2014 AMERICAN PLATINUM EAGLE DESIGN THOUGHTS

1 - I like this one. I like how it shows movement and embodies the concept of freedom as a freed bird. It's uncluttered and I also like how the figures break the circle of the rim. The design pops out, although I would worry that such an unbalanced design would strike up well.

4 - I'm indifferent to this one. It's nicely rendered, but embodies the "Blessings" more than "Liberty" - design 1 does that much better. I'd have to agree that the bounty is too bountiful.

5,6 - Number 5 is much better than 6; the group of figures stops the eye and frames the scene. The foot is just plain wrong. But as a design concept it's not bad, and a good engraver could execute it well.

7 - I'm indifferent to this one, too.

8 - I like the main figure a lot (it wowed me), but it seems too isolated. There's nothing to indicate where she is, where she might be going, or what she might be looking at. I like uncluttered designs, but this may be too uncluttered.

11 - I was impressed with this one. I like the concept of the child and the torch, which to me evokes a young Statue of Liberty. Her expression is hopeful and apprehensive at the same time, which is very appropriate for the difficult journey of Liberty. I think that the landscape is lame - too plain and formulaic. But I like the concept a lot and would say it's my favorite. But I don't think a good engraver could rescue the landscape - it needs a better design.

If I had to rank these, I would pick 11, 1, 8,7, 5,4, 6. As it turns out, the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) liked #11 too.

To read the CCAC's comments, See: CCAC Review of 2014 American Platinum Eagle Designs (news.coinupdate.com/ccac-review-of-american-platinum-eagle-designs-3043/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see: 2014 AMERICAN PLATINUM EAGLE DESIGNS (www.coinbooks.org/esylum_v16n50a11.html)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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