The 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s historic voyage inspired a remarkable set of commemorative coins, including a gold Mayflower coin. Released by the U.S. Mint in 2020, the gold Mayflower coin celebrates the quadricentennial of the voyage, honoring the Pilgrims’ journey, their interactions with the native Wampanoag people, and the enduring impact of this event. This collaborative series with the Royal Mint offers collectors a valuable and historic item.
The Mayflower’s Legacy and the 400th Anniversary
In 1620, the Mayflower set sail with 102 passengers across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon their arrival in what is now Plymouth, Massachusetts, the Pilgrims formed alliances with the Wampanoag people, whose support proved essential to their survival. The 400th anniversary of this journey provided an occasion to reflect on the significance of the historic voyage and celebrate its legacy with a unique gold coin.
Authorization for the Commemorative Coins
Congress approved the creation of the Mayflower commemorative coin in a rare collaboration between the U.S. Mint and the Royal Mint. This authorization not only facilitated the production of a U.S. gold coin but also led to the issuance of joint sets containing both U.S. and British coins, making the series an exceptional tribute to the shared history between the two nations.
The tercentenary of the Mayflower’s passage was similarly celebrated with commemorative coinage, but it was only issued by the U.S. Mint and was not a collaborative release.
The Design of the Gold Mayflower Coin
The 2020 Mayflower gold coin was crafted with great attention to even the most minute details. It features scenes that capture the Pilgrims’ aspirations and the cultural significance of the Wampanoag people. Like many other U.S. coins, sculptors and designers used symbolism and artistry to narrate the historical importance of this journey.
Obverse Design
The obverse design depicts a Native Wampanoag family on a beach, gazing across the ocean at the Mayflower as it approached the New World. The family is standing at the shore with a young child stepping onto the border of the design, which symbolizes the forthcoming interaction between two cultures and the realities that would soon unfold. This imagery respectfully acknowledges the Wampanoag people’s heritage and nods to the shared history that began with the Mayflower’s arrival.
The fine details in the design and folds of clothing, expressions on the subject’s faces, and lifelike natural elements add depth to the scene. The design is meant to symbolize not only the arrival of the Mayflower but also the resilience of the Wampanoag people, whose culture, kindness, and knowledge helped the settlers survive. Obverse Inscriptions include “E PLURIBUS UNUM, PATUXET (the Wampanoag name for Plymouth),” and the coin’s face value of $10. The obverse was created by Chris T. Costello and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill, whose initials appear on the left and right lower third of the coin, near the rim.
Reverse Design
The reverse depicts two Pilgrim settlers gazing left as they begin their quest for a self-determined future. The design showcases a Pilgrim man and woman, their faces resolute, representing the hope of democratic governance. Flanked by Mayflower blossoms, this imagery honors the Pilgrims’ contributions to democratic ideals and their impact on American political development.
Notably, this design references the Pilgrims’ journey from monarchical rule to a community based on mutual agreement and governance. The Mayflower Compact, signed on board before the Pilgrims disembarked, is represented symbolically through the unity of the figures. Reverse inscriptions include “1620 PLYMOUTH 2020, IN GOD WE TRUST, AU 24K 1/4 OZ., and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”. The reverse design was crafted by Chris T. Costello and sculpted by Joseph F. Menna, whose initials appear on the left and right sides of the design.
Collaborative Sets with the Royal Mint
The U.S. Mint and Royal Mint jointly released sets combining U.S. gold coins with Royal Mint gold coins, providing a cross-cultural tribute to the Mayflower’s journey. The sets tell the story of both departure and arrival. For instance, the U.K. coin’s reverse depicts the Mayflower bursting through the waves, a dynamic portrayal of hope and courage, while the U.S. coin illustrates the Wampanoag family’s perspective as they awaited the ship’s arrival. The coins were composed of ¼ ounce of .9999 fine gold each and shipped in a velvet box that depicts 1620 and 2020, separated by a single mayflower. Sets were produced in a limited mintage of 5,350 pieces.
Market Value and Collectability of the Gold Mayflower Coin
Due to their historical significance, unique design, and limited mintage, these coins are highly sought after in the collector’s market. The gold coin’s reverse proof finish, combined with its 1/4 troy ounce of .9999 fine gold, makes it a substantial collectible. The collaboration with the Royal Mint and special NGC designations have boosted auction prices, with sets fetching higher values due to their rarity and cultural importance.
