The Commission of Fine Arts recommended June 17 the design proposals for the 2022 Negro Leagues Baseball Centennial gold, silver and copper-nickel clad commemorative coins.
Program authorization requires Proof and Uncirculated versions. Maximum combined releases are no more than 50,000 half eagles of gold, 400,000 silver dollars, and 750,000 copper-nickel clad dollars.
Although the proposed designs were submitted in complement pairs, it was sometimes recommended that a reverse be used for the obverse or for a denomination not intended.
Half an eagle
The recommended obverse of the gold $5 coin depicts an image with a facsimile signature by Andrew “Rube”, a former American baseball player, manager and executive in the Negro leagues. Foster was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on January 1, 1981.
Reverse design: A tip of the Hat, which is a symbol of respect for those who have played for the pure love of the game and persevered with pride and passion.
Dollar
The silver dollar obverse depicts a player in action as he throws a pitch. It also includes the inscription THE SOUL of BASEBALL.
The silver dollar reverse is recommended, submitted as an obverse. It was inspired by classic team photos featuring a diverse group nine players and the inscription “WE ARE THE SHIP ALL ELSE”
Half-dollar
As a reverse for silver dollars, the obverse was submitted for the copper-nickel clad dollar. This design depicts a pitcher at mid-throw, with a baseball in the background and baseball stitching as a border.
The Negro Leagues logos are shown in the recommended reverse. This is a different design. It features the logos for every Negro Leagues team. A cap monogram, representing the legacy and solidarity of the organization, is used.
