[BIG] Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee Meeting Recap (October 2024)
KellenCoin
Posts: 1,215 ✭✭✭✭
My name is Kellen Hoard, and I currently serve as one of the Representatives of the General Public on the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee. I am an undergraduate student, and the youngest person to ever serve on the Committee. For those of you unfamiliar with the CCAC, it was established in 2003 by Congress to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on the themes and designs of all US coins and medals. The CCAC serves as an informed, experienced and impartial resource to the Secretary of the Treasury and represents the interests of American citizens and collectors.
This is the sixth installment of my updates about what the CCAC is doing at its meetings. I think it is critical that the collecting community have insight into and input to the CCAC, and will try to answer any questions you may have.
This meeting was a big one; we voted to recommend designs for the 2026 Semiquincentennial program. It was also a heavily divided meeting; several of the designs were recommended by only a bare majority of the committee. I won't differentiate between which designs were split decisions and which were unanimous here, but you can look through the Youtube recording or transcripts if you wish.
Here is my update for the CCAC meeting on October 15 and 16, 2024.
Day 1
1. Former member Dennis Tucker was awarded the Public Service Award for his service to the CCAC.
2. Candidate designs for the 2026-2028 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin were discussed. The series will be issued over 3 years and will celebrate the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, respectively. Mint artists proposed designs in sets of 3. The CCAC recommended the following design for 2026, and "indicated a preference," although not a formal recommendation yet, for the same artist's corollary designs in 2027 and 2028 pending some corrections to design features like the sun.
3. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter celebrating the Declaration of Independence were discussed, in consultation with National Archives Director of the Central for Legislative Archives Richard Hunt and Library of Congress Director of Professional Learning and Outreach Initiatives Lee Ann Potter. The CCAC did not make a recommendation for this series on Day 1, opting to make a complete set of recommendations about the semiquincentennial series on Day 2.
4. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter celebrating the U.S. Constitution were discussed, in consultation again with Richard Hunt and Lee Ann Potter. Again, the CCAC opted to vote on the series on Day 2 of the meeting.
5. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquincentennial Quarter celebrating Abolitionism (the CCAC later voted to recommend it be instead called simply "Abolition") were discussed, in consultation with Frederick Douglass' great-great-great grandson Ken Morris and Curator at the National Museum of African American History and Culture Mary Elliott. Again, the CCAC opted to vote on the series on Day 2 of the meeting.
6. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquicentennial Quarter celebrating Suffrage were discussed, in consultation with Vice President of External Affairs for the National Women's History Museum Jen Herrera, Managing Director of the Allenswood Group Allida Black, and Women's History Curator at the Boston Museum of African American History Angela Tate. The CCAC opted to vote on the series on Day 2 of the meeting.
7. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquicentennial Quarter celebrating Civil Rights were discussed, in consultation with Ruby Bridges (!!) and Lance Volland of the Ruby Bridges Foundation. The CCAC opted to vote on this series on Day 2 of the meeting.
Day 2
1. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquicentennial Dime were discussed, in consultation with Richard Hunt and Lee Ann Potter. The CCAC opted to vote on this series later in the day.
2. Candidate designs for the 2026 Semiquicentennial Half Dollar were discussed, in consultation with Richard Hunt and Lee Ann Potter. The CCAC opted to vote on this series later in the day.
3. Finally, the voting! After extensive discussion, the CCAC voted to recommend the following for the 2026 Semiquincentennial series. Several of the recommendations came with suggested modifications to design elements and inscriptions, which I do not list here.
Dime
Declaration of Independence Quarter
U.S. Constitution Quarter
Abolition Quarter
Suffrage Quarter
Civil Rights Quarter
Half Dollar
Let me know if you have any questions about the work done in this meeting; I will try to answer as well as I can, but there are contraints on what I am able to share publicly. Please remember that the CCAC does not make the final decision; instead, it makes its recommendation (alongside the Commission of Fine Arts) to the Secretary of the Treasury. If you would like to watch the October meeting in full in order to see all of the deliberations, it is available on Youtube here and here.
CCAC Representative of the General Public
Columnist for The Numismatist
2021 Young Numismatist of the Year
Comments
Can you lobby for special, low mintage W mm coins of all denominations to be issued alongside the regular coins?
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
I like the dime and the first quarter very much. Second quarter and half are ok. ........
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
The semiquincentennial program "strikes" me as a good opportunity to transition to different long-term designs for cent through half dollar. Are there any plans for this?
