Redesign Time For The Dime Or Half Dollar?

The new designs, if they eventuate, have to look obviously American. That can be hard, if the designs stray too far from the traditional.

Which brings me to a question:
What symbolism that has not been shown on the definitive coinage so far, would you suggest for the new designs?

I can think of a few: Grizzly bear, Brooklyn bridge, Statue of Liberty, a famous American, map, Scales of Justice, flag, symbols of Industry or Commerce, etc.

The elements of any design would already have to be recognised as distinctively American, by non American people across the Planet.

I don't have much confidence in he Mint at present to come up with decent designs. That said, I would like to see our coinage revert to classic designs. I would like to see lady liberty or perhaps even lady justice grace our coinage. Stick to eagles for reverses. In fact they make 'em all eagles (different designs.) No more Presidents. No more monuments.

oober - I really like your idea! But you're right, it won't happen.

Why does Congress think we have to keep presidents on our coins? I don't think the dead presidents will care if they are removed from coins. I would love to see all of the coin designs changed, especially the dime and half dollar. Neither of these designs have been modified since they started (obverse or reverse). That is waaay too long. Although I really like the Mercury dime and Walking Liberty half designs, I think new designs can be created. There is no need to reuse old designs. I like the idea of using Justice or Liberty on the coins, or at least some of them.

The congressmen that share political affiliation with those depicted on the coins would definitely care if the issue were brought to the floor.

As much as I love the Lincoln Cent, it was the biggest mistake in our coinage history; setting the precedent for what we have today.

I would be in favor of a design overhaul for almost all circulating US coinage. The nickel obverse bust of Jefferson is simply hideous. The dime would benefit from an overhaul as it has been around for 67 years (as of 2012). The commemorative-mentality quarter dollars are an abomination, as are the Presidential dollars. The half dollar, while classically designed on the reverse, could use a rehaul and facelift away from the "dead presidents" motif. I would absolutely LOVE to see the US coinage revert to classic liberty and other designs of 1916 come the year 2016! That would be simply stunning!

dunno I like the shield design on the penny

I think the front of the quarter needs to be redone--whats it been/ since 1932?

My vote goes to new designs too. The USA has produced some great leaders worthy of being honored on coinage. I feel their greatness is rooted in the ideals and values the country was founded upon. So, in my opinion, the regular coinage should be devoted to intangibe values like Liberty and Freedom and devote the commemorative coinage to people and their achievements.

As long as the conversation is on coin design, I think that the government blew a fantastic opportunity back in 1992, the bicentennial of the mint. I think that event should have been celebrated by bring back some of the old designs for a year. Imagine a 1992 Flying Eagle cent or Seated Liberty with Rays Half Dollar! Most people see nothing but dead presidents on coins and are unaware of past designs ( just like they are of the country's history!).