Now that we have passed the half way point, does anyone think that the State Quarter Program holds the same appeal, or has the program losts its luster? How about designs? Do you think the designers have done a good job of representing the particular state or has it become dull and boring?
I think that it's lost some luster. I know that I'm not as excited as I was when they first came out.
I think it would have been more exciting for me if the traditional design had still been minted, so the number of statehood quarters were more restricted. I still look forward to seeing the new designs, though.
They're fun, but I'm not as "serious" about them as some of my other collections. I think the designs could have been better, more "coin like", more dignified. Some of them seem like advertising billboards: elements thrown up to represent something peculiar to the state (that's okay), but without much regard to what makes a good looking coin.
The only quarter that has gotten my attention so far has been Mississippi. Very suttle and beautiful.
I think the series has become somewhat stale. I'm not excited about it anymore as when it first started. And the designs aren't that great.
My son looks forward to the new designs. He has the large map and can't wait to fill in all of the slots. If anything, it has gotten a bunch of people interested in collecting again. This program got my 10 year old interested in coin collecting so hats off to the state quarter program. My only beef is that the Mint wants to do the same program with Presidents when it comes to the dollar coin. That means every freakin' President on a dollar coin from Washington to Bush. Yes that means Clinton and Nixon too! Maybe Hillary in 2008...where's the oxygen when I need it!! Imagine 4 new dollar coins coming out per year with Presidents gracing our coins. Looks like it is going to happen even though most numismatics don't want it. The mint loves this stuff because as Steve Martin stated from his movie, "The Jerk": "I get it......it's a profit deal...step up here and win some crap"
I am bored with the pesidential coins. I'd rather see liberty's or animals or some other symbols on coins.
I think the State Quarter program, overall has been a success. It has brought new designs to our otherwise stale coinage, and has stimulated additional interest in the hobby, both of which I think are good. The designs have been mixed -- some good (i.e CT, ME, MS) some not so good and seem to have been "hurried" (OH, IL). I am looking forward to the second half. I think the other states have seen the successes and criticisms of prior designs, and have put additional effort in getting good design ideas up for consideration, including CA, KS, and WV. Also, seeing that Coin World has a forum and website section dedicated to state quarters indicates success. Also, seeing "ultra grade" circulation strike State Quarters selling for hundreds of dollars indicates success and appeal of the program at all income levels!!
