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 Replies: 28 / Views: 6,007 |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12813 Posts |
http://www.coinnews.net/2017/01/20/...-introduced/While I know we have had individual-specific coins in the past (Leif Ericson, Booker T. Washington, Franklin, Lincoln, etc.) I'm torn on my opinion of if individuals should be commemorated on coins. I wonder how this bill will do. Something tells me it will sail through. Edited by CelticKnot
01/21/2017 5:34 pm
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Valued Member
United States
123 Posts |
I think that would be a cool idea for a commem
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Rest in Peace
10197 Posts |
Commems were designed before to indicate part of America's historical heritage and those individuals who made an impact on that. While Muhammad Ali was a very good fighter, and brought a lot to the sport of boxing, he was not the first black fighter, Joe Lewis, et al, come to mind. His colorful words and footwork made watching the sport enjoyable for many "non-fans like myself! I don't recollect him "changing history" in any way other than being one of the first "celebrity" draft-dodgers of the 60's-70's. On that basis I'd say no. Its like every kid has to get a participation award, that would open up petitions to Congress for all sorts of commemoratives that HAVE to be approved ?  Guess the jury's still out on this... |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
591 Posts |
From the US Mint's website:
"...commemorative coins celebrate and honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Each coin is crafted to be rich in symbolic history. They represent not only an investment in maintaining our American Past, but also in ensuring our Future."
In addition to the individuals you mentioned CelticKnot, there have also been modern commemorative coins celebrating the contributions from the following:
Washington (1982 silver half)
Eisenhower (1990 silver dollar)
Columbus (1992, gold, silver, clad)
Thomas Jefferson (1993 silver dollar)
Smithsonian (James Smithson on the 1996 gold)
Jackie Robinson (1997 silver and gold)
Robert F. Kennedy (1998 silver)
Dolley Madison (1999 silver)
Washington (1999 gold)
Wright Brothers (2003 silver, gold, clad)
John Marshall (2005 silver)
Louis Braille (2009 silver)
Five five-star generals (2013 gold, silver, clad)
Mark Twain (2016, silver and gold)
John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt (2016 NPS gold)
I'm sure I've left out at least a few. Seems more the rule than the exception to honor individuals. Or at quite frequently.
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
The question must be in reference to individuals who helped shape our history, preferably for the better.
In this instance, I think Ali would qualify.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
A few more to add to the list
Eunice Kennedy Shriver 1998 Special Olympics
Washington, Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Lincoln 1991 Mount Rushmore
FDR 1997 gold coin
Washington 1999 gold coin
Lewis and Clark 2004
FDR and Salk 2015 March of Dimes
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5201 Posts |
Almost all of the examples listed above were of Presidents or long since dead historical figures.
The March of Dimes and the Special Olympics show founders / important people associated with the ORGANIZATION represented.
Muhammad Ali has only been dead for 6 months.
If we start putting celebrities and athletes on our coins soon we will be Canada.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
677 Posts |
Quote:
Muhammad Ali has only been dead for 6 months.
If we start putting celebrities and athletes on our coins soon we will be Canada.  Yes, yes, yes If Ali is allowed on a coin, that opens the door to thousands of individuals who could be considered more "coin worthy." It will never end. This is what stamps are for. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3479 Posts |
While I have purchased a lot of Ali memorabilia over the years, I don't think we need a flood of new coins. My GF hates it but that's what decorates the majority of my walls along with DiMaggio, KC Chiefs and Royals memorabilia . That said, I'm in stamp camp. We don't need an avalanche of different coin types for every one of our inspirational athletes. Too many options is what killed stamp collecting.
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Valued Member
United States
469 Posts |
I say NO. He may have been a fighter but he refused to fight for his country. Audy Murphy would be more deserving.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
634 Posts |
I don't consider the man worthy of a coin, and I also think it opens a lot of doors for even less deserving people to appear on coins.  |
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Valued Member
United States
408 Posts |
Quote:
This is what stamps are for. If the date was before the 1990's, I think that would be a good idea. Stamps are obsolete in today's world. Quote:
Too many options is what killed stamp collecting. I think email did. An entire generation has grown up not needing any stamps for any reason whatsoever. If you need to send a document fast, scan it and email it. If you want to write a letter to someone, email the person. Edited by joeysanders627
01/22/2017 12:20 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5604 Posts |
In my opinion, to the " changing history " portion, The only man in boxing history to regain His own title after losing it, more times then any other man, I believe 3x's...........
I think those " groups " that decide or suggest will be the guidance factor in that decision.
However, I see and hear talk about the Jim Thorpe Commemorative Silver Dollar!!!! Talk about a person who changed history, Ran a 9.8 second 100 yard dash in practice, which back then was not happening, breaking the 10 second mark....
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
12813 Posts |
So, if this bill passes, that's one of two possible commemortives for the year 2020. for discussion, what else could be commemorated for the year 2020?
How about:
75th anniversary of V-E
250th birthday of Ludwig V. Beethoven
125th birthday of J. Edgar Hoover
85th birthday of Elvis Presley
265th birthday of Alexander Hamilton
200th birthday of William Tecumseh Sherman
150th anniversary of the YWCA
100th anniversary of the founding of the League of Women Voters
200th birthday of Susan B. Anthony
155th anniversary of the end of the U.S. Civil War (also Lincoln's assassination)
50th anniversary of Apollo 13
30th anniversary of the Hubble telescope
100th birthday of Pope John Paul II
400th anniversary of the landing of the Mayflower on Plymouth Rock
95th birthday of Malcolm X
150th anniversary of Christmas being a Federal holiday in the U.S.
80th "birthday" of Bugs Bunny
90th birthday of Neil Armstrong
110th birthday of Mother Teresa
255th birthday of Eli Whitney
175th anniversary of the Statehood of Texas
Hmmm....
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1699 Posts |
Many, many athletes have been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. Joe Lewis was given this award. While I will not comment on whether either is appropriate, I would have thought the Congessional Gold Medal to be more likely.
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Valued Member
United States
343 Posts |
I'll wait for the Prince and David Bowie commems. Their places in American history needs to be honored too. I heard Miguel Ferrer just died, can't wait for that coin to come out.
Sarcasm aside, they'll keep doing this as long as people pony up ridiculous money for way over produced collectibles.
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Replies: 28 / Views: 6,007 |
Posted 01/21/2017 12:39 pm
