Just To Clear The Record On Design Changes (Quarters)

Being a modern coin collector from overseas I defiently prefer when coutries have a standard design for their coins. But also, there's no unity in having masses of different designs. It simply becomes an unorganized mess, one is blinded by all the different, flashy designs that are supposed to encourage one to collect. Personally, I liked the original Washington quarter simply because it had the same pattern as the other coins in the American system. I defiently support the longevity of designs, I love when one can get a coin from let's say the 30's that still has the same design 80 years later. That's why I like the swiss coinage. Not much design change, instead a couple of good design that makes a good set of coinage.
In a couple of ways I can see how the US mint is commercializing the coinage. The reason for the State Quarters in the first place was to encourage coin collecting if I can recall correctly. And for those who just want this year's new designs without having to look through their change can just buy them in whatever quality they'd like from the mint, at a significant ramp up. I too hoped for a 'normal' design after the State Quarters program but the only normal design is apparently the obverse. Which I too think looks wrong.

To me it's no different than painting them various colors after striking so you'll buy one of each color, and no more numismatically relevant. They cost more to make - extra design/development - and are only there because collectors will fill their pockets with seignorage to purchase them.

From an artistic standpoint, I actually think the ATB Quarters are some of the best circulating coins this side of the Walker half and Mercury dime. Especially the ones showing landscapes--the detail and eye appeal are just great.

From the standpoint of a collector, it's tiring. I've put together multiple state and territory sets, just because. I told myself that I would treat the ATB Quarters as regular change, but then the first couple years were suddenly key dates, so I got suckered in. I'm in too deep now to just quit.

I am fine with educational designs on our coins. I would prefer a "standard" design on the quarter so that ATB II feels like a fresh start. I just don't see the point in releasing 5-6 designs per year.

Also, does anybody remember this (satirical) article:
http://www.theonion.com/articles/us...ty-pen,1326/

Classic Onion.

After the State Quarters, I stopped collecting Quarters.

I agree with you, TF. After a while, all these commemorative designs see to add up to a publicity stunt by the mint to get collectors to buy more coins. It's overwhelming and I hope the mint has figured out when it's going to stop.

The voice of reason.

I really had high hopes and was excited for the Sac dollars but they went ahead and decided on edge lettering and took the eagle reverse away. That really killed the series for me.