design a coin

Onedollarnohollar · January 3, 2013 8:45AM

All this talk about re-strikes of old coin designs and commentary stating that all of the good designs have already been used; that today's designs are uninspiring, boring, amateurish, etc. brought up an idea.

What if this forum collaborated on a design for a new coin? we could discuss denomination, theme, and material content, whether it be a commemorative or a new fractional design replacing an existing one.

anyone wish to pursue this? I would go for something along the lines of a new dollar coin design. My thinking is that by the time a design is finished, ratified by congress, and put into production the presidential

dollar run will be finished. Personally I'd like to see a dollar coin slightly larger than is currently being produced and in a silver (with rainbow toning on the rims

) finish. Like I said though, this will be an open

discussion on all types, materials, denominations so my personal likes are just a way of starting the conversation. I'm sure we have artists that can draw and share concepts here. I'm also sure we have many

with opinions...

..... ladies and gentleman who will take part in this experiment? Let's show what the PCGS forum can do together! Congress can't ignore a proposed bill by PCGS for a new coin concept can they?

The floor is now yours...

dollarsandcents · January 3, 2013 11:00AM

Have you ever seen anything that has been designed by a committee that was beautiful or successful?
Think about it. Every one from Frank Lloyd Wright to St Gaudens executed their designs on their own.

FaberCastell · January 3, 2013 12:12PM

What if this forum collaborated on a design for a new coin?

Fine. Anyone here possess a formal education and/or extensive training in the visual arts, particularly in bas-relief sculpture as it pertains to the manufacturing of coins? If no one qualifies, your prospects at best will achieve nothing more than to amass a countless number of personal opinions as to what constitutes good coin design within the narrowly defined set of aesthetics in which the numismatic community seems content to reside? It is very unlikely, of course, that such an effort will yield an excellent coin design of superb artistic merit.

BryceM · January 3, 2013 2:04PM

Despite the issues that come along with a committee, there are historical precedents of one or a few non-government people being instrumental in instigating a new design. The Peace dollar comes to mind. Good luck. Our present coinage is long overdue for a complete overhaul.

dcarr · January 3, 2013 4:30PM

I do this sort of thing all the time (conceive, design, sculpt, engrave, and mint my own "what if ?" coins).
Some people don't like some or all of them - some people really like most of them.
But one thing is sure - nobody would be really excited about them if they came from a committee.
So I don't like to work with anybody else, except possibly on commission jobs (where I usually do the design work anyway).

Here are a few such pieces that I've minted over the years:

ricko · January 4, 2013 1:21AM

I vote for a single designer - and preferably dcarr... he does amazing work. As to design by committee, look what happened to the SHQ's.....all committee work...and, for the most part, commercialized disasters. Cheers, RickO

derryb · January 4, 2013 1:42AM

could work - as long as it doesn't involve a budget or a deficit.

I suggest a coin that honors collectors.

kiyote · January 4, 2013 2:11AM

I'd go for a classically trained sculpturer if I were going to pick someone to design a coin. An art school nerd along the lines of Frank Lloyd Wright.

L1ncolnF4n · January 4, 2013 2:12AM

<< I do this sort of thing all the time (conceive, design, sculpt, engrave, and mint my own "what if ?" coins).
Some people don't like some or all of them - some people really like most of them.
But one thing is sure - nobody would be really excited about them if they came from a committee.
So I don't like to work with anybody else, except possibly on commission jobs (where I usually do the design work anyway).

Here are a few such pieces that I've minted over the years:

>>

I vote to make you lead sculptor at the US Mint and overhaul our current coins.

joeykoins · January 4, 2013 2:14AM

What a great idea! I think the mintage would be significant, according to each member,plus maybe,150,000?What do you think? Oh yes, I think dcarr,would be a great choice to design our thoughts!

WingedLiberty1957 · January 4, 2013 2:28AM

I like this U.S One Dollar Concept Coin submitted in the Golden Dollar contest ...

joeykoins · January 4, 2013 3:14AM

<< I like this U.S One Dollar Concept Coin submitted in the Golden Dollar contest ...

