The United States Mint today announced that it will begin accepting orders for the 2011 September 11 National Medal on June 20, 2011, at noon Eastern Time (ET). Public Law 111-221, the "National September 11 Memorial & Museum Commemorative Medal Act of 2010," authorizes the minting and issuance of up to two million one-ounce silver medals in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States and the establishment of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum at the World Trade Center.

The proof quality medal's obverse (heads side) design features Lady Liberty holding the Lamp of Remembrance. Behind her are beacons of light stretching skyward. Lady Liberty, the lamp and the light symbolize not only the immeasurable loss on that fateful day, but also the resiliency and triumph of those who persevered. Inscriptions are ALWAYS REMEMBER and 2001 - 2011. It was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

The medal's reverse (tails side) design depicts an eagle, symbolizing the strength of the survivors, the families and the Nation, against a backdrop of cascading water. The flowing water is emblematic of peace, serenity, healing and the continuity of life. Inscriptions are HONOR and HOPE. It was designed by Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

To the extent possible, approximately one-half of the medals will be struck at the United States Mint at West Point (featuring the "W" mint mark) and one-half at the United States Mint at Philadelphia (featuring the "P" mint mark), with customers able to purchase one or both options. There is no household order limit for this product.

The introductory price of $56.95 each will be in effect from June 20 through August 18, 2011, at 5 p.m. ET, when the regular price of $66.95 each goes into effect. Both prices include a $10 surcharge, authorized to be paid to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, a private not-for-profit organization overseeing the design and funding of the memorial and museum at the World Trade Center site. The funds will support the museum's operations and maintenance once it is completed. To learn more about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, please visit http://www.911memorial.org/.

Orders placed during the introductory pricing period will include a complimentary 8" x 10" document, suitable for framing, showcasing the artwork for the medal's designs, descriptions of the designs and the signature of the Acting Director of the United States Mint. The complimentary document will be shipped separately at the same time as the medals.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders. Orders for the medal will begin shipping in September.

To read the complete article, see:United States Mint to Offer 2011 September 11 National Medal for Sale June 20www.usmint.gov/pressroom/?action=press_release&id=1255)

An article in Numismatic News notes:

To read the complete article, see:9/11 medal ready(www.numismaticnews.net/article/911-medal-ready)