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How about a "Cultural Icons" series of US Quarters?
MrEureka
Posts: 24,416 ✭✭✭✭✭
It might generate a lot of new collectors and we could release one coin a month for eternity.
Andy Lustig
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
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If each was produced for only one month, there would probably be a lot more interest in the series.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
What about different renditions of Liberty like the platinum series?
Also, imagine if we allowed living persons and had coins for athletes and celebrities.
Why limit ourselves to just quarters?
Collector, occasional seller
Actually, as someone who did the state quarters, I burned out after awhile with the changing designs.
I think something that changes monthly would be a lot more trouble than it's worth.....the design aspect, the release, the complaints when "collectors" can't get them from their banks, who don't want to try to handle them as a special thing, the yearly sets (proof and mint), etc.
Since the quarters are meant to be circulating, I don't think it is that great of an idea to change designs all too often.
Maybe darkside, commem, and classic collectors feel differently....heck, maybe other modern collectors feel differently, but from this person who collects moderns, no thank you.
Then you get into the "cultural icons" and you have to deal with people who get upset or get too PC with it. Just imagine trying to figure out who deserves to be on it, and possibly who has more skeletons dug up to be complained about....
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
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Insert witicism here. [ xxx ]
the hobby needs less gimmicks
From a purely personal (and perhaps a tad selfish) point of view, if a series were to be done, I would like to see it themed on historical events... i.e. - American colonization, Independence, significant battles, Civil War, etc., etc., Being a history buff, that would attract me and likely others. Great teaching tool as well.... Cheers, RickO
And promote collecting more junk ? Let's make coins already worn out like we do jeans.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
how about we re-design US Coinage and keep Commemoration on a coin struck specifically for that purpose in a set limited mintage??
The Mint already had a similar program in the early 1980's. The American Arts gold medals inspired some of the Modern Commemorative silver and gold coinage, which haven't exactly set any numismatic records for sales. Maybe expanding that principle to circulating coinage would have some benefits toward increased participation in the hobby, but I expect that such designs would unfortunately be politicized, in which case the ends would not justify the means.
"Everything is on its way to somewhere. Everything." - George Malley, Phenomenon
http://www.american-legacy-coins.com
Aren't most coins junk, more or less? Seriously.
As for the appeal of the series, I think it would dwarf the State Quarters, or anything that might be based on our political and military history. Imagine kids trading quarters featuring their favorite stars. Coin collecting might even become cool again. And if the mintages were kept under control, there might even be some money to be made by the general public.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Sounds like a whole lot of free press for the hobby!
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Who's culture? Bing Crosby or Willie Nelson? I like them both, but your mileage may vary.
How bout a quarter series on the all the different commemorative coins the US has.......huh huh
hehehehee
Steve
It would probably prove popular with the general public. However, I would limit it to individuals who have been deceased for at least 25 years. "O Lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz, my friends all drive Porsches I must make amends ..." Hard to believe that Janis Joplin has been dead for more than 46 years, isn't it?"
I heard they're coming out with a Tom Brady quarter.
I do like your thinking, Andy. It is open-minded and not objectionable from the perspective you put it in. I'm all for what promotes our hobby across all cultures and cultural events that depict us as a people.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
Before they do anything, I think they need to stop for about 10 years to refresh the interest. If you asked your random person on the street, "What are on the currently released U.S. Quarters?"....I'm guessing most people wouldn't know. After 16 or 17 years(?) of randomly changing designs, nobody notices anymore.
The shark is well jumped by now, I guess they can give Potsie and Mrs. Cunningham a go at it, what's the difference anymore?
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Both would probably get a coin one day. No reason why not. Although I would stick with American icons.
There's really no need to limit the series to dead people. I can see not wanting to put a living politician on a coin, because that's too much like putting the king's head on a coin. And although Donald Trump does make for a glaring exception, cultural icons are generally not politicians.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
I think the series is best limited to one series. Quarters are the most obvious choice, because it follows the example of the State Quarters. But I could also see doing it on dollar coins IF the one dollar bill was discontinued. Actually, introducing the series and discontinuing the dollar bill at the same time might be a master stroke. The general public might actually welcome the change.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
The Turtles or John Coltrane. That'd work.
"Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working" Pablo Picasso
I think it might be a while before The Turtles make it on a coin. Unless, of course, you're talking about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. That could actually work.
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
make all national parks in the atb's then forget this all ever happened or might could happen again
Was the pun intended? lol
How about a "Cultural Icons" series of US Quarters?
Can we start with the Kardashians?
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
I'm presuming your post was tongue-in-cheek.
The mint should sell design options to companies and people and charge them to produce them.
Coca-Cola could order 500 million with their logo and Gordon Ramsey could order 10,000 Hell's Kitchen quarters and Kanye West could order 500.
Just think all the rarities that would be created and drive people mad who tried to collect them all.
