Disband CFA.........Group detrimental to coinage artwork!

Reading this weeks edition (2/6/06) of Coin World provides some of the answer as to why modern U.S. coinage is in such a sad state.

A page one article nicely covers the review of upcoming new coinage by the Commission of Fine Arts.

The Mint's decision to use portraits first used on early presidential medals certainly is controversial. Myself, I find the early original artwork of the presidential medals to be far superior to anything that might be created in this day and age. Sad that, but most true!

In this article,I was appaled to read that Commission member N. Michael McKinnell complained that the face of James Madison is "almost camoflaged" by his clothing. She urged that it be redesigned!!

Try to imagine how the Mint would destroy the original artwork!!

IMHO, the clothing neither hides or detracts from President Madison's portrait. In fact, I consider it refreshing to view the somewhat unusual rendering of one of our founding fathers.

Moritz Furst, the designer/engraver of the Madison presidential medal (circa 1814) intended to portray President Madison in period dress. He was highly regarded in his day as able and very qualified in his field.

Now, along comes Ms. McKinnell who feels she knows better. Off with the period jacket, down with artwork, and and let's make some modern vanilla dollar slugs!

Architect McKinnell needs to return to her dayjob and let more qualified persons make valued decisions regarding our coinage!

I say it is time to do away with the CFA; it does more damage than good from what I can see.

 

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I just wish my issues of Coin World would arrive in a timely fashion.

 

You both are in for a pleasant surprise with this weeks Coin World. One of the best I have seen; lots of good stuff in there this week!!

 

Whoops, I meant Numismatic News