Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant

Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant

The US Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant bears the oldest moniker of the entire Coast Guard fleet -- since 1790, there have been 12 cutters to be named Vigilant. As a testament to its name, its motto, and the challenges its crews encounter, this coin is for those who have served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant, always alert and watchful as they successfully complete their missions.

As guardians of the ‘Space Coast,’ (the area of the Atlantic close to Kennedy Space Center), the modern Vigilant WMEC 617 cutter is homeported at Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral, Florida. With its motto “Semper Vigilans” (Always Vigilant), this cutter patrols the waters of the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico in addition to patrolling the Seventh Coast Guard District Area of Responsibility. While its primary missions involve patrolling the Space Coast to conduct counterdrug and alien migrant interdiction, Vigilant’s history includes serving as part of the primary recovery team for NASA’s Project Gemini in the 1960s.

Minted in fine detail with an antique bronze finish, this impressive challenge coin pays tribute to the commitment of all who have served aboard the legendary Vigilant. The obverse depicts the Vigilant WMEC 617 at sea, with a Coast Guard helicopter joining the vessel overhead. The reverse displays the logo of the Vigilant cutter. Both sides are accented with crisp blue and white enamel, enhancing the details of this fine piece.