Two main messages were delivered via a teleconference meeting held Tuesday by the Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) — YES to a U.S. Mint proposed 2015 24-karat Gold Ultra High Relief (UHR) Coin paired with a matching silver medal and NO to a CCAC recommendation to change the reverse design of American Silver Eagles.
The CCAC offered unanimous support for the two pieces outlined in a U.S. Mint proposal. The UHR gold coin and silver medal could feature a modern rendition of Liberty on obverses with reverses bearing a new eagle design the CCAC recommended for American Silver Eagles.
In provided background information for the possible collectibles, the U.S. Mint stated that it is not pursuing a new design for American Silver Eagles but that it opted instead to "consider showcasing the beauty and intricacies" of the recommended design on a potential 2015 24k Gold UHR Coin and silver medal. Members of the CCAC strongly supported the idea.
"I am personally very excited about what’s been proposed here," commented Citizen’s Coinage Advisory Committee Chairman Gary Marks.
If struck, the UHR gold coin would be the first issued by the United States Mint since the release of the 2009 Ultra High Relief Double Eagle Gold Coin. Collectors will recall that this coin features a recreation of the Augustus Saint-Gaudens’ 1907 $20 Double Eagle gold piece designs.
The 2015 UHR gold coin would be struck in one troy ounce of 24-karat gold with a denomination to be determined. Authority to produce it would be sought from the Secretary of the Treasury under the authority granted in 31 U.S.C. § 5112(i)(4)(C). The silver medal’s authorization would be obtained under 31 U.S.C. § 5111 (a) (2).