>>

Yes,that's a nice candidate,but I would add a 8th of an inch circle of silver,right in the center,ala 1792 coin.

FaberCastell · January 4, 2013 4:22AM

To quote myself:

<< ...your prospects at best will achieve nothing more than to amass a countless number of personal opinions as to what constitutes good coin design within the narrowly defined set of aesthetics in which the numismatic community seems content to reside. >>

And if the commentary and illustrated examples above are indicative of the hobby's definition of good design, I rest my case.

Unfortunately, what will continue to suffer with such attitudes is the gradual decline of contemporary American numismatic art (or lack thereof), which may forever remain mired in the neoclassical ideals of the 19th century, especially if the U.S. Mint continues to listen to the collector. Meanwhile, world coins will continue to advance into the 21st century by boldly embracing new ideas and new technology in coin design... art that reflects what's happening in the world TODAY.

@dcarr: Your work suggests a stronger interest in digital production methods than a serious study of aesthetics. Your designs lack originality and freshness of concept as most seem to imitate what already been accomplished in American coin design. Then again, perhaps that is your intention, to rehash old designs in your own personal way. Your layouts reflect a fairly good eye for visual balance, but you subject matter is weak and shows a fundamental lack of basic drawing skills.

carew4me · January 4, 2013 4:38AM

<< To quote myself:

<< ...your prospects at best will achieve nothing more than to amass a countless number of personal opinions as to what constitutes good coin design within the narrowly defined set of aesthetics in which the numismatic community seems content to reside. >>

And if the commentary and illustrated examples above are indicative of the hobby's definition of good design, I rest my case.

Unfortunately, what will continue to suffer with such attitudes is the gradual decline of contemporary American numismatic art (or lack thereof), which may forever remain mired in the neoclassical ideals of the 19th century, especially if the U.S. Mint continues to listen to the collector. Meanwhile, world coins will continue to advance into the 21st century by boldly embracing new ideas and new technology in coin design... art that reflects what's happening in the world TODAY.

@dcarr: Your work suggests a stronger interest in digital production methods than a serious study of aesthetics. Your designs lack originality and freshness of concept as most seem to imitate what already been accomplished in American coin design. Then again, perhaps that is your intention, to rehash old designs in your own personal way. Your layouts reflect a fairly good eye for visual balance, but you subject matter is weak and shows a fundamental lack of basic drawing skills. >>

Bob,
Thank you so much for this. Sometimes I find it difficult to crystallize the ironic absurdity that cocoons and defines the modern day message board cowboy.
Quick to criticize the work of others while accomplishing little of value themselves. I would love to juxtapose your contributions to our little hobby to that of the venerable Mr. Carr,
but all we have from you are 69 nuggets of wisdom. Mr. Carr has shown so many more cars than you, please give us more. After all your icon is an ugly horrid coin so you
must be holding back. Come on define "originality and freshness" for us all!

johnny9434 · January 4, 2013 5:25AM

<< I vote for a single designer - and preferably dcarr... he does amazing work. As to design by committee, look what happened to the SHQ's.....all committee work...and, for the most part, commercialized disasters. Cheers, RickO >>

WingedLiberty1957 · January 4, 2013 5:38AM

<< I find it difficult to crystallize the ironic absurdity that cocoons and defines the modern day message board cowboy.
Quick to criticize the work of others while accomplishing little of value themselves. >>

"modern day message board cowboy" ... LOL ... I love that

Makes me think of Biff Tannen from Back to the Future 3

dcarr · January 4, 2013 7:42AM

<< To quote myself:

<< ...your prospects at best will achieve nothing more than to amass a countless number of personal opinions as to what constitutes good coin design within the narrowly defined set of aesthetics in which the numismatic community seems content to reside. >>

And if the commentary and illustrated examples above are indicative of the hobby's definition of good design, I rest my case.

Unfortunately, what will continue to suffer with such attitudes is the gradual decline of contemporary American numismatic art (or lack thereof), which may forever remain mired in the neoclassical ideals of the 19th century, especially if the U.S. Mint continues to listen to the collector. Meanwhile, world coins will continue to advance into the 21st century by boldly embracing new ideas and new technology in coin design... art that reflects what's happening in the world TODAY.

