Samoa. New Silver Mega-Coins and Gold Ounce Coins Honours George Washington

The Commanders series, first launched in 2024, the collection celebrates legendary leaders, the greatest commanders, generals and military strategists who have left an indelible mark on history. The coins are released at a rate of three per year and will include twelve commanders concluding in 2027. Appropriately for 2026 and as the United States marks the 250^th anniversary of their declaration of independence, the seventh coin in the series now includes George Washington (1732 – 1799) remembered in America as the ‘Father of his Country’.

General - later President George Washington stands as one of the most defining figures in American history, a commander of incomparable resolve, a nation-builder and the steadfast leader who helped turn revolution into republic. Rising to prominence in a turbulent era, Washington faced daunting odds, namely an outmatched army, political uncertainty and the full weight of an empire determined to crush the American cause. Yet through discipline, vision and unyielding character, he forged a path that would give rise to a new nation. His purpose never wavered, he endured, persevered, never retreated from the pursuit of liberty and united a fighting force who ultimately achieved their goal of an independent nation comprising at the time of thirteen former British colonies into the United States of America.

‘Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages’. – George Washington

These words capture Washington’s enduring legacy, a leader whose strength lay not only in battlefield command but in wisdom, restraint and unwavering duty. From his bold victory at Trenton, where he crossed the icy Delaware River to strike a decisive blow on Christmas of 1776, to the pivotal triumph at Yorktown that secured America’s independence, Washington proved time and again that he possessed unmatched courage and strategic genius. Through strategic brilliance and quiet determination, he led the Continental Army to victory with the defining treaty signed in Paris between the new nation and the British crown in 1783. The treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War, recognised American independence, and established generous borders for the new nation, extending west to the Mississippi River.

George Washington was unanimously elected by the Electoral College in the first U.S. presidential election in 1789, receiving all 69 electoral votes, and was again unanimously re-elected in 1792, making him the only U.S. President to achieve such a consensus, reflecting his immense popularity and unifying stature as the new nation's leader. As its first president, he guided a young nation with integrity that would set the standard for all who followed. His commitment to governance, civic virtue and the peaceful transfer of power became the cornerstone of the American republic to this day.

The gold and silver coins are produced to a select Brilliant Uncirculated quality by the Scottsdale Mint, US at their facilities in Arizona and on behalf of the Central Bank of Samoa. The obverse side depicts a commanding portrait of George Washington, shown in left-profile with period military attire referencing his role as Commander-in-Chief during the American Revolution. The text encircling the portrait and placed along the rim reads WASHINGTON. The high-relief sculpting and strike emphasises Washington’s strong features and the textures of his uniform, creating a lifelike representation fitting for the series. The year of and the coin’s authorisation 2026 is shown below the portrait. In honour of the 250th anniversary of American independence, the design includes the first and only Privy Mark ever used in the series, a striking Liberty Bell engraved with the numeral 250 and is seen just to the lower right. The reverse features the Coat of Arms of Samoa centred along with the text SAMOA placed along the upper rim. The inscriptions denoting the coin’s monetary denomination, metal purity and weight are shown below the crest.

The gold and silver coins are available in sealed, certified holders and heat-sealed security holders. The range of coins in the Commander’s Series is exclusively available through the distribution of SD Bullion. For additional information, please visit their retail e-webshop. 

Other coins in the series include:

1. Napoleon Bonaparte – 2024
2. General George S Patton – 2024
3. Conquistador Hernan Cortes – 2024
4. Julius Caesar – 2025
5. Ulysses S Grant – 2025
6. Charlemagne – 2025
7. George Washington – 2026