Today beginning at 12pm EST, the United States Mint will continue its Platinum Proof Coin Series with the second release honoring the Freedom of Speech. The series uses the lifecycle of the oak tree from seedling to a mighty oak to represent the growth of the Nation that values all things freedom.
The First Amendment to the United States Constitution Platinum Proof Coin Series is a five-year series (2021-2025) featuring five designs on one-ounce 99.95% platinum proof coins. The United States Mint aims to honor the five freedoms in the First Amendment citing the Freedom of Speech as its second release in the program. The First Amendment reads as follows: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peacefully to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
A branch from a juvenile oak tree is depicted on the obverse of the coin. “WITH FREEDOM OF SPEECH LIBERTY BLOSSOMS” is inscribed along the top and bottom rim of the design with “IN GOD WE TRUST,” “E PLURIBUS UNUM,” and “2022” seen additionally throughout. The second release design was done by the Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Donna Weaver and was sculpted by United States Mint Chief Engraver Joseph Menna.
The reverse that will be featured throughout this five-year series depicts an eagle in flight. An olive branch of peace is grasped in the eagle’s talons. The 99.95% proof platinum coin features the inscriptions “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA,” “$100,” “1 OZ.,” and “.9995 PLATINUM”. AIP Designer Patricia Lucas-Morris designed the reverse with Medallic Artist Don Everhart sculpting it.
Limited in mintage and production to 15,000, the Proof Platinum Coin will come housed in black and silver Original Government Packaging and will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity. The $100 denomination coin will be produced at West Point.
Source: United States Mint
