martin luther king considered for new lincoln cent?

tahoe98 · July 6, 2009 6:06AM

........saw this in the new CW in the guest commentary. hmmmm

whatta you think? i guess it wouldn't be the lincoln cent, in this case.

Robb · July 6, 2009 6:12AM

There's a joke in here somewhere... about the name "King" and not having monarchs on our currency... I just can't word it.

FatMan · July 6, 2009 6:13AM

OMG

Political Correctness gone mad.

RickynCrystal · July 6, 2009 6:14AM

this has to be some kind of a joke if it's not all i gotta say is obama

yellowkid · July 6, 2009 6:17AM

<< There's a joke in here somewhere... about the name "King" and not having monarchs on our currency... I just can't word it. >>

There's a joke here all right, but I wouldn't go there.....

tahoe98 · July 6, 2009 6:22AM

.......no joke, just a commentary.

jhdfla · July 6, 2009 6:29AM

Heavens to Murgatroid...

renman95 · July 6, 2009 6:39AM

I figure why not? It seems logical to me. One hundred years of the Lincoln cent and in the 101st year (2009) we commemorate four phases of Lincoln's life as a finale. In 2010, the reverse is to be emblematic of Lincoln's influence on the Union (flag(?)). Then referencing Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation (although pressured by abolitionists and republicans and possibly a war measure) some 100+ years later we have MLK giving his now famous, as I like to call it, the "...content of their character..." speech. I think there is some poetic continuity there, jmho.

After that I would like to have FDR dethroned and put Reagan on the dime. I think FDR has worn out his welcome....sorry Rossie collectors.

I would also return to the classic Washington quarter, maybe a different portrait, in 2010 and put the National Parks series on the half dollar. Lots of space to work with. I would imagine that the "Parks" series is going to be one landscape after another so why not put it on a larger coin.

R95

tmoneyeagles · July 6, 2009 6:42AM

So I wonder why they selected MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. over anybody else, what thing about MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. made them think they should commemorate him on a coin.

HMMMMM.....

Just gotta be politically correct these days, don't we?

DieClash · July 6, 2009 6:53AM

The iconic, allegorical representation of Lady Liberty is the best symbol of what unites Americans. The deadheads were a bad idea beginning with the Lincoln cent. Every political figure on every circulating coin will only generate controversy. Let's have Lady Liberty restored to the obverse of all circulating coins. Then we can argue about how ugly the modern designs have become. At least it won't be political.

And while we're at it, let's abolish the obsolete one-cent and nickel coins. And stop printing $1 FRNs and replace them with a $1 coin. Goes the same for the non-circulating $2 FRN.

As for MLK on the cent. After 100 years of Lincoln heads, if we MUST have a 1-cent denomination, then I welcome the change. Maybe put Reagan on the new cent if you want. GW's been circulating on the quarter longer than FDR so he should be the next to go.

tmoneyeagles · July 6, 2009 6:56AM

Reagan sounds better than Martin Luther King Jr.

Walmann · July 6, 2009 6:56AM

On circulating US coins, the only once living person that was not a president that I know of, is Ben Franklin.

This is interesting from the many viewpoints that various "groups" place on the accomplishements of people. One would hope there would be an universal standard that could be applied towards weighing the acheivements of an individual which would make them eligible for such an esteemed place as on a nation's currency or coinage.

Sadly in many countries just merely becoming head of state is the only requirement, obtaining power a very personal achievement is often the sole accomplishment of some of these individuals.

TheNoost · July 6, 2009 6:59AM

<<And while we're at it, let's abolish the obsolete one-cent and nickel coins. And stop printing $1 FRNs and replace them with a $1 coin. Goes the same for the non-circulating $2 FRN. >>

Nooooooooo (cries out). Once we get rid of the paper dollar, the reserve of already printed $2's would come out and would be used more.

WTCG · July 6, 2009 7:05AM

Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. That's what it comes down to for a lot of people, whether or not they want to admit it. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be.