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
The legislation authorizing this program only allows for them to be struck for one year. Starting in 2027, the cent, nickel, and dime will revert back. The quarter and half dollar will move to the Youth Sports reverses for the next few years.
CCAC Representative of the General Public
Columnist for The Numismatist
2021 Young Numismatist of the Year
The Abolition theme simply does not fit in with the 1776 date. There was no abolition in 1776. The same can be said for the Women's Suffrage theme.
The Civil Rights theme design refers to only one group of people. This issue has affected far more than just the best known group.
The Constitution did not appear until 1787. Why is it being celebrated on a coin in 2026?
The reverse of the dime has far too much writing. Drop "Liberty over Tyranny".
The platinum proof obverse is boring. But how many people even care about this issue?
That's what I was thinking - after 2026, not reverting back to the old designs altogether. The new program seems like a good change of pace, especially for the half dollar, but personally, I would like to see something new on each side instead of the same old presidents.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
Thanks as always for sharing @KellenCoin! I liked the dime, the abolition quarter, and the half dollar the most out of everything shared. Also very glad to see Ruby Bridges being involved in the consideration process for the civil rights quarter.
I think the dime, declaration of independence, and constitution quarter are all great designs. The Liberty represented displays natural and classic styling.
The civil rights quarter does not come across as unifying. There is no joy on any of the individual's faces. "We shall overcome" implies the civil rights issue is not focused on past progression but rather overcoming in the future. We should emphasize unity and not political issues on our coins...
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
You have the brazen attitude that I don't. 👍👍👍
God bless all who believe in him. Do unto others what you expect to be done to you. Dubbed a "Committee Secret Agent" by @mr1931S on 7/23/24. Founding member of CU Anti-Troll League since 9/24/24.
I
Dime -03, I could take-or-leave the others.
I am a newer collector (started April 2020), and I primarily focus on U.S. Half Cents and Type Coins. Early copper is my favorite.
I think the dime, quarters and half designs are just fine. Better than fine, I actually like them.
Already been suggested by others:
Thank you for sharing.
If we were all the same, the world would be an incredibly boring place.
Tommy
Some random comments, in no particular order:
These coins will be important. Do it right, and don’t blow it by succumbing to political pressure!!!! Kellen, yes you’re the youngest person to have ever served on this important committee, but I strongly suggest you stand up for common sense to the bullies who appear to have an agenda!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Can't you see? It's 2 horns holding up 2 bananas holding up a mushroom on top of a sun with a face on a plate balanced on 2 more bananas on 3 stalks of asparagus.
Young Numismatist • My Toned Coins
Life is roadblocks. Don't let nothing stop you, 'cause we ain't stopping. - DJ Khaled
And that’s EXACTLY my point! If average people can’t figure it out without an explanation, kill it!!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
It is the backrest of a shield back dining chair from the Federal period.
Thank you Kellen!
Again I say...you're doing us all a service, Kellen. Thank you.
"Brother, can you spare a dime?" (Especially a 1975 no S proof?)
I thought you were joking, but my husband said the same thing. I still would have chosen something else.
The enabling legislation establishes the return to current designs plus the follow-on programs too.
The mint has existing authority to change designs after 25 years, i.e. the Roosevelt dime.
ANA 50 year/Life Member (now "Emeritus")
Really like the half!!! All nice drawings. Feel the designs look good on paper, but not so much when reduced onto coinage.
I think most of us who filled out the Mint’s survey realized that the coinage for 2026 would include recognition of the 250th anniversary; but the Treasury Department wanted to recognize events that have occurred over the last 250 years while de-emphasizing the events of 1776. Disappointing, but that is today’s world.
Your facts are correct. However, with that said, we should not just sit back and say that is today's world. I strongly believe we need to continue to speak up regarding what we believe is RIGHT, despite a few high level bureaucrats who are blinded by agendas different from the actual point of commemorating on THESE coins what happened 250 years ago, NOT what happened throughout all 250 years!
As I indicated earlier, those other ideas (and designs) are good, but they should be used on OTHER coins, NOT coins commemorating 1776!!!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Maybe my choice of “events” was not the best.
In other words, going back just 100 years, Mount Rushmore would not be built today given the make up of the individuals being honored.
1776 is being commemorated in a similar way that includes those not present when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
Can we just do away with coins at this point? Give me Chuck E. Cheese tokens or something.
BHNC #248 … 130 and counting.
