Aug 30, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
MINNEAPOLIS – The United States Mint (Mint) joined the American Legion today at its national convention at the Minneapolis Convention Center to unveil designs for the 2019 American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program.
The artists in the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program created the designs that will appear on gold, silver, and clad coins as mandated by Public Law 115-65, the legislation authorizing this coin program. The Mint’s Sculptor-Engravers executed the designs.
$5 Gold Coin Obverse Design
Designer: Chris Costello
Sculptor-Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
This design commemorates the inception of the American Legion and its mission to serve America and its war veterans. The outer geometric rim design from the American Legion emblem, the Eiffel Tower, and V for victory represents the formation of the organization in Paris in 1919 at the end of World War I. Inscriptions are “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” “1919,” and “2019.”
$5 Gold Coin Reverse Design
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Sculptor-Engraver: Joseph Menna
This design depicts a soaring eagle, a symbol of the United States during times of war and peace alike. The American Legion emblem is depicted above the eagle. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$5,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Silver Dollar Coin Obverse
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Sculptor-Engraver: Renata Gordon
This design depicts the American Legion emblem adorned by oak leaves and a lily, commemorating the founding of the American Legion in Paris, France. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “2019.”
Silver Dollar Coin Reverse
Designer: Patricia Lucas-Morris
Sculptor-Engraver: Michael Gaudioso
The design represents the founding of the American Legion in Paris in 1919. Above the crossed American and American Legion flags is a fleur-de-lis and the inscription “100 Years of Service.” Additional inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “1919,” “2019,” “$1,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
Clad Half Dollar Coin Obverse Design
Designer: Richard Masters
Sculptor-Engraver: Phebe Hemphill
This design depicts two children standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, the little girl proudly wearing her grandfather’s old American Legion hat. Inscriptions are “LIBERTY,” “2019,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG…”
Clad Half Dollar Coin Reverse Design
Designer: Richard Masters
Sculptor-Engraver: Joseph Menna
The design completes the phrase from the obverse “I pledge allegiance to the flag… of the United States of America.” It depicts an American Flag waving atop a high flagpole as seen from the children’s point-of-view from the ground below. The American Legion’s emblem is featured just above the flag. Additional inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM and “HALF DOLLAR.”
The authorizing legislation for the American Legion 100th Anniversary Commemorative Coins also calls for the Mint to collect surcharges from coin sales—$35 for each $5 gold coin, $10 for each silver dollar coin, and $5 for each half dollar clad coin. The surcharges are authorized to be paid to the American Legion to support the Legion’s programs for veterans, members of the Armed Forces, and other purposes specified by the authorizing legislation.
The Mint will announce the release date and additional pricing information for this coin program prior to its release in early 2019.
Aug 28, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON, DC – The two U.S. currency titans, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and the United States Mint, have formed a strategic alliance to sell BEP products through the Mint’s e-commerce system beginning this fall. This collaboration will offer collectors, gift-givers, and other customers a better experience and greater variety of numismatic currency products.
Effective Monday, October 1, 2018, BEP products will only be available for online purchase through the Mint’s online store at https://catalog.usmint.gov or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). BEP products will still be available at the BEP Washington, DC and Ft. Worth, Texas visitor center gift shops; some BEP products will also be available at Mint retail locations. BEP bulk sales customers should continue to place orders through the BEP at 1-800-456-3408.
Please note that BEP online customer accounts will not be automatically transferred to the Mint. BEP customers are encouraged to set up new accounts on the Mint’s website to take advantage of the Mint’s loyalty program, to track purchases of BEP products, and to receive BEP and Mint product and promotion notifications.
As of Monday, September 17, 2018, online orders will not be accepted through BEP’s online store, https://moneyfactorystore.gov, or telephone sales department in preparation for the transition; messaging to that effect will be posted. Beginning October 1 at 8:00 a.m. (ET), the moneyfactorystore.gov website will no longer be accessible, and all BEP online and social media sales traffic will be redirected to the U.S. Mint’s website.
The BEP and U.S. Mint are very excited about this new partnership and look forward to providing their global customers with a unique selection of products and continued excellence in customer service.
Questions regarding this transition or BEP product orders placed prior to September 17, 2018, may be directed to BEP’s Mail Order Sales Department by telephone at 1-800-456-3408. For additional information about BEP or currency production, please visit and follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @USMoneyfactory. For questions regarding orders placed on the Mint’s website, call 1-800-872-6468.
