Speaking of cuteness, I just got this coin: I have no idea why the Czech bank had trouble selling this proof coin as well as the UNC. They sent some back to the melting pot!!! The proof mintage is just a mere 5,000 and UNC under 46,000.
I agree. I realize some things are considered 'unnecessary' on coins as written above ~ I have complete respect for numistmatics and true quality coins. But coins are also about art ~ otherwise, they wouldn't commission artists to design them. Our statehood quarter program is completely indicative of this example. Coins are more than currency; they serve as inexpensive (in some cases) methods of obtaining examples of famous artists creations. I love that Czech coin ~ the detail is incredible and the subject is delightful. I find some of these type coins encourage the young numismatists more than the rigid type coins. While a 8 or 9 year old can't appreciate the symbolic representation of the Eagle or Lady Liberty on our coinage ~ they can enjoy the art, animals, flowers, etc., on other coinage and it helps reinforce their interest as they mature in the hobby. Thanks for listening (reading). Now back to our regularly scheduled program.
Of course coins everywhere should tell a story, give historic events, show off the land they represent. That is why I just can not understand why on the Illinois Quarter there wasn't a machine gun, Big Al Capones scar, St Valentine's Day Masacre, Gangs on every corner, stores with bars on the windows and doors. We have so much to tell and our coins should show that. How better to keep the attention of kids in schools in Chicago with coins with pictures of Baby Faced Nelson, Bugs Moran, Machine Gun Kelly on them. Hey, we too like education.
Carl, if that's what should have been on the Illinois coin, I can't imagine what I would have had to suggest for "Joisey" (my home state)!!! (Since I am a native, I am allowed to make jokes...)
Ditto that from Texas... it's like 'here's the shape of texas & a star....' Are we simple folk or what? No longhorns, oilwells, alamo, nothing...
There are only a few things that are necessary to be on a coin...I have coins with seashells, fish, a grenade, every kind of animal known to man, etc...etc...none of those images on any of those coins were necessary to make the coin...If one objects to unecessary images on coins...then that would be almost every coin ever made...
