CCAC Public Meeting 09/16/2025

Here's a comprehensive summary of the YouTube video transcript:

Key Concepts

• Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC): A committee that advises the Secretary of the Treasury on numismatic matters, including the design of coins and medals.
• Congressional Gold Medal: A prestigious award bestowed by the U.S. Congress to individuals or groups who have performed an outstanding achievement or act of service.
• U.S. Mint: The bureau responsible for producing coinage for the United States.
• Numismatics: The study or collection of coins, paper money, and medals.
• Comic Art Program: A multi-year program by the U.S. Mint to celebrate comic art as an American art form through coins and medals featuring iconic characters.
• Liaison: A representative from a partner organization (e.g., Warner Brothers Discovery, Congressional Gold Medal Committee) who provides input and guidance.
• Obverse/Reverse: The front (obverse) and back (reverse) sides of a coin or medal.
• Talmudic Passage: A quote from the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism, often used in designs related to saving lives.

I. Meeting Proceedings and Approvals

• Call to Order: The meeting of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) was called to order by Chairperson Peter Van Alfa on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 12:00 PM in New York City. This was the last CCAC meeting for fiscal year 2025.
• Attendance and Quorum: All CCAC members were present, establishing a quorum. Mint staff and liaisons were also in attendance.
• Meeting Protocol: Participants were reminded to mute microphones when not speaking and to announce their names for the transcript.
• Approval of Minutes:
  • Minutes and letters to the Secretary from the July 22, 2025, public meeting were approved unanimously.
  • Modified minutes from the October 15, 2024, public meeting, which had erroneously omitted Analisa Perturie's attendance, were also approved unanimously.

