Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 20 June conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed a second submission of alternative reverse designs for the 2026 issue of the Native American One Dollar Coin series. Expressing appreciation for the Mint’s consideration of its previous advice for this coin, the Commission provided the following comments.
The Commission members were pleased to take into consideration the preferences and comments of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Mint’s liaisons for the new set of alternatives. They generally supported the presented preference of combining the overall design of alternative 26NA-03 with the inscription treatment of 26NA-03B, which adds the name “Polly Cooper” near the top and moves the “$1” denomination to the lower part of the composition. However, they questioned the proposed placement of the denomination text as seemingly arbitrary and not well integrated into the overall design; they therefore recommended further study for positioning this text within the border—perhaps centered at the bottom preceding “Oneida,” or at the upper right between “America” and “Valley Forge” if crowding of George Washington’s head can be avoided. They agreed with the CCAC that the background starburst pattern of 26NA-03B is an unnecessary feature and should not be included in the design.
The Commission delegated the resolution of the final review to the staff, which is available to assist you.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris C. Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220