@dcarr: Your work suggests a stronger interest in digital production methods than a serious study of aesthetics. Your designs lack originality and freshness of concept as most seem to imitate what already been accomplished in American coin design. Then again, perhaps that is your intention, to rehash old designs in your own personal way. Your layouts reflect a fairly good eye for visual balance, but you subject matter is weak and shows a fundamental lack of basic drawing skills. >>

Well, this is an example of why artists don't work well together. We are not "team players". It is a personal thing. And artists are notoriously jealous of others' success. But the US Mint still attempts to do it that way. In fact, for most issues, one artists draws the design and another one sculpts it. It shouldn't be that way.

You don't like it that I do some "neo-classical" designs. But on the other hand, you also don't like it that I use modern digital sculpting (which is the way things are today). I presume you prefer modern designs, produced using antiquated techniques ? The production method and the end result go hand-in-hand.

PS: I've done some pencil drawing in the past:

WingedLiberty1957 · January 4, 2013 8:30AM

dcarr, your artistic ability blows 95% + of us out of the water so don't sweat the few nay-sayers.
i like your coins too.
i have even bought a few

mudskippie · January 4, 2013 8:43AM

<< After all your icon is an ugly horrid coin so you
must be holding back. >>

His icon is way better than yours!

renman95 · January 4, 2013 8:44AM

DC, what do you call your 2013 design...Standing Bust?

dcarr · January 4, 2013 2:19PM

<< DC, what do you call your 2013 design...Standing Bust?

>>

You can certainly call it that. I call it Liberty & Puma.

Justacommeman · January 4, 2013 2:36PM

As a designer I concur that designing by committee is a bobsled ride to hell. Compromise breeds mediocrity.

I can also attest to the fact that designers do not have feelings. We just don't. Thank goodness.

I appreciate Daniels's work

MJ

AuroraBorealis · January 4, 2013 3:17PM

dcarr... Amazing!

AB

PCGSPhoto · January 4, 2013 4:50PM

I've doodled some coin designs now and again, and I've played around with some clay to see what goes into making a model for a coin. It was a lot of fun, but I need to brush up on some of my sculpting skills. Anyway I documented it in this flickr gallery here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/professionalcoingradingservice/sets/72157632278393731/

I like coins that look sculpted. A good modern example is the Mongolian wildlife series, particularly the Ural owl of 2011 (although the jeweled eyes are a wee bit cheesy).

FaberCastell · January 7, 2013 12:46AM

<< 

<< To quote myself:

<< ...your prospects at best will achieve nothing more than to amass a countless number of personal opinions as to what constitutes good coin design within the narrowly defined set of aesthetics in which the numismatic community seems content to reside. >>

And if the commentary and illustrated examples above are indicative of the hobby's definition of good design, I rest my case.

Unfortunately, what will continue to suffer with such attitudes is the gradual decline of contemporary American numismatic art (or lack thereof), which may forever remain mired in the neoclassical ideals of the 19th century, especially if the U.S. Mint continues to listen to the collector. Meanwhile, world coins will continue to advance into the 21st century by boldly embracing new ideas and new technology in coin design... art that reflects what's happening in the world TODAY.

@dcarr: Your work suggests a stronger interest in digital production methods than a serious study of aesthetics. Your designs lack originality and freshness of concept as most seem to imitate what already been accomplished in American coin design. Then again, perhaps that is your intention, to rehash old designs in your own personal way. Your layouts reflect a fairly good eye for visual balance, but you subject matter is weak and shows a fundamental lack of basic drawing skills. >>

Well, this is an example of why artists don't work well together. We are not "team players". It is a personal thing. And artists are notoriously jealous of others' success. But the US Mint still attempts to do it that way. In fact, for most issues, one artists draws the design and another one sculpts it. It shouldn't be that way.

