Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 16 February conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative designs for a gold coin and silver medal to be issued jointly with the British Royal Mint, based on the combined themes of Liberty and Britannia. The Commission provided the following recommendations and comments.
In their adoption of the recommendation of the two nations’ joint advisory committee, the Commission members endorsed obverse alternative O-01; they cited the interesting composition that pairs the two allegorical figures in a design that can be rotated to be perceived from several directions, a fitting treatment within the circular format. They also cited the strong, dignified appearance of the allegorical figures in this alternative. For the reverse of the U.S. coin and medal, they recommended alternative R-01, citing the symbolism of pairing the American bristlecone pine tree with the English yew tree. They also expressed appreciation for linking this design to the depiction of the bristlecone pine on the 2023 American Liberty gold coin and silver medal.
The Commission of Fine Arts was pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the collaborative design and evaluation process with representatives of the British Royal Mint. As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris C. Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220