Maybe it's been the countless discussions here, or perhaps my own disinterest in modern coinage, but I've been thinking about what really defines a classical coin design. We all have read how Mint Director Moy is on some quest to redefine coinage and bring back a classical look. We've all read posts here and elsewhere about how, what I gather is a majority of collectors, want more classical looks on modern coins. So, this poses the question: What exactly is a classical coin design? I mean, we all saw the rediculous headlines "Godless Dollars!!!" when the Mint accidently forgot to inscribe the edge lettering, and even then some people didn't know the lettering was there even when it was. So, are people actually ready for a traditional classic design sans the motto in reference? Will people get confused when the denomonations aren't spelled out in their entirety, but in a classical sense, like 50 C ? Not to mention, the uproar when people who normally pay no special attention to coinage except when popping them into vending machines, realize there are no more dead presidents dulling the fields of coins. I ask these questions, because like many here I'd love to see a true classical coin design re-introduced, if not on all coins, then on at least one or two. But, to be truely classical and not neo-classical, a lot of feathers would have to get ruffled. A lot of special interest groups, who seem to think coins are a convenient way to advertise, would be outraged. A lot of pressure would be placed on the Mint. I don't think it would be possible to transform our coinage into anything remotely classical in this day and age. It's sad, but the logistics of it seem daunting if not impossible. Guy~
Probably each denomination would have its own range of years which would be considered "Classic." As a broad general definition, I would say that any coin of the 18th and 19th centuries would be classics, including those designs which were still in production into the 20th century.
Why would a classic design have to lack the motto? (although I think it should) Many of the classic designs had the denomination spelled out, and in fact the trend right now with moderns is to go away from spelled out denominations to the numbers because people can't read anymore.
Because then it would be a true classical coin, in my opinion. The motto wasn't added until 1866 on most coins (1864 being the first on the 2 cent coin). The original designs had persevered quite nicely before. I don't have anything against mottos on coinage, but to design a coin that is going to be artistically beautiful and worth changing, they really need to limit wording...all wording, on coins. There isn't much beauty in typeface all over a coins surface. I think St. Gaudens was on the same page with his original design, which may explain why it's considered such an icon in American coinage today. Guy~
I think classic would be higher relief and real artistry on the coin...the difference between our modern coins (that would even look poor compared to old time tokens) and the lovely classic coins would also be, imo, the love for the coinage compared to the simple necessity. Societies like the old Germans LOVED coins and medals...they loved their coins and that love showed. They took every opportunity to mint up a coin or medal... births...birthdays...deaths, advertisement, you name it, they would mint to commemorate it. They were also very much closer to the coin because everyone used them. I think this attitude showed in old coins and the lack off it shows on modern coins. Euros and US coinage aren't even a step above a chuck e cheese token in quality...in fact I have an Aladdin's castle token I think is more attractive than most Euros. I know the golden era of coinage is gone and maybe it will be gone for good, we will never again have great silver coins and large bronzes and coppers like in the past. Most people I know just get annoyed at change and many don't even use bills much, let alone coins...its all plastic. Its like we are minting coins still only because the transition to plastic is not totally complete. I would love to see us go back to minting coins with the highest of quality engraving (less computer work, this stuff looks like garbage), higher relief, larger and more substantial...Like when I hold a Thaler...now THAT FEELS like a coin. I would like us to mint a coin that harkens back to the past but doesn't regurgitate old coins already done...so many time I see people calling to bring back this coin or that...why? Why not get a good artist and/or engraver/sculptor and come up with a classic LOOKING design without simply copying designs of the past...make a new unique coin that will become a classic modern design. Easier said than done I know but I know there are great talented artists who could probably study the classic coins of Europe and US and come up with a new, outstanding design. My #1 problem with modern coins is the low relief, they don't have substance...even older Washington quarters have a more classic refined look to them than the portraits on the state quarters....
Thats exactly how I feel. But, the modern restraints of what people and governments think MUST be on a coin, hold such ambitions back. GUy~
Relief would be an issue. Striking coins with higher relief in today's harder metals would destroy dies at a very quick rate. Add to that the huge numbers of coins struck today and you have a problem. Dies cost money to make. And I think that there would be issues with the clad layer splitting a lot if it was trying to fill the recesses of a higher relief coin.
The law would have to be rewritten to omit the motto IGWT. Congress passed a law in 1908 requiring the motto IGWT on gold and silver coins and Pres. Teddy Roosevelt signed it into law.
I agree we can make our own designs and the idea of minimizing clutter on our coins. Simplicity can be compelling. Now, I'm going to post this pic and I would like people to FOCUS ON THE DESIGN OR LAYOUT, not the person it celebrates - nothing political intended whether one is a fan or not. To me, this is a very nice clean design (and I know it is an inaugural medal, not a coin). And, yes we don't need to put a building on the reverse and we can memorialize someone other than Presidents on the obverse.
I think of the classic design as having an image of liberty on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse. Silver content is also classic for coins worth at least 10 cents.
I consider classic coinage to end with the following series: Peace Dollar Walking Liberty Half SLQ Mercury Dime Buffalo Nickel Wheatback Lincoln (I actually flip-flop on this, and sometimes will answer IHC).
