Description
The US Marine Corps first used the Bell AH-1 Cobra attack helicopter in Vietnam. The first units delivered to the Marines had been repurposed from the US Army, for whom it served as the backbone of its military operations from its entry into military service in 1967 until the latter half of the 1980s. Named for its slim profile and lethal “bite” – which led to its venomous nickname – today’s Marine Corps still uses twin-engine versions called the SuperCobra.
Armaments originally sported by the AH-1 include a 20mm Gatling gun and 2.75-inch rockets, enabling it to support ground troops with fierce and deadly efficiency.
Matching its namesake, the Marine AH-1 coin is bold and impressive, capturing the original single-engine AH-1 Cobras as deadly gunships raining lethal fire on the Viet Cong forces. Whether you carry yours as a veteran or give one as a gift, it is a tribute to the bravery and dedication of the warriors who served with pride to preserve liberty and check the foes of freedom in combat.
The obverse of the AH-1 challenge coin features three views of the AH-1 Cobra in the background, while an attacking AH-1 Cobra dominates the foreground. The reverse of this coin features the USMC core values – honor, courage, commitment – encircling an open area suitable for engraving a name or personal message and accented in red.
Minted in deep relief using a special “splash minting” process, this coin is struck in a brass alloy and finished in antique bronze.
Each coin measures 1 3/4 inch (44mm) in diameter.
This is a surplus NWTMint item. Packaging may vary.