Aug 28, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
Artistic Infusion Program Invites Artists to Design Nation’s Coins and Medals
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) is pleased to announce a call for artists to participate in its Artistic Infusion Program (AIP). Established in 2003, the AIP serves to enrich and invigorate the design of United States coins and medals by developing a pool of outside artists in graphic design, sculpture, engraving, drawing, painting, and other visual arts. These artists work closely with the United States Mint’s staff, including Sculptor-Engravers, to create and submit new designs for selected coin and medal programs throughout the year. Interested artists are invited to submit applications for consideration.
The designs of AIP artists adorn many United States coins and medals, such as America the Beautiful Quarters® Coins, Native American $1 Coins, Commemorative Coins, Platinum Proof Coins, Congressional Gold Medals, American Liberty Gold Coins, and various silver and bronze medals.
Artists who join the AIP work under a task order contract from their own studios across America, providing candidate designs in the form of finished drawings. Artists are paid $2,000 to $3,000 per assignment and are awarded a $5,000 bonus if the Secretary of the Treasury selects their design for a coin or medal. In addition to the bonus, the artist’s information is included in historical documents, Certificates of Authenticity, and promotional materials. In most cases, the artist’s initials appear on the final coins or medals along with the initials of the Sculptor-Engraver who sculpted the selected design.
The United States Mint will be accepting applications for the program beginning September 3, 2018. Applicants must fill out an application form and submit five to 10 images of work from their portfolio. Artists may also be asked to provide a resume. Once reviewed, the Mint will invite selected artists to participate in a further evaluation round, which will require the development and submission of a demonstration design for which each selected artist will be paid a fee of $1,500.
The Mint is especially interested in artists who will bring innovative perspectives and utilize symbolism in their work to clearly and evocatively convey subjects and themes. From portraits and landscapes to depictions of notable achievements in American history, coin and medal designs require rendering a range of subjects and themes on a small space.
To apply for the AIP, artists must be U.S. citizens who are established professional artists, defined as one who meets all of the following criteria:
- Has at least five years of relevant work experience or has received specialized training in his or her artistic field, such as a degree or certification
- Derives a portion of his or her individual earned income from his or her art or areas related to his or her art
- Has experience in digital art techniques such as use of Photoshop, Illustrator, Wacom tablets, or similar technology
- Has a professional portfolio that includes published or publicly displayed art
To be considered, artists must register online at www.usmint.gov/callforartists and submit their application, including images, by October 29, 2018, at 11:59 a.m. Eastern Time (ET).
Aug 24, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will release the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin™ – Cumberland Island National Seashore (product code 18AM) on August 30 at noon Eastern Time (ET). This coin is priced at $154.95.
The Philadelphia Mint produces America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins™ in .999 fine silver. These coins measure three inches in diameter. The reverse (tails) design for the Cumberland Island National Seashore coin 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) features a 1932 restored portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan.
Each encapsulated legal tender coin arrives in an attractive presentation case with a 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 by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Information on shipping options is available at catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
The Mint also accept orders for this product through its Product Enrollment Program. Details about the program are available at catalog.usmint.gov/shop/product-enrollments/.
The maximum mintage for the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coin honoring Cumberland Island National Seashore is set at 20,000 units.
Aug 20, 2018 | Announcements
NGC and PMG have been named the Official Grading Services of the Macau Numismatic Society (MNS). NCS, an affiliate of NGC and PMG, has been named the Official Conservation Service of the MNS.
The MNS was established in 1988 to serve the coin and paper money collecting communities in Macau, a Special Administrative Region of China, and the surrounding areas. The MNS conducts an annual convention, hosts educational forums and regularly publishes new research on coin and paper money.
NGC was founded in 1987 to provide expert and unbiased certification services for coins, tokens and medals. In 2005, PMG was formed to provide similar certification services for paper money. NGC and PMG, along with NCS—a professional coin conservation service—are independent members of the Certified Collectibles Group (CCG).
Learn more >
Aug 20, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WHAT: Join the United States Mint and the National Park Service for the official launch of the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coin honoring Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia on 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. The ceremony will take place at the Camden County High School Auditorium in Kingsland.
Event highlights include performances by Camden County High School band ensemble and premier choral group, Volume One, a ceremonial coin pour, and an exchange of $10 rolls of newly minted Cumberland Island National Seashore quarters after the ceremony. Donna Weaver, designer of the quarter, will attend.
WHO:
- United States Mint Acting Deputy Director David Croft
- Andrew Blascovich, Senior Field Representative for U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson
- Emmitt Nolan, Caseworker, Field Representative for U.S Congressman Buddy Carter
- Cumberland Island National Seashore Superintendent Gary Ingram
- United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Designer Donna Weaver
- Camden County High School Students Jalen Johnson and Nicole Thompson, Masters of Ceremonies
WHEN: 10 a.m., Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018 (EDT)
WHERE:
Camden County High School Auditorium
6300 Laurel Island Parkway
Kingsland, GA 31548
COIN FORUM
The United States Mint will host a coin forum the evening before the launch ceremony—Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, 6–7 p.m. EDT—at the Howard Gilman Waterfront Park Amphitheater Stage, 120 St. Marys Street, St. Marys, GA 31558. The coin forum is an opportunity for the public to learn about upcoming United States Mint coin programs and initiatives, and express their views about future coinage.
