This would mark the first change of the beloved Gold and Silver Eagle designs since the exceptionally popular bullion-coin program began in 1986.
OKLAHOMA CITY (June 29, 2020) – The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) convened on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, to discuss numerous coin and medal programs for 2020 and 2021. United States Mint Director David J. Ryder presided over the meeting – with the most significant agenda item being the proposed design changes for the reverse of the American Silver and Gold Eagle bullion coins. This would mark the first change of the beloved Gold and Silver Eagle designs since the exceptionally popular bullion-coin program began in 1986. The new designs will likely be showcased on the nation’s Gold and Silver bullion coins for at least the next 25 years. The suggested alterations will only affect the reverse – the obverse of both coins will remain the same.
“The Mint’s plan to introduce new modern reverses paired with the historic obverses should be great for collectors, bringing an exciting update while still maintaining the highly recognizable classic designs that have been so popular for the past 35 years,” said Kyle Klosinski, Senior Product Manager at APMEX. “These proposed designs look fantastic, and we’re looking forward to seeing the final selections.”
Design contenders were submitted by artists of the U.S. Mint’s Philadelphia-based staff, as well as from its Artistic Infusion Program, which involves talent from around the country. Thirty-nine designs were received in total.
(Left, AEG-R-02, Right, AEG-R-12A. Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.)
The CCAC recommended design AEG-R-12A for the reverse of the American Gold Eagle, which displays an eagle in dramatic flight against the rising sun. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts chose AEG-R-02, which depicts an eagle in a downward flight carrying an oak branch.
(Left, AES-R-33, Right, AES-R-38. Images courtesy of the U.S. Mint.)
For the American Silver Eagle, the CCAC voted to recommend AES-R-38, which features a close-up profile view of an eagle’s head and shoulder. The U.S. Commission of Fine Arts chose AES-R-33, which illustrates a heraldic eagle with outstretched wings, perched on a clutch of arrows and olive sprigs.
The final decision on the designs rests with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The CCAC makes its formal recommendations to the Secretary, who also receives guidance on proposed designs from the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts. Secretary Mnuchin is likely to make his decision later on in 2020. After approval, the designs are expected to be introduced as soon as 2021.
The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) was established in 2003 by Congress under Public Law 108-15 to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on the themes and designs of all U.S. coins and medals. The CCAC serves as an informed, experienced and impartial resource to the Secretary of the Treasury and represents the interests of American citizens and collectors.
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