The mint leaf was the direction taken because that's the direction we were given. Doesn't matter how many "ounces of creativity" you have if people disagree about the art direction.
That being said, is this getting any closer for you?

No not really. Sorry just being honest here. The direction to go is the minting process.
That is the crux of the coin. I am yet to see a logo that expresses it.
No offence intended.