The Cumberland Island National Seashore quarter is the 44th release in the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a 12-year initiative that honors 56 national parks and other national sites authorized by Public Law 110-456. Each year, the public will see five new national sites depicted on the reverses (tails sides) of the America the Beautiful Quarters. The United States Mint is issuing these quarters in the order in which the national sites were officially established.
Aug 20, 2018 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON – The United States Mint (Mint) will offer rolls and bags of quarters honoring Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia starting on August 27 at noon Eastern Time (ET).
The quarter’s reverse (tails) depicts a snowy egret posing on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh, ready for flight. The inscriptions are “CUMBERLAND ISLAND,” “GEORGIA,” “2018,” and “E PLURIBUS UNUM.”
The coin’s obverse (heads) features the 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan, restored to bring out subtle details and the beauty of the original model. Inscriptions are “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “LIBERTY,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” and “QUARTER DOLLAR.”
Product options and their prices are as follows:
| PRODUCT CODE |
PRODUCT OPTION |
MINT MARK |
PRICE |
| 18ABK |
100-Coin Bag |
P |
$34.95 |
| 18ABM |
100-Coin Bag |
D |
$34.95 |
| 18ARK |
100-Coin Bag |
S |
$34.95 |
| 18ARL |
Two-Roll Set |
P, D |
$32.95 |
| 18ARM |
40-Coin Roll |
S |
$18.95 |
| 18ARJ |
Three-Roll Set |
P, D, S |
$46.95 |
The Mint produces the coins in the rolls and bags at its facilities at Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco. The three-roll set contains coins from all three facilities. Unlike the “P” and “D” mint mark quarters, those with the “S” mint mark will not be released into circulation.
The special numismatic wrapping for the coin rolls displays the name “Cumberland Island National Seashore;” the abbreviation “GA” for Georgia; “$10,” the face value of its contents; and “P,” “D,” or “S” for the mint of origin. The canvas bags have a tag with “Cumberland Island National Seashore;” “GA;” and “P,” “D,” or “S.”
The Mint accepts orders online at www.catalog.usmint.gov and at 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 www.catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html.
Aug 19, 2018 | Announcements, News
An example of prooflike California fractional gold is this 1856 50-cent coin (BG311) recovered from the SS Central America and now graded PCGS MS68+PL. (Photo by Professional Coin Grading Service www.PCGS.com.)
“PCGS recently examined, authenticated and graded an amazing sunken treasure trove of 112 California fractional gold pieces recovered in 2014 from the fabled ‘Ship of Gold,’ the SS Central America, that sank in 1857,” said PCGS President Don Willis.
“The quality of more than 50 of those coins merited the PL designation, the first time PCGS has ever given that description to any of the more than 27,000 California fractional gold coins we’ve previously graded. We are now making PL and DMPL certification available for any other submitted California fractionals that meet the criteria,” explained Willis.
PCGS defines surface Prooflike as clear reflection in the fields on both sides as viewed from two to four inches away. A misty effect or striations may impede the reflectivity.
The PCGS definition for Deep Mirror Prooflike is clear reflection in the fields on both sides from at least six inches away. There must be full, undistorted reflectivity on both the obverse and reverse.
California fractional gold coins in denominations of 25 and 50 cents and $1 were privately struck primarily by jewelers in San Francisco and elsewhere to alleviate a shortage of small denomination coins during and after the California Gold Rush. There are more than 400 known varieties in dates ranging from 1852 to 1882.
Additional information about this historic numismatic series is available free in the PCGS Population Report at https://www.pcgs.com/pop/detail/california-fractional-gold-1852-1882/1659 and also at PCGSCoinFacts, the Internet’s most comprehensive site for information about United States coins, http://www.pcgscoinfacts.com/Hierarchy.aspx?c=1659&title=California+Fractional+Gold.
Since its founding in 1986, PCGS experts have certified over 38 million coins with a total market value of over $33 billion. For information about PCGS products and services, including how to submit your coins for authentication and grading, visit www.PCGS.com or call PCGS Customer Service at (800) 447-8848.
Aug 14, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, U.S. Mint
WASHINGTON, DC – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) and the United States Mint (Mint) will share booth #218 at the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) World’s Fair of Money, August 14–18, 2018, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA.
