SOME NEW COIN DESIGNS: FEBRUARY 16, 2014

2013 Israel Jordan River coin

I assume the vertical element on the obverse is a map of the river. I'm on the fence about this one, but I think it works. The reverse scene is nicely balanced.

2014 Belgium Coin Design

I like the switcheroo of the two metals in this bimetallic design. Are these the same or different denominations? Despite the clear difference, these could get confusing if they're not the same denomination.

2014 Finland 5 Euros

I don't like this bimetallic design as well - I think these work better when the designer incorporates the bimetallic nature of the coin planchet.

2014 France D-Day Coin Design

This one does account for the bimetallic planchet, but the central design is so busy and squeezed that I don't think this one works at all.

2014 Vatican 2 Euro Coin Design

I don't ordinarily like "wordy" coins, but I think incorporating the words as carved into building stones works in this case. It has a classical feel, and I like it.

2014 France European Space Agency Coin Design

I'm indifferent to the dated side (which they call the reverse). It's interesting and even attractive, but too busy and crowded. I like how they've implied the motion of the rocket at takeoff on the denomination side, incorporating the "200: into the engine propulsion streams. Nicely balanced.

For more information, see: COMMEMORATIVE COINS TO MARK 50 YEARS OF EUROPEAN SPACE COOPERATION (www.esa.int/About_Us/Welcome_to_ESA/ESA_history/
Commemorative_coins_to_mark_50_years_of_
European_space_cooperation)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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