glory (numismatics) 1.A heraldic term for a luminous effect as if from sun rays, starlight, moon glow, a torch, or an aura representing a spiritual presence This article will deal with the use of glory on some modern U.S.A. coins. I will attempt to show you examples in order of denomination beginning with Five Cents. Unless noted, photos are courtesy of Coin Page: The first Quarter displaying glory is this 2003 Maine Statehood Quarter showing that the lighthouse is lit.: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-527.html See the Sun in all its glory as it shines down on a pioneer family as their oxen tow their covered wagon past Chimney Rock on the reverse of this 2006 Nebraska Statehood Quarter: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-4573.html Also, in 2006, the glory of a setting/rising Sun flows down off the mountain to enliven the blossoming plants and the frolicking horses in a Nevada valley: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-4572.html 2006 produces another glorious sunrise/sunset as it greets/says goodbye to a pair of bison grazing on a meadow in North Dakota: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-4575.html Our next glory on a coin example brings us to the 2008 Arizona Statehood Quarter: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-7515.html Here's a change in our Denomination.. We jump to a 50 Cents (Half Dollar) Silver Commemorative coin. Take a look at the glory that spreads across this 1986-D Statue of Liberty - Ellis Island Commemorative: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-1598.html Our next example uses glory to adorn the obverse of the 1991 Mount Rushmore Commemorative Half Dollar: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-2638.html Let me now introduce the modern use of glory on our Dollar coins starting with this 1986 Statue of Liberty Silver Dollar. Notice the unusual shape of the Torches glory on the reverse: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-1605.html Another 1986 Dollar Coin exhibits glory. This coin is the first year USA struck a Bullion Coin containing a full ounce of silver: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-6394.html A completely different shape stretches the Sun's radiance on the obverse of this 1996 Silver Dollar commemorating the National Community Service: http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-2579.html The rays symbolizing glory on the reverse of this 1999 Yellowstone National Park Commemorative Silver Dollar are not as wide as some of the previous examples, but do create a a nice luster above the regal bison, don't they? http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-2592.html You know the above Silver Eagle bullion coin features Adolph A.Weinman's Walking Liberty design which adorned the obverses of W-L Half Dollars struck 1916 - 1947 plus the same obverse design is featured on the gold bullion coins including 1/10 oz. ($5), 1/4 oz. ($10), 1/2 oz. ($25) and 1 oz. ($50). Here's the gold 1/4 oz. ($10) : http://www.coinpage.com/coin-image-3732.html In 1997 our mint enhanced its Eagle bullion series with the Platinum version in compositions containing 1/10 oz through 1 oz. All those minted from 1877 through 2009 have the same obverses showcasing the head of the Statue of Liberty with the glory radiating from its crown, but, to date, only one (the first one struck) uses glory on its reverse. It is with great pleasure I give you a great view of this $100 face value treasure )photo courtesy of Platinum Eagle Guide): http://platinumeagleguide.com/1997-platinum-eagle/ Did you enjoy the tour? Clinker
WOW CLINKER! Really would have never even noticed some of the things you pointed out, especially on those state quarters! Very educational! Keep um' coming!
To: TheNoost - Thanks for reading another of my posts and the positive comment.. Daggarjon - Nice to hear from you again... tramafindr - Thanks for reading and your first comment on one of my posts... tmoneyeagles - Thanks for yet another positive comment from you... Because of Coin Talk members like the four of you, I'm already researching for another future post. A great big THANKS ! Clinker
To PeacePeople: Thanks for your very welcome positive comment... byrd740: Good to see another positive comment from you... Clinker
Informative and fun post, thanks! I actually have a few of those coins but never paid much attention to how differently depicted those rays actually are. The Ellis Island Sun, so to say, I find a little too big, and the glory makes it even gigantic, hehe. But it is interesting to see how not only the sun but also, say, a lighthouse is shown with the light it emits ... Christian
