Liberty on three platinum proofs

If you like allegorical figures, you will love the next three annual issues of the proof $100 platinum American Eagle.

Life, Liberty and (the pursuit of) Happiness are represented by Miss Liberty in various poses that embody the preamble to the Declaration of Independence.

The next three platinum proofs will show the allegorical figure of Liberty demonstrating Life, Liberty and Happiness.

The coin representing Life will appear in 2018. According to the Mint description, it shows Liberty “teaching a small child to sow seeds in a field. The sword she carries symbolizes the power to defend life. The furrowed earth represents the forethought and labor required to sustain life. The tree and stream represent nature, suggesting the need to be good stewards of an environment that sustains life.”

The Torch of Freedom is held aloft on the 2019 issue representing Liberty. She is lightig the way westward.

Happiness is tied to a successful harvest on the 2020 design. Miss. Liberty carries gathered fruits and grains while orderly fields and orchards stretch out behind her. A child reaches toward a butterfly.

Sharp-eyed collectors will notice that Happiness is spelled in 18th century script as it appears in the Declaration of Indpendence. Life and Liberty appear normal to the 21st century eye.

If you notice similarities of style in the artwork, it is because all three designs were created by the same artist.

Justin Kunz is an Artistic Infusion Program designer.

While the obverse design changes each year 2018 to 2010, the reverese will stay the same, showing an eagle in flight with an olive branch in its talons.

It is the work of AIP Designer Patricia Lucas-Morris.

Each coin will contain one troy ounce of .9995 fine platinum.

The Mint notes that since platinum Eagles first appeared in 1997, it was the reverses that changed for the annual collector proofs. This is the first time it is the obverse.

Those reverses represented “Vistas of Liberty,” “Foundations of Democracy,” “The Preamble to the Constitution,” and “Torches of Liberty.”

The 2018 proof will be struck at West Point and released Jan. 25, 2018.