You'd think Montgomery artist Elana Hagler would be the at least one of the first in line to get the new President George H.W. Bush collectible coin from the U.S. Mint. After all, she did help design it, and it even has her initials stamped onto it.

"Nope, I have to order one just like everyone else," said Hagler, an assistant professor of art at Alabama State University.

The Bush coin will be available for purchase as of Dec. 4. It's part of the U.S. Mint's collection of presidential $1 collectible coins that have been issued for late presidents since 2007.

Back in August it was announced that her drawing of the late president had been selected to use on the coin. Hagler, who is part of the U.S. Mint's Artistic Infusion Program, is one of several artists who submitted work for the project.

Hagler, a mother of two, has had work exhibited nationally and internationally. She is an immigrant who was born in Tel Aviv, Israel. Her family emigrated to Los Angeles in 1985 when she was 5 years old.

Hagler's drawing of Bush, who served as vice president from 1981-1989 and then as president from 1989-1993, was selected by both recommendation groups for the coin project, as well as the Bush family. Bush died in 2018 at 94.

This is Hagler's first time to have one of her designs minted. She complimented U.S. Mint Chief Engraver Joe Menna for his sculpture of her drawing.

"Trying to decide whether I should order a bag or a box," Hagler said.

One person in particular who is getting a Bush coin from Hagler is her grandmother, who was an avid coin collector in her youth in Russia.

"I can't wait to give it to her," Hagler said.

To read the complete article, see:
President George H.W. Bush collectible coin features drawing by Montgomery artist Elana Hagler(https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2020/11/19/george-h-w-bush-collectible-coin-features-drawing-montgomery-artist/3776046001/)