II. Review and Discussion: Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust Congressional Gold Medal

• Presentation: Megan Sullivan (Acting Chief of the Office of Design Management) and Russ Evans (Design Manager) presented the obverse and reverse candidate designs. Ezra Freedellander (CEO of Freedellander Group and liaison for the Congressional Gold Medal Committee) also provided remarks.
• Historical Context: The presentation highlighted the historical events leading to the Holocaust, including the rise of Nazism, the Nuremberg race laws, the annexation of Austria, the nationwide pogrom of November 9-10, 1938, and the invasion of Poland. It emphasized the role of diplomats in rescuing vulnerable populations by issuing passports and travel visas, and by providing safe houses and getaways.
• Talmudic Translation: The Mint consulted with scholars from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum regarding the translation of a Talmudic passage. The recommended translation was "He who/whoever saves one life/soul. It is as if he saves an entire world." While artists adhered to this recommendation, others used different sources.
• Liaison's Remarks (Ezra Freedellander):
  • Freedellander shared a personal connection, stating his grandfather was saved by diplomats like Raoul Wallenberg and Carl Lutz.
  • He emphasized the importance of the medal in remembering "forgotten heroes" and inspiring future generations of diplomats.
  • He highlighted that qualifying for a Congressional Gold Medal requires two-thirds support from both the House and Senate, underscoring the significance of the legislation.
  • He expressed difficulty in choosing among the excellent designs, noting that each selection was a masterpiece.
• Design Portfolio Review (Pairs 1-10):
  • Pair 1: Obverse: Diplomat confronting soldiers, hand raised to halt. Reverse: Same scene from other side, revealing diplomat holding paperwork to aid escape. Inscriptions: "Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust," "Those who stood a stand in the face of great danger," "Virtue, altruism, bravery, courage, metal, resolve, self-sacrifice," and "so that others may live."
  • Pair 2: Obverse: Holocaust victims boarding a train, depicted in negative relief. Reverse: Same figures escaping to freedom in positive relief, featuring exit visas and passports. Inscriptions: "The gift of life," "Act of Congress 2024."
  • Pair 3: Obverse: Diplomat hands reaching through barbed wire holding documentation, forming a path to freedom. Inscriptions: "The Diplomats," "Forgotten Heroes of the Holocaust," "Act of Congress 2024." Reverse: Hebrew passage from the Talmud ("He who saves one life or soul. It's as if he saves an entire world."), visual analogy of a single sprout giving life, and a menorah. Inscription: "The gift of life."
  • Pair 4: Obverse: Soldier confronting a victim holding protective documents; 60 stars representing the honorees. Reverse: Two hands holding a passport, V-shape echoing bird wings to freedom. Inscription: "Whoever saves one life, it is as if he saves an entire world."
  • Pair 5: Obverse: Depiction of paperwork and coordination for rescue. Reverse: Allegorical figure symbolizing results of heroes' acts, with children representing future generations. Inscription: "Whoever saves one soul, it is as if he saves an entire world."
  • Pair 6: Obverse: Heroes assisting a family with danger looming. Inscription: "The gift of life." Reverse: Family arriving by boat, greeted by an asylum official. Inscription: "Act Congress 2024."
  • Pair 7: Obverse: Helping hands giving and receiving documents forming a wreath. Reverse: Hamsa (Hand of Miriam) symbol of protection, encircled by a ribbon with "so that others may live." Talmudic passage inscribed on the rim.
  • Pair 8: Obverse: Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp gatehouse entrance. Reverse: Instruments of heroes: visa, inkwell, pen, stamped with an angel image. Inscriptions: "so that others may live," "Act of Congress 2024."
  • Pair 9: Obverse: Hero's hand stamping a passport with an acorn symbol; Hebrew inscription "Remember" (Zekhor). Reverse: Oak tree growing from an open passport; Hebrew word for life (Chai) on the tree; Talmudic passage.
  • Pair 10: Obverse: Hands offering transit documents through barbed wire. Reverse: Barbed wire in a Star of David motif, hands receiving a passport. Inscriptions: "Whoever saves one life, it is as if he saves an entire world," "Act of Congress 2024."
• Liaison's Preference (Ezra Freedellander): Pair 9 was selected as the preferred choice. Freedellander highlighted the passport, the Hebrew inscription "Zekhor" (Remember), the "gift of life" theme on the obverse, and the "tree of life" with the word "Chai" (life) on the reverse, representing descendants and continuity.
• Committee Discussion and Scoring:
  • Arthur Bernstein: Supported obverse 9 but suggested pairing it with reverse 3 for its artistic merit and symbolism (sprout, menorah).
  • Donald Quincy: Supported pair 9, aligning with the liaison's recommendation.
  • Sam Gilbert: Grandson of survivors, strongly supported pair 9, appreciating the symbolism of the acorn, tree of life, and "Chai."
  • Mike Moran: Supported pair 9.
  • Dr. Hardcourt Fuller: Supported pair 9 but highlighted the bravery and literal depiction in pair 1, and the iconography in pair 3 and 10.
  • Dr. Christopher Capazola: Favored pair 9 but expressed concerns about some designs being "metaphorically ambitious." He also raised historical objections to pair 7 (Hamsa) and pair 8 (Auschwitz depiction).
  • Analisa Perturie: Leaned towards the liaison's recommendation but noted elements in other designs. She had concerns about the historical accuracy of uniforms in pair 1 and the potential trauma of depictions in pairs 2 and 8.
  • John Saunders: Found pair 1 to be the strongest portrayal of the story. He also liked reverse 3 for its symbolism and the bird motif in reverse 4. He supported pair 9, appreciating its allegorical nature and Hebrew lettering.
  • Kellen Horde: Leaned against designs focusing solely on tragedy, preferring those that honored the heroes. He favored pair 1 for its dynamic imagery and narrative. He found pair 9 less compelling as it "disembodied" the heroes.
  • Jeanie Steven: Favored pair 1 for its boldness and direct representation. She liked the reverse of pair 9 but found the obverse less powerful than pair 1.
  • Peter Van Alfa (Chairperson): Was drawn to pair 1 but willing to support pair 9, suggesting replacing the English translation of the Talmudic passage with Hebrew for greater cultural significance.
• Scoring Results:
  • Obverses: Obverse 9 (25 points) was the top scorer, followed by Obverse 1 (21 points).
  • Reverses: Reverse 1 and Reverse 9 tied for first place (19 points each), followed by Reverse 3 (18 points).
• Motion and Recommendation: A motion was made and unanimously passed to recommend Pair 9, with a friendly amendment to ensure the passport on the reverse is clearly depicted as such and not a book.

III. Review and Discussion: 2026 Comic Art Medals and Coins (Green Lantern, Robin, Supergirl)

• Program Overview: The U.S. Mint launched a multi-year program in 2025 to celebrate comic art, featuring DC characters. The program includes gold coins, silver medals, and clad medals. Obverses are designed by the Mint's Chief Engraver, Joseph Mena, while reverses are designed by medallic artists, connecting characters to American values. Warner Brothers Discovery (WBD) is a key partner.
• Liaison Remarks (Preston Kevin Lewis, WBD): Lewis expressed gratitude for the partnership and the collaborative effort, highlighting the growing success of the program.
• Committee Discussion on Programmatic Issues:
  • Dr. Christopher Capazola: Raised concerns about the program's focus on publicly traded company assets, suggesting the inclusion of independent, non-profit, and alternative comic publications to reflect the "multivocal" nature of American comic art. The Mint acknowledged this and expressed hope for future expansion.
  • Donald Quincy: Questioned the absence of clad reverse designs for Green Lantern and expressed concerns about marketing reach, suggesting greater collaboration with comic conventions. The Mint confirmed that clad versions are planned for later release.
  • Joe Mena (Mint Chief Engraver): Praised the collaborative process with WBD and expressed satisfaction with the "secret sauce" found in the partnership.

