The United States Mint has released the design candidates for this year’s upcoming 2015 High Relief Gold Coin and Silver Medal. Today and next week, these designs will be reviewed by the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA) and Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) in separately held meetings.
Last year, the CCAC had given their enthusiastic support for high relief gold coins and silver medals to be produced by the United States Mint. The new program was viewed as a historic initiative that could potentially fulfill former US Mint Director Edmund Moy’s calls for a neo-Renaissance in American coin design.
The obverse design for the coin and medal would contain a modern rendition of Liberty, while the reverse would carry a depiction of an eagle. The gold coins would be produced under the authority granted to the Secretary of the Treasury under 31 U.S.C. § 5112(i)(4)(C) to mint and issue gold bullion or proof coins with broad discretion over coin specifications, designs, quantities, denominations, and inscriptions. The authority for the silver medals would come under 31 U.S.C. § 5111(a)(2) which provides the Secretary with broad authority to strike national medals and other medals.
Shown below are the 25 different obverse and 16 different reverse design candidates provided by the United States Mint for the 2015 High Relief Gold Coin. A matching set of design candidates were also provided for the 2015 High Relief Silver Medal, which omit the inscription of the denomination. Coverage of the CFA and CCAC’s meetings will be forthcoming on CoinUpdate.com.
cagcrisp says
Not in Any Specific Order for the Obverse: 15,16,17,18, 22, 23, 24, 25
Reverse: I really like 1, 2
Keep Calm & Stack On says
🙁
cagcrisp says
@Keep Calm & Stack On, R U saying 0% x 51% = 0%?
Keep Calm & Stack On says
cag – that’s funny.., yeah, that’s a 51% on the Reverse, I’m sorry but there’s one Obverse that will entice me to cash out $1,600+ and I’m not expecting to see that one be approved. But hey, that’s me.., hope more of you all find them appealing. But what’s up with the angel wing’s, struck me as odd.., they go better on a VS model
PRF Herc is up on PM
Dustyroads says
Not thrilled at first…Hettie Anderson withdraws, but I picked O-22 and R-8. O-22 with her inclined position will be a little too risque for the Mint, so I’m guessing the Mint will choose…O-18 and R-8. The Mint will want to choose a design for the obverse that depicts Liberty leading in a new generation or world.
Keep Calm & Stack On says
Dusty – hope you’re right about O-18, that would be a winning choice, imho. Some very impressive R designs
thePhelps says
Not sure I have any favorites… a lot of these seem overly ambitious. Maybe 21 and 5…
On the plus side if they issue 19… we won’t need a new Zombuck… since that one is only a step or two from being one. Doesn’t she already look like a Zombie and a few touches to her gown and a crumbling whitehouse in the rear is all we need.
G says
I like 18-20-23 with 13. This promised to look really beautiful. Now- how about that palladium coin?
G says
“Promises”
A&L Futures says
O-23/24
R-1
MikeinPA says
21 o and 01r, would be a real nice looking coin
Tom says
There most all horrible, just drop the program, it confuses me?
medal for What? Unless they want a new design for the eagle.
If so yes the eagle itself has wings but not lady lberty also…
like some victoria secret runway model Not.
Most of these designs are just horrible.
I say scrap the whole Idea.
Zephin says
R-10 and R-13….. nah on the obverse design 🙁
POP says
I think it’s great that the mint & Treasury Secretary are apparently bypassing congress and coming up with something new, different and maybe a nice design for the collecting community.
Been hoping for this since the issuance of the high relief St Gaudens double eagle of a few years back (with thanks to former mint director Ed Moy).
IMO several of the proposed designs look good. Wondering why the Ag is a medal and not a coin – probably some technical loophole.
Louis says
obverse 20 is the only one I really like. some others might work if the angels or wings were removed.
for reverse, 1 or 2 no brainer.
time to contract this stuff out to European designers. I know the French Mint or Polish Mint could come up with something better. compare this to the Mesopotamia coin that came out recently from the Polish Mint. no comparison
CW says
Yuck. Who knew Beyonce was the prototypical lady liberty for some of those? Leave Lady liberty alone. She doesn’t need PC updating. Who are these CCAC winners? Do any of them live outside the beltway or even associate with common people? I would love to be a fly on the wall. I am guessing they are a bunch of Washington elites.
fmtransmitter says
22 thru 25 on the obv so far…gonna look more later…these are beautiful!
fmtransmitter says
I would suggest not rushing and take ya’lls time and THINK what UHR will look like RAISED on a coin coming off the canvass the best….
Ends in Error says
I won’t comment on any specific designs but if a couple of those really off the wall ones were to get approved I would no longer support anything the US Mint put out. Id either collect British Coins or stop collecting entirely.
fmtransmitter says
08 on the rev would look stunning with a few tweaks…But the blankness actually may look gorgeous in the mirror like fields…This is gonna be one expensive coin…
fmtransmitter says
Princess Dianna on the 13 obv..
Larry says
Not sure I would shell out big bucks for any of them. I would have to see them first. Can you say “craziness at the 2015 ANA”?
I will probably wait for the 2016 Mercury Dime, Walking Liberty Half, and Standing Liberty Quarter gold coins. I would pay the bucks for those.