As for the appeal of the series, I think it would dwarf the State Quarters
Andy, on its surface this seems logical, but it isn't necessarily true.
when the SHQ's first started it brought in new collectors and pumped some life into the Hobby, but if my experience counts that has changed. when it first began with a supposed ending at 2008 millions of sets were started with an anticipated conclusion. I can't tell you the number of "collectors" who have left or simply continued to add coins as the Mint has extended everything for years and years and years. many are exasperated and anxious for everything to end. they aren't "collecting" these coins, they are assembling them for grandchildren, etc, who really have no stake in the Hobby, and no interest in entering.
it is typical exploitation by the US Mint --- from States to Territories to National Parks and to where next??? I wish I could say that our little shop doesn't get asked the question often, but we do --- When will this program end??? we are asked the same thing about the Presidential coins --- Is it done yet???
people aren't stupid, they see themselves as having been duped when they finish a "collection" like these only to find it is worth face value. JMHO, this entire thing(SHQ's and Presidential coins) was a scam foisted on the populace. it brought in new collectors, but the wheel has turned and it has started to cost collectors, people who will leave never to return or speak a good word about Numismatics.
if our Uncle really wants to create interest without thinking about how much money can be made, a more reasoned approach should be taken. to be honest, all of these well intentioned efforts always fall victim to greed and end badly.
on a related note, we had someone offer us some Half-Ounce Gold yesterday, from those issues made in the early 1980's. we will buy them at 5% back of melt --- NOONE WANTS THEM. when we are able to buy them they go directly to the melting pile where we can get 98% and make a few dollars. history seems to show that these programs fail, so why get excited and try to start a new one???
It would be much easier to have the reverse of the quarter be electronic. That way, the design could change several times a day, and there could even be a space for advertising.
Take it one step further, there could be an audio capability, so that, for example, when you are near McDonalds, it could start playing "You Deserve a Break today" or whatever their song is now, to remind you to go spend that quarter.
Well...we have moved from the sublime to the ridiculous in themes.... and in reconsideration, I think I would just like the quarters to return to normal..... So many worry about adding people to the hobby... to me, that only makes sense if one is in the business of selling coins - i.e. increase the market size. To me, I would like to see the base shrink.... coins will become cheaper.... Yeah!! That's the ticket.....
Cheers, RickO
I rather like the idea.
The downside could be that an overproliferation of new designs could drown out interest, like happened to the stamp market. (Not that I know anything about the stamp market. I'm just sayin'...)
But yeah. I have nothing against circulating commemoratives. If they're base metal clad coins obtainable at face value, then heck, why not? I'll get an inexpensive folder and fill it, using finds from my change.
Pretty sure this whole thread is.
Collector, occasional seller
Oh, and I was hoping for a Tiny Tim quarter or at least to get a Joe Namath quarter back.
Elvis!!!!!!!!! NOT ONE BUT THREE! 1950s Elvis, 1960s comeback Elvis and 1970s Las Vegas Elvis.
How can you forget Elvis AND Nixon?
How about 1 new quarter a year, but a centennial of something cool that happened in the United States 100 years ago. Every year, something new - kind of a history lesson.
Nice pun, CK.
I vote for a total revamp of all our coinage with elimination of the cent and nickel, new small copper dime, new quarter, half, dollar, 2 dollar, 5 dollar, and everything larger as currency. New lady liberty designs for all the coins. New eagle designs for the reverses........... but nobody listens.......
947 new quarter designs accomplishes nothing. 50 was perfect and sufficient.
Celebrities could be tied in with states such as:
Indiana - Site of Elvis' last concert.
New York - Elvis at Madison Square Garden.
Hawaii - Site of Elvis' last concert in the early 1960's (he took an eight year break and worked on movies).
California - 31 different quarters - one for each of Elvis' movies.
Mississippi - Elvis' birthplace.
Tennessee - Graceland, Elvis' home and burial site.
The list goes on and on ...
I'm ready to start actively collecting again.
I'd limit it to maybe one design a year.
Of potential interest would be what would happen if the celebrity went down the public relations toilet X years after the coin was introduced. For example what if a O. J. Simpson coin had been introduced the year after he set the single season rushing record... or what if one had been made of Bill Cosby sometime during his Huxtable's run? Given America, I actually suspect the value of the coins would increase...
U.S. Type Set
Didn't the USPS take a stab at this type of plan with the Elvis,Marilyn Monroe, and other movie/music/other American icons? Wonder how many new stamp collectors were cultivated with this program of releases.
It is difficult for me to not rant about movie stars and singers/musicians as 'cultural icons' when real hero's go barely noticed if at all. I better stop here.... Cheers, RickO
RickO, you stop and I promise to not get started!!
OK then, if not quarters how about gold coins?
Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.
Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
Soon enough...Lol...
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State Quarters,
American Women's Quarters,
Youth Sports Quarters(soon)...
"The United States Mint will kick off a new four-year quarter program in 2027, celebrating youth sports across the nation. Authorized under the Circulating Collectible Coin Redesign Act (Public Law 116-330)"...
https://www.coinnews.net/2025/01/30/u-s-mint-invites-americans-to-help-shape-youth-sports-coin-designs/
Enough already.