Playing a critical role in America's homeland defense, the U.S. Coast Guard has served as the nation's shield of freedom for more than two-hundred years.

Comprised of brave men and women of superior skill and awe-inspiring dedication, the Coast Guard fulfills its complex mission each day, protecting the nation's ports, harbors, and shoreside facilities, upholding and enforcing maritime law, preserving the marine environment, and saving lives through daring rescue operations. In addition to the major role they play in strengthening the nation's domestic defense, Coast Guard sailors are also ready to deploy overseas at a moment's notice, providing a full range of specialized skills to aid America's military campaigns.

This coin salutes the courage and skill of all Coast Guard Sailors, who continue to serve as America's shield of freedom. Inscribed on the obverse against a field of bright orange is the slogan "The Shield of Freedom." Depicted on the reverse is the official Coast Guard emblem, featuring a white enameled disk inscribed with the service's founding date and the shield of the Coat of Arms of the United States in traditional red, white, and blue, all superimposed over a pair of crossed anchors.

Struck in a brass alloy and gently brushed with an antique bronze finish, this coin is imbued with richly-colored enamel on both sides. Each coin comes packaged with a detailed header card that describes the proud history and vital mission of the U.S. Coast Guard.