Letter
Dear Mr. Jeppson:
In its meeting of 16 June, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative reverse designs for the five “America the Beautiful” coins to be issued in 2018 as circulating quarters and silver bullion coins. The Commission’s recommendations were as follows:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (Michigan). The Commission members recommended alternative #8 depicting Chapel Rock, consistent with the preference of the Mint’s site liaison. They noted that the inclusion of people in the scene is often desirable, as with the alternatives depicting kayakers, but acknowledged the need to distinguish this coin design from the similar lakefront scenery of the Wisconsin coin.
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (Wisconsin). The Commission members recommended alternative #9, consistent with the preference of the Mint’s site liaison, and they supported the inclusion of the kayaker in this lakefront scene.
Voyageurs National Park (Minnesota). The Commission members supported alternative #6, commenting that the inclusion of the loon results in a more compelling composition than a simple depiction of static scenery. They also cited the beautifully rendered detail in the drawing of this design.
Cumberland Island National Seashore (Georgia). The Commission members recommended alternative #6, a second choice of the Mint’s site liaison. They commented that the snowy egret with outstretched wings provides a dynamic composition, and the scene conveys the character of this seashore.
Block Island National Wildlife Refuge (Rhode Island). The Commission members recommended alternative #2, consistent with the preference of the Mint’s site liaison. They commented that this design includes a range of natural and built features that characterize Block Island.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Rhett Jeppson
Principal Deputy Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220