Final Coin in Three-Year Series Honors Judicial Branch of United States Government

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint began accepting orders for the 2008 American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins on July 1, at 12:00 noon (ET). There is no household limit for these options.

The 2008 coin’s reverse features the final design in the three-year series entitled, “The Foundations of American Democracy.” This final design honors the Judicial branch of the United States Government. The image depicts a rendition of Lady Justice, a classic symbol dating back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. The scales, suspended from a finger of her right hand, represent the delicate balance of the law. A sword, held in her left hand, represents the power of reason, which can be wielded in either direction. The bald eagle-our Nation’s symbol of courage and freedom-casts a watchful eye over our solid foundation of democracy.

The coin’s reverse was sculpted by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and engraved by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.

The obverse of the 2008 American Eagle Platinum Uncirculated Coins, designed and engraved by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti, bears the image of Lady Liberty who has graced the coins since their introduction in 1986. (more…)

Design Candidates for 2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof Reverse Slated for Review

Public Invited to Share Opinions in Open Forum

The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) will hold a public meeting at 9:00 a.m. (EDT) on Friday, August 1, 2008, at the Baltimore Convention Center at One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201, the site of this year’s American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money. The purpose of the meeting is to conduct business related to the CCAC’s responsibility to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on themes and designs pertaining to United States coinage.

“Every year the members of the CCAC look forward to meeting at the ANA convention, because it’s a great opportunity to interact with the numismatic community,” noted CCAC Chairman Mitch Sanders. “We hope that any interested numismatists will come to our meeting and forum to see the coin design process in action, and especially to let us know their opinions about American coin design.”

Agenda (subject to change):

* Review design candidates for the reverse of the 2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin and privy mark candidate designs for the series
* Public Forum to hear comments and suggestions will immediately follow meeting
* Other general business. (more…)

Program Expanded to Include Uncirculated Coins, Fractional Weights

Washington - The United States Mint announced today that it will begin accepting orders for fractional weights of the American Buffalo Gold Coin, now available in proof and uncirculated versions, on July 22, at 12 noon Eastern Time.

Both versions of the coin will be offered in four sizes-one ounce ($50 denomination), one-half ounce ($25 denomination), one-quarter ounce ($10 denomination) and one-tenth ounce ($5 denomination)-as well as in four-coin sets that contain one coin in each size.

In 2006, the United States Mint introduced a proof version of the American Buffalo Gold Coin containing one ounce of 24-karat (.9999) gold. Based on market research, the Secretary of the Treasury authorized the United States Mint to strike and issue fractional denominations of the coin in proof and uncirculated versions.

Both the proof and uncirculated American Buffalo Coins feature designs based on the classic 1913, Type I Buffalo nickel, by James Earle Fraser. Depicted on the obverse is the striking image of a Native American in profile. An American Buffalo-also known as the bison-graces the coins’ reverse. Inscriptions on the coins’ obverse include the “W” mintmark of the United States Mint at West Point, the year and the word “Liberty.” Inscriptions on the reverse include the face value and weight.

Each coin is encapsulated in protective plastic and mounted in an elegant, custom-designed hardwood presentation case. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.

Mintage and product limits for both the American Buffalo Gold Proof and Uncirculated Coins will be determined by customer demand. Pricing for all options is listed below. (more…)

A new collection of products featuring the 2007 Presidential $1 Coins honoring the Presidents of the United States is being introduced. The United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature Set features the proof version of the Presidential $1 Coin and a Presidential intaglio print from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The product is presented in a textured, leather-like folder which opens to reveal the intaglio print and the official Presidential signature. A Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each United States Mint Historical Signature Set.

The United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature Set – James Madison – is the fourth in this new collection. This product features a proof coin which is extraordinarily brilliant, with sharp relief and a mirror-like background. The frosted, sculpted foreground gives a special cameo effect. An image of President James Madison appears on the obverse of the coin and the reverse features a striking rendition of the Statue of Liberty. The Presidential $1 Coins also feature edge-incused inscriptions of the year, “E Pluribus Unum,” “In God We Trust,” and the mint mark. Each coin is mounted in a removable capsule.

Visible from the cover of the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Historical Signature Set is the Presidential intaglio print of James Madison printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Opening the cover reveals the official James Madison Presidential signature, courtesy of the White House Historical Association. (more…)

WASHINGTON - United States Mint Director Ed Moy unveiled the design for the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar at the National Federation of the Blind’s annual convention in Dallas, Texas, during the March for Independence on July 2, 2008.

“The United States Mint is proud to present the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar coin design. It will be the first coin ever minted in the history of our country to contain readable Braille characters,” said Director Moy. “I am looking forward to presenting the design for this unprecedented coin, and I am pleased that the United States Mint is playing a role in the cause of bringing literacy to all blind and visually impaired Americans.”

A prototype was displayed at the convention for the attendees to examine and experience the Braille on the coin prior to being available for purchase.

The coin will go on sale in the spring of 2009, the bicentennial anniversary of Louis Braille’s birth.

In addition to commemorating the life and work of Louis Braille-the inventor of the Braille reading and writing system-surcharges from the sale of the coin are authorized to be paid to the National Federation of the Blind to help fund Braille literacy initiatives. Braille did not become the official method of reading and writing for the blind in the United States until the 20th century.

Previously, the Alabama commemorative quarter-dollar, one of the coins in the United States Mint’s popular 50 State Quarters® Program, used Braille in the image honoring Helen Keller. The 1995 and 1996 Paralympic Silver Dollars, minted to commemorate the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, also featured Braille. The Braille on those coins was too small to be read by the visually impaired.

Besides the readable Braille on the 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar, the coin has distinguishing features apparent to the visually impaired community, such as size, weight and reeded edges, as do all coins issued by the United States Mint.