BEP Director Len Olijar and Mint Director David Ryder will participate in the official ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 14 at 12:30 p.m. (EDT). Mr. Olijar will sign notes.
BEP is showcasing its Billion Dollar Exhibit featuring more than $1 billion worth of rare antique currency, including sheets of $100,000 currency notes, Treasury Bonds, and Gold and Silver Certificates. A technical expert will also demonstrate currency production on a 19th century Spider Press.
In keeping with BEP’s tradition of creating distinct currency, BEP is especially excited to offer the following new products for sale:
World War I Commemorative $2 Collection – This WWI set features Series 2013 $2 notes from the Federal Reserve Banks of New York and Atlanta with matching serial numbers beginning with 2018 and a commemorative intaglio print of the back of the Series 1918 $2 Federal Reserve Bank Note which features the central vignette of the “Battleship – New York.”
$2 Lucky Panda – Symbolizing peace, harmony, and friendship, this newest addition to the Lucky Money Collection features an uncirculated $2 Federal Reserve note with a serial number beginning with “888.” It is exquisitely designed with decorative Chinese symbolism and packaged in a symbolic, red folder with embossed, gold foil.
World War I 100th Anniversary commemorative collection – “Victory” – This card is the third and final print in the 2018 Intaglio Print Subscription Program which features three cards: Entry, Homefront, and Victory. This collection highlights inspiring allegorical and historical figures featured on Liberty Loans and Victory bonds, engraved American iconography, and currency issued during the War.
BEP will also offer other unique currency-related products, including uncut currency sheets in various subject sizes and denominations. For additional information about BEP or to purchase products, please visit bep.gov and follow us on Twitter and Facebook . You may also order BEP products by telephone (1-800-456-3408), fax (1-888-891-7585), or mail (Bureau of Engraving & Printing, Mail Order Sales, Room 515M, 14th and C Streets SW, Washington, DC, 20228).
The Mint has planned several outreach activities for the Fair. Director Ryder and Director Olijar will host a meet-and-greet and autograph signing at the joint Mint/BEP booth on opening day, Tuesday, August 14, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., followed by a meeting with members of the media at 3–4 p.m. Autograph signing sessions with Director Ryder and Director Olijar also will take place on Wednesday, August 15, from 10:15 to 11:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Other activities include:
- Unveiling designs for the 2019 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program;
- Hosting a Collector’s Forum, where the public can share their ideas about the nation’s coinage and learn about upcoming Mint initiatives;
- Providing an assortment of educational resources for educators;
- Providing children the opportunity to gather information on the Mint’s H.I.P. Pocket Change website to engage in educational activities, learn about Mint programs and operations, and gain an understanding of the link between coins and American history and culture;
- Providing attendees access to opt-in as a Mint customer to receive product updates and alerts;
- Conducting a “Treasure Trivia” game in which children visit specific locations on the bourse floor to answer trivia questions designed to instill an appreciation for numismatics;
- Participating in the World Mints Passport Program, an exciting program in which visitors collect coins from participating mints;
- Providing the most recently released America the Beautiful Quarters coin for even exchange;
- Conducting live tweets on the daily activities; and
- Assisting visitors with downloading its mobile application, MyUSMint.
- Additionally, the Mint will display three of the nation’s 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coins. The display will feature two of the ten pieces recovered by the government in 2004, as well as the previously undisclosed specimen that was voluntarily and unconditionally given over to the government by a private citizen who requested to remain anonymous.
An assortment of Mint products will be available for purchase over the counter, including the 2018 American Eagle Silver Proof Coin–S mint mark (beginning August 14 at 1 p.m); the new George Washington and John Adams Presidential Silver Medals (beginning August 16 at noon); and product options in the 2018 Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coin Program and the 2018 World War I Commemorative Coin Program. All products are available for purchase via the Mint’s online catalog at catalog.usmint.gov/ or by calling 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). Additional information is available at catalog.usmint.gov.
Aug 9, 2018 | Announcements, Bureau of Engraving and Printing
First Day of Sale: August 14, 2018 (8:00 a.m. ET) – The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is pleased to introduce, “Victory,” one of three cards in the “World War I – 100th Anniversary 2018” Intaglio Print Program. The Treasury Department issued Liberty Loans and Victory Bonds produced by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to assist with financing the Great War. This collection highlights inspiring allegorical and historical figures featured on these bonds, engraved American iconography, and currency issued during the War. The complete three-card collection is available for $51.00.
Please visit our website for additional product information at www.moneyfactorystore.gov.
Designer: Chris Costello
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Designer: Paul C. Balan
Designer: Patricia Lucas-Morris
Designer: Richard Masters
Designer: Richard Masters