Hawkster says
Rather than these contemporary images being proposed for Lady Liberty, I much prefer Saint Gauden’s classic rendering on the 2009 ultra high relief double eagle. Alright, I realize that several of the proposed images show a good looking Ms. Liberty in provocative, form fitting outfits. But I think they’re more appropriate for fashion magazines than being depicted on a coin.
I’m very happy with my 2009 UHR. I don’t feel any compulsion to dive into a purchase of the 2015 version, which will be a lot more expensive than the $1,189 initial offering price of the ’09.
I think the Mint is offering up the new ’15 version as a sort of consolation prize for those who somehow missed acquiring the first one.
SilverFan says
25O/1R
Scott says
@ Hawkster, The best consolation prize would be a UHR version of St. Gaudens $10 Indian. It’s too bad the mint officials aren’t smart enough to come to that conclusion.
CaptainOverkill says
Louis,
Agree with pretty much everything you said. Most of the reverse/eagle design candidates seem to be pretty good, but this crop of liberty obverses is very uninspired to say the least. Only 16 and 20 seem to be any good. 14 is unobjectionable I guess…
It’s a big letdown after some of the quality stuff you had lead me to in the past few months, especially the 2014 Britannia and the Mesopotamia coin. I was really hoping for and expecting better than what’s being offered up here.
Louis says
I agree the designs are rather disappointing, but it is not because the CCAC is full of “Washington elites.” That is an easy accusation to throw around whenever you don’t like something, but it does not bear out in this case. First of all, these are the designs the Mint’s artists produced. the CCAC only reviews the designs it receives and makes recommendations. It do es not prepare them and will review them next week. second, go to the CCAC.gov site and look up the members and what their backgrounds are: business owners, academics who are numismatists, city administrators, etc. and esp. Heidi Wastweet, who is one of the most renowned medallic artists in the world. She has produced thousands of coins and medals, including the Zombucks many of you like. Quite frankly I know she could make something better, but she can’t because she is on the committee that reviews the designs.
Louis says
Also don’t blame the Mint for not using classic designs. It is the Mint’s idea to do the gold classics in 2016, and they have proposed classic designs on the platinum coins. it is the CCAC which feels the classics have been overused on modern issues. The Mint is very aware that buyers want more classics. If they do the silver medal separately, I’d get that probably, but that is it. Remember they can also reject all of them and ask for better designs.
Dustyroads says
Louis~ R-1 is the nicest looking design in my opinion, but the eagle is not carrying the arrows in this one. In R-2 the design is altered to the point of not looking as nice as the R-1 after the addition of the arrows. R-8 grabbed my attention, but does remind me a little of the US Postal Service eagle, which may not work. I like your pick of O-20, but the sun appears to compete for center stage.
Keep Calm & Stack On says
In reading through the initial comments thus far, most seem to either fall into one of 1 of 4 categories of:
Positive,
Cautiously Optimistic,
Neutral or Indifference, or
Negative
With the median swaying between Neutral or Indifference, & Negative (which is my subjective take)
A lot hangs in the balance on this one (& and it’ll be determined by that Obverse design chosen)…, hope we end with with a Win-Win by this summer. If not, that frees up $1650-$1,850 for vaca!
Dustyroads says
Why is everyone referring to these as UHR’s? The Mint is calling these high reliefs.
Keep Calm & Stack On says
thePhelps – you have an uncanny sense of humor sometimes.., & pretty much right on the mark! I’m thinking I may have to double down on the last three Zeeks, they may be saving the best for last.
Dustyroads says
KCSO~ A lot of the popular coins of the past did not begin that way, they were hated by many. The Morgan silver dollar was very hated in the beginning, and as I have said before, the Pan Pac gold coin was hated as well. Give these designs some time.
Louis says
Dusty- good pts. I agree 20 is busy, but remember they can recommend changes. these are like first drafts. one of the things they do in the meetings is say well, add this or make that smaller, or get rid of something. I think some version of 1 or 2 for the reverse is very likely as they already showed a strong preference for this design.
some of the sexy Lady Libs are pretty wild. would work for privately issued medals or something but does seem out of place here as others noted.
ips_stuff says
Off topic, but looking for some opinions
Do you think position “A” or Position “B” will matter at all for the long term prospects for coins that have letter on edge. I am focused on the 2014 C&C enhanced dollar and trying to determine “keepers” for long terms. Assuming identical condition.
Thanks for comments.
Most of mine appear to be position “B”
CaptainOverkill says
Louis,
For some of these, 11 and 12 especially, I think the artist might have had a fashion model pose as a basis for the picture.
Hawkster says
The following are my opinions of some of the obverse designs:
#2. It looks like this young woman just came out of a New York City souvenir store after purchasing
a green foam Lady Liberty crown after she visited the Statue of Liberty.
#10. Ms. Liberty is strutting her stuff in a sheer dress while using the heraldic shield to hide her
pubic patch.
#14. This is not Lady Liberty. It is Lady Warrior.
#19. Lady Liberty is running with the torch as part of an Olympic Torch relay.
#24. Ms. Liberty, replete wth angel wings, is walking down the runway in a Victoria’s Secret fashion
show.
