Coast Guard Buoy Tender

First launched in 1942, Buoy Tenders have been an integral part of the Coast Guard fleet for more than sixty years.

Used extensively throughout the Coast Guard’s operations, Buoy Tenders are primarily deployed to help maintain short range aids to navigation (ATON), including buoys, lighthouses, and radar reflecting devices in a variety of marine environments. The Coast Guard’s modern Buoy Tender fleet also performs search and rescue, ice-breaking, and law enforcement missions nationwide. Consisting of seven distinct classes of boats, ranging in size from 65 to 225 feet in length, Buoy Tenders patrol and protect America’s rivers, harbors, and coastlines, completing a full range of operations in support of the nation’s transportation and security networks.

This coin pays tribute to the courage and commitment of all those who serve aboard the legendary Buoy Tenders of the U.S. Coast Guard. The obverse features a Buoy Tender conducting aids to navigation maintenance. The reverse bears the seal of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Minted in a brass alloy and gently brushed with an antique bronze finish, this coin was struck using special “splash” dies, which gives the design its exceptionally high relief.