I actually would get mad. I enumerate these reasons in my latest blog posting but it is time for a real Renaissance in coin design, not just gimmicks for cheap headlines.
When it comes to U.S. circulating coinage, I think many collectors think "I wish there was something better…"
In truth, I paid only glancing attention to state quarters for most of their years. My collecting interests (and career) were elsewhere.
This last year of the 50 state quarters program I have found the most refreshing, but only because I’ve taken the time to dig in. I learned why each state selected their coin designs and what they meant. I appreciated their history, and the process much, much more.
I’ve actually grown to enjoy the 50 state quarters toward the very end of the program. In that sense, I may not be "tired" of quarters compared to others. I wonder how many out there are like me… or the young kids just starting…
For the national park quarters, my inner reality is telling me congress won’t come up with anything better, and likely nothing much new for circulating change. I’d rather have something for young kids to catch their attention and collect from their parent’s purse or pockets, than nothing or little. (They sure aren’t finding any Presidential $1 coins!)
Also, in researching some of the nation’s national parks because of this legislation, there is, I think, sound potential for the program to bring in young and new coin collectors. That’s really the bottom line that puts the legislation in the "yes" column for me.
It’s not a very strong yes… If the program passes and then manages to extent itself from 10 to 20 years, as provisioned, my yes would likely turn into regret.
Thanks Mike for your excellent counterpoints. I certainly see their validity! My comments had been based on an ideal situation of having a new design on the quarter at the conclusion of the Territorial Quarter Dollar Program. But I must admit that if it comes down to this new program or just the Washington quarter pre-1999, I’d choose the new program.
I’ve really enjoyed the state quarters and five times a year for he past 9.5 years I’ve gotten these philatelic/numismatic boards for each state which has been a great way to enjoy them.
When the bill passed the House I was certain it would pass the Senate but then I remembered that the territorial quarters passed the House many times before being passed by the Senate. I’d be very interested in knowing what the coin collecting community thinks and also the opinions of the general public!
July 15th, 2008 at 9:49 am
I actually would get mad. I enumerate these reasons in my latest blog posting but it is time for a real Renaissance in coin design, not just gimmicks for cheap headlines.
July 15th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Tom, I read your excellent points on your post, Coin News Asks Some Good Questions. I agree with many of them!
When it comes to U.S. circulating coinage, I think many collectors think "I wish there was something better…"
In truth, I paid only glancing attention to state quarters for most of their years. My collecting interests (and career) were elsewhere.
This last year of the 50 state quarters program I have found the most refreshing, but only because I’ve taken the time to dig in. I learned why each state selected their coin designs and what they meant. I appreciated their history, and the process much, much more.
I’ve actually grown to enjoy the 50 state quarters toward the very end of the program. In that sense, I may not be "tired" of quarters compared to others. I wonder how many out there are like me… or the young kids just starting…
For the national park quarters, my inner reality is telling me congress won’t come up with anything better, and likely nothing much new for circulating change. I’d rather have something for young kids to catch their attention and collect from their parent’s purse or pockets, than nothing or little. (They sure aren’t finding any Presidential $1 coins!)
Also, in researching some of the nation’s national parks because of this legislation, there is, I think, sound potential for the program to bring in young and new coin collectors. That’s really the bottom line that puts the legislation in the "yes" column for me.
It’s not a very strong yes… If the program passes and then manages to extent itself from 10 to 20 years, as provisioned, my yes would likely turn into regret.
July 16th, 2008 at 8:36 am
Thanks Mike for your excellent counterpoints. I certainly see their validity! My comments had been based on an ideal situation of having a new design on the quarter at the conclusion of the Territorial Quarter Dollar Program. But I must admit that if it comes down to this new program or just the Washington quarter pre-1999, I’d choose the new program.
I’ve really enjoyed the state quarters and five times a year for he past 9.5 years I’ve gotten these philatelic/numismatic boards for each state which has been a great way to enjoy them.
When the bill passed the House I was certain it would pass the Senate but then I remembered that the territorial quarters passed the House many times before being passed by the Senate. I’d be very interested in knowing what the coin collecting community thinks and also the opinions of the general public!