Community Voice Responses (Nov. 7, 2017)

From the Oct. 13 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Will the 2018 World War I commemorative silver dollar become a collector favorite?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

I like the design of the new WWI commemorative dollar except for one detail: the dough boy’s closed eye. The image is supposed to represent “a charging soldier;” however, a soldier doesn’t charge with his eyes closed. Nevertheless, it’s about time we honored all the people who took part in this horrendous war. In high school I read the book All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, and it left a lasting impression on me. Having served in the U.S. Army and spending 12 months in Viet Nam, I know firsthand the horrors of war. Will this new commemorative dollar be a popular coin? Probably not, but serious collectors of modern commemorative coins will certainly add this coin to their collection.

Al Kowsky
Churchville, N.Y.

Not just no, but hell no! I don’t know what drugs the artist and the selection committee were on for making and selecting this design, but that is one of the ugliest commemorative coins I have ever seen. Such a memorable occasion and such an unmemorable commemorative design.

Rick Anderson
Tucson, Ariz.

Following in the footsteps of most recent Mint issues of this type, collectors will create much excitement as they clamor for the opportunity of ownership. It will be a big favorite at issue time. Down the road when the collector hopes to cash in for a profit they will be disappointed, as is the case with most commem issues from the Mint. Such is the cost of the pride of ownership.

Max Stucky
Colorado Springs, Colo.

Yes, the 2018 commemorative World War I dollar will be a favorite. Since a lot of people collect Morgan, Peace and other dollars, this makes sense. It may not increase in money but will be truly a favorite of veterans and collectors. I don’t have the funds to get one now, but in the after-market, I will get one or maybe two. Let us hope for a good run on this item!

Gary Kess
Sherman, Texas

It depends on cost and value of the coin and how many will be minted.

Morton Fine
Address withheld

Of course not!

It’s just a commemorative!

Ole Sjoelund
A Dane in Paris

I am of the opinion that the WWI coin will not become a national treasure, solely based on looking at the obverse design. It looks like Rocky Marciano leading the charge! I was really hoping for a dynamic, patriotic, inspiring design.

By the way, I’m not crazy about the reverse either.

Name withheld

More Collecting Resources

• Check out the newly-updated Standard Catalog of World Coins, 2001-Date that provides accurate identification, listing and pricing information for the latest coin releases.

• The Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money is the only annual guide that provides complete coverage of U.S. currency with today’s market prices.