Oct 11, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) unveiled the designs for the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program today. The obverse and reverse designs will be featured on the four coins in the program: a $5 gold coin, a standard size $1 silver coin, a half dollar clad coin, and a five ounce $1 silver proof coin. In a manufacturing first for the Mint, the five-ounce silver proof coin will be curved, as will the other coins in the program.
The obverse design was selected from entries in a juried competition as required by the authorizing legislation, Public Law 114-282. The winning design is by Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine. It features the inscriptions “MERCURY,” “GEMINI,” and “APOLLO”— separated by phases of the Moon—and a footprint on the lunar surface. The design represents the efforts of the United States space program leading up to the first manned Moon landing. Additional inscriptions are “2019,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “LIBERTY.” Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted the design.
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Gary Cooper of Belfast, Maine designed the obverse of the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin
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U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill designed the reverse of the 2019 Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin representing the iconic ‘Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’ photograph taken July 20, 1969
The reverse design is by Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It features a representation of a close-up of the iconic ‘Buzz Aldrin on the Moon’ photograph taken July 20, 1969, showing just the visor and part of the helmet of astronaut Buzz Aldrin. The reflection in Aldrin’s helmet includes astronaut Neil Armstrong, the United States flag, and the lunar lander. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” the respective denomination, and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” Ms. Hemphill also sculpted the design.
The law that authorizes the Apollo 11 50th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program also requires the Mint to collect surcharges from coin sales—$35 for each gold coin, $10 for each $1 silver coin, $5 for each half-dollar coin, and $50 for each five-ounce silver proof coin. The Mint is authorized to distribute the surcharges as follows:
- one half to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum’s ”Destination Moon” exhibit,
- one quarter to the Astronauts Memorial Foundation, and
- one quarter to the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.
The Mint will announce the release date and pricing for this coin program prior to the opening of sales in January 2019.
Oct 2, 2018 | Bureau of Engraving and Printing, News, U.S. Mint
Beginning Monday, October 1, BEP products may be purchased at the U.S. Mint’s website.
BEP customers, remember to set up a new online account on the Mint’s website to take advantage of the Mint’s loyalty program, to track purchases, and to receive BEP and Mint product and promotion notifications. Opening an account on the Mint’s website is easy and takes only a few minutes!
BEP products are still available for purchase at BEP’s Washington, DC and Ft. Worth, Texas Visitor Center gift shops. BEP bulk sale customers should continue to place orders through the BEP at 1-800-456-3408.
For information about the BEP-Mint partnership and benefits, visit this FAQ page.
For questions regarding orders placed on the Mint’s website, call 1-800-872-6468.
Sep 25, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will begin accepting orders for the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Coin and Stamp Set (product code 18CL) on October 1 at noon ET.
Priced at $39.95, this set includes one Breast Cancer Awareness Proof Half Dollar produced at the San Francisco Mint and one U.S. Postal Service Breast Cancer Research stamp.
The obverse (heads) of the coin features two women. The older woman has her hands on her chest and a relieved expression on her face. The younger woman, with a scarf on her head, holds one hand over her chest and the other raised in a fist as if she is ready to fight. A butterfly flies above the two women. Inscriptions on the obverse are “LIBERTY,” “2018,” and “IN GOD WE TRUST.”
The coin’s reverse (tails) depicts a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in flight, a symbol of hope. Inscriptions on the reverse are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “HALF DOLLAR,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “BREAST CANCER AWARENESS.”
Designed by Ethel Kessler, the stamp features an illustration of a mythical “goddess of the hunt” by Whitney Sherman and includes the phrases “FUND THE FIGHT” and “FIND A CURE.”
The encapsulated coin and stamp are mounted on an attractive folder with important facts about breast cancer. The folder is housed in a sleeve with the Certificate of Authenticity printed on the back.
The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
Orders for the Breast Cancer Awareness Coin and Stamp Set are limited to one set per household. The product limit is 25,000 units.
The 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program is authorized by Public Law 114-148 in recognition of America’s fight against breast cancer. Surcharges collected from the sale of each coin are authorized to be distributed—in accordance with the law—to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation to further its efforts in breast cancer research.
