A Chance to View and Approve US Coins and Medals, Before They Become Public

   

The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) was created to help in the recommendation and selection of new United States Minted coins and medals.

For anyone who loves art, designing, collecting or history, becoming a member of the CCAC could be a dream come true. And for two people, that dream could turn into reality as soon as February of 2008.

What does the CCAC do? Whether it’s:

• Circulating coins, like the 2008 state quarter designs recently announced
• Commemorative collector coinage, like the 2008 American Bald Eagle coins
• Or medals - even Congressional Gold Medals, like this year’s medals for the Dalai Lama

the 11 member CCAC had a say in their design and final selection. They, in fact, provide their recommended thumbs up or down for every significant product authorized by congress and delivered by the U.S. Mint.

An overview of the CCAC member role, as officially specified, and the two membership openings

According to the release announcement asking for applicants, the CCAA was created to:

… advise the Secretary of the Treasury on the selection of themes and design proposals for circulating coinage, commemorative coins, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals and other medals.  The CCAC also advises the Secretary with regard to the events, persons, or places to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins, as well as the mintage levels and proposed designs of commemorative coins.

An interesting job description and, if interested, you can apply for one through Jan. 31, 2008. A committee member’s term last for four years and two are set to expire in February of 2008. The two position openings are within separate qualification categories:

• A person to represent the general interests of the public
• A qualified numismatic specialist

Is membership for you? Read an account of a current member’s experiences on the CCAC

Recently, a CCAC member was interviewed regarding his experiences on the committee. The article on Cincinnati.com and The Cincinnati Post is titled: Prof treasures this assignment: Advising Mint on coin design.

The story provides a brief, yet descriptive insight of John Alexander, a University of Cincinnati teaching professor of history. He relays some of his experiences as a member of the CCAC committee.

Fore more information regarding the role of the CCAA, read the CoinNews article: Who’s Responsible for U.S. Coinage Design? CCAC? Mint? CFA?

CCAC application details

Applicants seeking one of the two positions must submit a letter, along with a resume or curriculum vitae, detailing specific educational credentials, skills, talents and experience by:

• Fax at 202-756-6525
• Or, by mail to
  • United States Mint
  • 801 9th St., N.W.
  • Washington, DC 20220, Attn: Greg Weinman. 

Submissions must be postmarked by January 31, 2008.