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 Replies: 26 / Views: 3,476 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5850 Posts |
Poll Question
A number of different classic U.S. coins were redesigned over the years to either add or remove a motto from the reverse. Sometimes the motto in question was "E PLURIBUS UNUM" and sometimes it was "IN GOD WE TRUST". Personally (and this really has nothing to do with my feelings regarding religious language on coins since, as I mentioned, sometimes the motto in question was "E PLURIBUS UNUM"), I prefer the designs without the motto. I personally feel the lack of a motto makes the design look a little less cluttered and I also just really like seeing some empty space (especially if there are no scratches or other imperfections). So, what do you prefer? Motto or no motto? Here are some examples from my collection to illustrate what I'm talking about: Liberty Seated Quarter:   Capped Bust Half Dollar:   Liberty Seated Half Dollar  Liberty Seated Dollar 
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
With motto for me for the reason that on the larger coins the open space tends to pick up marks easier.
-MV
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5850 Posts |
Quote:
On the larger coins the open space tends to pick up marks easier. Oh, I definitely hear you there! You can see that on most of the examples I posted above. When there aren't any marks, however, I find the effect breathtaking. Of all the ones I personally own, this would be the best example: Edited by barryg
11/16/2015 3:07 pm
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Moderator
 United States
188342 Posts |
No motto, for the reasons you have given.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
The no motto are much more impressive if nice. The open fields do give a greater emphasis to the other design elements.
You'd mentioned that motto's were added AND subtracted. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I can't think of an instance where a motto was removed to any denomination once it was added.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5850 Posts |
I believe the Capped Bust half dollar had the "E PLURIBUS UNUM" motto from 1807-36, but it was removed from 1836-39. |
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
I knew if I asked SOMEONE would find a motto removed. Thanks for pointing it out. The evil reeded edge halves always have so many changes in such a short time.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1002 Posts |
Definitely no motto for me..  |
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Valued Member
Belgium
464 Posts |
on this peticular coin I like it with moto
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10982 Posts |
I generally prefer No Motto maybe because they're older and for the reasons stated above. On larger coins like halves and dollars With Motto looks okay too though.
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Moderator
United States
188342 Posts |
I agree, the mottos are not as bad on the larger coins. I do not hate them, but given a choice, right?
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4416 Posts |
Motto for me ... IMHO, Beauty & History surpass barren fields. The heavenly motto first appeared when our country was torn asunder by the Civil War. The motto's being framed in a floating ribbon above the eagle says a lot and adds beauty of design, methinks.
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Moderator
United States
188342 Posts |
You know, I fully expected and appreciate that you would like the motto.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4416 Posts |
Actually, JBuck ... I LOVE the motto!!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
500 Posts |
Motto for me, but only as I think of it as a tradition of sorts. I agree that they do look best on large coins and make the smaller coins look a bit cluttered.
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Replies: 26 / Views: 3,476 |
Posted 11/16/2015 3:07 pm
