New York to receive new commemorative quarter

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WASHINGTON — New York will get a new commemorative quarter in 2015 emblazoned with a bold statement.

“British Surrender 1777” an inscription reads in a rendering, obtained by The Post.

The coin, one of the US Mint’s America the Beautiful quarters, bears an image of a sword being passed between hands and commemorates British Gen. John Burgoyne’s surrender to American Gen. Horatio Gates after the Battle of Saratoga, a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.

No other state quarter delivers such in-your-face declaration of US dominance, with many choosing the natural beauty of parks like Everglades (Florida) and Great Sand Dunes (Colorado).

“We felt the image captured the whole story very well on a 1-inch disc,” said Gary Marks, chair of the mint committee that picked the winning design.

The coin series kicked off in 2010 with five state quarters launched each year. New York’s design is by artist Barbara Fox of rural upstate.

Through 2015, only four other states have chosen military landmarks for their images: Gettysburg (Pennsylvania), Vicksburg (Mississippi), Fort McHenry (Maryland) and Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial (Ohio).

Those coins are stamped with scenery, rather than a boastful declaration.

While Britain may be the US’s strongest ally, it’s also not immune to poking fun. The British Embassy last month tweeted a picture of a White House cake surrounded by sparklers commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Brits burning down the building.

For the coin committee, the choice was about conveying a message.

“It’s a key turning point in the effort for American independence,” Marks said. “I think all Americans can be proud of that event and this quarter honoring it.”

“So unless you want to deny the history,” Marks added, “I don’t think talking about the facts should be viewed as rubbing it their face.”

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