2023
The American Innovation $1 Coin representing Ohio honors the Underground Railroad. The Underground Railroad was a loose and decentralized network of individuals, families, friends, and churches that covertly helped slaves escape to freedom. The National Park Service recognizes over a dozen routes through Ohio which stand as monuments to fleeing slaves and those who helped them along their way.
Other states had active lines within the informal Underground Railroad network, but Ohio’s role was pivotal. Ohio was the southernmost free-state that bordered the northernmost slave states of Kentucky and (then) Virginia. It had an estimated 3,000 miles of trails throughout the state with safe houses, or “stations,” that aided the runaways’ flights to freedom.
Sculptor: Stephen Layne, Medallic Artist
Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program
2022
The United States Mint American Liberty Silver Medal™ celebrates modern interpretations of the concept of American Liberty, exploring the theme beyond the classical tradition of portraits of allegorical “Liberty.” Since its establishment more than 225 years ago, the United States Mint has issued a vast array of coins with the concept of liberty personified by allegorical figures. The 2022 American Liberty Silver Medal offers a different interpretation—a bold and breathtaking representation of the determination and power of the passion for American liberty.
Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell, Medallic Artist
Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program
2021
The United States Mint American Liberty Gold Coin Program celebrates modern interpretations of the concept of American Liberty, exploring the theme beyond the classical tradition of portraits of allegorical “Liberty.” Since its establishment more than 225 years ago, the United States Mint has issued a vast array of coins with the concept of liberty personified by allegorical female figures. The 2021 American Liberty Gold Proof Coin offers a different interpretation—a bold and breathtaking representation of the determination and power of the passion for American liberty.
Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell, Medallic Artist
Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program
2022
In 2022, the U.S. Mint will release the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Clad Half Dollar as part of the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor Commemorative Coin Program. It honors the National Purple Heart Hall of Honor, an institution that commemorates the extraordinary sacrifice of U.S. servicemembers who have been awarded the Purple Heart. The Mint will also strike a $5 gold coin and a silver dollar coin with different designs as part of the program. On May 28, 1932, 136 World War I veterans became the first recipients of the Purple Heart. Since then, it has been awarded to an estimated 1.8 million servicemen and servicewomen. The Purple Heart is currently awarded to any member of the U.S. Armed Forces who has been wounded or killed by enemy action.
The obverse (heads) design shows a figure in military fatigues and combat boots using a pair of crutches. The left leg has been amputated from the thigh down. The negative space below shows the missing leg in silhouette. The Purple Heart medal appears behind the figure, and the inscription “ALL GAVE SOME” sits below the composition. The background field has a subtle flag motif.
The reverse (tails) design features a young boy holding the dress cap of an enlisted Marine. The silhouette of a Marine in dress blues stands behind him in negative space, emphasizing the loss that affects the families of Purple Heart recipients. The inscription “SOME GAVE ALL” is featured in the negative space around the boy in the lower half. The obverse’s background field flag motif is repeated.
The reverse (tails) design features a young boy holding the dress cap of an enlisted Marine. The silhouette of a Marine in dress blues stands behind him in negative space, emphasizing the loss that affects the families of Purple Heart recipients. The inscription “SOME GAVE ALL” is featured in the negative space around the boy in the lower half. The obverse’s background field flag motif is repeated.
Sculptor: Craig A. Campbell, Medallic Artist
Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program
2020
The 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial Silver Medal was developed in conjunction with the 2020 Women’s Suffrage Centennial Silver Dollar in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification. The Mint produced and issued this medal pursuant to 31 U.S. Code § 5111.
Sculptor: Renata Gordon, Medallic Artist
Designer: Beth Zaiken, Artistic Infusion Program