And that, in my opinion, is the problem. Coins celebrating 1776 should be closely related to being from that time period! Things like Abolition, suffrage, and Civil Rights did not occur ANYWHERE near that time period! As noted, those are good causes, but they should not steal these coins for the recognition they deserve! Celebrate those worthwhile causes and their designs on other coins!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
Dime reverse: our Eagle is now solely a symbol of war, carrying only arrows and jettisoning the olive branch of peace?? How could that slip by?
Was a period design featuring any of : Crispus Attucks, Salem Poor, The First Rhode Island Regiment/Varnum's Regiment, James Armistead Lafayette, Prince Whipple----just to list a very few-- even considered. Seems a missed opportunity to celebrate any, of the many, contributions of African Americans to Independence. Independence sure involved more than just the Liberty Bell...
Independence did involve more than the Liberty Bell, but we are celebrating the 250th adoption and signing of the Declaration of Independence which is one event, in one place, on one day, by one group of people. It’s been a Federal holiday since 1870. Can’t we celebrate it without muddying the waters? Does “Women’s Suffrage 1776-2026” or “Civil Rights 1776-2026” dated coins capture the essence of the 250th anniversary?
In my opinion, No. How about Paul Revere? Are there so few themes about our Independence in 1776 that we have to really stretch it to these other completely non-related themes that you seem to be pushing? As noted, those themes not related to our Independence are good, but they should then be used on OTHER coins, not 1776 coins!!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996
And if it might have to be explained when it's a large drawing, it will definitely have to be explained when it's reduced to the size of a coin and made shiny. The Constitution quarter reverse will look like a crown when coined. Fonts and legends are a mess in general, with multiple different familiar computer fonts being used and legends being too wordy.
I suppose I'm not really surprised at the absolute failure of the committee to stick with recognizing the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, rather choosing to insert anachronistic events and people irrelevant to the crafting and signing of the document.
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
Drummer boy on all denominations!!!!!!
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you" Matthew 6:33. Young fellow suffering from Bust Half fever.
BHNC #AN-10
JRCS #1606
The dime figures, front and back, should be on the half dollar.
That would be awesome.
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
The quarter and half dollar will move to the Youth Sports reverses for the next few years.
So they are going to ruin half dollars as they have quarters?
Paper money eventually returns to its intrinsic value. Zero. Voltaire. Ebay coinbowlllc
(Headdesk)
What's after that, favorite sandwiches of the CCAC?
Keeper of the VAM Catalog • Professional Coin Imaging • Prime Number Set • World Coins in Early America • British Trade Dollars • Variety Attribution
I’m OK with all of the coins except for one!
Liberty being depicted specifically as a still- living person, Ruby Bridges
I don’t care who it is, we should not have living people on coins. Even the presidents had to wait until they died to be put on a coin. Ruby Bridges is still very much alive.
The crazy part is, this was an issue 100 years ago for the Sesquicentennial coin when Calvin Coolidge was put on it.
Calvin Coolidge ranks among the worst presidents of all time.
There’s a reason we don’t put living people on coins, but the most obvious one to me is the fallacies of humans while they are still alive.
Imagine putting Jared Fogle on a half dollar commemorating his Subway campaign in helping people lose weight
I’m surprised to be in the minority here, but imo this faces up like they gathered all the second place commemorative designs for various holidays and events that never were issued, then slap a “1776-2026” on there call it a day.
Side question, how much authority will the new treasury secretary have over the CCAC?
Founder- Peak Rarities
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Have to say that I am not crazy about the designs. DIME-0-03 Is okay, but the rest - no thank you.
I wish they would just make that the new dime design and keep it that way
I’ll play contrarian: say you are celebrating your 50th birthday today. Must you be confined to focus on the events of Dec 16th 1974 only? You are not allowed to celebrate turning 16, graduating college, getting married or the birth of your children? It seems to maniacally focus on the year 1776 is a bit like that.
Casual collector, mostly Morgans & Peace Dollars.
While I see your point, the difference is one person’s 50th birthday means little, if anything, to the rest of us, but OUR country’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of it’s creation is a bigger deal. Additionally, unlike just one day of that person’s birth 50 years ago, that is different than the lengthier period where a LOT of different and special actions took place around that YEAR! Matter of fact, so many important actions took place, that there’s no shortage of potential subjects for the coins and medals being used to celebrate that Anniversay period!
When that 50 years old passes away, it is then common to celebrate their LIFE, and all the good things that occurred through the entire period!!!
Steve
My collecting “Pride & Joy” is my PCGS Registry Dansco 7070 Set:
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/type-sets/design-type-sets/complete-dansco-7070-modified-type-set-1796-date/publishedset/213996