Tun Tavern 1 7/8" - MerlinGold®

Tun Tavern — Birthplace of the Marines

Founded in Philadelphia in 1685, Tun Tavern is recognized as the birthplace of the U.S. Marine Corps.

On November 10, 1775, two Marine battalions were formed from among Tun Tavern's sturdy stock of patriotic patrons. From that day forward, U.S. Marines have earned a reputation as the "First to Fight," serving on the front lines of some of the most intense battles ever fought.

This coin commemorates Tun Tavern's historic role as the birthplace of the United States Marine Corps and salutes the service of all Marines, from the Halls of Montezuma to the Shores of Tripoli and beyond. The obverse features a rendering of Tun Tavern and includes the date on which the Marine Corps was founded. The reverse bears the seal of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Minted in proof-like MerlinGold,® a proprietary brass alloy that simulates the look and feel of gold, each coin comes sealed in a protective Lucite capsule and packaged with a header card that describes the history of Tun Tavern in rich detail.