Thunderbirds 50 Anniv 1 7/8" MerlinGold®

Thunderbirds 50 Anniv 

In 1953, the Thunderbirds soared into service as the official flight demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force. Exhibiting the awesome power of the Air Force fleet, the Thunderbirds inspire and entertain spectators at more than 40 air shows throughout the country each year.

This coin celebrates the Thunderbird's outstanding record of achievement over more than five decades of service. The reverse bears the squadron's classic emblem. The obverse features all eight of the aircraft flown by the Thunderbirds since 1953, including the following:

• F-84 Thunderjet (1953 - 1955)
• F-84F Thunderstreak (1955)
• F-100 Super Sabre (1956 - 1964)
• F-84F Thunderchief (1964)
• F-100D Super Sabre (1964 - 1969)
• F-4E Phantom II (1969 - 1974)
• F-38A Talon (1974 - 1982)
• F-16 Fighting Falcon (1983 - current)

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 certificate of authenticity that describes the history of the Thunderbirds in fascinating detail.