A Coin Update Blog article published November 14, 2018 shows all of the design submissions for the American Veterans medal reviewed at this week's meeting of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC). Here are some selections. -Editor

I think this was a good batch of submissions. While some are perhaps too spare or too busy, all seemed well executed. The problem is always in projecting what a flat two-dimensional image could become in 3-D once rendered by a sculptor and transformed into a physical coin. These are tough choices and the CCAC has a hard job to do.

Obverse 4 stuck out for me - a somber winged Liberty laying a wreath. It's another ethnic Miss Liberty, and that's fine by me. Obverse 11 is a touching scene of a reunion (or is it a goodbye?). Obverse 13 is a bit of beefcake but I like the classic style and the use of the Great Seal on the soldier's shield. -Editor

Reverse 01 has promise. It's nice to see a different treatment of the classic eagle. This one reminded me of the stone carvings seen on many Depression-era government buildings such as post offices. On the other hand, sometimes there's a reason why certain treatments haven't been tried before. I don't know what the CCAC thought of Obverse 8, but the impression it gave me was of a pigeon about to poop on the flag.

Reverse 8 is subtle and powerful. The field of stars is missing one, representing the sacrifice of a soldier. The star appears below in what I think is drawn to represent an incuse design, reinforcing the theme of absence. Combined with Obverse 4 (Liberty laying a wreath), this would be a coin embodying powerful emotions, among the highest examples of the medalist's art.

The CCAC chose Reverse 08, paired with either Obverse 03 or 04. I didn't care for Obverse 03 and wouldn't have offered that option. I think O4-R8 is a clear winner. See the complete article online for all the designs. -Editor