NGC Launches Elizabeth Jones Signature Series Label

*** Currently Sold Out ***

SARASOTA, Fla. (November 15, 2013) — Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) will offer a limited-edition certification label signed by Elizabeth Jones, the 11th Chief Sculptor and Engraver of the United States Mint. As the first and only woman to hold this prestigious position, and the last Presidentially appointed and Senate-approved Chief Engraver, Jones oversaw the introduction of the American Silver and Gold Eagles, as well as the resumption of the US commemorative coin series after its nearly 30-year hiatus.

In 1981, President Reagan appointed Jones to the position of Chief Sculptor and Engraver of the US Mint, a position she held until 1990. Her tenure has had a lasting impact on collectors of modern coins. In 1982, the US Mint launched the modern commemorative coin series with the George Washington Half Dollar, which Jones designed. Four years later, Jones oversaw the introduction of the American Silver Eagle and the American Gold Eagle. She also initiated a nationwide design competition for US commemorative coins and medals.

During her time as Chief Sculptor and Engraver, Jones also designed the 1983 Los Angeles Olympics Discus Thrower Silver Dollar, the 1986-W Statue of Liberty Gold Five Dollar and the 1988-W Seoul Summer Olympics Fold Five Dollar. Jones is a three-time winner of Krause Publications’ Coin of the Year Award.

“I’m proud to have served as Chief Sculptor and Engraver at the US Mint during a productive period that saw my initiation of the modern commemorative coin and the introduction of the American Eagle bullion coin program,” says Jones. “I look forward to building upon this legacy with NGC's signature labels.”

“We are excited to work with Elizabeth Jones to release a limited-edition signed label,” said NGC CEO Steven R. Eichenbaum. “Her contributions to the worlds of both art and modern coin collecting have been significant.”

An accomplished sculptor and engraver, Jones studied at Vassar College, the Art Students League of New York and the Scuola dell’Arte della Medaglia of the Italian Mint. She received international acclaim early in her career for her portrait medallions, and in 1972 Jones was awarded the Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture by the American Numismatic Association.

Jones’ work includes medals of Pope John Paul II, Washington National Cathedral Canon Charles Martin and, later, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Medal. Her medals and medallions have been exhibited by Tiffany and Company, the Fédération Internationale de la Médaille (FIDEM) and others.