DieClash · July 6, 2009 7:12AM

<< Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be. >>

Truly this is part of it. Fact is I don't condone any deadheads and I don't discriminate based on color. I hate 'em all! Back to Lady Liberty. We shouldn't even be having this conversation. But as long as shallow, narrow-minded Congressmen are in charge of what images are depicted on our circulating coinage, then we will continue to have whichever deadhead from whichever party is in charge at the time, depicted on our latest circulating coinage and currency for whatever political purpose. It's just dam exasperating!

These deadhead designs are the bane of our hobby. But one who collects U.S. coins must cope with the fact that Congress is the source of all of our coin designs, denominations, dimentions and content (including mottos and our collective "trust" in the invisible cloud being).

Silverstate · July 6, 2009 7:18AM

<< Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. That's what it comes down to for a lot of people, whether or not they want to admit it. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be. >>

I disagree. He might of had some nice talks and did rally a lot of people for equal rights ect. What makes him eligible to be on a coin?
It just seems to me some will push something for the main reason being color. Predjudice does actually go boith ways.

This is not meant to flame but to clarify that your post was calling many collectors with a difference of opinion to be "ignorant and narrow-minded".

I would not want quite a few previous presidents on coins either. Does that make one ignorant and narrow-minded as well?

That's what commemorative coins are for.

DieClash · July 6, 2009 7:20AM

<< On circulating US coins, the only once living person that was not a president that I know of, is Ben Franklin.

This is interesting from the many viewpoints that various "groups" place on the accomplishements of people. One would hope there would be an universal standard that could be applied towards weighing the acheivements of an individual which would make them eligible for such an esteemed place as on a nation's currency or coinage.

Sadly in many countries just merely becoming head of state is the only requirement, obtaining power a very personal achievement is often the sole accomplishment of some of these individuals. >>

Didn't some of the early commems circulate? I'm thinking of the Columbian Exposition half. That coin depicted Christopher Columbus. What about the SBA Dollar and the Native American golden or "Sacagawea" dollar. Just off the top of my head. I imagine there were other circulating coins to depict non-presidents in modern times.

EDITED: To add the missing quote previously posted.

JedPlanchet · July 6, 2009 7:31AM

<< The iconic, allegorical representation of Lady Liberty is the best symbol of what unites Americans. The deadheads were a bad idea beginning with the Lincoln cent. Every political figure on every circulating coin will only generate controversy. Let's have Lady Liberty restored to the obverse of all circulating coins. Then we can argue about how ugly the modern designs have become. At least it won't be political. >>

19Lyds · July 6, 2009 8:50AM

<< Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. That's what it comes down to for a lot of people, whether or not they want to admit it. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be. >>

While I agree with some of what you state, my feelings are that US coinage should return to images of Liberty and just get rid of all these dead folks. Its amazing how George Washington's wishes have been trampled by those currently in power that are pushing their own personal political agenda's for their own personal reasons.

Liberty is, after all, alive and well!

yellowkid · July 6, 2009 8:54AM

<< Reagan sounds better than Martin Luther King Jr.

>>

I can't imagine either one on a circulating coin.....

BBQnBLUES · July 6, 2009 8:56AM

I really Don't care who they choose to "honor" one a coin, as useless as a one cent piece (as long as it's _NOT Michael Jackson) !

ambro51 · July 6, 2009 9:00AM

I can think of no good post to add to this thread.

tmoneyeagles · July 6, 2009 9:00AM

<< I can think of no good post to add to this thread. >>

Lets keep it to coins, c'mon guys.

DieClash · July 6, 2009 9:01AM

<< ...dead folks. Its amazing how George Washington's wishes have been trampled by those currently in power that are pushing their own personal political agenda's for their own personal reasons.

Liberty is, after all, alive and well! >>

"currently in power"???

Lincoln - 1909
Jefferson - 1938
FDR - 1946
Washington - 1932
Kennedy - 1964
Eisenhower - 1971
Susan B. Anthonly - 1979

These are the 6 Politicians and one homely suffragage woman, currently gracing our circulating coinage and no current personal political agenda is responsible. Although we do have the Virginia politicians to thank for making certain that the Jefferson image will forever emblazon the obverse of our 5-cent denomination in perpetuity, ad infinitum, ad naseum!!

