Description
This is a commemorative coin made by the Northwest Territorial Mint to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Thunderbirds, the official flight demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force. The coin features the squadron's emblem on one side and all eight aircraft flown by the Thunderbirds since 1953 on the other. It is made of brass and has an antique bronze finish. Each coin comes with a certificate of authenticity detailing the history of the Thunderbirds.
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 continue to inspire and entertain spectators at more than 40 air shows throughout the country each year. This coin celebrates the Thunderbirds' 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) The coin is minted in a brass alloy and given an antique bronze finish. Each coin comes packaged with a certificate of authenticity that describes the history of the Thunderbirds in fascinating detail.