Dollar struck at first strike ceremony

Grandson of World War I hero Sergeant Alvin York was the guest of honor at a first strike ceremony Nov. 28 at the Philadelphia Mint.

Gerald York, grandson of World War I hero Sergeant Alvin York, holds a newly minted 2018 World War I Centennial Silver Dollar. He is joined by (left to right) Daniel Basta, U.S. Foundation for the Commemoration of the World Wars, U.S. Mint Coin Press Operator Kenneth Holland, Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, D-Mo., U.S. Mint Police Chief Dennis O’Connor, Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colorado), U.S. World War I Centennial Commission Chair Terry Hamby and Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.. The commemorative coin will be released on Jan 17, 2018. (U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike)

Gerald York did the honors as the first World War I commemorative silver dollar official came off the coining press as numerous other dignitaries and Mint staff looked on.

A World War I Centennial Silver Dollar die is displayed following the ceremonial striking at the U.S. Mint in Philadelphia on Nov 28, 2017. (U.S. Mint photo by Brian Martin)

The coin is being struck and then sold to collectors in 2018 to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, which occurred at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

A clearly pleased Sen. Roy Blunt grins for the camera, right, as Gerald York holds up his handiwork in the first strike of the World War I silver dollar. (U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike)

For France and Great Britain, the war had dragged on for more than four years and cost millions of lives.

Artist LeRoy Transfield got his chance at the coining press. He holds show off the reverse of the new silver dollar. Transfield won a design competition with his work. (U.S. Mint photo by Sharon McPike)

For the United States, the conflict lasted little more than a year and a half. Combat deaths were 53,402 Americans.

White gloves to hold it and tongs to remove a newly struck coin from the coining press demonstrates the great care the Mint takes to ensure the quality of its collectors coins meets the highest standards. (U.S. Mint photos by Sharon McPike)

Amazing tales of bravery included that of Alvin York. He was given a Medal of Honor. He led an attack on a German machine gun position. In the fighting 25 Germans were killed and 132 captured. Thirty-five machine guns were taken.