10 January 2024
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The United States Mint and The Royal Mint have announced a collaborative design created by both mints’ Chief Engravers for the 2024 'Liberty & Britannia' coin program.
Following the joint coin project in 2021 to mark the 400th Anniversary of the Mayflower Voyage, the US Mint and The Royal Mint are working together again.
The Chief Engravers of two of the world’s largest and oldest Mints have collaborated on a new design that features Liberty and Britannia, two historical themes featured on many coins over the years, but never together on one unified design.
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Britannia and Liberty on the same coin
American Liberty, historically represented by a woman in her many variations, represents that bedrock value that is so important to Americans. She has appeared on U.S. coinage since the early years of the Nation.
Britannia, a staple on British coinage since the late 1600s, has long been the national personification of Britain. Often a symbol of maritime power, this allegorical image has come to be a symbol of national pride and unity.
Read our guide 'Britannia - a history on coins'
The United States Mint Chief Engraver, Joseph Menna, and The Royal Mint Chief Engraver, Gordon Summers, have worked together to create the new design, celebrating 'the harmony of the figures' while giving each equal prominence in the design.
The design features allegorical Liberty and Britannia depicted in stoic profile portraits featuring complementary and balancing elements suggestive of the faces on a playing card. Their appearance identifies each figure; Liberty carries a torch and is adorned with stars, while Britannia wields a trident and wears a Corinthian helmet. Inscriptions will be appropriate for each nation.
“This has been an extraordinary opportunity for the United States Mint,” said United States Mint Director Ventris C. Gibson.
“This occasion marks the first time that the Chief Engravers of both mints have collaborated on a single design. The combination of their artistic talents has resulted in a truly unique design that will surely be a collecting standout. Our hope is that this project expands the reach of both mints and leads to more opportunities for growth between our institutions.”
Nicola Howell, Chief Commercial Officer at The Royal Mint, comments:
“I am delighted that our two great institutions have collaborated on this project, resulting in such an exquisite design, and making numismatic history by collaborating on a reverse design for the first time.
"The combined expertise of our Chief Engravers has resulted in something very special for customers across the world. Further to the design, the product available from The Royal Mint will be across both commemorative and bullion, offering customers the option to purchase a stunning collectable as well as offering an investment opportunity.
"As The Royal Mint grows its prominence in the U.S., this is an ideal opportunity for us to embrace the wants and needs of our international customers as we work with our counterpart across the Atlantic.”
The United States Mint and The Royal Mint will each utilise this design on products that will be available in 2024. Find more information about products from the United States Mint here and The Royal Mint here.
