sower design:3rd republic vs. modern 1960s

1907Quarter

A little while Frank and I had a discussion regarding the quality of these coins as made some hundred years ago and the more modern ones from the 1960s. Below is a fairly new and inexpensive acquisition. Can anyone post one of the similar design from the 1890-1920 period so we can compare and discuss?

CoinAddict

Here is mine.

1907Quarter

ttt

sumnom

How about the 2-franc sower from the 1980's - 1990's (I think). I have been trying to find an image but so far have failed. Does anyone have one?

oldshep

Here is one:

Opps - I should have read your post better

Shep

cosmicdebris

Le matte Proof

coinkat

Have some real fun and post these pictures on the US forum to enlighten them as to when the Modern era begins. If we look at the Modern Era from a global perspective, as well as the process by which coins are minted, perhaps the debate may focus on a much earlier time than previously thought.

sumnom

Everything happened a lot earlier than the litesiders think.

cladking

<< <i>Have some real fun and post these pictures on the US forum to enlighten them as to when the Modern era begins. If we look at the Modern Era from a global perspective, as well as the process by which coins are minted, perhaps the debate may focus on a much earlier time than previously thought. >>



Whether you call it modern or something else there was a major dividing line for US
coins in 1964. Before this many people actively collected the coins in rolls, bags, and
from circulation. Afterward there was very limited collection of these coins. The era
did start earlier for most darkside coins. It was about 1950 in most cases where peo-
ple decided new coins were uncollectible. This varies from country to country but it is
almost universally post-WWII, and in all cases it was true by 1968.

It is ironic that coins made in the multi millions are in some cases either unavailable or
are unavailable in nice condition.

Sylvestius

Interesting debate this could turn into about when the modern period starts, but this deserves a whole thread of it's own really, for British coins i'd say 1816 is the beginning of modern, infact 1816 is modern.

coinkat

Sylvestius:

I think 1816 is probably about right for the UK... It seems that not much Edward VII material was saved in quantity. Notice the values of the Florins, Half Crowns and even shillings in Mint State, perhaps with the exception of 1902. These coins were not saved because they were not viewed as collectible at the time.

farthing

I would argure for either 1797 or 1806 as the beginning of the modern era of British coins

Sylvestius

<< <i>I would argure for either 1797 or 1806 as the beginning of the modern era of British coins >>




I'd argue that those years were the seeds of modernism, 'proto-modern' it was the beginning but it didn't hit full scale till the Great recoinage.

Then again we could argue that it began in 1662 of course, but that was Early Milled and thus Early Modern, but not quite there.

sumnom

How are you choosing these dates. Are we talking about modernity in general or modern coinage. What constitutes modern when speaking of coins?

cladking

<< <i>How are you choosing these dates. Are we talking about modernity in general or modern coinage. What constitutes modern when speaking of coins? >>



Herein lies much of the problem. There is not a single dividing line in most cases. Every time
a major change occurs in the use, manufacture, or types of coins then there is a new era. If
you can only use one in British coins then it would have to be long ago when steam or machines
started striking coins. But this would totally overlook the massive changes that occured when
decimalization was instituted or when sterling was removed in 1920. Most countries have a few
such natural dividing line but it is only the 1947-1968 time frame where virtually all countries
have such changes. In most cases these changes were very dramatic.

sumnom

I have not given much to thought to the question of "modern" coinage. What does the French sower have to do with this question?

Askari

<< <i>Whether you call it modern or something else there was a major dividing line for US
coins in 1964. Before this many people actively collected the coins in rolls, bags, and
from circulation. Afterward there was very limited collection of these coins. The era
did start earlier for most darkside coins. It was about 1950 in most cases where peo-
ple decided new coins were uncollectible. This varies from country to country but it is
almost universally post-WWII, and in all cases it was true by 1968. >>

So very true! Mass production does indeed appear to drive out artistry in favor of utility, doesn't it?