I dont know if there has been a thread like this before but what is your favorite coin design or which coin do you consider the most beautiful? Mine has always been the ultra high relief Saint Gauden Double Eagles thats why its my avatar =P
The obverse of the Flying Eagle Cent is the epitome of beauty and simplicity, something forbidden on modern coins thanks to the requirement for the word 'LIBERTY' and two mottoes ('IN GOD WE TRUST' and 'E PLURIBUS UNUM').
Personally my favorite design on any US coin is the reverse of the 1991-1995 WWII commemorative half dollar. It's practically an action sequence... love the level of detail, down to the shell casings and palm fronds on the ground. For circulating coinage I'd have to say my favorite is the St. Gaudens double eagle... I know it's cliched to call it the most beautiful US coin, but well that became a cliche for a reason lol... the artistry is just plain amazing.
I always find this one startling - http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sg/sg7533.html Not necessarily my favorite, but it does make me stop and look every time I see one.
My thread below on this page is pretty similar. However it asks for the most beautiful coin you own, rather than in general. There are a few coins I want more than any other, all based on attractiveness... Texas Half Dollar 1989 gold sovereign I recently have bought a few standing liberty quarters and a $5 gold indian head because i like their look.
eddyk, Can you post a better pic of that 1910 $5 Indian? It looks like LIBERTY and the upper stars are falling off the coin. (That's never a good thing on these coins.)
I think in silver, the Morgan dollar would be my favorite and for minor coins it would have to be the three cent nickel.
Early English gold pieces, even before the Sovereigns were issued in 1489 during the reign of Henry VII, were meant to convey opulence and magnificence. The earliest substantive English issues were issued during the reign of Edward III(1327-1377) and included the denominations of Noble, Half Noble, and Quarter Noble. The Noble was valued at 80 silver pence or in latter vernacular, 6/8. Later on the Noble died out in England as a denomination, but remained in Scotland up until the reign of James VI, though as a silver piece, as Scottish coinage had substantially devalued especially during the 16th century. This coin is a Noble from the Treaty Period in English history, where for a brief period following a peace treaty with France, Edward III did not have the French titles on the coinage. However this was near the beginning of the 100 years war with France, so needless to say the Treaty did not last long, and the French titles, ie King of France returned to the coinage. This coin has Edward III standing in a ship with a sword, shield and sceptor. Curiously the Fleur de lis of France is still on the shield! Edward III's titles on this coin are as King of England and Lord of Ireland.
The 1989 costs a few thousand pounds less though lol. But that is one fine coin. As well as the gold angel which is too a stunning design. on ebay for £2,500
I love the artistry as well as the subject matter of this coin. The photo is from FORVM.com- previously sold. Not that I could've afforded it anyway. Andy
no no GD they are not meant to be eaten yeah i like old gold too my avtar is a 1624-1649 piece as well wont bore you guys with the pics you have seen a zillion times
