Back in March, we updated you guys on where the process of bringing late President George H.W. Bush to a Presidential $1 coin was. Designs were brought forth and recommended for the $1 coin but also for the late Barbara Bush’s depiction on a First Spouse $10 gold coin. With designs presented to both the CFA (Commission of Fine Arts) and the CCAC (Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee), final approval would land at the hands of Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.
As of July 28th, the United States Mint officially announced the designs for the George H.W. Bush Presidential $1 Coin and the Barbara Bush First Spouse Gold Coin. By way of Public Law 116-112, the Mint is now authorized to strike and issue the coins. Presidential $1 Coins and First Spouse Gold Coins were last struck in 2016 when the series ended.
The obverse design of the Presidential $1 coin features the portrait of George H.W. Bush with the inscriptions “GEORGE H.W. BUSH,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “41st PRESIDENT,” and “1989-1993.” AIP (Artistic Infusion Program) artist Elana Hagler came up with the design while United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna sculpted it.
Following the design structure of the entire Presidential $1 coin series, the reverse of the coin will have the common design that depicts the Statue of Liberty. It was designed and sculpted by former Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Incused on the edge of the coin will be the inscriptions “2020,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and the mintmark.
Featured on the obverse of the First Spouse Gold Coin will be the portrait of Barbara Bush. Inscriptions will read “BARBARA BUSH,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “LIBERTY,” “2020,” “41st,” and “1989-1993.” AIP artist Benjamin Sowards will be credited with the design while Mint Medallic Artist Phebe Hemphill will be credited with the sculpting.
The reverse of the gold coin will honor the late Barbara Bush’s passion for literacy within the family. The design itself features a person reading with an open road in front of them. The book is meant to symbolize literacy, education, and knowledge while the road is to symbolize the future and the journey of life. A sun in the distance is also depicted with the intent to represent a promise of a brighter future. The reverse will also feature inscriptions reading “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “$10,” “½ oz,” and “.9999 FINE GOLD.” AIP artist Barbara Fox created the design while Mint Medallic Artist John P. McGraw sculpted it.
The Mint has yet to announce the release date of the George H.W. Bush Presidential $1 Coin but plans remain for later this year. The Barbara Bush First Spouse Gold Coin will be available on August 20th at noon. The First Spouse bronze medal will be included in the George H.W. Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Set and in the George H.W. Bush Coin and Chronicles Set.