JFK 50c M1A1 Abrams Tank

Get a U.S. Half Dollar Enhanced to Honor Desert Storm Tanks

This Mystic-exclusive US half dollar pictures a pair of M1A1 Abrams tanks in the desert. Named for General Creighton Abrams, the M1 entered service in 1980.  By the start of Desert Storm, various improvements had been made, resulting in the M1A1, of which 1,848 were sent to Saudi Arabia for the war.

The Abrams tanks were far superior to those being used by Saddam’s forces. The Iraqis were using Soviet-era T-55, T-62, and T-72 tanks, which only had an effective range of about 5,500 feet. The Abrams, on the other hand, could fire from 8,200 feet. So, they could accurately hit their targets before the enemy had a chance to get in range.

This gave the Americans and our allies a major advantage that allowed them to quickly win the ground war. During the operation, 23 Abrams were damaged or destroyed and most of these were from friendly fire or to prevent them from being captured by the enemy. Few Abrams were ever hit by enemy fire.

Get your coin now to add this Desert Storm history to your collection.