A. Green Lantern Portfolio

• Presentation: Megan Sullivan and Venisa Hancock presented the designs.
• Character Background: Focused on John Stewart, Earth's third Green Lantern, highlighting his leadership, architectural background, and unwavering will.
• Obverse Designs (1-3):
  • Design 1 (WBD 1st Preference): John Stewart soaring above Earth with his power ring.
  • Design 2: Green Lantern holding a lantern to recharge his ring.
  • Design 3 (WBD 2nd Preference): Green Lantern poised to confront threats, surrounded by an energy field.
• Reverse Designs (1-5):
  • Design 1: John Stewart with lantern, blasting beam from power ring towards Green Lantern symbol.
  • Design 2: Green Lantern creating a Liberty Bell construct in front of Independence Hall.
  • Design 3 (WBD 1st Preference): Raised fist of Green Lantern, ring emitting light.
  • Design 4 (WBD 2nd Preference): John Stewart coming through the Green Lantern symbol, with an engineering construct in the background.
  • Design 5: Fist and power ring emerging through the Green Lantern symbol, with an engineering construct.
• Committee Discussion and Scoring:
  • Dr. Christopher Capazola: Preferred obverse 1 and reverse 4, noting the need for variation from previous designs.
  • Donald Quincy: Deferred to WBD's preference (obverse 3, reverse 3), emphasizing the importance of marketing and the potential for Joe Mena's designs.
  • Sam Gilbert: Preferred obverse 2 for clarity and reverse 3 for its powerful message.
  • Dr. Hardcourt Fuller: Liked obverse 1 and 2 for their action and motion, and reverse 1 for its symbolism.
  • Analisa Perturie: Preferred obverse 3 for its unique glow and outer space depiction, and reverse 5 for its dynamic depiction of the ring and nod to engineering. She had concerns about the technical accuracy of obverse 2 and the potential for repetition in reverse designs.
  • John Saunders: Liked obverse 2 and reverse 2 (Liberty Bell), but requested clarification on the story behind the Liberty Bell depiction.
  • Kellen Horde: Favored obverse 3 for its dynamic, action-oriented pose and diversity of movement, and reverse 3 for its balance and illustration of powers.
  • Arthur Bernstein: Was initially confused but leaned towards obverse 2 and reverse 4, finding reverse 3 too abstract.
  • Peter Van Alfa (Chairperson): Shifted from supporting WBD's preference to considering obverse 3 and reverse 5 due to concerns about repetition.
• Scoring Results:
  • Obverses: Obverse 3 (19 points) was the top scorer, followed closely by Obverse 1 (20 points, but with a split vote for gold vs. silver/clad).
  • Reverses: Reverse 3 (19 points) was the top scorer, followed by Reverse 5 (16 points).
• Motion and Recommendation: A motion was made to recommend Obverse 3 and Reverse 3. This motion passed with 8 in favor, 2 opposed, and 1 abstention.

B. Robin Portfolio

• Presentation: Megan Sullivan presented the designs.
• Character Background: Focused on Dick Grayson, the "Boy Wonder," his origin story, his role as Batman's protégé, and his eventual development into his own hero.
• Obverse Designs (1-3):
  • Design 1: Robin fearlessly swinging on a rope above Gotham City.
  • Design 2: Robin effortlessly swinging through Gotham City (WBD 2nd Preference).
  • Design 3 (WBD 1st Preference): Sharp and focused Robin swinging with aid of his rope.
• Reverse Designs (1-4):
  • Design 1: Robin standing guard in front of a vault, with Batman's shadow looming.
  • Design 2: Robin swooping in to foil criminals.
  • Design 3 (WBD 2nd Preference): Robin stepping out from Batman's shadow.
  • Design 4 (WBD 1st Preference): Dick Grayson as an acrobat on aerial straps, with his mother watching.
• Committee Discussion and Scoring:
  • Kellen Horde: Preferred obverse 1 or 3 for action and diversity of movement, and reverse 4 to avoid Batman and criminals.
  • John Saunders: Liked all obverses but favored 2. He liked reverse 1 and 4, but disliked reverse 2 for being too busy.
  • Sam Gilbert: Preferred obverse 2 for capturing Robin's spirit and reverse 3 for its subtle nod to Batman.
  • Analisa Perturie: Preferred obverse 3 for its determined look and differentiation from Batman, and reverse 5 (though not explicitly listed as a preference, she liked its composition). She had concerns about the technical execution of obverse 2 and the historical chronology of reverse 4.
  • Dr. Christopher Capazola: Preferred obverse 3 and was torn between reverse 3 and 4, noting the need for consistency in depicting Robin's age.
  • Donald Quincy: Favored pairing obverse 1 with reverse 1, seeing it as a smart design that brings the Batman and Robin coins together.
  • Dr. Hardcourt Fuller: Liked obverse 1 and 2 for motion and city background, but preferred obverse 3 for its cleanliness. He strongly favored reverse 1, believing Batman's presence is essential to Robin's identity.
  • Arthur Bernstein: Preferred obverse 2 due to concerns about the rope in other designs and the skyline detail. He favored reverse 1 for its vault detail and Batman's shadow.
  • Peter Van Alfa (Chairperson): Was happy to support the liaison's preference of obverse 3 and reverse 4, but also acknowledged the strength of reverse 1.
• Scoring Results:
  • Obverses: Obverse 3 (18 points) was the top scorer, followed by Obverse 2 (15 points).
  • Reverses: Reverse 1 (19 points) was the top scorer, followed by Reverse 3 (12 points).
• Motion and Recommendation: A motion was made to recommend Obverse 3 and Reverse 1. This motion passed unanimously.

