Anti-smoking groups are scheduled to hold "pipe pile-ups" of nickels across the country this weekend in an effort to express their dissatisfaction with a new nickel design making its way into pockets and cash registers around the country this month. The design, honoring the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, features elements from the Jefferson Peace Medals, originally presented to native American tribal chiefs and leaders in the early part of the 19th century. Among the items featured in the design are a tomahawk, a small axe used by native Americans in hand-to-hand combat, and the element that has sparked the controversy: a peace pipe.
Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore isn't sure what to make of the controversy. "It is a design that has existed for 200 years. We didn't choose it to reflect anything other than its historical nature". But anti-smoking groups aren't so sure. They point to the increasing importance of tobacco revenue in the budgets of several key southern states. "This was calculated". Says Chuck Barber of the anti-smoking group TheTruth.com. "There are an infinite number of designs or images they could have used in connection with the Louisiana Purchase". TheTruth.com and other anti-smoking groups are asking people to make donations--in the form of nickels--over the weekend at locations around the country. These sites have been chosen for their proximity to smoking and tobacco retailers, cancer treatment centers, or other smoking-related locations. The goal of the anti-smoking groups is to receive at least one million nickels by Sunday evening. "We didn't ask for this design" says Barber. "And we're going to make our dissatisfaction with the Mint's decision known".
We are like children who look at print and see a serpent in the last letter but one, and a sword in the last. --Severian the Lame
I don't think it's that bad either, really. I'd still prefer an original design rather than an old peace medal.
Is there something wrong with modern designers that they can't create beautiful designs like they did 100 years ago? I'm not talking about circulating coinage because I understand their restraints, but they can't even produce a nice commemorative even when they've been given carte blanche to design exclusively for collectors.
I apologize to all for my infeiror scanning abilities, The coin really doesnt look as bad as my pic...but it is better represented in the tweaked photo (not sure who did it) a couple pages back.
itd be funny if the controversey causes ebay sellers to change their ads
I have often thought - besides compositional abilities - the main culprit in uninspiring, staid design is the way the letterforms are executed (as though by Microsoft word.) There is no inherent beauty or variety in the various mottos. Those few modern coins that do please the eye have varied the lettering a bit - note the Statue of Liberty $5.
For the best examples of what considering the lettering as integral to the designs appeal - and not throwing it all in as an afterthought - look to the Fraser's work (Oregon, Grant, Hudson Bay, etc.) All MO of course but I do fervently believe this.
>>>I have often thought - besides compositional abilities - the main culprit in uninspiring, staid design is the way the letterforms are executed (as though by Microsoft word.) There is no inherent beauty or variety in the various mottos. Those few modern coins that do please the eye have varied the lettering a bit - note the Statue of Liberty $5.
I think you are on to something. The lettering is rather plain an boring. Just a little change would do some good.
Also, see how the design runs into the legend? That is NOT necessarily a bad thing. It usually enhances the beauty and creates ONE flowing design. Nowadays they seem to have some sort of phobia about overlapping segments.
Exactly right re: the overlapping, Baccaruda, that's what I was trying to allude to. The interesting foreshortening effects can also be seen on classic comic covers of the 30s-40s that have the cover's content extending over the mag title....
Comments
I give up.
Let just have metal disks with no designs at all and only the denomination stamped on one side and USA on the other.
the tough nut to crack will be denver...bag quality is attrocious
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
New Nickel Boycott Leaves Mint Stumped
John Reich - AP
Anti-smoking groups are scheduled to hold "pipe pile-ups" of nickels across the country this weekend in an effort to express their dissatisfaction with a new nickel design making its way into pockets and cash registers around the country this month. The design, honoring the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, features elements from the Jefferson Peace Medals, originally presented to native American tribal chiefs and leaders in the early part of the 19th century. Among the items featured in the design are a tomahawk, a small axe used by native Americans in hand-to-hand combat, and the element that has sparked the controversy: a peace pipe.
Mint Director Henrietta Holsman Fore isn't sure what to make of the controversy. "It is a design that has existed for 200 years. We didn't choose it to reflect anything other than its historical nature". But anti-smoking groups aren't so sure. They point to the increasing importance of tobacco revenue in the budgets of several key southern states. "This was calculated". Says Chuck Barber of the anti-smoking group TheTruth.com. "There are an infinite number of designs or images they could have used in connection with the Louisiana Purchase". TheTruth.com and other anti-smoking groups are asking people to make donations--in the form of nickels--over the weekend at locations around the country. These sites have been chosen for their proximity to smoking and tobacco retailers, cancer treatment centers, or other smoking-related locations. The goal of the anti-smoking groups is to receive at least one million nickels by Sunday evening. "We didn't ask for this design" says Barber. "And we're going to make our dissatisfaction with the Mint's decision known".
--Severian the Lame
2 Cam-Slams!
1 Russ POTD!
Is there something wrong with modern designers that they can't create beautiful designs like they did 100 years ago? I'm not talking about circulating coinage because I understand their restraints, but they can't even produce a nice commemorative even when they've been given carte blanche to design exclusively for collectors.
2 Cam-Slams!
1 Russ POTD!
itd be funny if the controversey causes ebay sellers to change their ads
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
For the best examples of what considering the lettering as integral to the designs appeal - and not throwing it all in as an afterthought - look to the Fraser's work (Oregon, Grant, Hudson Bay, etc.) All MO of course but I do fervently believe this.
"April 1, 2004 : 22:30 EST
New Nickel Boycott Leaves Mint Stumped
John Reich - AP
Anti-smoking groups are scheduled to hold "pipe pile-ups" of nickels across the country ..."
My Coin Website
My Professional Website
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill
I think you are on to something. The lettering is rather plain an boring. Just a little change would do some good.
--Severian the Lame
Can you even imagine a modern day coin with a design like this? Why can't they still produce similar work?
2 Cam-Slams!
1 Russ POTD!
2 Cam-Slams!
1 Russ POTD!
mine is...I paid second I won
Go BIG or GO HOME. ©Bill