Louis says
I think it takes time to digest these things, and it helps to see the full sized versions. 21 and 22 for the obverse are quite suitable for the program with some tweaks, and 5 is actually a nice design but for a different program esp. if you like attractive middle-aged women as I do. 21 does resemble the Saint Gaudens obverse to a degree, but the branch should be smaller, and to sun too. I’d like to wait and see what they do next week and what the final selections are before making any decisions.
As for non-white Liberty depictions, I don’t think it is pc to try something different. It just has to be good. Like how about a Latina Lady Liberty? Or a Native American or whatever?
Hidalgo says
1. We all have different tastes. If I were to pick one design for the obverse and reverse, I would choose:
Obverse: 20-C
Reverse: 09-C
2. The silver product will be a MEDAL. I wonder how much demand there will be for it.. Generally, medals do not sell as well as COINS on the secondary market…..
whatajoke says
Lady Liberty? What a JOKE……
http://humansarefree.com/2014/04/the-secret-worship-of-illuminati-statue.html
VA Bob says
So as not to upset the PC police, I’ll just comment on the reverse. Anything but the cartoon like 06 and 07. These look like clip art. 01 looks good.
Louis says
#14 obv needs a caption that says “make my day”!
Sith says
One or two of the designs are stunning some are fuggy, most are just uninspired, with the price of gold going back up and Jackie O on the way I’m on the fence with this coin.
Dustyroads says
Hawkster~ Now I understand where the wings come from!
O-14 is from a TV series I watched a couple times 20 years back, I forget the name, very funny at best.
Louis says
Wonder Woman?
fmtransmitter says
I think the Mint is offering up the new ’15 version as a sort of consolation prize for those who somehow missed acquiring the first one.
@Hawkster: Perth guy…
fmtransmitter says
Generally, medals do not sell as well as COINS on the secondary market…..
Hidalgo , are you assuming most buy thinking about what sells? If I did that, I wouldn’t be into Numismatics that is for sure! I can think of a hundred other things I would buy and flip before coins/medals…IMHO
stephen m says
Lots of choices. It’s 2015, lets scrap all these and come back with a topless lady liberty. All joking aside I’ll say all these designs make the 2009 UHR look fantastic in comparison. I’ll be open minded and see what we get.
fmtransmitter says
Good grading 101 by PCGS video I found, hope it helps any new collector or old timer!
http://youtu.be/Apn-kYEl-Xw?list=PLnCC8P-KXc-ASDIcv4wTKlKybsMfkYZZV
GoldFishin says
double me @ 🙁
Ask yourself an honest question…which of these obverses looks like a modern rendition of lady liberty? Then proceed cautiously.
There are several reverses I could choose, but I find no clear winner for the obverses. There seems to be something amiss with all of them. Disappointing doesn’t even begin to express how I feel. I was really looking forward to this offering. Given the choices presented I would choose the simplicity of O-7 as first choice, subject is beautiful and well centered, not too busy. O17 and O18 are acceptable, but there is nothing modern about them. O15-18 seems to have inspiration from Marcantonio’s famous ” The Guardian Angel”. O-20 would be second choice, but again not modern in my opinion and the thighs and feet are linebacker like. When these modern designers take inspiration from classical artists, they need to understand that renaissance angels were frequently male. Also “healthy” women were deemed more attractive, I guess you could make the argument that a modern liberty would love fast food and be a little overweight. 😉
Reverses R-1, R-2, R-3….in that order.
Unless some sort of miracle happens, it looks like the US Mint just saved me some money, it is a shame, I really like some of the reverses.
Curt Applegate says
The draped bust dollar with Anne Bingham would be a winner on a high relief.
Keep Calm & Stack On says
Hawkster – I need your help here Bro…, I’m missing a few connections…
connect the dots between this link http://img2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20130821135815/disneyprincess/images/1/1a/Picture2qewd.png & your 5:36 PM
Keep Calm & Stack On says
Thanks GF, again, the voice of reason, – good luck all!
Hidalgo says
@fmtransmitter – based on comments on this blog, I know many readers are interested in mint products for their resale value. Personally, I plan to buy one silver medal. I am not so sure about the gold coin. I’ll have to wait until I get more details….
Dustyroads says
I can’t be the only one who thinks there’s a possibility that the Mint is changing the design for the Gold Eagle…
cagcrisp says
@Dustyroads, I HOPE they change the design of the AGE
Keep Calm & Stack On says
Hidalgo, “…more details”..? – 1 oz .9999 Au, HR, $1,640+, same O/R design, ANA August release, – you in, or out? You made a heck of a lot of money in the stock market last year, so why the indecisiveness? Just trying understand if I may be missing something…
Ikaika says
HR-O-15-C with HR-R-11-C.
There are some great designs here, but most of the Obverse ones (1-14) are terrible!!! The Reverse 7 reminds me of the Indian Head gold coin.
Hidalgo says
@Keep Calm & Stack On – if you can tell me what obverse and reverse designs will be selected and also, how the coin will look in proof and uncirculated finishes, I can tell you whether or not I’ll buy the gold coin. I add U.S. Mint products to my collection primarily for the beauty of the artwork. Resale value is secondary. I am a coin collector, not a precious metal investor.
BearMetal says
Obverse: HR-O-11C or HR-O-12C.
Reverse: HR-R-02C or HR-O-16C.
Dave SW FL says
Reverse 06 looks like an old airmail stamp
I am finding these uninspiring. Let’s see how they clean them up and how the struck coins look.
