The Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) met on November 29th, 2011, at the U.S. Mint’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to review and discuss the reverse designs for the 2012 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coin. This release will continue a design series highlighting the core concepts of American democracy as found in the Preamble to the Constitution. The theme for this year’s coin will be “For the Common Defence.”
In attendance from the CCAC were Arthur Houghton, Chairman Gary Marks, Erik Jansen, Dr. Michael Bugeja, Dr. Doreen Bolger, Donald Scarinci, Mike Ross, Michael Olson, and Heidi Wastweet. Representing the Mint were Kaarina Budow, Don Everhart, Andy Fishburn, Greg Weinman, and Ron Harrigal.
Mr. Harrigal began with a review of the authorizing legislation for the American Platinum Eagle coins, and provided the committee with a description of each reverse design. The CFA previously reviewed these designs, and preferred design 10. Prior to the in-depth discussion, the committee conducted an elimination vote to exclude designs: the third, sixth, and seventh designs were so excluded, and would not be discussed.
On many of the designs, concerns about the large size of the valuations were expressed. There was a difference of opinions with regard to the use of a rifle in design 4: some saw it as symbol of offense, where others acknowledge it as a tool for defending one’s land. Other concerns surrounding the use of the classic spelling of “DEFENCE”, rather than the modern “DEFENSE”: it could be an opportunity for education. The size of the flag in design 9 was considered to be out of proportion. The use of shields in many of the designs seemed to have its supporters and detractors as well, overly simplifying the imagery.
The committee votes for the 2012 Proof Platinum Eagle reverse design candidates were as follows:
| Design 1: 9 votes | Design 2: 11 votes | Design 3: excluded | Design 4: 13 votes |
| Design 5: 4 votes | Design 6: excluded | Design 7: excluded | Design 8: 1 vote |
| Design 9: 5 votes | Design 10: 3 votes | Design 11: 4 votes |
With 13 votes out of a possible 21, design 4 received the committee’s recommendation.
Editor’s Note: This article is published with a delay after the CCAC meeting took place. It was written as soon as possible after meeting transcript information was made available.
2012 American Platinum Eagle Design Candidates
I like 1 and 2 much more than 4.
Agreed, Louis. I also thought the last two both looked decent as well.
If it does turn out to be 04, I will definitely give this one a pass.
I like 2, i think the 4 is too simple.
No. 10 is decent too, and I think that is the one the committee was previously leaning towards, but I still like 2 more. Samuel is right about 4. But none of them holds a candle to last year’s, which is probably the best design of the series so far.
Year of the Star Spangled Banner…
Number 4 strikes me as absolutely and utterly uninspiring and unartistic! Tremendously disappointing for a PLATINUM coin – the mint’s highest-tier offering. Time to get some new blood on the committee. I have every other plat, but won’t bite on this one if they go with 4 – entirely out of line and spirit of the rest. Rubbish.
Agreed, #10 & 11 seem to be better choices than #4. I’ll pass on this if it is #4, save my $1,892.00.
why were 03, 06 and 07 excluded? to be honest those would have been my top 3. 03 makes alot of sence. The sword in the hand of congress, i can see why that is excluded because our congress does not have to actually declare wars anymore we just go with the flow…
AE-01 is a decent design.
AE-04 minuteman is good, but please no LOGO flag. This is the bicentennial of the Star Spangled Banner, after all! If it MUST be this logo, at least put 13 stars on it! Drawing shows but 12 stars. Hmmmm, error coin? 🙂
AE-09 is my hands down favorite! Great strong looking Liberty defending our FLAG. I agree that the flag is a bit oversized. Would look good if it did not underlap the great portrait of Liberty. Downsized flag & furling modification needed.
AE-10 & AE-11 PLEASE, NO GIANT SHIELD. We already have that on the presently circulating cent!
American eagles esp. in platinum should be inspiring, majestic coins. #4 is at best the kind of design one would expect on a commemorative. And as others noted, it is inconsistent with the rest of the series.
It is my hope that CCAC will revisit the potential of the AE-09. This design does have majesty!
I must correct my earlier comment… it is not the bicentennial of the Star Spangled Banner as the poem was written by Keyes in 1814. The commemorative coins coming out THIS YEAR should actually have been planned for 2014 instead. I guess the Congressional sponsor & the powers which be forgot to Wikipedia the subject before it’s passage to law!