Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 16 November conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative reverse designs for two of the non-circulating one-dollar coins of the American Innovation series to be issued in 2025. The Commission was pleased to take into consideration the preferences of the governor’s office and designated liaisons for each state and provided the following comments and recommendations.
Arkansas. Consistent with the family’s preference, the Commission members expressed support for reverse #2, depicting naval engineer Raye Montague. They noted the Mint’s intention to alter this design to avoid a head-and-shoulders portrait, which is prohibited by the authorizing legislation for this coin series, and they therefore requested the opportunity to review a revised submission. They observed that including the hands in this composition may be difficult, and they agreed that the solution may be to revise the portrait to include part of the torso. They commented that the revised composition would provide the opportunity to resolve the awkward juxtaposition of the ship’s prow with Ms. Montague’s chin. They also questioned the depiction of Ms. Montague’s hair in this alternative and suggested comparison with source materials such as photographs.
Michigan. Consistent with the liaison’s preferences, the Commission members recommended reverse #2, which depicts a worker and cars on an automotive assembly line, citing the clarity of the composition and the text. They observed that the character of this design is reminiscent of Detroit’s notable public murals of the mid-20th century. They suggested including an additional worker within the composition if artistically feasible, noting that the liaison had made the same suggestion for a different alternative; this adjustment would allow for conveying a sense of diversity for the automotive workforce.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions, including the two remaining American Innovation coins, for Florida and Texas, scheduled for issue in 2025.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris C. Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220