For now, I’ll be saving for the Jackie First Spouse.
Leo S. says
None of the ladies are good enough to put on our nations coins. I will not be purchasing this one unless they put the Eagle on Both sides. All the entries look week and very Hollywood like. For the most powerful nation in the world, these entries wouldn’t scare Granada.
Hawkster says
O.K., if I had to choose one obverse design, the question would be: How would it look on the actual high relief coin? Using that criterion, I am heavily leaning toward #21. A pretty woman with perky breasts popping through that sheer, clingy dress won me over instantly. Just imagine those in high relief.
Of course #24 uses this same model, the difference being, with those wings, she works for Victoria’s Secret.
But, I still have no intention of buying the ’15 high relief.
D Rittenhouse says
I suspect there’s a lot of standard heraldic symbolism going on in some of these designs which just passes right over my head.
Maybe someone who DOES understand can explain/elaborate the meanings of the symbols in:
HR=O-16-C – There are Ten Stars depicted. Why? And what does the muscular naked little cherub symbolize?
HR-O-18-C – There are Thirteen stars circling the globe (got it) but then there are seven more larger stars. What do they signify. And, again, why is that little muscular naked cherub there again?
JagFan says
@Louis – Wonder Woman in High Relief, Oh My!
Heck what about one pf the Zombucks designs?
Tinto says
@D Rittenhouse
Yeah, that naked little dude on 4 of the obverses (15,16, 17, 18) bugged me too … what does it stand for? And why did lady liberty sprout wings on some of the designs? Is it something to do with the X Men or something?
For me I’d just take O 14 (provided she’s grasping the sword not leaning on it) along with R2 … but looks like I’ll skip the gold here and maybe buy one silver medal … it seems the Mint is going to keep me from spending much on their products this year …. unless there is a surprise like an EU mint set …
Hawkster says
Most of you should remember the TV show from the 90’s entitled, Xena: Warrior Princess. Xena (played by the very lovely Aussie, Lucy Lawless) always carried a sword. She would, therefore, be my candidate for the Lady Warrior inspiration on design #14.
Actually, I was always partial to Xena’s great looking, blond sidekick, Gabrielle. She was played by Renee O’Connor.
Bob R says
I really don’t care for any of the O’s but O-19 is interesting. I do like the R-07
A Bob says
I would vote down all of the obverse designs. Start over. The reverse designs include many that I would purchase.
Tinto says
@Hawkster
Oh yes! Xena … now it would be a winner for me if the Mint used Xena’s costume …. 😉
The blond sidekick was a great looker too
Clark says
We shouldn’t be shocked at the Mint’s inability to put beautiful women on coins and medals. These are, after all, the same folks who torture first spouse images each year. Speaking of which,
@Louis (and anyone else)–Have you formed an opinion on: 1) Why 2014 bronze first spouse medals sold out so fast; and 2) Why they seem to be so popular? There really haven’t been that many for sale on the secondary mkt. I’ve collected all spouse coins and medals since ’07 and have all ’14 medals, but that they were all scooped up and now are hard to find is a real head scratcher for me.
John c says
O 20 R 1 If the sun could have some more detail to it I think they would have a decent design.
John c says
Clark, they must be the same people who bought all of the Harrison dollar rolls, remember those they were selling for hundreds of dollars each. I don’t think that mystery has ever been solved either.
Hawkster says
Clark,
Is your question to Louis actually a self-serving attempt to hype and drive up the price of your awesome bronze First Spouse medals?
Relax, I’m only kidding.
KCSO says
Gf – in lieu of good Obverses & pigskin this weekend: http://youtu.be/OTRmyXX6ipU A coin is mentioned, so a check in the On Topic box.
Clark says
John c–Perhaps so. I wonder what those Harrison rolls are worth today?
Hawkster–good one.
I started collecting yesterday says
Hello. I sure started collecting at an exciting time in US coin history. I agree with what Louis said at 5:39. I think a combination of 1 and 3 would be bold and appropriate. Else, 21 looks good. I collect because I enjoy art history and I think the Mint produces some of the best American art (most of the time). Thanks for the forum.
Louis says
@Clark- To be honest I don’t have a good answer. they just seem to have produced a small number and pulled them very early. I have the rest of the bronze series but I was asleep at the wheel on these. i think it was one of the Mint’s end of the year surprises/presents to those who pay attention.
@I started collecting…..welcome to the hobby of kings and enjoy, have fun, etc. If I may offer one bit of advice read and learn as much as you can. We all make mistakes with this stuff, but the more you learn, the more fun you will have. Those who take the greatest interest in what they buy and collect tend to also reap the best financial rewards, but it is best to be motivated mainly by your love of the coins, designs, etc.
Dustyroads says
Hawkster~ Xena, that’s the one 14 looks like.
Hawkster says
Dusty,
Yeah, I pretty much thought that Xena was the TV show you were trying to remember, not Wonder Woman, as Louis had suggested. Linda Carter, who played Wonder Woman, was also a good looking woman.
Clark says
Louis–Thanks. I don’t know how accurate the Mint’s weekly sales updates are, but sales of the listed pres/spouse sets look similar to 2013. Maybe the four medal sets were short runs, but the report isn’t showing them. The price drop to $9.95 is the only logical reason I can think of, but not a good one. Another mystery.
