I don't know which is best looking, but the worst is probably the Special Olympics dollar It looks even worse in real life.
The 2005 Marine Corps is special to me. The 1999 Dolly and the 2009 Lincoln would be next. I collected then all until the last few years.
Yup. You're welcome to your swords, shields, and arrows. This one celebrates the true root of our power and glory -- the pen, and the spirit that moves it.
I love the obverse of this coin, but oh, that poor reverse bird -- starved, and with its wings clipped and legs plucked...
I haven’t seen this one suggested yet, but I really like the 1997 Botanic Garden dollar. The side with the roses (obverse?) looks very nice in hand. The side with the building isn’t as pretty, but it doesn’t look bad either. (The image is from PCGS CoinFacts.)
Agreed, the reverse spread eagle is weird looking. “Can someone get me a salmon burger and a smaller shield to hold?!?”
I believe the best looking modern commemorative coin is the 1999 Washington $5 Gold Coin. The coin was designed by Laura Garden Fraser in 1932 & entered in a contest for the new design proposal for the quarter dollar. John Flanagan ended up winning the contest & his design was chosen for the new coin. Many art critics believed Fraser's design was superior & she got short-changed in the competition . Her handsome design was finally used for this Death Bicentennial $5 coin.
There has long been an argument whether or not Laura Gardin Fraser collaborated with her husband, James Earle Fraser, on the design of the "Oregon Trail" commem. She has always been one of my favorite artists. Chris
Chris, Thanks for bringing this up . There is no doubt she collaborated with her husband James on the Oregon Trail 1/2 Dollar of 1928. James did the Indian side & she did the covered wagon side. She also designed the Alabama Centennial 1921 1/2 dollar, & the Grant Memorial 1922 1/2 Dollar & One Dollar coin. See photos below. Laura Garden Fraser is best known for her iconic bronze sculpture The Jackson & Lee Monument, that was dedicated in 1948 for the city of Baltimore, see photo below. Sadly this magnificent bronze became the target of "political correctness" & was removed in 2017 . The base of the monument remained in place, & "activists" decided to place a sculpture of a pregnant African-American woman on top of the base . That sculpture was quickly vandalized & removed .
Yeah! That "movement" for political correctness really pi$$e$ me off. Why? Because I'm related to Stonewall Jackson, and I'm supposed to be ashamed of him. I won't say any more because I don't want to get a "zinger" from Doug or Jim. Chris
There not that bad Chris....trust me..a little scolding on Sunday morn.. get the strawberry Zingers cream filled..
I am fortunate to have one of these. Came across it here on CT. I have to agree. This truly is a bold and striking design in hand. I love mine. And I purchased it as an addition to my bullion holdings. But it lovingly resides with my prized coins.
Awweee what the heck. We like him down here in South Carolina too. I can tell you that Stonewalls portrait adorns our statehouse walls. However president Lincoln’s portrait is nowhere to be found in our Capitol building!
This thread got me to studying modern commemoratives this morning. Does anyone have the 1996 National Community Service dollar? That one has quite a stunning image of Lady Liberty on the obverse.