One of the latest and greatly designed U.S. Navy coins is the USS Spruance DDG 111. It is a 1.75″ challenge coin designed basically for the personnel and was named after one of the greatest admirals in the U.S. Navy in the whole of the American history, Raymond Ames Spruance. The coin shows off an antique brass with raised painted design on one side with the ship’s coats of arms and with the crew’s motto “Launch the Attack” at the base of the coin. It is the most powerful order issued by Admiral Spruance to his crew when the first four of the Japanese carriers were located at the Battle of Midway that won the US the Pacific. It also displays a 3D design on the back side without any edging or epoxy.
The USS Spruance DG 111 coat of arms was designed by the ship’s crew that is highly symbolic of what the ship represents. It represents the United States Navy’s loyalty and determination in defending the homeland, friends and allies as well as in recognizing the ship’s power Aegis Weapons System. The torse above the shield signifies the Navy’s colors of blue and gold where blue represents the oceans and seas and the gold color represents the integrity and valor of the navy. Behind it are crossed Navy Officer Swords that honors the Navy’s leadership which supports the shield, the ship and her crew.
The trident on the upper right symbolizes the navy’s authority, power and maritime domination. The “double trident” is the main design of the coat of arms of the USS Spruance DD 963 and honors the first ship that bore the name of Admiral Spruance’s name.
On the upper left the lion signifies the strength and loyalty of the crew which was adapted from the main features of the Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold II and the Belgian Oorlogskruis medals. Both medals were awarded to Admiral Spruance from the Belgian Ambassador on March 18, 1948.
On the lower left represents the eight – rayed Philippines sun that features the official seal and flag of the Philippines in honor of the admiral’s service to the Philippines as the US Ambassador during the administration of presidents Truman and Eisenhower.
The lower right shows off the Naval Aviator’s wings which pictures the role of naval aviation during the decisive victories of the Battle of Midway and the Battle of the Philippine Sea including the dedicated support of the ground forces of the United States. The red disk that is cut off on the midway symbolizes the point when the Japanese military dominance ended in the Pacific. The red lightning bolt signifies the thoughtful planning, strategic brilliance and the decisive actions that feature Admiral Spruance decision at sea. The lightning bolts also signifies the Navy’s radio intelligence support that was essential in winning the Battle of Midway and the five lightning bolts refers to Admiral’s Spruance consecutive command of the Fifth Fleet, the biggest fleet the world ever had for the majority of the Pacific operations.
On the reverse side of the coin is the image of Admiral Spruance featuring the naval ships and the sea inscribe around the coin are the battles won by the admiral.
This greatly designed coin is a great addition to anyone’s navy challenge coin collection and can be found on sale at the US Challenge Coin website. If you’re looking for rare US Navy challenge coins, this site has other navy challenge coins to offer that will challenge your ability to distinguish the coins features, designs and symbols they represent.