Louis says
sorry, not up on my female superheroes. definitely Xena- warrior princess, which I never saw once. maybe this is a tie-in with the new Avengers and Batman coins. Not!
Tinto says
The more I look at O-14 the more I like it. Something different from the Liberty versions I’ve been seeing. It’s like a kick butt Liberty who wouldn’t mind using a little tough love here and there in defense of freedom …. IMO
EvilFlipper says
Awful…..just awful. Do we have any sculptors here in America anymore?
OutStanDing says
Seems like the two key criteria here are ‘modern’ and ‘UHR’. Of the obverses, O-08 is the most modern, but personally i think O-12 would look best in UHR.
R-16 would look spectacular in UHR, and the rimless design makes it the most ‘modern’ design IMO. R-13 and R-08 both have promise, and I like the retro coin look of R-07.
If I got to pick, I’d go with O12 and R-16. That’s a winner.
The Real "Cool" Dave says
No comment.
rpk says
Can’t find an obverse design that I really like (maybe O-21), but I think R-03 would look spectacular on a high relief coin. Very powerful image, and the head could really stand out because of the high relief. This is one that I don’t think would work well on a regular relief coin.
The Real "Cool" Dave says
@jhawk92
Sent e-mail just now.
I started collecting yesterday says
Having thought about it, I think my final answer for the obverse is replacing the model on O-02 with the model in O-03. Maybe you have seen Frank Miller’s iconic image in “Give me Liberty.” That would be a great image, but I’m sure there will be talk about how it wont sell because “liberty doesn’t look like liberty” and all that kind of talk. R-05 best reverse.
The Real "Cool" Dave says
Know this about me folks — sometimes on this site, I can be drop dead serious and then again other times just not all that serious. Having said that —
“Now its time to say goodbye to all our company.”
“M-I-C-K-E-Y . . . M-O-U-S-E” — (Mickey Mouse), U.S . MINT,
M-I-N-T . . . N-E-W-S . . . B-L-O-G (Mint News Blog),
Come along and sing our song and join our family . . .
G O O D N I G H T A L L !
J. Allen says
For a more modern look, and my first choice, Obverse #2 with Reverse #7 would be a compelling coin/medal.
Others I like: Obverse: #9 would be be a much softer, yet interesting coin, #20 a more traditional look, #14 appears tough, hard and warlike and probably most befitting of our country, and #4 would make a handsome change. Reverse: #5, and either #1 or #2, #11 & #16 are okay too.
Western Sage says
I like the promise these designs show for new and innovative US coin designs. My choices would be O-15-C and R-02-C. They are quintessentially American, stylistic, forceful, idealistic and with a view toward a long, bright and exciting future.
Erik H says
How about using R-07 or R-08 from the proposed platinum reverses found here https://mintnewsblog.com/2014/10/2015-2016-american-platinum-eagle-reverse-design-candidates/
Erik H says
Otherwise I like O-7 (maybe remove crown), O-21, O-22
Hawkster says
“Cool” Dave,
Despite your almost nightly public service sign-offs and good nights into the wee hours of the morning ( at least on the east coast), other commenters sometimes attempt to keep it going around the clock. I guess it goes to show that the MNB never sleeps and can’t be put to bed for the night.
But keep it going anyway. At the very least, you give the MNB a nap.
Larry says
Received the mint’s US Marshals blurb in the mail and I must say the pics in this advertisement make the coins really look great. So my heart is telling me get the three coin set, even though my brain is telling me “you know these coins probably won’t go up in value”. But boy the eagle on the reverse of the gold coin sure is spectacular!
SalivateMetal says
For my take on these designs and the Walmart tie in, Watch the video I posted on this article on youtube. Search Salivatemetal. 🙂
JohnS says
Now, I see why they have stuck with the classic designs!
Clark says
@SalivateMetal–Thanks for all your work. Many here started watching your channel last year when you unveiled the at-the-time unseen Baseball Hall of Fame gold, silver and clad coins. Your silver stacking techniques have taught me some new tricks as well.
jj says
@ Larry – i agree, those marshals coins look very nice. i will be getting them 🙂 the eagle on the gold is great…plus i like the blindfolded liberty on the half
Ends in Error says
Evil Flipper
I tend to believe the only sculptors left in the USA are Action Figure designers. But then those designers might actually be Chinese.
wonker says
22 is almost PORN
MarkInFlorida says
Wow, there are some fugly designs. I would buy most any gold coin, but not if it’s that bad. Hopefully the Mint has learned that politically correct designs don’t get many buyers. Do they want to sell a lot of coins and make a big profit, or appease the complainers?
VA Bob says
Since this will be a UHR, metal flows during striking will have to be considered. While gold is more forgiving than silver, I believe the Mint will ultimately pick a least busy design. One of the biggest complaints about the 2009 UHR was the small diameter required to make up the thickness. I’d almost rather they skip the UHR for the larger canvas of an HR coin, as I doubt they would use two ounces of gold. Of course Mint we are still waiting for that gold Union. 😉
gary says
No question for me… I’d buy a No. 25 in a fluttering heartbeat!
