Letter
Dear Mr. Ryder:
In its meeting of 20 February, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative designs for the continuation of the Presidential coin series to include George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush. The Commission members present provided the following comments and recommendations.
George H.W. Bush. For the one-dollar coin honoring President Bush, the Commission members supported obverse #1 as the best portrait, consistent with the preference of the Bush family; they acknowledged that the reverse of the series, depicting the Statue of Liberty, will continue for this coin.
Barbara Bush. For the gold coin and bronze medal honoring Mrs. Bush, the Commission members supported alternative #1 for the obverse, consistent with the preference of the family, commenting that this portrait best conveys her character. For the reverse, they supported alternative #3 depicting stacked books, commenting that this composition would be more successful at the small scale of the coin and medal than the perspectival design of alternative #6, the family's preference. They also cited the helpful inclusion of the text "Family Literacy" in alternative #3.
As a quorum was not present for the review, these recommendations will be placed on the administrative agenda for confirmation at the Commission's next meeting. 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