The E-Sylum:  Volume 7, Number 41, October 10, 2004, Article 11

NICKEL DESIGNER JAMIE FRANKI

  The October 7th Charlotte Observer published an interview
  with Jamie Franki, designer of one of the new U.S. nickel
  reverses.  Here are are few excerpts:

  "A piece of Jamie Franki's art might be in your pocket next
  spring.   Franki, a Concord illustrator, is helping to rejuvenate
  the image of the lowly nickel with his tribute to the American
  buffalo."

  "Franki's American bison design will appear on all nickels
  minted between spring and fall of next year.   About 800
  million of the coins will be struck, many grabbed by collectors.
  The rest will become part of the roughly 18.9 billion nickels in
  circulation.

  Franki, who teaches illustration at UNC Charlotte, thought he
  might be designing a quarter when he was among more than
  33,000 people who downloaded applications to join a new
  U.S. Mint coin program for artists. But after he was chosen,
  he was invited to draw for the nickel. His American bison
  image was one of three selected from among 144 designs for
  next year's two-nickel series.

  "I let loose with this sort of Ric Flair nature boy whoop," he
  said. "This has been such a fabulous way for me to finally be
  patriotic and do what I do best."

  "It's already drawing positive reviews. David Sklow, a
  researcher for the American Numismatic Association, has
  seen only the sketch but likes what he sees. "If it comes out
  like it's depicted, I think it'll be the nicest of the group," he
  said.

  Franki, who grew up in Syracuse, spends his spare time
  refurbishing his historic home and collecting antiques. He has
  worked as a professional illustrator for publications including
  Stock Car Racing Magazine and InBusiness Magazine for
  more than 15 years."

  "He can't imagine better exposure for his work.  "It's a tiny,
  widely circulated piece of public art and everybody knows
  what it is," he said. "How cool is that?"

  To read the full article, see: Full Article

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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