C. Supergirl Portfolio

• Presentation: Megan Sullivan presented the designs.
• Character Background: Focused on Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), her Kryptonian origins, her arrival on Earth, and her role as protector of National City.
• Obverse Designs (1-3):
  • Design 1: Brave and purposeful Supergirl gracefully soaring above National City (WBD 2nd Preference).
  • Design 2: Determined Supergirl soaring above clouds (WBD 1st Preference).
  • Design 3: Supergirl flying through space, embodying her cosmic adventures.
• Reverse Designs (1-5):
  • Design 1: Supergirl and Krypto drawing strength from Earth's sun.
  • Design 2: Supergirl lifting concrete with Krypto, showing strength and grace.
  • Design 3 (WBD 2nd Preference): Supergirl and Krypto watching over the U.S. Capitol (with an alternate version featuring an eagle).
  • Design 4: Supergirl and Krypto flying above Earth.
  • Design 5 (WBD 1st Preference): Supergirl and Krypto surrounded by a starburst effect; metal version inscription: "Bravery lifts her, grace guides her."
• Committee Discussion and Scoring:
  • Analisa Perturie: Preferred obverse 2 for its embodiment of Supergirl's powers and purpose, and reverse 5 for its inclusion of Krypto and the extraterrestrial element, suggesting a representation of Earth.
  • Arthur Bernstein: Supported WBD's recommendations (obverse 2, reverse 5).
  • Kellen Horde: Found the obverses lacked diversity of movement but favored 1 or 2. He found reverse 5 to be the closest to his preference for its balance and inclusion of Krypto.
  • Sam Gilbert: Liked all obverses but preferred 2 for its aesthetic appeal and consistency. He favored reverse 3 (with the Capitol) over reverse 5, despite liking Krypto's inclusion in 5.
  • Mike Moran: Made a sarcastic remark about Supergirl's wardrobe.
  • John Saunders: Liked all obverses, favoring 2 and 3. He strongly favored reverse 5 due to Krypto's presence.
  • Dr. Christopher Capazola: Preferred obverse 2 and was open to reverse 5, noting variations in Supergirl's depicted age.
  • Donald Quincy: Favored obverse 1 for its powerful depiction of a woman, comparing it to the Superman coin, and reverse 5 for its inclusion of Krypto.
  • Dr. Hardcourt Fuller: Liked obverse 2 for its ferocity and depiction on Earth, and reverse 5 for Krypto and the extraterrestrial element. He also liked reverse 1 for its power.
  • Peter Van Alfa (Chairperson): Supported the liaison's preference of obverse 2 and reverse 5.
• Scoring Results:
  • Obverses: Obverse 2 was the top scorer (gold coin: 24 points; silver/clad: 23 points), followed by Obverse 1 (gold: 16 points; silver/clad: 14 points).
  • Reverses: Reverse 5 (27 points) was the clear top scorer, followed by Reverse 1 and 3 (5 points each).
• Motion and Recommendation: A motion was made to recommend Obverse 2 and Reverse 5. This motion passed with 8 in favor and 2 opposed.

IV. Conclusion and Adjournment

• Final Remarks: Mr. Lewis (WBD) expressed his appreciation for the committee's passion and commitment, emphasizing the collaborative efforts in marketing. Joe Mena (Mint) also praised the partnership.
• Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 3:12 PM after a motion to adjourn was made and unanimously approved.