Letter
Dear Mr. Hollis:
In its meeting of 16 April, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative reverse designs for the four non-circulating one-dollar coins of the American Innovation series to be issued in 2027. The Commission was pleased consider the preferences of the governor’s office for each state and the families of the individuals represented, and provided the following comments and recommendations.
Kansas. For the theme of pioneering electrical engineer Jack St. Clair Kilby, the Commission members recommended reverse #09A, a preference of his family; they described this alternative, showing the subject in a traditional profile, as a better composition of negative and positive space, without any of the image overlapping the inscriptions.
Nevada. For the theme of copper-riveted clothing, the Commission members recommended reverse #1, consistent with the preferences of the governor’s office. Describing this alternative as nostalgic of traditional graphics, they noted that it presents an active scene, similar to many other coins of this series.
Oregon. For the theme regarding world-renowned children’s author Beverly Cleary, the Commission members recommended reverse #6, consistent with the preferences of the governor’s office and the author’s family; they also commented on the superior artistic quality of reverse #7.
West Virginia. For the theme of the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope, the Commission members recommended reverse #1, consistent with the preferences of the governor’s office and representatives from the observatory. Of the proposed alternatives, this option provided the most realistic depiction of the largest, fully steerable radio telescope in the world in its valley setting.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Paul Hollis, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220