TimTom says
I wouldn’t mind seeing obverse 19 (without the Capitol in the background and the tree) paired with reverse 7 (as mentioned, obviously a throwback to Indian eagle reverses)
@DRittenhouse – I think the 10 stars are an easier way to symbolize the 50 states. I think each point on the star can be though of as a state, rather than having 50 smaller stars cluttering the design
@ALL – Did anyone not think O-5 and to a lesser extent O-6 were modeled after Angelina Jolie? I sure did.
charles says
vabob…these will not be uhr, but hr
gary says
IMHO… It probably won’t matter which designs are finally selected.
In the end, because of it’s novelty, the gold coin at least will sell very well.
Ugly designs or not I’d guess that most MNB readers will buy one or multiples for flipping fodder.
Ends in Error says
Will these HR things be as hyped up as the MLB HOF Coins? Might be too much of a flood overhanging the market. I’ll probably be waiting to order 3000 of the 2015 C&C Sets. 😉
Zephin says
I love reading the comments…. To Wonker….LMAO!
VA Bob says
Charles – dang, I missed that in the article, thanks for pointing it out. Must have been all the talk about a UHR in the recent past. I still believe they will go uncluttered, especially because of the silver properties. Seems a little strange to make a both a coin and medal with the same design. While a silver medal makes it more affordable for collectors, just the fact that it would be a medal and not a coin without numismatic value make it less collectable. We’ll see what happens.
The Real "Cool" Dave says
The Mint doesn’t know what the hell they are doing in my opine.
achmed says
The liberty on 22 is a beautiful woman. But I think they will not choose it. What a pity.
Pool Shark says
Obverse: #12
Reverse: #8
Should look great on a UHR…
fmtransmitter says
I had to Google cherub…doh
Teach says
Why do so many people think it is an Ultra High Relief coin when the mint states it is only a High Relief coin? Do they think the mint will come out with a UHR even though they state HR? Maybe it is like the C&C sets where the mint didn’t mention EU? Just trying to figure out if people really think there might be a UHR.
SalivateMetal says
@ Clark, thank you so much. I appreciate your kind words.
Hawkster says
Teach,
I think it is just a number of collectors longing for the good ole days (2009), when the Mint actually made an ultra high relief gold coin. They can’t let go. Several commenters even called the 2014 Kennedy Silver Set ultra high relief. It wasn’t.
Hawkster says
In light of the various likes and dislikes in regard to the obverse and reverse designs, I think the Mint should customize this gold HR offering, similar to the way customers buy Subway sandwiches. You want obverse #9 paired with reverse #2? No problem. When you order the coin, just check the appropriate boxes. Hey, this way everyone will be a happy customer.
cagcrisp says
Dang. I don’t read all the posts so this might have been mentioned, the CFA recommended 3 and 11 for Obverse and 1 and 10 for the Reverse.
3 and 4 would be the LAST 2 choices I would recommend…
If they Choose 3 for Obverse and 10 for Reverse, All you Low Mintage guys will get another Low Mintage coin…
Dang…
Rob says
If that is the case I will not purchase one. Poor choices on the Obverse design IMO.
fmtransmitter says
Well, can someone clarify the difference in the UHR and HR for anyone not knowing?
Keep Calm & Stack On says
cag – And it just might work to the benefit of me (others), I like it when I can decisively say early on that I do not like a coin design and strike it from the budget. I suspect the CCAC will be somewhere between the CFA recommendations and the more popular ones folks call out above…, so as GF put it, it’ll take a ‘miracle’ for me spend it on this coin now (or so it may appear). Oh well.
fmtransmitter says
Being in the sunshine state, some of you may remember me asking for the Panther to be on the everglades quarter. Well, we didn’t get that but good ol mcm got 1000 made by Perth for the FUN show. I am proud to own a coin. With such an endangendangered and magnificent species of large cat, Puma concolor. She came purring today and it is a very very nice coin I must say…
Hawkster says
Fm,
As a specific example in differentiating between gold HR and UHR, Lady Liberty’s cup size will appear one or two sizes larger in UHR as opposed to HR.
cagcrisp says
If the Mint reads this blog, I don’t want them to get the wrong idea. If Either of the two Obverses that the CFA chose are used you can count me in on………………2016 Gold Walking Liberty and 2016 Gold Mercury Dime.
NO HR 2015 Liberty for me….
thePhelps says
cag – given that the mint issued the CRA coin last year and almost no one wanted it because they decided on a design collectors had no interest in… it appears they are now trying to find even more ways to lose collectors.
With the past few commemorative issues it is becoming obvious they are about design for themselves as artists and not about designs that collectors will enjoy.
I started back to collecting more classic coins last year and it looks like I’ll have more money to do so based on the ATB selections and now these. I’ll get my Marshals early and sit on my money for a while…
jeff says
100K Ultra High, Really High, Somewhat High, Maybe High Relief gold. News Flash U.S. Mint don’t waste your time, effort or material these are dead on arrival.
Hawkster says
The Phelps,
I think many collectors will be adopting your philosophy of bypassing this 2015 HR offering and, instead, turning their sights to the 2016 classic renditions. Hey, we might as well save our bucks for offerings that we really like–especially when the offerings involve large sums of money.
cagcrisp says
@thePhelps, I was thinking the same thing. Did they not learn their lesson from the CR coins? No interest = No sales. It’s not that hard to figure. Give the customer what he wants or lose customers. I said last year that if the Mint didn’t change things they would lose me as a customer. I will keep after my Gaudens and save up for 2016…
high low silver says
Last 10 OBV are good
CaptainOverkill says
ThePhelps,
I’m presently taking a “wait and see” approach. The final product often tends to look better than design proposals, artist mockups, or even stock photos show.
