This listing presents a prestigious and historically significant coin set: the 2004 "Remember Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial & The Surrender" Official Commemorative Collection, produced by the esteemed Honolulu Mint. This particular offering is a notable variant that must be distinguished from the more common versions found on the market: the two primary silver medals feature their pristine pure.999 silver Proof finish with no 24K gold plating. This distinction is critical, appealing directly to collectors who prioritize unadulterated purity and the integrity of the original die strike.
This set represents significant intrinsic value and minting quality. The collection contains two substantial 1 troy ounce Proof silver medals, resulting in a verifiable total of 2.0 troy ounces of fine silver. Each medal is struck from.999 pure silver and measures 39.25mm in diameter. The coins have been preserved since issue within their individual protective capsules, ensuring the high-relief Proof striking remains immaculate and free from handling marks.
The set is housed in its original, handsome deep blue velvet presentation box. Provenance is confirmed by the accompanying Certificate of Authenticity (COA) card. This COA provides the technical specifications (2.0 oz AGW,.999 fineness, Proof quality) and bears the hand signature of Bobby R. Chi, the Director of the Mint, adding a layer of personal guarantee. The set’s unique limited edition number, A0074, is recorded on this card.
The set is curated to tell a powerful story, spanning the entire arc of the American involvement in the Pacific Theater of World War II, a feature that significantly enhances its historical and collectible premium.
The USS Arizona Memorial Medal (December 7, 1941): This commemorative piece captures the moment the United States was forced into conflict, known forever as "A Day That Will Live In Infamy." The obverse depicts the USS Arizona (BB-39) under sudden attack, framed by the inscription "REMEMBER PEARL HARBOR" and the date of tragedy. The reverse transitions to a tribute, featuring the striking image of the contemporary USS Arizona Memorial, standing above the submerged battleship hull, inscribed to honor those who made the "ULTIMATE SACRIFICE." This medal immediately establishes the collection’s somber historical foundation.
The Surrender Medal (September 2, 1945): This concluding piece marks the definitive victory and end of the war. The obverse features "THE SURRENDER" ceremony, intricately detailing the Japanese representative, General Yoshijiro Umezu, signing the documents aboard the USS Missouri, with the standing Allied official looking on. The precision of the striking is superb, capturing the gravity of the event.
The reverse provides an unparalleled level of verifiable historical accuracy. It features the exact text found on the historic plaque embedded in the deck of the USS Missouri, confirming the specific purpose of the spot: where "THE INSTRUMENT OF FORMAL SURRENDER OF JAPAN TO THE ALLIED POWERS WAS SIGNED." Moreover, the design includes the precise geographical coordinates of the signing ceremony in Tokyo Bay—Latitude 35° 21' 17" NORTH and Longitude 179° 45' 36" EAST—a unique detail that confirms the set’s dedication to historical fidelity and attracts the most discerning collectors.
The 1943 Wartime Steel Cent: Grounding the silver medals in historical reality is the inclusion of the authentic 1943 steel cent. This coin, known as a "steelie," was produced by the U.S. Mint only during this year as copper was entirely redirected for the production of ammunition and essential military equipment. Struck from zinc-coated steel, this artifact represents the material sacrifice and resource conservation necessary on the American home front to achieve victory. This genuine historical piece completes the thematic link between the start, the struggle, and the end of the conflict.
While many commemorative sets feature selective 24K gold plating for visual effect, this pure silver Proof variant is significantly scarcer on the secondary market. Collectors, particularly those focused on precious metals, prefer the unadulterated.999 fineness, which maintains the classic luster and uniformity of the Proof strike without the aesthetic interference of plating. For a collector seeking the highest quality Proof silver strike from the Honolulu Mint, this non-plated version offers superior numismatic integrity and focus on the artistry of the die strike. Secure this pure, limited-edition set—numbered A0074—for its remarkable historical depth, verifiable provenance, and distinct numismatic scarcity (aided by a high Numista Rarity Index of 94).