United States Mint Press Releases/Public Statements
Press Releases/Public Statements

• Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Seeks New Members
  

  WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is seeking applicants for appointment to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC).  The terms of two CCAC members will expire in February 2008 -- one for a member representing the interests of the general public, and one for a qualified numismatic specialist.  The application deadline is January 31, 2008.  The United States Mint will review all applications and will forward recommendations to the Secretary of the Treasury for appointment consideration.

• United States Mint Offers New Presidential $1 Coin Products
  

  WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is announcing a stunning new array of 2007 Presidential $1 Coin products featuring the coins that honor George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.  The new products were offered for the first time this week and customers may receive their brochures as early as today.
  
  In addition to the United States Mint Presidential $1 Coin Proof SetTM, released earlier this year, the brochure includes the following new products: 

• United States Mint Unveils Designs for 2008 American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coins
  

  WASHINGTON - The United States Mint released today the coin designs for the 2008 American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Program.  Public Law 108-486, the American Bald Eagle Recovery and National Emblem Commemorative Coin Act, authorizes the United States Mint to mint and issue three commemorative coins in honor of the recovery of the Bald Eagle species, the 35th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the Bald Eagle's importance as a national symbol. 

• United States Mint Releases Special Set to Commemorate 10th Anniversary of American Eagle Platinum Coin Program
  

  WASHINGTON - The United States Mint announced today that, beginning December 13, 2007, at 12 noon (ET), it will offer a limited edition, two-coin set to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the American Eagle Platinum Coin Program.  Mintage of the American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Coin Set, offered at $1,949.95, is limited to 30,000 sets.  Orders will be limited to one set per household.  To ensure the broadest and fairest access to this United States Mint product, the order limit will remain in effect for the first seven (7) days of release.  Following this initial sales period, the United States Mint will reevaluate and either extend, adjust or lift the limit.
  
  The American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set will contain one proof coin and one enhanced reverse proof coin, each containing one-half ounce of .9995 platinum.  The proof coin features a cameo image floating on a mirror-like background.  The enhanced reverse proof coin features a frosted background and a brilliant, mirror-like finish on the raised elements of the coin.  This is an enhanced reverse proof version because it is not an exact opposite polish of the regular proof version.  The design elements on the enhanced reverse proof platinum coin were strategically selected to feature the proof, mirror-like finish in contrast to frosted background design elements to enhance the entire image.
  
  This is the first time the United States Mint is offering a reverse proof version of the American Eagle Platinum Coin. 
  
  Designed and engraved by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver John Mercanti, the obverse of both coins bear the striking image of Lady Liberty, symbolizing vigilance and resolute faithfulness to duty.  Inscriptions are "Liberty," "In God We Trust," "E Pluribus Unum" and "2007."  United States Mint American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins have featured this design since their debut in 1997.
  
  The coins' reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Thomas Cleveland and engraved by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill.  Featured on the 2007-dated platinum coins, it is the second design in the three-year series entitled, "The Foundations of American Democracy," and celebrates the Executive Branch of government.  The design depicts a bald eagle with its wings spread wide representing freedom, with a shield at the ready to enforce the laws that guarantee those freedoms.  Inscriptions on the reverse are "1/2 oz.," ".9995 platinum," "$50," "The United States of America," and "Freedom."  The reverse also carries the "W" mintmark denoting production at the United States Mint at West Point.
  
  The American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set is presented in an elegant hardwood box with a mahogany finish and adorned with a silver foil on the domed lid.  The box is highly lacquered, rubbed and buffed to a gloss finish.  The coins are exhibited on a specially designed wood platform angled to display the coins when the box is opened.  Each set is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.
  
  The United States Mint will receive orders for the American Eagle 10th Anniversary Platinum Set at its secure Web site, www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may place their orders by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468) 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
  
  Customers who are paying by credit card should ensure that their credit card information remains current to avoid order processing delays.  Credit cards that expire before an order is shipped will be cancelled.  To update credit card information after an order has been placed, customers should call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
  
  Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, any order placed prior to the official on-sale date and time (December 13, 2007, 12:00 Noon ET) shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.

• United States Mint Rolls Out the 2008 50 State Quarters® Coin Designs
  

  WASHINGTON - The United States Mint is announcing today the designs for the five new 2008 commemorative quarter-dollars in the 50 State Quarters® Program.  The new quarters-honoring Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii-signal the end of the most popular coin program in the history of U.S. coinage.
  
  The first commemorative quarter of 2008 honors Oklahoma.  It is the 46th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program.  Oklahoma, nicknamed the "Sooner State," became the 46th state admitted into the Union on November 16, 1907.  Designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Medallic Sculptor Phebe Hemphill, the reverse of the coin features Oklahoma's State bird, the Scissortail Flycatcher, in flight with its distinctive tail feathers spread.  The bird is soaring above the State wildflower, the Indian Blanket, amid a field of similar wildflowers.  The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Oklahoma" and "1907." 
  
  The second commemorative quarter of 2008 honors New Mexico.  It is the 47th coin released in the 50 State Quarters Program.  Nicknamed the "Land of Enchantment," New Mexico was admitted into the Union on January 6, 1912, becoming the 47th state.  Designed and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart, the reverse of the New Mexico quarter features the Zia sun symbol.  The symbol is superimposed over a topographical outline of the State.  The coin's design also bears the inscriptions "Land of Enchantment," "New Mexico" and "1912."
  
  The third commemorative quarter of 2008 honors Arizona.  It is the 48th coin in the 50 State Quarters Program.  Arizona, nicknamed the "Grand Canyon State," was admitted into the Union on February 14, 1912, becoming