NGC Signs Exclusive Signature Label Deal with US Mint Master Designer Barbara Fox

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) is pleased to announce that US Mint Master Designer Barbara Fox is joining NGC’s Authentic Hand-Signed labels program. Fox has worked for the US Mint since 2007, and over 20 of her designs have been minted as coins and medals.

Fox joined the US Mint through the Artistic Infusion Program (AIP), which invites American artists to create designs for US coins and medals. AIP artists come from diverse backgrounds and bring their own unique styles to numismatic design. Fox’s sensitive and naturalistic portrayals of people and nature distinguish her work, as does a feeling of peace and order that runs through her designs.

The Barbara Fox-designed 2017 America the Beautiful Quarter Ellis Island reverse (graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo) with Fox's NGC Signature Label. Click coin image to enlarge.

Most recently, Fox designed the Ellis Island reverse of the 2017 America the Beautiful Quarter, which is the New Jersey quarter in the program. Her design deftly conveys the determination, uncertainty and hope of an immigrant family as they approach Ellis Island — there is the promise of a new life but also fear of the unknown. In a nod to New Jersey, the Ellis Island hospital building, which is on the New Jersey side of the island, is visible in the background.

In total, Fox has designed the reverse images of five of the America the Beautiful Quarters since the program launched in 2010. Her previous designs include the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park reverse of 2016, the Saratoga National Historical Park reverse of 2015, the Acadia National Park reverse of 2012 and the Glacier National Park reverse of 2011.

Another highlight in Fox’s career is the obverse of the National Park Service 100^th Anniversary Commemorative Half Dollar. Here, a hiker takes in the majestic beauty of the wilderness, while a child peeks through leaves to glimpse a small frog. The design successfully shows the vastness and brevity of nature within a 30.61 mm diameter.

Fox's drawing for the 2016 National Park Service 100thAnniversary Commemorative Half Dollar and the sculpted coin. Click images to enlarge.

Other high-profile numismatic projects that Fox has contributed to include the Code Talkers Recognition Congressional Medals Program, the 5-Star Generals Commemorative Coin Program and the First Spouse Gold Coin and Medal Program.

“The experience of working for the US Mint has been educational, challenging and a lot of fun,” said Fox. “I am honored to join NGC’s Authentic Hand-Signed labels program.”

Mark Salzberg, NGC Chairman and Grading Finalizer, commented: “NGC is glad to offer collectors a special link to many coins through the Authentic Hand-Signed labels program. Barbara Fox is a talented numismatic designer, and we are honored to feature her signature on NGC certification labels.”

The roster of US Mint coin designers, sculptors and engravers who exclusively hand-sign NGC certification labels includes Elizabeth Jones, 11th US Mint Chief Engraver; John M. Mercanti, 12th US Mint Chief Engraver; Don Everhart, US Mint Lead Sculptor/Engraver; and Joel Iskowitz, AIP Coin and Medal Designer.

To learn more about NGC Authentic Hand-Signed labels, click here.