Coast Guard Motor Life Boat (MLB) 47

Coast Guard Motor Life Boat (MLB) 47

Capable of mastering even the most severe weather and sea conditions, the 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) is an integral part of the Coast Guard Fleet.

Introduced in 1990 to replace the 44-foot MLB, this highly modernized craft is the most sophisticated Motor Lifeboat ever created. With a hull designed to withstand an impact of three times the acceleration of gravity, the 47 MLB can survive a complete rollover, self-righting in under ten seconds with all of its machinery and electronic equipment still fully operational. Possessing a 14-foot beam and a draft of 4 ½ feet, the 47-foot MLB can reach a top speed of 25 knots and has a range of 200 nautical miles. Engineered and built with high seas, strong surf, and heavy weather in mind, it is the Coast Guard's premier first-response rescue vessel.

This coin honors the skilled and courageous sailors who serve the Coast Guard's MLB-47 fleet in every kind of weather.  Featured on the obverse are two MLB-47 vessels navigating rough sea conditions to complete their assigned mission. The reverse features an open area suitable for engraving a name or personal message.

Minted in a brass alloy and finished in antique bronze, this coin is struck using special "splash" dies, which give its design exceptionally high relief. Each coin comes packaged with a header card that describes the importance of the MLB 47 to the success of Coast Guard operations around the world.