lines. This powerful scene of mercy embodies the “brother against brother” nature of the Civil War while honoring the common humanity of all who fought. The design includes the word “LIBERTY” at the top rim, “IN GOD WE TRUST” to the right of the soldiers, and the year “1995” at the bottom.

The reverse, designed by John Mercanti, features a serene landscape of the Gettysburg battlefield, representing the peaceful transformation these once-bloody fields have undergone. Surrounding this tranquil scene is an inspiring quote from Joshua Chamberlain: “IN GREAT DEEDS SOMETHING ABIDES. ON GREAT FIELDS SOMETHING STAYS. FORMS CHANGE AND PASS; BODIES DISAPPEAR; BUT SPIRITS LINGER, TO CONSECRATE GROUND FOR THE VISION-PLACE OF SOULS.” This poetic reflection on the spiritual significance of battlefields is complemented by “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR” inscriptions, with the coin’s edge being reeded in the classic dollar coin tradition.

Product Highlights

• Metal Type: SILVER – Hedge
• Purity: 0.9
• Weight: 0.7734 oz
• Manufacturer: United States Mint
• Mint Mark: P – Philadelphia
• IRA Eligible: No
• Obverse: Union soldier giving water to a wounded Confederate soldier with inscriptions “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “1995.”
• Reverse: Gettysburg landscape with Joshua Chamberlain quote about the spiritual significance of battlefields, along with “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “ONE DOLLAR.”

Investment Appeal

The 1995-P Civil War Battlefield Preservation Silver Dollar offers multiple layers of value for the discerning collector or investor. Its relatively low mintage of less than 46,000 pieces makes it one of the more limited modern commemoratives, creating natural scarcity that supports long-term appreciation. The coin’s 90% silver content provides inherent precious metal value, serving as a tangible hedge against inflation while offering the potential for premium growth above its silver content.

Beyond its material worth, this commemorative holds significant historical and thematic appeal. Civil War memorabilia continues to command strong interest among collectors and history enthusiasts alike, ensuring consistent demand for quality pieces that commemorate this pivotal American conflict. The artistry and storytelling present in both the obverse and reverse designs elevate this coin above mere bullion, making it a conversation piece that connects its owner to a crucial chapter in American history. For collectors focused on American commemoratives or Civil War themes, this coin represents an essential addition that combines artistic merit, historical significance, and precious metal content in one compelling package.