Sep 22, 2018 | U.S. Mint, video
The United States Mint has six online games that teach basic math concepts, history and coin identification. Play today at www.usmint.gov/games.
Watch the video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/sBDdBHNZyU8.
Sep 21, 2018 | News, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint proudly announces the release of its newest educational game: Counting with Coins. This game teaches basic math concepts and coin identification for grades K-2 in a fun grocery store setting.
Counting with Coins is one of six new games on the bureau’s redesigned H.I.P. Pocket Change website for children and educators, which re-launched in January 2018. Other games include:
- Hoop and Darts – a challenging game rooted in Native American traditions which allows players to choose different settings and play modes
- Plinky’s Presidential Challenge – a fun trivia game to learn the order of the U.S. presidents
- Coin Memory Match – a classic matching game using the coins of the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program, which features U.S. national parks
- Making Change – an art game where users can design their own coins while learning about coin terminology
- Peter the Eagle’s Coin Drop – a fun flying game where players deliver liberty loans by flying a WWI-era plane
The United States Mint H.I.P. Pocket Change games can be played as part of a classroom lesson or for individual enrichment. Visit our Kids Site at https://www.usmint.gov/kids to learn more!
Sep 20, 2018 | Bureau of Engraving and Printing, News, U.S. Mint
The BEP and the United States Mint have formed a strategic partnership to sell BEP products through the Mint’s e-commerce system beginning Monday, October 1 at 8:00 a.m. (ET).
In preparation for this transition, online orders for BEP products are currently not being accepted, and the moneyfactorystore.gov shopping cart has been disabled. All BEP online sales traffic is being redirected to the U.S. Mint’s website.
Please note that BEP online customer accounts will not be transferred to the Mint. Customers are encouraged to set up new accounts on the Mint’s website to take advantage of the Mint’s loyalty program, to track future purchases of BEP products, and to receive BEP and Mint product and promotion notifications. Opening an account on the Mint’s website is easy and takes only a few minutes!
BEP products are still available for purchase at BEP’s Washington, DC and Ft. Worth, Texas Visitor Center gift shops. Bulk sale customers should continue to place orders through the BEP at 1-800-456-3408.
For more information, check out our FAQ page about the transition.
If you have additional questions regarding the transition or BEP product orders placed prior to September 17, 2018, contact BEP’s Mail Order Sales Department by telephone at 1-800-456-3408.
Sep 13, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, U.S. Mint
Why are BEP products being sold on the U.S. Mint’s website?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and United States Mint formed a strategic partnership to sell BEP products through the Mint’s e-commerce system. This collaboration offers collectors, gift-givers, and other customers a better experience and greater variety of numismatic currency products.
What’s the difference between the BEP and the Mint?
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is the Nation’s sole producer of U.S. paper currency. The BEP advises other federal agencies on document security matters and also produces engraved documents such as military commissions and award certificates, and special security documents for a variety of government agencies. In addition, the BEP processes claims for the redemption of mutilated currency.
The United States Mint is the Nation’s sole manufacturer of legal tender, circulating coinage. The Mint also produces numismatic coins and coin-related products, including proof, uncirculated, and commemorative coins; medals; and silver and gold bullion coins.
I used to purchase products directly from BEP. What should I know now that I’m purchasing BEP products from the Mint?
- The purchase of BEP products from catalog.usmint.gov or 1-800-USA-MINT are subject to U.S. Mint Terms and Conditions.
- The Mint charges a nominal fee to cover shipment and the return policy window is within 7 days of receiving your product. See the Mint’s Shipping and Returns Policy for more information.
- Ordering and paying for purchases at the Mint:
- The Mint does not accept orders by mail or fax.
- The Mint does not accept payment by check. However, PayPal is accepted, which has the option to fund payments from a checking account.
- For more information about ordering and paying for products, see Mint FAQs on Order and Payment Processing.
