My Five Favorite Numismatic Items
Coins, of course, represent history as well as works of art. As art, some are quite attractive, although I suspect everyone has different opinions of whether one coin is more appealing than another. I have been thinking about coin aestethics recently, and have seen some blog commentaries related on this point. Here are my thoughts on the five most appealing numismatic Items (not necessarily in order). I say "numismatic item" because four are coins and one is paper currency.
1, Fugio Coppers. Of course, this coin predates federal coinage, but I think both the obverse and reverse are singularly compelling
2. Walking Liberty Half Dollars. I see this as the most beautiful of regular silver coinage. Here, too, I think both sides of the coin are beautiful, perhaps with a nod to the observe. Weinman did great work.
3. Saint-Gaudens Double Eagles. I think few would dispute that this is an amazingly attractive coin.
4. Oregon Trail Memorial Commemorative. This is absolutely breaktaking, the most spectacular (obverse and reverse) of the entire old series.
5. 1896 $1 Educational Note. This silver certificate has a front rich with symbolism and detail. I was fortunate to pick up one maybe 35 years ago for $25. Although it is in Good or Fine condition and not valued at much today, it is, by far, what I consider my most impressive note.
I would be interested in hearing others comment on, say, their top five.
Comments
SpartaCuse
Level 4
it is interesting to see what everyone's favorites here -Not necessarily in this order : I like the Liberty Version of the Gold from late 1800's, Early Large Cents, Early Silver Dollars late 1700, Indian Head Cents & in a 4 way tie - 2 Cent, # cent silver & nickel, & 20 Cents
Mike
Level 7
I did think that maybe one of those coins would be a conder token. A collector like yourself when you wrote about them I was very happy to see someone else was collecting them whom I could talk to. That never happened. I'm sure we could of exchanged a lot of information. Since then there are six more collectors I would of been happy with one. But when they saw there beauty they could not resist. Thank you Mike.
user_7180
Level 5
1) Flying Eagle Cent 2) Indian Head Cent 3) Large Cent 4) Walking Liberty Half Dollar 5) Mercury Dime
user_6683
Level 4
My top five 1: Steel Cents because I like the history and the magnetic properties. 2: Morgan Dollars because of the design and history. 3: Zombucks because they have just wonderful details. 4: Presidentail Dollars because they tell a great story and have great details have our leaders. 5 My world uncircluated sets I have because they let me see a piece of history from around the world.
user_5225
Level 5
Why does nobody like franklin. Why does everybody like walkers. I like franklins and hate walkers.
BossX
Level 5
In my mind, but i respect your comment.
BossX
Level 5
Walkers are a lot better than franklins.
user_5225
Level 5
Quarter quiz dude
Level 5
?
user_5225
Level 5
Cool
user_1037
Level 4
mine are, 1933-1934 Century of Progress Chicago World's Fair tokens and medals, Mercury Dimes, Indian Head Penny, Native American Dollars
CMCC
Level 5
Mine are as follows (that is, coins that are in my collection): Liberty Head V Nickels; Buffalo Nickels, Barber Dimes, SLQ's, and Large Cents.
Quarter quiz dude
Level 5
cool!