41 For Freedom Series - 41 Coin Set

In the 1960s, the U.S. Navy commissioned and launched 41 SSBN type Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarines, FBM's also referred to as Boomers. These first FBM's are today known as the "41 for Freedom". All were named for eminent figures in American history and divided among the 5-ship George Washington class, the 5-ship Ethan Allen class, the 19-ship Lafayette class, and the 12-ship Franklin class. These 41 submarines contributed directly to the safety and security of the United States and may have contributed to the safety and the security of the entire planet. The 41 for freedom brought the Cold War to a peaceful resolution without a shot being fired without question.

Every SSBN has two complete crews, a Blue crew, and a Gold crew. These two crews rotated at approximately three-month intervals. The two crews and the rotation schedule allows the ship to be at sea for most of its active life cycle. While one crew is in port enjoying R&R(rest and relaxation) and training, the other crew takes the ship to sea. Each SSBN carried 16 Polaris nuclear missiles. Conversion to more accurate Poseidon missiles, starting in 1972, required only modification of the existing SSBN's. Further modification allowed Franklin-class boats to convert to Trident I missiles beginning in 1979.

They were considered the "Elite" group of subs as they went on over 2500 deterrent patrols in the Cold War. They are all decommissioned now. I am making these coins to honor the Cold War Submarine Force's men and as a reminder of the freedoms these mighty machines protected.

Forty-one (41) beautiful 1.75-inch brass hand-painted coins. This set includes a coin for each submarine in the "41 for Freedom" series: