27th November 2023:
The Royal Mint has worked in partnership with John Mercanti, to launch a commemorative coin featuring the British Lion and the American Eagle, signifying a unique collaboration which combines expert American design with British minting excellence.
Two icons of numismatic art, the British Lion and American Eagle characterise the spirit of each nation. Richly historic and instantly recognisable, together they represent the shared values and enduring relationship between two countries which have traditionally stood shoulder-to-shoulder.
American artist, sculptor, and former Chief Engraver at the United States Mint (2006-2010), John Mercanti has worked to create the reverse design. Mercanti has combined more than 50 years of numismatic experience with his unique creative talent to create the symbolic reverse design which commemorates the enduring relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Ted Smetana, Chief Commercial Officer, GovMint.com said: “We are thrilled and honored to partner with the Royal Mint on the creation and development of this program and also be the exclusive distributor for The Lion and The Eagle Program.”
Rebecca Morgan, Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “We are delighted to unveil the commemorative coin featuring the British Lion and American Eagle, two icons of coin design which are recognised worldwide. It has been a pleasure to work with John Mercanti, one of the most prolific coin designers in United States Mint history, with over 100 coin designs to his name. John’s reverse design skilfully brings the two icons together in one harmonious composition.”
In heraldry, a lion represents strength, courage, and nobility. Conveying these qualities, lions featured on the Coats of Arms of many powerful families in medieval Europe, including on the shields and standards of British kings and queens. Similarly, the bald eagle has been a national symbol of the United States since the eighteenth century. An icon of freedom and strength, its qualities match those of the country it represents – independence, determination, and a strong will to survive.
The coin is available to own as one kilogramme, five-ounce, two-ounce and one ounce gold Proof editions, as well as one kilogramme, five-ounce, two-ounce and one ounce silver Proof editions.
For more information, please visit TheRoyalMint.com, GovMint.com.
www.royalmint.com