This Week’s Letters (11/29/07)

From the Nov. 29 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

What is your favorite 2008 State Quarter Design?

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

The decision to continue the services and infusion of the professional commercial and expert artists has paid off big time! They are all beautiful and extremely satisfying designs in my humble opinion.
 My choice is the Arizona quarter with its very challenging subject of the Grand Canyon and Saguaro cactus as state flower. Another innovative design from the proficient artistic staff. Not to say that the others are the least bit diminished. Next close choice could have been the Alaska North Star signifying the northern most state of the union and the realistic grizzly to remind one that beauty can be dangerous. Oklahoma is a most artistic depiction of the state bird and flowers. Extremely well drafted; it is beautiful and romantic, a tie with the second choice. Hawaii is next choice. Extremely well executed and well thought-out interaction with graphic islands, however it?s very close to what has already been illustrated on the Hawaiian commemorative half dollar. The symbol on the New Mexico quarter was a mystery until I read the text about the coin. Not the most romantic coin, but expertly executed, as all of them are.

Kenyon M. Miers
Esperance, N.Y.

I love the Hawaii design, that sprinking of islands across the vast Pacific with the regal Hawaiian King standing over them makes for an attractive and surprisingly uncluttered design.

Malcolm Johnson
Vista, Calif.

Though I must admit we?ve come a long way and these five designs are some of the best I have seen for any one year, I must say that I am most intrigued by the simplicity of New Mexico?s state quarter.

Kevin Brady-Jones
Eugene, Ore.

My choice is the state quarter of Oklahoma.

Marten Kuperus
The Netherlands

I vote for the Iowa quarter as my favorite design. The Grant Wood painting and educational theme is topnotch.

Steven J. Stein
San Diego, Calif.

After reviewing the final designs for all the 2008 state quarters I would have to say that the Arizona state quarter is the best design.
This beautiful quarter features a banner with the motto ?GRAND CANYON STATE? separating an exquisite rendition of the Grand Canyon National Monument (which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World) in the upper half of the design, and a magnificent Saguaro cactus in the lower half of the design. This well thought-out design best represents the entire state of Arizona with its national monument located in northern Arizona and its Saguaro cacti in southern Arizona.
Of course my opinion might be considered biased as I am member of the Arizona State Quarter Commission.

Anthony Tumonis
Tucson, Ariz.
ANA LM #4997

I think the Idaho Quarter is my No. 1. I think it has the best design.

Maryland Ousley
Austin, Ind.

The Utah quarter is not only attractive, but it represents tying our country together. Never to be separated.

Howard Stegmann
Marshalltown, Iowa

I vote for Alaska.

Bob Shippee
Greenwich, Conn.

Of the five, Hawaii would have to be first, followed by Alaska.

Scott Seaman
Morrow, Ga.

Best Design of 2008 - New Mexico by a longshot.

Doug Bales
St. Johns, FL

Nevada has the best designed quarter no doubt!

Steve
Ft Lauderdale , FL

My favorite state quarter is the Kentucky State Quarter, because I have lived in Ky. my whole life. The design is for the state song, My Old Kentucky Home.

Donald Young
Harrodsburg Ky.

My vote for the best designed quarter is the Charter Oak of Connecticut. I
like the simplicity of its design. Most of the quarters are cluttered with
too many design elements that are out of proportion with one another.

Jim Klein
Edgerton, WI

I believe Connecticut?s state quarter is the most detailed and beautiful. The design of the Connecticut State Quarter depicts Samuel Wylly?s oak tree, ?The Charter Oak?. The Charter Oak became a symbol of the independence of the people of this state, when King James II revoked the Connecticut Charter in 1687. Preventing Royal Governor Sir Edmund Andros from getting his hands on it, Joseph Wadsworth stole the document and is said to have hidden it in the hollow of an oak tree on Samuel Wylly?s property.

Doris Wright
Shermans Dale, PA