CalGold · July 6, 2009 9:02AM

<< Reagan sounds better than Martin Luther King Jr. >>

This comment, coming from a 14 year old child who witnessed neither man in his lifetime and has no personal sense of the times in which they lived, reflects extremely poorly on the state our system of education. The lad, however, can be forgiven for his ignorance and youth. For the rest of you, what is your excuse?

Edited to add:

I see no compelling reason to bounce old Abe from the cent. What about a coin with portraits on both sides?

CG

ambro51 · July 6, 2009 9:05AM

I will give you the optimum idea for a new penny

its a classic design, and one that will be just like the forever stamp.

Lets downsize the 1785 Bar Cent to 19mm. Howzat?

DieClash · July 6, 2009 9:16AM

<< I will give you the optimum idea for a new penny

its a classic design, and one that will be just like the forever stamp.

Lets downsize the 1785 Bar Cent to 19mm. Howzat? >>

Show us some pix!!

BBN · July 6, 2009 9:18AM

would have loved to have seen the 2005 bison be a permanent fixture on the nickel reverse and open competition for design change with a new type of native american bust on the obverse. Sort of a buffalo nickel, but not an exact recreation of the old.

BBN · July 6, 2009 9:19AM

<< << Reagan sounds better than Martin Luther King Jr. >>

This comment, coming from a 14 year old child who witnessed neither man in his lifetime and has no personal sense of the times in which they lived, reflects extremely poorly on the state our system of education. The lad, however, can be forgiven for his ignorance and youth. For the rest of you, what is your excuse?

CG >>

purely an opinion

DieClash · July 6, 2009 9:22AM

<< would have loved to have seen the 2005 bison be a permanent fixture on the nickel reverse and open competition for design change with a new type of native american bust on the obverse. Sort of a buffalo nickel, but not an exact recreation of the old. >>

BBN, I would say that next to Lady Liberty, the natural icons of this continent would be an acceptable substitue, with the deadheads of course ranking last. Liberty in full headdress Indian regale, or the "composite" native American Indian depicted on the 5-cent coin from 1913 to 1938.

Americans have shown so much promise in the art of designing coins. But much of it has been co-opted by the myopic vision or lack thereof of our collective Congress.

NOT TRYING to CO-OPT the OP here, just goin' with the flow!

EDITED: for grammar

ambro51 · July 6, 2009 9:26AM

Here ya go. Upsize this to 19mm stamp it from copper plated steel, or zinc, or copper.....change the reverse from 1 Dollar to 1 cent

AUandAG · July 6, 2009 9:30AM

I don't think he sits with the Presidents. Perhaps a nice medal, but that's it.
But I was not in favor of the ever popular SBA dollar or the Sac either.
bob

DieClash · July 6, 2009 9:42AM

Ambro51, I think thats a step above the MLK proposal and I could support that!

MsMorrisine · July 6, 2009 10:44AM

<< On circulating US coins, the only once living person that was not a president that I know of, is Ben Franklin. >>

As mentioned, but not in this context, SBA and Sac are also non-presidents on circulating coins.

If SBA can make it, MLK can, too. Although, I'd still favor Lincoln on the cent and a totally redesigned dollar could receive MLK's image.

ambro51 · July 6, 2009 10:46AM

oops better not even say that. sorry

19Lyds · July 6, 2009 10:48AM

<< 

<< ...dead folks. Its amazing how George Washington's wishes have been trampled by those currently in power that are pushing their own personal political agenda's for their own personal reasons.

Liberty is, after all, alive and well! >>

"currently in power"???

