Letter
Dear Mr. Ryder:
In its meeting of 15 November, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed design alternatives for a medal honoring America’s veterans, to be issued in silver and bronze. The Commission was pleased to take into consideration the preferences of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and of the American Legion’s representatives in providing the following comments and recommendations.
For the obverse, the Commission members recommended alternative #3, with the suggestion to revise the inscription “Celebrating America’s Veterans” to the phrase “Honoring America’s Veterans” as seen on obverse alternative #4. They commented that the central feature of an eagle is successful in obverse #3 but has become an overly familiar motif in recent coins and medals; they encouraged the exploration of other design approaches in future submissions, and they cited the artistry of the allegorical woman in obverse #4 as promising. For the reverse, they recommended alternative #8, commenting that the symbolism of its stars would powerfully convey the commitment and sacrifice of military service in a timeless and universal manner that does not rely on the details of portraits, uniforms, or equipment. They suggested that the stars on the recommended obverse and reverse designs would have different meanings and should be sculpted to have deliberately different appearances, such as with a faceted treatment for the five stars on the obverse. They also recommended that both sides of the medal feature a coordinated design for the inscriptions.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
David Ryder, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220