You don't like it that I do some "neo-classical" designs. But on the other hand, you also don't like it that I use modern digital sculpting (which is the way things are today). I presume you prefer modern designs, produced using antiquated techniques ? The production method and the end result go hand-in-hand. >>

@dcarr: Since I was not offering you a personal opinion, it is suffice to say that I neither like your work nor dislike it. I was, however, presenting a qualified professional judgment that apparently you have chosen to reject. That is fine. In fact, your somewhat emotional reaction is typical of the average art student who rarely responds favorably to constructive criticism of their work. Perhaps, this problem is due to the fact that many of them tend to associate negative connotations to the word "criticism." This may be also be the reason why so few artists truly mature during their careers resulting in work that tends to stagnate, preferring instead to be complimented by family and friends while their work remains forever mired in mediocrity. Your response also indicates that you misunderstood my comments. There should be no preference (bias) for either traditional or contemporary coin design when assessing the quality of one's work. In addition, the production method used to produce said work should be whatever is the most appropriate for the design.

It is unfortunate and somewhat ironic that the numismatic community in this country continues to yearn for new and exciting designs from our mint, yet chooses to "assess" their current output through a narrow prism of aesthetic standards that is heavily skewed toward neoclassical ideals. The early 20th century designs that are so endeared today were nothing more than a reflection of that era's preference for neoclassical expressions in art and architecture, a period that has since been dubbed as the American Renaissance. Unfortunately for the lovers of that period, here in the 21st century, the dominant artistic styles have become far more eclectic. So, my question is, why shouldn't our coin designs reflect this diversity, a function it seems that they have always performed?

jayPem · January 7, 2013 2:07AM

@Ugly Hobo sounds suspiciously like an art student himself...perhaps his work is routinely and mercilessly ripped a "new one" by the denizens of some mean little art school somewhere or other ?

OTOH, much like hanging pictures up at the local coffeehouse, posting art on the internets invites critics to have their way...which brings me to my point, that I pretty much agree with most of what hobo nickel has to say...

NOT a fan of the modern digital sculpting look...our present day US coinage is kooky, I never look at it if I can help it.

Onedollarnohollar · January 7, 2013 10:46AM

There is some really good dialogue going on here. Debate is healthy and inspiring. I would love to see (from the various artists that reside here) some more contemporary designs. I personally don't know the

limitations of designing with digital sculpting vs. traditional but this is how I can learn the differences and appreciate them. I think the neo-classical designs have their place and shouldn't be discounted or

ignored on future coin designs but if you do look at some of the commemoratives minted in the 20's and 30's (1920's to 1930's that is) they do reflect the art nuveau / art deco influences of the era. What

is or would be the definition of today's modern art style ? Could it be translated onto a coin? Again, I'm hoping to see samples of other's concepts. No doubt that D. Carr is one of the leaders and more

respected (well deserved I might add) designers today. Let's keep the conversation going. So what if we don't all agree and can't really come to a consensus on a design? I just love sharing ideas.

dcarr · January 8, 2013 4:02AM

Here are some I did with "modern" technology contributing some of the elements:

Plotted mathematical functions:

Low-relief engraving of the Moon, combined with die polishing, to yield a photographic-look to the Moon image:

Holograms:

Partially-sunken relief:

Dot-matrix ghost image (portrait above horizon):

CaptHenway · January 8, 2013 4:09AM

<< 

<< DC, what do you call your 2013 design...Standing Bust?

>>

You can certainly call it that. I call it Liberty & Puma. >>

I thought it was "Una and the Puma!"

CaptHenway · January 8, 2013 4:10AM

Another hindrance to creative design is approval by committee.

You can compromise anything down to nothing.

dcarr · January 8, 2013 4:12AM

<< 

<< 

<< DC, what do you call your 2013 design...Standing Bust?

>>

You can certainly call it that. I call it Liberty & Puma. >>

I thought it was "Una and the Puma!"

>>

When used on Ameros, then yes "UNA & the Puma"

PS: UNA = Union of North America.

CaptHenway · January 8, 2013 4:15AM

<< 

<< 

<< 

<< DC, what do you call your 2013 design...Standing Bust?

>>

You can certainly call it that. I call it Liberty & Puma. >>

I thought it was "Una and the Puma!"

>>

When used on Ameros, then yes "UNA & the Puma"

PS: UNA = Union of North America. >>

I thought it was a great tribute to the "Una and the Lion" design. Does anybody have an image of it they can post?

design a coin

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