Lincoln - 1909
Jefferson - 1938
FDR - 1946
Washington - 1932
Kennedy - 1964
Eisenhower - 1971
Susan B. Anthonly - 1979

These are the 6 Politicians and one homely suffragage woman, currently gracing our circulating coinage and no current personal political agenda is responsible. Although we do have the Virginia politicians to thank for making certain that the Jefferson image will forever emblazon the obverse of our 5-cent denomination in perpetuity, ad infinitum, ad naseum!! >>

Yes! Currently in Power as in Current Elected officials! Sheesh!

George Washington did NOT want his or any presidents portrait on the money of the country. We had, after all, just escaped the tyranny of the English Monarchy whose portrait is one all their coinage indicating that the King (or Queen) is the country and not the ideal with which the country was formed. Only since the "Lincoln Centennial" cents have presidents been included on US coinage and since then, since it appeared to be ok, the government has run wild with memorializing past presidents. While all the above certainly were good presidents, all with the exception of Washington and Anthony, are simply being memorialized. Our currency no longer represents the country, it represents memorials of dead presidents.

Whats so bad about bringing the ideal this country was formed on back to its currency?

renman95 · July 6, 2009 10:51AM

<< 

<< Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. That's what it comes down to for a lot of people, whether or not they want to admit it. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be. >>

>Is that you Miss Garofalo?

I disagree. He might of had some nice talks and did rally a lot of people for equal rights ect. What makes him eligible to be on a coin?
It just seems to me some will push something for the main reason being color. Predjudice does actually go boith ways.

This is not meant to flame but to clarify that your post was calling many collectors with a difference of opinion to be "ignorant and narrow-minded".

I would not want quite a few previous presidents on coins either. Does that make one ignorant and narrow-minded as well?

That's what commemorative coins are for.

>1946-1951 Booker T. Washington and 1951-1954 Carver/Washington Commemoratives come to mind. Which brings up the question, why hasn't MLK been commem'd on a coin. Just about everything has?

R95

>>

morganbarber · July 6, 2009 10:53AM

I will never, ever, ever trade one of my Reagan dimes for ten MLK pennies. I swear on all that is holy.

DieClash · July 6, 2009 10:55AM

<< 

<< 

<< ...dead folks. Its amazing how George Washington's wishes have been trampled by those currently in power that are pushing their own personal political agenda's for their own personal reasons.

Liberty is, after all, alive and well! >>

"currently in power"???

Lincoln - 1909
Jefferson - 1938
FDR - 1946
Washington - 1932
Kennedy - 1964
Eisenhower - 1971
Susan B. Anthonly - 1979

These are the 6 Politicians and one homely suffragage woman, currently gracing our circulating coinage and no current personal political agenda is responsible. Although we do have the Virginia politicians to thank for making certain that the Jefferson image will forever emblazon the obverse of our 5-cent denomination in perpetuity, ad infinitum, ad naseum!! >>

Yes! Currently in Power as in Current Elected officials! Sheesh!

George Washington did NOT want his or any presidents portrait on the money of the country. Only since the "Lincoln Centennial" cents have presidents been included. While all the above certainly were good presidents, all with the exception of Washington and Anthony, are simply being memorialized. Our currency no longer represents the country, it represents memorials of dead presidents.

Whats so bad about bringing the ideal this country was formed with back to its currency? >>

Lee, we are in agreement!! I only question the usage of the term "current politicians" and as such the dates of the current deadheads initial appearince in commerce. None of which can be considered as "current". But maybe I am interpreting your original message from an improper perspective. Yes, I am for allegorical representations of Lady Liberty to the deference of the deadheads that so permeate our current circulating coinage.

eCoinquest · July 6, 2009 11:05AM

Apparently many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin or banknote. That's what it comes down to for a lot of people, whether or not they want to admit it. It is pathetic how ignorant and narrow-minded many people can be.

This comment shows that racism definitely goes both ways.

many coin collectors just can't stomach seeing a person of color, especially a Black man, in a position of power much less having a prominent appearance on a coin

By the way, since when are coins colored?

ziggy29 · July 6, 2009 11:10AM

<< Reagan sounds better than Martin Luther King Jr.

>>

This is exactly why we should have never opened the can of worms and put "real people" on the face of regularly circulating coinage. Regardless of whether it's King, Reagan or anyone else.

