Letter
Dear Ms. Gibson:
In its public meeting of 20 April conducted by videoconference, the Commission of Fine Arts reviewed alternative designs for a three-coin set commemorating the “Greatest Generation,” the American service members and civilians who contributed to victory in World War II. The Commission was pleased to take into consideration the preferences of the liaison organization— Friends of the National World War II Memorial—and of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC), and provided the following comments and recommendations.
Five-Dollar Gold Coin: For the obverse, the Commission members recommended alternative G-O-02, commenting that its composition incorporates features of the National World War II Memorial while not depicting a literal view of it. They cited the simplicity of this design, the symbolism of the eternal flame, and the inscription “They Answered the Call,” which refers directly to the Greatest Generation rather than to the memorial. For the reverse, they recommended alternative G-R-01A, consistent with the preferences of the CCAC and the liaison; however, they observed that the stars on the folded flag are in a present-day staggered configuration, and they requested that the detailing be restudied to depict a correctly folded flag of 48 stars as used during World War II.
One-Dollar Silver Coin: The Commission members recommended obverse alternative S-O- 02B and reverse alternative S-R-01A, consistent with the preferences of the CCAC and the liaison organization.
Half-Dollar Clad Coin: For the obverse, consistent with the preferences of the CCAC and the liaison, the Commission members recommended alternative S-O-03, an obverse that was initially presented for the silver coin. They commented that many of the clad obverse alternatives feature a house or a mourning young boy, which would be too narrow thematically; the broken sword of alternative S-O-03 provides a more universal theme. For the reverse, they recommended alternative C-O-05, which was presented as an obverse design; they cited this composition’s focus on the implements of industrial production for the nation’s home front.
As always, the staff is available to assist you with future submissions.
Sincerely,
/s/Thomas E. Luebke, FAIA
Secretary
Ventris Gibson, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC 20220