I do have to admit I am considering the idea, though. I am planning on buying all the US Marshal coins, and when Jackie Kennedy comes out I am planning to get both the proof and uncirculated versions, so that is a significant chunk of change. Then there’s the computer upgrade I was planning for this year… maybe I should invest in a few lotto tickets. 😉
thePhelps says
I’d go with lotto tickets CO… you can’t win if you don’t play! 🙂
Dustyroads says
high low silver~ i thought about you just yesterday, was wondering why you haven’t poked your head up lately.
Dustyroads says
CaptainOverkill~ Being that it’s an expensive coin, and now leaning towards being an ugly one, your plan of attack will probably be implemented by most of the rest of the hopefuls as well.
Dave SW FL says
You really have to look at these in full screen. Here’s my take:
1 Classic Statue portrait but needs wrinkle cream
2Ostrich neck
3OMG WHO IS HER HAIRDRESSER
4 Ditto #3 but with eyelash problems
5 Angelina? And too much ferns
6 better than 5 but who really has that much hair ? Is it the 80s again?
7I actually like this one
8 very nice but fix the eyebrows and excess facial hair. Like the eagle
9 way too busy for me. Flame from the palm of her hand – magician?
Dave SW FL says
10 cityscape? Dirt erosion?funky landscape. YUCK
11 not bad
12 very attractive
13 pageant anyone?
14Warrior. Girl
15 eyes closed? That baby must eat at Mickey Ds 3-4 x a day. Nipples too pronounced
16 we don’t need naked kids stepping on mommy’s dress. Oh, is she pregnant AGAIN? And is that her dress wrapped around his private parts?
17 the dress is a mess. And drop the kid
Dave SW FL says
18 Too busy
19least favorite. Zombuck candidate ?
20 left of 2015 date design terrible
21. No teenagers, PLEASE
22. Where’s the couch? And put some day clothes on her . Agree with Wonker on this one
23 save the wings for Victoria’s Secret
24 great, a WINGED TEENAGER
25 22 with ugly wings
VA Bob says
FM – UHR fields are usually (but not always) concave in order to give the devices depth, yet still provide protection with the rim. There have been UHR medals, but these don’t circulate (not than a gold or silver coin would these days either), so there is no need for the rim to help prevent wear.
HR coins typically have a flat field with significantly raised devices. They are not typically made for circulation as wear becomes evident on the devices rather quickly. May the best example is the 1921 HR Peace Dollar, which was made to commemorate the end of WWI (see, the Mint was late with anniversaries back then too). It was quickly changed to a normal relief the following year when it was decided that it would replace the Morgan which was struck for the last time in 1921.
VA Bob says
O-08 she’d have to be an Amazon or giant, as anyone that has been close enough to an adult eagle knows that they are massive. The one in the design is like a parrot. Maybe the Mint designers need to take a trip to Busch Gardens in the spring were they can see those birds up close (they have a rescue for injured eagles there), as does the Norfolk Zoo. Now for the sake of diversity, political correctness, and not to upset anyone, I advise all that I’m not against parrots, or the discrimination of them in any shape or form. The Puerto Rico ATB was fine and appropriate and if pirates ever get a coin, I’m all for their use there as well.
ABC says
Liberty in Obverse 3 and 4 looks African to me. Another sign of the mint trying to be politically correct. If they choose any of these obverses, it’s a pass for me. On another note, all the reverses look good to me except for 6 and 7.
Jerry Diekmann says
For what it’s worth, I like the reverses a lot better than any of the obverses. Maybe 7 or 8 would be OK , definitely none of the others, but even 7 and 8 show Liberty as pretty much a weakling, not the strong person we see on the Statue of Liberty, or even on Weinman’s dsigns of the dime and half dollar from long ago. I am not an artist, but these submissions appear to be more caricatures than what Liberty should look like.
Jerry Diekmann says
Why is this “coin” $75.00 for a 1 ounce coin??? All 1 oz. gold coins have been set at a value of $100.00. since 1986. I hope to God the U.S. Mint isn’t starting to take ideas from the Canadian Mint, with its proliferation of values for coins, silver and gold. I stopped collecting Canadian coins about ten years ago nwhen they started going hyper-crazy on coins. Saved me a mint – pun intended.
Jerry Diekmann says
Hi low silver – welcome back! Some of us missed you!
As for these designs, I suspect that very few will sell, and then in 10 or 15 years they will be in demand (not mine) because of their “rarity”. It’s like the Jackie Robinson gold $5.00 coin from 1997 – very unattractive and uninspiring design, so many people didn’t buy it. Nowadays, some people clamor for it because so few of them were made. There was a reason for their unpopularity – the design was ugly then, and it’s still ugly now. I can’t imagine why anyone would lay out big bucks for such an unattractive coin. Note – I really did like the Jackie Robinson silver dollar and bought several of them.