Get real dead personalities off of regular issues and back on commems where they belong.

GoldenEyeNumismatics · July 6, 2009 11:19AM

In my opinion no president, politician, or activist should be put on a coin while a singificant portion of the American populous who was alive during their period of influence is still alive today. There's too much room for controversy.

fishcooker · July 6, 2009 11:20AM

This comment, coming from a 14 year old child who witnessed neither man in his lifetime and has no personal sense of the times in which they lived, reflects extremely poorly on the state our system of education.

Could have gone with LBJ, for his enduring political "accomplishments".

kahokia · July 6, 2009 11:35AM

I, too, am tired of dead Presidents and would prefer to return to images of Liberty. I'd gladly make an exception for Lincoln and Washington, although I've never been fond of the likeness of Washington on our quarter. I think Martin Luther King would be a worthy subject for a commemorative coin, and would look forward to purchasing mine. To me, FDR is a saint, but it's time for him to go--Teddy would be a nice replacement. I'm no fan of Reagan, but many millions of Americans are--he'd be a good subject for a future commemorative. This Virginian would be pleased to see TJ vacate the obverse of the nickel--bring back Fraser's artwork. Enough of JFK--show us a clad Walking Liberty. Sacagawea--well, I hope she'll eventually catch on as the circulating dollar.

sumnom · July 6, 2009 12:02PM

I wouldn't mind an MLK cent but I am with the the "no more dead heads" crowd. Not that I have anything against Jerry, mind you...

GFourDriver · July 6, 2009 12:03PM

What person has done more and sacrificed as much for this great country than the American G.I. ? I agree with everyone that says we should not have politicos, crusaders, or presidents on our circulating coins.... put them back where they should be, on commems. I think the citizen soldier should be honored on the one cent piece, a rendering of the minueman or the flag raisers at Iwo Jima would be just a few of the ideas that could take hold.

yellowkid · July 6, 2009 12:18PM

<< What person has done more and sacrificed as much for this great country than the American G.I. ? I agree with everyone that says we should not have politicos, crusaders, or presidents on our circulating coins.... put them back where they should be, on commems. I think the citizen soldier should be honored on the one cent piece, a rendering of the minueman or the flag raisers at Iwo Jima would be just a few of the ideas that could take hold. >>

Imagine a well done Iwo Jima coin!! Probably too specific, the Minuteman would work, you have my vote!

Walmann · July 6, 2009 1:08PM

<< What person has done more and sacrificed as much for this great country than the American G.I. ? I agree with everyone that says we should not have politicos, crusaders, or presidents on our circulating coins.... put them back where they should be, on commems. I think the citizen soldier should be honored on the one cent piece, a rendering of the minueman or the flag raisers at Iwo Jima would be just a few of the ideas that could take hold. >>

Great suggestion, but in addition to this how about, highlighting some of individuals. America has been a country based on individual self reliance, responsibility, and achievements, why not highlight some of those unsung and near forgotten individuals that determined efforts and sacrifices have allowed this most prosperous nation to flourish.

Start with men such as Joshua Barney and Joseph Plumb Martin. Perhaps it would get some people to look into history a bit more as well.

PerryHall · July 6, 2009 7:42PM

<< Imagine a well done Iwo Jima coin!! Probably too specific, the Minuteman would work, you have my vote!

>>

Both have already been nicely done on commemorative coins.

Zoins · July 6, 2009 7:44PM

As much as some collectors like the idea of returning to Lady Liberty, with the advent of feminism, I think the only Lady Liberty that we'll get on circulating coinage is the Statue of Liberty. All other renditions may have to settle for NCLT.

Because of the unlikeliness of going back to Lady Liberty, a vote for her is a vote for the status quo IMO.

dantheman984 · July 6, 2009 7:57PM

Don`t leave out Archie Bunker!!

A TRUE American!

martin luther king considered for new lincoln cent?

Comments

Whatever you are, be a good one. ---- Abraham Lincoln

Leave a Comment