USS Monterey (CG-61)

The USS Monterey (CG-61) holds an important place in defending American interests and protecting freedom across the globe. A Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser for the U.S. Navy, she is superbly equipped to succeed in even the most demanding of missions. The USS Monterey is named after the Battle of Monterey, a United States victory during the Mexican-American War.

Commissioned on 16 June 1990, the USS Monterey has a displacement of approximately 9,600 long tons and stretches some 567 feet in length. Armed with naval guns and anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine missiles, plus other weapons, she is equipped for surface-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine warfare. She also is the home of two Seahawk LAMPS III helicopters.

This coin is minted in bronze, enhanced with a shiny gold overlay, and pays tribute to the USS Monterey, saluting the exceptional service of her crew. The obverse contains a starboard view of the USS Monterey, cutting through the waters on its way to a mission, with the ship’s motto, “ROUGH IN BATTLE AND READY FOR PEACE” along the edge. The reverse features the shield and crest of the USS Monterey, imbued with bold colored enamel.