2010-W $1 Disabled Veterans Silver Commem – Proof

Design Features

The 2010-W Disabled Veterans Silver Commemorative coin is steeped in silent strength and national gratitude, serving as the United States Mint’s first-ever silver dollar to honor American veterans disabled in service. Its creation was mandated by the American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act, a legislative effort culminating from years of advocacy for increased recognition of veterans’ sacrifices. The passage of this act directed the Mint to produce these coins for one year only, with a portion of proceeds supporting the construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C.—a lasting testament to courage and resilience.

This coin was struck at the West Point Mint, a facility long associated with military heritage and excellence. Its issue marked a moment when numismatics transcended hobby, entering the realm of national remembrance. By focusing on the often unseen wounds of war, the coin’s theme invites deeper reflection on what it means to serve—and to bear those lasting costs. The design does not glorify battle, but instead highlights perseverance and quiet heroism, echoing the experiences of countless individuals who returned home forever changed.

The timing of this commemorative was significant, coming in an era when public attention was increasingly being drawn to the needs of disabled veterans. The narrative behind this coin is one of advocacy and awareness, intertwining personal sacrifice with collective duty. It is as much a piece of living history as it is a call to action—a reminder that honoring veterans means both remembrance and tangible support.

Artistically, the coin draws from potent symbols. The forget-me-not flower, long a symbol for disabled veterans, anchors the reverse design—a nod to post-war remembrance traditions that blossomed across Europe and the Americas following World War I. The oak branches also depicted are ancient emblems of strength, endurance, and protection throughout Western civilization. The coin’s careful inscriptions, notably “They Stood Up For Us,” are both a statement of fact and an invitation to gratitude.

Owning this commemorative dollar is thus a way for collectors not only to engage with numismatic artistry, but to participate in the larger story of national acknowledgment and healing. Each coin is a miniature monument—honoring sacrifice and urging the ongoing support of those who have given so much.

Design Features

• Obverse: The obverse showcases the legs and boots of three veterans standing side by side—a powerful image of unity, fortitude, and diversity among those who serve. The deliberate focus on their lower bodies emphasizes both the presence and the challenges faced by disabled veterans. Prominently inscribed are the words “They Stood Up For Us,” “Liberty,” and “In God We Trust,” reinforcing themes of duty, freedom, and moral obligation. The artistry is the work of designers Don Everhart and Joseph Menna, who distilled profound symbolism into striking simplicity.
• Reverse: The reverse is adorned with a wreath of oak branches, symbolizing steadfast strength and the enduring nature of valor. At the wreath’s base is a single, detailed forget-me-not flower—universally regarded as the emblem for disabled veterans. Surrounding the motif are the inscriptions, “United States of America,” “Take This Moment to Honor Our Disabled Defenders of Freedom,” and “E Pluribus Unum,” binding the coin’s message to the ideals of the nation it represents.

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: Features the legs and boots of three veterans, with the inscriptions: “They Stood Up For Us,” “Liberty,” and “In God We Trust.”
• Reverse: Oak branches wreath with a forget-me-not flower at the base. Inscriptions: “United States of America,” “Take This Moment to Honor Our Disabled Defenders of Freedom,” and “E Pluribus Unum.”

Investment Appeal

The 2010-W Disabled Veterans Silver Commemorative stands as both a collectible of emotional resonance and a tangible asset of enduring value. Struck from 90% silver and bearing the prestigious West Point mint mark, it merges precious metal appeal with national commemoration. Its limited, single-year mintage ensures lasting demand and potential for future appreciation among collectors who value both historical context and scarcity.

The iconic motifs—crafted by acclaimed U.S. Mint artists—resonate across generations, making this coin instantly recognizable within the numismatic community. As a tribute to sacrifice and perseverance, it holds a unique station in the series of modern U.S. commemorative issues. For those seeking to blend a passion for American history with prudent diversification, this coin offers both the intrinsic value of silver and the incalculable worth of remembrance.