‘Mayflower’ Products Sail into Market
The year 2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the transatlantic voyage of the Mayflower. On Nov. 17 the United States Mint is releasing four new products to mark this momentous occasion: a silver proof coin and medal set, two-coin gold proof set, gold reverse proof coin, and a silver reverse proof medal.
The U.S $10 gold coin obverse 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. Inscriptions are “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” “PATUXET,” and “$10.”
The two gold products on sale Nov. 17 are the two-coin gold proof set and the gold reverse proof coin. (All images courtesy United States Mint)
The U.S. $10 gold coin reverse 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. Inscriptions are “1620,” “PLYMOUTH,” “2020,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “UNITED STATES of AMERICA,” and “AU 24K 1/4 OZ.”
The two silver products on sale Nov. 17 are the silver proof coin and medal set and the silver reverse proof medal.
The silver medal obverse features a Mayflower family bracing against the cold and windy weather, foreshadowing their coming hardships, while the ship is anchored in the harbor. A pair of mayflower blossoms flank the design. Inscriptions are “A CIVIL BODY POLITICK,” “1620- 2020,” and “MAYFLOWER COMPACT.” The silver medal reverse depicts a Wampanoag man and woman employing a planting technique used to grow several crops that were staples for the Wampanoag people. The inscription “SUSTAINERS OF LIFE” recalls not only this sustainable planting technique but also the critical skills the Wampanoag people afforded to the Pilgrims by teaching them how to successfully plant and harvest the land. The additional inscription is “PEOPLE OF THE DAWN.”
The gold coins will be priced according to the range in which they appear on the Mint’s “Pricing of Numismatic Gold, Commemorative Gold, Platinum, and Palladium Products” table located on their website. At the time of writing, the mintage, product, and household order limit were not available. To order, visit catalog.usmint.gov.
