Letter
Dear Mr. Moy:
In its meeting of 17 September, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed the proposed designs for the fourth set of ten-dollar coins and associated medals in the First Spouse series. The Commission's recommendations were as follows:
Abigail Fillmore. The Commission recommended alternative #4 for the obverse, commenting on the strength of the image. For the reverse, the Commission recommended alternative #5 due to the clarity of the design, preferable to several other alternatives that presented complex scenes dependent upon additional explanation to identify the figures depicted.
Jane Pierce. The Commission recommended alternative #1 for the obverse, due to the suitability of the portrait for a coin; the other alternatives appeared to place excessive emphasis on the hair style. For the reverse, the Commission recommended alternative #4 for its simplicity and strong composition.
James Buchanan's Liberty. The Commission approved the single alternative presented for the obverse. For the reverse, the Commission recommended alternative #2 as the superior composition, focused on Buchanan himself. In addition, the Commission noted the potential appropriateness of alternative #4, depicting Buchanan's service as an ambassador.
Mary Todd Lincoln. The Commission recommended alternative #1 for the obverse, which features Mrs. Lincoln in a near-profile composition. For the reverse, the Commission recommended alternative #4 due to the depiction of the First Lady in an active humanitarian role, with the recommendation that the quality of the image be improved.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, AIA
Secretary
Edmund C. Moy, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220
cc: Kaarina Budow, U.S. Mint