Last year in 2020, we saw the final release of the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Proof Platinum Coin Series. The three-year series, beginning in 2018 and ending last year, featured a new common obverse with three different reverses being featured on a 99.95% platinum proof coin. Tomorrow will begin yet another new platinum coin series with the theme planted around the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution Platinum Proof Coin Series will be a five-year series (2021-2025) featuring five new designs on one-ounce 99.95% platinum proof coins. The United States Mint aims to honor the five freedoms in the First Amendment citing the Freedom of Religion for its first coin in the program. The First Amendment reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Reflected on the first coin will be the Freedom of Religion as the obverse utilizes the lifecycle of the oak tree. Featured toward the bottom middle of the coin are a seedling and an acorn as it represents where we started. From that seedling is a mighty oak to represent the growth of our nation and how it values freedom. Inscriptions featured around and throughout the design read “WITH FREEDOM OF RELIGION LIBERTY GROWS,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “2021.” The strong theme of growth in this first coin design aims to reiterate each of the freedoms mentioned in the First Amendment and how they have contributed to the growth and the birth of this great nation. Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer Donna Weaver designed the obverse while United States Mint Chief Engraver and Medallic Artist Joseph Menna sculpted it.
The reverse that will be featured throughout this five-year series depicts an eagle in flight. An olive branch of peace is grasped in the eagle’s talons. The 99.95% proof platinum coin features the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$100,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9995 PLATINUM”. AIP Designer Patricia Lucas-Morris designed the reverse with Medallic Artist Don Everhart sculpting it.
Limited in mintage and production to 15,000, the Proof Platinum Coin will come housed in black and silver Original Government Packaging and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The $100 denomination coin will be produced at West Point.
Source: United States Mint