- All registered customers who make three or more purchases within a calendar year qualify for the U.S. Mint’s Loyalty Program. For more information, see the Mint’s Loyalty Program Fact Sheet.
Why can’t I use my BEP customer account on the Mint’s website?
BEP customer accounts were not transferred to the U.S. Mint. Current BEP customers are encouraged to set up a new account on the Mint’s website. Although purchases can be made from the U.S. Mint without setting up an account, doing so will allow customers to take advantage of benefits like the Mint’s Loyalty Program, product notifications, easier order tracking, and paying with PayPal. Opening an account on the Mint website is easy and takes only a few minutes.
I am a BEP bulk customer. What do I do now?
BEP bulk sale customers should continue to place orders through BEP at 1-800-456-3408.
How can I become a BEP bulk customer?
Please contact BEP’s bulk program directly at 1-800-456-3408.
Following the transition, how can I return a product I purchased at a BEP retail location?
If you purchased a product at a BEP retail location, you can return it to that same location. The Mint does not accept or process returns for products purchased from BEP retail locations through its website or call center.
How can I access my past BEP order history?
If you need to access your order history from BEP for products you purchased through its website prior to September 17, 2018, please contact BEP directly at 1-800-456-3408 or by email at Moneyfactory.sales@bep.gov.
I still have more questions, who can I call?
If you have additional questions regarding the transition or BEP product orders placed prior to September 17, 2018, please contact BEP’s Mail Order Sales Department by telephone at 1-800-456-3408 or by email at Moneyfactory.sales@bep.gov.
Sep 9, 2018 | U.S. Mint, video
In October 2018, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a coin and stamp set will be offered. This product will feature the Breast Cancer Awareness Proof Half Dollar and a Breast Cancer Awareness stamp from the U.S. Postal Service. This product will be limited to 25,000 units.
Watch the video directly on YouTube here.
Sep 7, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will open sales for the 2018 America the Beautiful Quarters Three-Coin Set™– Cumberland Island National Seashore (product code 18AG) on September 13 at noon Eastern Time (ET).
This set is priced at $9.95 and includes one uncirculated quarter from the Philadelphia Mint, one uncirculated quarter from the Denver Mint, and one proof quarter from the San Francisco Mint. The reverse (tails) design on all three coins depicts a snowy egret perched on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh, ready for flight. Inscriptions are “CUMBERLAND ISLAND,” “GEORGIA,” “2018,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.” The obverse (heads) depicts the 1932 restored portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
A durable plastic card holds the three coins and displays an image of Cumberland Island National Seashore and the Certificate of Authenticity.
The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html for information about shipping options.
The America the Beautiful Quarters Three-Coin Sets are also available for purchase through the Product Enrollment Program. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/ to learn more about this convenient ordering method.
Aug 31, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2018 American Eagle One Ounce Palladium Proof Coin (product code 18EK) on September 6 at noon ET.
The palladium proof coin is the first collector version of the official United States Mint American Eagle One Ounce Palladium Bullion Coin introduced in 2017. Each coin contains one ounce of 99.95 percent palladium.
The obverse (heads) design of the coin features a high-relief likeness of “Winged Liberty” from the Mercury Dime obverse by Adolph Weinman. In keeping with the original coin, inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “2018,” and Weinman’s initials.
The reverse (tails) design features a high-relief version of the 1907 American Institute of Architects Gold Medal reverse, also by Weinman, which includes an eagle and a branch. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” “$25,” “1 OZ. Pd (the chemical symbol for Palladium) .9995 FINE,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Each encapsulated coin arrives packaged in a gray leatherette presentation case with satin lining. A Certificate of Authenticity is included.
Pricing for the American Eagle One Ounce Palladium Proof Coin is determined according to the range in which it appears on the United States Mint’s (Mint) “Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, Platinum, and Palladium Products” table. Click here for the most current pricing information.
The Mint will accept orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ or 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Information about shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The Mint has limited orders to one coin per household across all sales channels for the first 24 hours of sales, after which the Mint will remove the limit. This coin will not be available for purchase via the bulk program. The mintage and product limits are 15,000 units.
