Classic Coins Are So Much More Appealing... Imo

I don't know if I could say no one has the skills to make a "good" design now, they would definitely do it allot differently. Like with computers instead of paper and pencil but there are a few real nice looking commemoratives that have been created but they are few and far between, most look either to plain or way to complicated and jumbled up since they are just a click away from adding things to the image

I started by collecting coins from circulation because that is what I could afford, and given my age that implied modern coins. I have a sentimental attachment to the modern coins, but I have always seen beauty in the classics. Once I was able to afford them, I began working on a Dansco 7070 and a custom Dansco with Indian Head cents, Buffalo nickels, and Mercury dimes. The custom IHC-BN-MD album is fast becoming a favourite.

Of course, for personal (i.e. political) reasons, I prefer the images of Liberty to the effigies that grace our coins today.

Classic for sure. Although on the classic commemoratives I'd say, for me, it's 50/50.

"The modern age is never the golden age."

There have been many excerpts posted about how everyone interested in the subject absolutely abhors the most recent numismatic additions.

I don't have a problem with any of the current coins. In fact, the Lincoln shield to me is strikingly attractive. Unfortunately, the QC at the mint is pretty low, so finding nice ones is tough! Also, I suppose I'm alone but I find the old Washington quarter to be among the most beautiful coins ever made. The eagle on the reverse is just wonderful! Another modern issue is the remake of the St Gaudens. The ultra-high relief they're able to achieve makes the coin look astounding.

Oh, and another - a couple of the recent Jefferson nickels - they're fantastic!

Certainly, the modern coins don't have the "aged with character" appeal. But I think the modern designs are beautiful in their own way. I love the capped bust series, especially when aged well, but frankly the bust isn't all that attractive. The Seated Liberty coins are beautiful in their own right, but the design isn't particularly smashing. The Barber coins are cool, but not atrociously attractive to my eye.

Classic for sure, but I agree that some of the commemoratives of the past 25 years struck in gold and silver have been quite nice!

Well, they could introduce a new denomination. Bring back the 2 cent piece, with a new classical-style design. Then later on they could retire the penny. Yeah, probably not going to happen, but we can dream can't we

Give me the classics, both in U.S. and world coins.

Sort of like comparing apples to oranges. The designs are reflective of the then state of the art technology of the era that spawned it. A wise old collector once said to me, "The modern junk of today is tomorrow's classics."