Situated 650 miles from mainland Japan, the small island of Iwo Jima was considered the difference between victory and defeat for the Allies in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. On February16, 1945, the U.S.-led Allied Forces began a three-day barrage on the island, but the fierce bombing had little effect on the Japanese troops who were deeply entrenched underground.

When U.S. Marines hit the shores of Iwo Jima on the morning of February 19, their objective was the highest point of the island, Mount Suribachi. The Japanese fought from a fortified network of underground bunkers, so the high ground had to be taken inch by inch. Finally, on February 23, U.S. forces reached the summit. The raising of the American flag that day provided a lasting inspiration not only to the combatants, but also to a war-weary nation.

The Allied Forces suffered 25,000 casualties, with nearly 7,000 dead. Those sacrifices led to air superiority in the Pacific . . . and victoryin World War II.

Available exclusively from American Mint, this exquisite coin commemorates one of the greatest battles in World War II. Minted to the highest quality "Proof" standard, the coin is layered entirely in 24k gold. The obverse features a highly detailed engraving of U.S. Marines successfully taking Mount Suribachi during the battle of Iwo Jima. The reverse has the U.S. MarineCorps logo and is dated 1775 - the year the Marine Corps was established. This