What will the next quarter program be?

Good idea and put David Letterman on the obverse.

 

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At least that actually is what those look like, their hands were pretty tied with that design. The nickel on the other hand, they chose to do that and that was purely self inflicted.

 

I feel as if the mint has pulled a post office stunt to the point that there are now so many designs floating out there that people have lost interest -- either because of the fact that it is too hard or takes too long to put together a complete set or because no one knows about the current ATB series or, more likely, simply fatigue.

When the state quarters came out, it was a new and novel idea. Following the RCM's program of 12 circulating quarters for each of their provinces/territories, the new state quarter program was a great idea and an instant success. When it first began, everyone jumped on board in '99 with everyone and their brother looking for the different designs in pocket change. Dozens of companies were selling "quarter boards". Several times a day one would see a commercial on TV advertising subscription services for the quarters. Hucksters were colorizing them and making a fortune. But by the time the last designs rolled around in 2009, the luster had worn off, people were wore out, and the Northern Marianas Island release was met with a collective yawn.

Then the mint killed the proverbial goose by restarting the whole process again with the ATB program. Recall that along with this new program, we soon had four new cents plus a new permanent reverse. We had four new nickels with a new obverse. And we also had a new dollar series that only collectors were slightly interested in. The new ATB series was greeted with a great big sigh and shrug.

The habits of commerce have changed in the past 20 years. The public, as a rule, is not interested in coins anymore. Most transactions are electronic so some people rarely even use coins. Many see coins as a hassle. So there is no connection between people and the designs.

So after the ATB program wraps up, I'd like to see a moratorium on new "rotating" coin progams. For at least 10 years. No new "x releases per year" programs. In the perfect world that only exists in my imagination, I would have the mint/BEP do the following things upon the conclusion of the ATB program:

1. Cease production of the cent. There are literally billions of the annoying things floating around out there and, with some simple changes in programming, any cash transaction can easily be rounded to the nearest nickel.

2. Cease production of the half. It is an obsolete design akin to the 20-cent piece.

3. Cease production of the dollar note.

4. Release new long-term designs of the nickel, dime, quarter, and dollar coin emblematic of the great liberty designs of the early 20th century. Not necessarily repeating the mercury, SLQ, or WL halves but something along those general guidelines.

Of course, while I'm dreaming, I'd also like to retire about 15 years early!

 

It's simpler than that in my opinion. Some ATBs are popular (Hawaii, Gettysburg ect) the biggest problem is just that there are too many sites that no one really cares about. The nature of the program led to the same basic design style getting repeated a lot and then as the years went on some questionable decisions started happening with the design like Cumberland Island which looks like its about a bird not that island and how they kept inserting random people into several of them. It was pretty much assured from the start to be less popular than the state quarters and for interest to start fading once the major sites were done.

 

Let's combine cultural awareness with sex education: Kama Sutra Quarters.

 

I started actively collecting again in 2010. In all the changes that were made in that time were mind-boggling. I agree that most of the population doesn't even know there are new ATB quarters. In fact one misinform person thought the new Lincoln Shield design was a Mandela effect! Not realizing that the mint changed the design in 2010.

 

That is a VERY valid point. Beyond the obvious "biggies", most people don't even recognize many of the locations depicted.

 

I'm waiting for the release of the quarter to celebrate North Lower Outer Podunk State Park. I want to get a few rolls because I know they will be worth at least 30 cents each in 10 years.

 

A classic look like Liberty in a bold traditional design has merit. Unfortunately anything that smacks of "traditional" would likely be perceived as dull/old. The front of the 25 cent coin will have George on it at least through 2032, the 200th anniversary of his birth. The first president will be on some kind of coin for a long, long time.

 

FAMOUS PEOPLE AND SIGNIFICANT TIMES IN AMERICAN HISTORY

 

What ever it turns out to be I’m sure that will get more coins that look like they came out of the pages of comic books. Coinage is taking a turn away from traditional design and I believe that the Artist think they are being creative but all that happens is our coins get uglier. Should the mint issue little cubes? How about we try wire coins? Or metal spheres? Or let’s make them square three D folding hollow sheets of plastic and carbon and glass. WHATS NEXT? Coins in general are dead just like printed media, gas powered vehicles, home phones and a bunch of other stuff that will be obsolete sooner than later. Coins just won’t be needed or accepted for general commerce sooner that we think.
With that sad note I say we better hope the last of the coins are attractively designed and well executed in their minting because we are going to be stuck with dogs like we have now otherwise for the LAST of our coin heritage. Think about it the only coin that hasn’t been changed is the dime and it’s just pathetic and has been since it’s introduction. Wow we’re stuck with 4 ugly circulating coins, lucky US. Don’t get me started on the little copper game token we have for the cent. And I Love Lincolns.
The design, art and execution of our coinage is more important than the theme at this time. When the mint turns out new coins the quality of the design and artist skills must be the first consideration not whether the choice was politically motivated within the selection process. Effigy mounds come to mind. How the HECK did that one make it through? I’m sure there were MANY better choices but well we know how it works......wink...wink. And so we get crap for coins. Try submitting the sculpture of Effigy Mounds past the old masters, they would have ruined the career of anyone who would waste their time with crap such as that. I feel we used to get good coins because the selection process was not so top heavy AND the mint directors were all MASTER ENGRAVERS. They knew what quality coins should look like. The last Mint director Edmond C. Moy had ABSOLUTELY Zero experience in coinage. He probably had some in his pocket before his appointment but he had no formal training whatsoever. And he quit in 2011 and Obama never appointed one and I’ll bet Uncle Trumpy won’t either. So alas any new designs will probably be simple, sloppy and unattractive. We won’t get good coinage again until we put Atrists back in as mint directors.

 

The mint is more concerned with adding to their catalog for profit.

 

That is assuming the Sec of the Treasury doesn't decide to do a second round of ATB quarters, which the authorizing legislation allows him to do. If he does we will have ATB quarters til 2032

I suggested that as a way to make solve the problem of the cent costing more than it's face value to make. Sell advertising on the reverse Charge 25 companies $4 million each to put their logo on 400 million cents.

 

Always the case isn’t it?

 

Get rid of the CCAC or get much better people on it and a lot of the design issues will be solved. Most coins have had wonderful designs as an option, they just never get chosen

 

ARTISTS, they must have artists! Without classically trained professionals making a proper choice you get this crap. Looks like a Hobo nickel guy’s first attempt.



GOT IT!!! Well save money and have our coinage be Hobo Art. Think of it...............
[...] That’s my vote for new Quarter design theme. HOBO COIN ART

Let me qualify. I do like Hobo Art myself as long as it’s well executed and Tasteful. Do hate to see the poor nickels have to suffer though.

 

What??????

 

Got alittle carried away

 

Good thread

 

The mint packaging will be a condom wrapper.