WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush will present the Congressional Gold Medal to the Fourteenth Dalai Lama on Wednesday, October 17, 2007, in a ceremony in the United States Capitol Rotunda. Prepared and struck by the United States Mint, the Congressional Gold Medal is in recognition of the Dalai Lama’s contributions to peace, non-violence, human rights and religious understanding.

On September 27, 2006, President Bush approved Public Law 109-287, calling for the United States Mint to strike the Congressional Gold Medal for presentation to the Dalai Lama. The law also authorizes the United States Mint to produce and sell bronze duplicate medals to the public. The bronze duplicates may be purchased at www.usmint.gov at 1 p.m. on October 17, 2007, or by calling the toll-free number,
1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

The obverse of the Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal, designed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, features a smiling portrait of the Dalai Lama. The Himalayan Mountains are in the background. The inscriptions “14th Dalai Lama of Tibet,” “Tenzin Gyatso,” his birth name, “Act of Congress” and “2006″ are included on the obverse.

The reverse, designed by Joseph Menna, a United States Mint Medallic Sculptor, depicts a stylized lotus flower, considered to be a symbol of purity. The inscriptions include a quotation from the Dalai Lama, “World peace must develop from inner peace. Peace is not the absence of violence. Peace is the manifestation of human compassion.”

The three-inch, bronze reproduction medal is available for $38.00, and the one and a half inch medal is $3.75. There is an additional shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order. Presentation cases also are available. An image of the Dalai Lama Congressional Gold Medal will be available October 17, 2007 at www.usmint.gov.

Contact: Press inquiries: Michael White (202) 354-7222
Customer Service information: (800) USA MINT (872-6468)