Tom says
R-2 or R-11 might be good designs for future Eagles
O-18 and 20 are nice too
mac says
Wow. It’s astounding that the mint hasn’t listened to the opinions of all the talented engravers on this thread; you guys would put St. Gaudens to shame, you,re that good! Actually, it sounds like most of you are cranky old farts that I suspect couldn’t design a boil on your butt. I think No. 3 is an attractive design. I have to wonder if the real reason some of you are trashing it has more to do with Miss Liberty’s skin color than anything else – when you complain about “political correctness “, isn’t that really just code for “she’s not white”? C’mon guys, and join the rest of us in the 21st century.
Hawkster says
Mac,
Doesn’t Miss Liberty have a copper colored skin tone after her green patina was cleaned off?
GSDykes says
Obverse 14, Reverse 7. Strong images.
Images are so important, and this poor country needs strong images and leaders.
Yes, several of them are much too revealing. Clean stamps and bold lines make for good minting…
so these two have my vote. Should look great in the white metal as well. Recall the roaring twenties, and the 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter (whose designer just passed away), that SLQ typified the era. For this era, display conservative strength. We only have so many choices.
calldesign says
#12 or #20 Obverse and #5 or #8 Reverse
VA Bob says
Mac – Or maybe it’s just the designs? What ever the mint puts on the coin it will be silver or gold. I’m unaware of them doing any type of colorized coin. The Mint is a business that has represented minorities heavily, it’s just that going by sales figures most of your “21st Centurions” don’t seem to be purchasing the PC products in large quantities, the sales figures seem to bear that out. You and the others that like to “wonder” would most likely be wondering incorrectly as you know nothing about the people that comment here.
cagcrisp says
@mac, it has nothing to do with color or being in the 21st Century. O3 is a Poor Choice. If you like it and they choose it, buy it . I will Not…
VA Bob says
No one is telling the Mint what they can or can’t produce. They made the GSA and CR coins, both which should have sold loads, they didn’t. One can ask why, but it boils down to uninspired designs, be it the obverse or reverse, or both. It’s not anyone that comments on this blog, we are just a small portion of the hobbyists. I own both of these coins, but not because I think they are the finest examples of numismatic art. I would say most of the hobby vote with their wallets though. Painfully obvious with these two coins.
ASE says
Obverse : 03, 07, or 21
Reverse : 01 or 07
mac : Well Said !
A Bob says
I think design O-3 is ok but she does not say “Liberty” to me. With just the wreath on her head we are missing some context. A full side profile could help that design but still, something is missing.
achmed says
this is an info for jerry diekmann:
all the one ounce gold coins that I bought from the mint have written 50 $ on them, not 100 $ as you write. Only the platinum one ounce coins have 100 $ written on them.
Dustyroads says
Black, white, brown, yellow, end the end we are all equal as we populate the soil we build our homes on. In the end there’s no one to give a dam_ anymore about who has less or more. The only thing that will ever have any real meaning is how we treat our fellow man. Come at me with a gun, expect a gun fight, come at me with an outstretch arm, and you can work along my side. There’s no place here for greed our stupidity. So if we are asses in the way of others, expect to be moved, and don’t blame others for what we our responsible for, it keeps us from gaining respect.
The image of the black woman in O-03 is too simple, if it were to be in a better mock-up, she could be selected for this coin. After all, Hettie Anderson, St. Gaudens model for Liberty that has been on the AGE since 1907 is black, and loved by all.
I think this entire selection of choices is absolutely bizarre. What is O-19 even doing here, the artists at the Mint can’t be serious about some of these. I think they must already have a selection in mind and just threw in some extras, but O-19 is straight out of a Mad Magazine. Oh well, I guess I’ll just go alone with it.
Daniel Orellano says
Really bad designs. If I had to choose though I would pick HR-0-24-C for the obverse and HR-13-c for the reverse. Some of these designs are insulting……..
Tom says
Liberty is more of a spritual concept and an Ideal that I don’t think should be
relegateted to a super close up(portrait) of just one super closeup phyicalaty.
Alot more distance allowing other details that help substantiate the Ideal it is better.
I like O 18, 20, and 22 The strong Eagle of R 2 and 11 look really good too.
A Different Jeff says
Wow! What a lot of uninspiring designs. After reading these comments and going over all the designs, none really do it. 19 would probably look the best on a coin IF:
1) get rid of the Capitol building – makes it WAAAYY too busy, especially for a background object. Besides, isn’t this about Liberty? How does Congress further that idea? ;P
2) Fix the face. Maybe use the face from 14 or 16 or something similar.
As for the reverse, 4 or 5 look the best to me.
This looks like a self-limiting issue. Maybe the flippers will find there is nothing to flip.
Still think the best sleeper will prove to be the circulating S mint AtB quarters. We’ll see.
systemBuilder says
I love the african-american lady-liberty #3 and #4, especially #4 because the 1/4 turn of her head fills the coin better. The design is superb. I vote for reeding along the edge, like the morgan dollar.
I am hoping, wishing, and praying that we have an african-american on a coin soon, to honor the civil rights movement, which was at its peak 50 years ago. It’s about itme.
I want to give these coins to my eurasian sons this xmas. Fingers crossed!
bfn says
Sorry, but really CRAP!!
Athalon says
Open up the competition to some real artists. Someone must be able to do better.