News — Mint Designers

Last month, the Perth Mint released a 2 oz gold coin that features Australia's wedged-tail eagle. The coin depicts a mother eagle tending to her child as the father scans the surrounding area for threats and prey. This is the 3rd design in 3 years that the legendary John Mercanti has designed.The specifications of this high-relief gold coin are 36.60 mm, 62.213 g (2 oz) .9999 fine with a mintage of only 250. As with Mercanti’s two previous designs of 2016 and 2017, further versions of this new rendition are to be expected in gold and silver throughout the year.

Elizabeth Jones was the 11th Chief Engraver of the United States Mint. She was the only woman to hold the prestigious position; she served from 1980 to 1990. During her time as Chief Engraver, Jones designed the American Silver Eagles, American Gold Eagles, 1983 Los Angeles Olympics Discus Thrower Silver Dollar, 988-W Seoul Summer Olympics Gold Five Dollar, 1981 Ronald Reagan Presidential Medal, and many more. Jones signed labels for the the Numismatic Guarantee Corporation, also known as NGC. These signature labels are of high value to numismatic coin collectors. Jones was the last Chief Engraver to be appointed by...

Have you ever wondered how the U.S. Mint and Chief Engravers came to be? Without the two, the U.S. coin world would not be where it is today. The United States gained independence, George Washington became the first president, and the Constitution was ratified. It was clear that the newly independent country needed a currency system. The United States Mint was established when Congress passed the Coinage Act on April 2, 1792.  The first U.S. Mint federal building was built in Philadelphia. David Rittenhouse became the first Director of the Mint. Copper coins were produced and put into circulation. Silver...