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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;krispy, post: 1007104, member: 19065&quot;]I don&#039;t see the FS as being PC but rather another marketing concept that targeted the deeper pocket consumers (collectors). It was a poorly thought out plan as it doesn&#039;t seem to have captured a significant enough chunk of the modern collector base to warrant the demand originally thought to exist. The idea simply seemed to be riding on the heels of the State Quarters and territories program, Westward journey nickel series, the National Parks Quarter program... </p><p><br /></p><p>Where I feel things get dicey in the &quot;PC&quot; debate are the Silver Commemorative coin bills and designs. There are competing lobbyists and special interests groups behind most of them and the oversight and review boards are politically motivated as well. These however differ from planned long running bullion (and collector version) coin designs, which must create a lasting and strong impression with the coin that will represent across decades of issuance. This is where allegorical and symbolic figures seem to really show their merit and why they are sought for such long running coin programs. </p><p><br /></p><p>The classic designs on AGEs, ASEs and AGBs are all representative of this, so its no surprise we will see other popular symbolic imagery reconsidered for the palladium coins. Some reworking of the designs like has been done on the ASE from the WLH helps to freshen up the design and make it distinct from the older predecessor. There have been many excellent reverse shields and eagle designs in the last 25 years worth of commemorative coins whose designers should also be sought, however, there is very little in modern US coin design that approaches high relief as mandated by the bill for the palladium coins. Quite the opposite with US coinage, designers have been pressed to innovate flatter and and thinner designs, like the 3/4 portrait of Jefferson on the recent forward facing portrait design of the nickels five years ago. Most likely the UHR eagle they select for the reverse will have to be from an older era more accustomed to coin and medal relief work to carry a strong sense of design into this coin. </p><p><br /></p><p>The new palladium coins are a departure if they are to be UHR compared to the other bullion coins: AGEs, ASEs and AGBs. I am curious if bullion versions will have one die set for low relief and the West Point collector palladium will be proof-like UHR only? I think the palladium coins will be a pricey addition to the product catalog but one that will help to complete the eagle programs metals line up and draw attention to more collectors and investors in this precious metal. </p><p><br /></p><p>I feel certain that modern design aesthetic can render us wonderful new concepts of liberty and other national symbols but that the production time lines and technical parameters that seem to challenge the Mint and coin legislation prevent much success, which seems to be one major point this bill is trying to address, given the name of the bill. It should be interesting to watch this one unfold. I hope it doesn&#039;t just collapse like previous palladium coin plans have recently.[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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