Mayflower 400th Anniversary Gold Coins
- Year of Issue: 2020
Background
The story of the Mayflower is one that connects multiple communities, cultures, and countries. This transatlantic voyage brought 102 Pilgrims and migrants from Europe across the Atlantic and established a new foundation for governance in the New World.
This program commemorates the 400th anniversary of this voyage with coin and medal designs that come together to tell the story of the Pilgrims, the Mayflower‘s journey, and the impact the Pilgrims’ arrival had on the native Wampanoag people.
The U.S. Mint and the Royal Mint produced a joint two-coin gold proof set and a silver coin and medal proof set. The British and American coin designs come together to tell the story of the departure and arrival of the Mayflower. The story begins on the reverse of the British coin depicting a dynamic and exciting image of the Mayflower in the early stages of the voyage. It is guided by the North Star, carrying the hopes and dreams of the Pilgrims and their life in the New World. The story then continued on the obverse of the U.S. gold coin depicting a Wampanoag family watching from their world as the Mayflower arrives from foreign shores.
Characteristics
U.S. Coin
The obverse (heads) design depicts a Wampanoag family watching from the border of the design as the Mayflower arrives from foreign shores. A young boy steps on the border, representing the intersection of the Wampanoag people in their Patuxet homeland and the Mayflower passengers.
The reverse (tails) depicts portraits of a Pilgrim man and woman, representing the beginnings of a transition from monarchy to democracy. The dual portraits symbolize a democratic organization, with their resolute expressions focused on a self-determined future. A pair of mayflower blossoms flank the design.
U.K. Coin
The obverse design features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse, designed by Jody Clark.
The reverse design depicts the Mayflower bursting out of the frame as it sails through the rough seas, designed by Chris Costello. This dramatic interpretation of the ship on its journey to the New World represents the determination of the passengers and crew to find a new way of life.
Obverse Inscriptions
U.S. Coin
- E PLURIBUS UNUM
- PATUXET
- $10
Reverse Inscriptions
U.S. Coin
- 1620
- PLYMOUTH
- 2020
- IN GOD WE TRUST
- AU 24K 1/4 OZ.
- UNITED STATES of AMERICA
Mint and Mint Mark
Specifications
U.S. Coin
- Composition: 99.99% Gold
- Diameter: 0.866 in. / 22.00 mm
- Weight: 0.2500 troy oz. / 7.776 g
Artist Information
Obverse- Sculptor: Phebe Hemphill, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program
- Sculptor: Joseph Menna, Medallic Artist
- Designer: Chris Costello, Artistic Infusion Program