The United States Mint unveiled the designs for the first five quarters in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program in a special ceremony today at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.

United States Mint Director Ed Moy treated special guests and the media to a first look at the new designs, which celebrate the spectacular natural wonders that are found in the United States’ national parks, forests, shores and other national sites.

“Through America the Beautiful Quarters coins, we will be transported to national parks, forests and wildlife refuges, part of a vast public land legacy belonging to all Americans-natural and cultural treasures protected for our recreation, relaxation, education, inspiration and transformation,” Director Moy said.

“This program holds real value in helping Americans of all ages learn more about U.S. history, landmarks and culture through highlighting 56 national parks and sites throughout our country and territories in a series of quarters that will live on for generations,” said Treasurer of the United States Rosie Rios.

The first quarter in the series, which honors Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, will be released into circulation on April 19, with an official launch ceremony in Hot Springs on April 20. It will be followed by quarters honoring Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming (June); Yosemite National Park in California (July); Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona (September); and Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon (November). (more…)

The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the Abigail Fillmore First Spouse Gold Coin and Abigail Fillmore First Spouse Bronze Medal on March 18, 2010, at noon Eastern Time (ET).

The one-half ounce 24-karat gold coin, struck at the United States Mint at West Point, will be available in proof and uncirculated conditions.

Pricing for the coins will be based on the United States Mint’s pricing structure for precious metals products. Click Here For current pricing information. The bronze medals, which bear a likeness of the gold coin, will also be available for $5.50 each.

The coin’s obverse (heads side) features a portrait of Abigail Fillmore by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. Inscriptions on the obverse are ABIGAIL FILLMORE, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY, 2010, 13th and 1850-1853, the period during which she was the spouse of the President.

The coin’s reverse (tails side), by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Susan Gamble, depicts Fillmore shelving books in the library she established at the White House. Inscriptions on the reverse are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10, 1/2 OZ. and .9999 FINE GOLD.

The maximum mintage for the Abigail Fillmore First Spouse Gold Coin is 15,000 across all product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof coins to uncirculated coins produced within the total maximum mintage.

Abigail Powers Fillmore was born in 1798 in Saratoga County, New York. She developed a passion for learning early in life. Financial circumstances forced her to begin working at the age of 16 as a teacher while she continued her own education.

While teaching at the New Hope Academy in Sempronius, New York, she met future husband, Millard Fillmore. (more…)

The United States Mint today announced that it will begin accepting orders for the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar beginning at noon Eastern Time (ET) on February 25, 2010.

The American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act (Public Law 110-277) authorizes the United States Mint to mint and issue silver one-dollar coins in commemoration of disabled American Veterans. The mintage limit for the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar is set at 350,000 coins across all product options. Available options include proof and uncirculated versions of the coin, struck in 90 percent silver.

Special Introductory Pricing for the 2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar is available until March 29, 2010, after which regular prices will apply:
Proof Silver Dollar – Introductory Pricing $39.95 – Regular Pricing $43.95
Uncirculated Silver Dollar – Introductory Pricing $33.95 – Regular Pricing $35.95

The coin’s obverse (heads side) was designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. The design features the legs and boots of three disabled veterans, which pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of our disabled veterans. The inscription THEY STOOD UP FOR US is in the banner along the coin’s upper rim. Additional inscriptions on the obverse are IN GOD WE TRUST, 2010 and LIBERTY.

The coin’s reverse (tails side) was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna. The design depicts a forget-me-not flower at the base of a wreath wrapped in a ribbon that cradles and supports clusters of oak branches. The oak branches represent strength, while the forget-me-not is a widely accepted symbol of remembrance for those who sacrificed their lives for our country. The inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Take This Moment to Honor Our Disabled Defenders of Freedom, and ONE DOLLAR.

Surcharges from sales of the commemorative coin are authorized to be paid to the Disabled Veterans’ LIFE Memorial Foundation to support the construction of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial in Washington, D.C., authorized by Congress in 2000. (more…)