When mints from different parts of the world collaborate together, it is always a special event. Last year when the United States Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint came together and created the Pride of Two Nations Set, it was a game-changer. The set was a success and was comprised of a few different first-ever for both parties involved. So when the Mint decides to do it again, you make note and pay attention and that is exactly what we have done.
In collaboration with The Royal Mint (United Kingdom) honoring the 400th anniversary of the voyage of the Mayflower, the United States Mint is releasing two limited-edition sets in gold and silver. The story of the Mayflower voyage is important as its destination and intention was to create a new life on the other side of the Atlantic. Coincidingly, the story of the voyage also makes connections between countries and cultures. In September of 1620, 102 Pilgrims and migrants from Europe took off from Plymouth (port on the southern coast of England) with wine and dry goods in search of a new place to govern in the New World.
The two mints have produced a two-coin gold proof set and a silver coin and medal proof set that is intended for release this fall. According to the Mint, “the coin and medal designs 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 gold set struck in 24-karat will contain a one-quarter ounce proof U.S. $10 coin and a U.K. one-quarter ounce proof £25 coin. The silver coin and medal set will be struck in .999 fine silver and contain a silver one-ounce proof £2 coin and medal.
Both the British and American coin designs come together to tell the story of the Mayflower from the departure to the arrival. The narrative begins on the obverse of the British coin and continues on to the United States gold coin. Below are the items to be made available from the United States Mint.
400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Voyage Silver Proof Coin and Medal Set
Contained in this two-coin set will be a silver medal from the U.S. and a silver coin from the U.K. The silver medal obverse will feature a family from the Mayflower getting ready to endure the cold and windy weather as the design looks to foreshadow their hardships. A ship anchored in the harbor is also depicted as mayflower blossoms are seen at the 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock portions of the coin. “A CIVIL BODY POLITICK,” “1620-2020,” and “MAYFLOWER COMPACT” are inscribed on the obverse design. The reverse of the medal features a Wampanoag man and woman planting a number of crops that were a part of the staple diet for the Wampanoag people. The planting method being used in the design exemplifies how they kept the soil healthy while maintaining the resources necessary for not only annual plantings but successful harvests each year. The “SUSTAINERS OF LIFE” inscription relays this message that the Wampanoag people taught the Pilgrims. “PEOPLE OF THE DAWN” is also seen inscribed on the bottom arc of the medal. The medal will be struck at the Mint in Philadelphia.
The silver coin featured in this set from the U.K. depicts the current effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse as designed by Jody Clark. All U.K. currency features this same obverse. The reverse of the coin depicts the Mayflower ship itself sailing through the rough seas of the Atlantic. The intention behind this design is to feature the “determination of the passengers and crew to find a new way of life” as they made their way to the New World.
400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Voyage Two-Coin Gold Proof Set
The 24-karat gold coin from the U.S. features a Wampanoag family on the obverse as they watch the Mayflower arrive from across the Atlantic. The design features a young boy stepping on the “border” as it represents the arrival of the Mayflower passengers onto the Patuxet homeland of the Wampanoag people. “PATUXET” can be seen inscribed on the top arc of the gold proof coin while the words “E PLURIBUS UNUM” is seen on the 9 o’clock portion of the coin. The denomination of “$10” can be read at the bottom. The reverse of the coin features a Pilgrim man and woman in dual portraits symbolizing the transition from a monarch to a democracy. Their expressions look to focus on a determined future. Inscriptions on the reverse read “1620,” “PLYMOUTH,” “2020,” “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “AU 24K ¼ OZ.” and “UNITED STATES of AMERICA.” The coin will be struck at the Mint in West Point.
The gold proof coin from the U.K. depicts the current effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse as designed by Jody Clark. All U.K. currency features this same obverse. The reverse of the coin depicts the Mayflower ship itself sailing through the rough seas of the Atlantic. The intention behind this design is to feature the “determination of the passengers and crew to find a new way of life” as they made their way to the New World.
Mayflower 400th Anniversary Gold Reverse Proof Coin
Additionally, the United States Mint is going to release a Reverse Proof version of the 24-karat gold coin that is a part of the combined set. Struck at West Point, the coin design is the exact same as the Proof gold coin in the two-coin set with the exception of the Reverse Proof finish.
Mayflower 400th Anniversary Silver Reverse Proof Medal
Sold separately and in addition to the two-coin sets and the Reverse Proof Gold Coin, the U.S. Mint will release the .999 fine silver medal in a Reverse Proof finish. Struck at Philadelphia, the coin design will be the exact same as the one in the two-coin set with the exception of the Reverse Proof finish.
