West Point, New York, March 14, 2002 – United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore today joined officials from the U.S. Military Academy (USMA) for a ceremonial striking of the 2002 U.S. Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coin. Director Fore was joined by USMA Superintendent Lt. General William J. Lennox Jr.; Colonel Pat Kane, Director of the Bicentennial Committee; Colonel Seth F. Hudgins (Retired), President Association of Graduates, and Cadet First Captain Andrew Blickhahn, the top-ranking USMA cadet.

“Recent history has confirmed the importance of the commitment embodied by the institution celebrated by these beautiful commemorative coins,” said United States Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore. “The Mint is proud to be part of the program that honors two centuries of excellence, courage and leadership.”

"The bicentennial coin is an enduring treasure that commemorates West Point and its 200 years of Timeless Leadership,” said Colonel Kane. “It gives Americans the opportunity to have their own token of history and share in our celebration."

Director Fore will also join U.S. Treasurer Rosario Marin, representatives from the U.S. Postal Service and USMA Officials in honoring the U.S. Military Academy on Saturday, March 16, 2002, with the official launch of the USMA Bicentennial Commemorative Coin during the Academy’s bicentennial celebration.

The $1 silver commemorative coins will celebrate the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. A maximum mintage of 500,000 silver USMA Bicentennial Commemorative Coins has been authorized. The proceeds from the surcharges of these coins will assist the Association of Graduates’ efforts to provide for the academic, military, physical, moral and ethical development programs of the Corps of Cadets.

The obverse of the 2002 United States Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coin was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver James Ferrell and depicts a cadet color guard in parade exercise with the Academy’s Washington Hall and Cadet Chapel in the background. The reverse was designed by United States Mint sculptor-engraver John Mercanti and depicts the military academy’s bicentennial logo.

2002 United States Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coins will become available by mail order, phone and online beginning at 8:00 A.M. (Eastern Time) on March 16th.

Customers can purchase 2002 United States Military Academy Bicentennial Commemorative Coins four ways: First, they can save shipping and handling charges by using the Mint’s secure web site www.USMINT.gov. Second, they can call 1-800-USA-MINT. Third, they may download an order form at the web site and fax it to (301) 918-2039. Fourth, mail orders may be sent to U.S. Mint, P.O. Box 382601, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-8601 (Attention: Order Processing). A shipping and handling fee of $3.95 per order will be added to all orders for these products. Hearing and speech impaired customers may order by calling (888) 321-MINT (TTY). Please allow approximately 4 to 6 weeks from the issue date for delivery.