To be fair, she is indeed a very attractive woman (short that tattoos, but this is a beholder thing), but as Christian said, conveying said attractiveness wasn't the point. Personally, I don't think the design is anything special (not that the dogs suggested are any better) and saying as much isn't in any way disrespectful of the model. In portrait photography, not every photo taken is reflective of the subject's beauty, attractiveness, or even real-life appearance. The photographer will usually take numerous photos with the best selected for use. Unfortunately, and for whatever reason, the chosen design just isn't as flattering to her (or the individual represented) as it could have been.
This, IMO, is the ugliest US coin. This is for my type set and even an NGC "star" and CAC sticker can't make Ms. Liberty beautiful. I refer to this depiction of the Ms. Liberty as the Helga nickel.
Poor Helga she had to sit for Charles for hours while he gawked at her and “sketched” that’s why she has that scowl on her face! The Reverse is Good though I give it that. I almost forgot here’s a couple extra beans and some stars just cause. Maybe if you stick Them all over poor Helga they will be like BEER GOGGLES! L.O.L. Reed Enjoy!!!
Charles Barber's designs, while not the most aesthetically pleasing, served their purpose as well as any in American history if looked at from a utilitarian standpoint
Your point is not lost on me. I believe that Ms. Teton sat as a model and Ms. Goodacre produced the art that she intended, rather than the image that she saw. The final product is not objectively attractive, but I am not sure that a beautiful Sacagawea is what she intended. my objection was to this exact statement: Where I objected was in Reed’s comments about the actual person that was used as the model. I felt the comments were insensitive and in poor taste. I stand by my comments.
I just assumed that the model looked like the coin. My mistake to think the artist wouldn’t make the main subject LOOK like the model. Oops. Retract retract retract retract. I really didn’t mean the model was ugly just the Resulting coin is. My mistaken wording. Sincerely Reed
You made that clear the first time that you apologized, Reed. No worries. We all step in it once in a while, we're human. Books was defending you and I was clarifying why I made the comment that I did.
First, I wasn't "defending" anyone but simply sharing my views on the matter. You know, kind of like you and others have. Now, life is insensitive, Mike; turning everyone into snowflakes isn't going to change this or prepare them for the realities of the human experience. Still, I can't help but to agree (on some level) that the quoted comment would have been "insensitive" had it been directed at an actual person present, and even though it could've been said in a more tactful manner, it was clearly in reference to the end design.
You guys might want to consider that the artist is not going for photo realism. Obviously the model is very nice looking, however in creating a coin for a nation the idea is not to create a glamour medal. This same type of complaint happened in the 1790's as you'll recall, although, yes, in the case of the Flowing Hair Cent the result was borderline frightening. But it just might be that the mint is obliged to provide a representative image that is faithful to the broader cross section of the population. The model only serves as a guide, and the engraver is in no way required to provide us all with eye candy.
To each his own, Books. I don't fault you for it. I merely try to take every opportunity to be kind. Every day and always.
My apologies & thanks for the heads up. I had been following the thread earlier and then departed when it got into the petty bickering. Scrolled down a little too fast.
It's known as classical (Graeco-Roman) design, which in those days was considered quite acceptable. Nowadays, we have nickels that rival East Germany's best (worst)...Thos. Jefferson as a Marxist rockstar.
Naaa, I think this is one of the most beautiful coins, along with Liberty Walking halves, OLD Lincoln cents and a few commemorative coins