mint announcement arrived today

One of the great things about coins as a collectible is their variety. Many of us collect by certain series, some by themes, some by metals, some collect moderns, some collect pre-1900, some only certain denominations etc etc..there are tons of ways to collect them.

I realized recently that I don't own a single slabbed coin with a president. I have old penny and nickel albums of Lincoln and Jefferson that I only fill with a coin I get from change...no ebay hole fillers. I realized that my eye for coins is more attatched to the artistic beauty of coins. Personally I feel that it is time to do away with the dead presidents of our coinage and go back to using symbols and images that represent what our country stands for and believes in. Liberty, justice, eagles, flags, fighting for freedom...

I got a post card from the mint today announcing the gold buffalos for 2007....I am not a high roller and don't buy bullion coins. I would rather put $700-800 towards a high grade walker, slq, or even a common date Saint Gaudens or $10 Indian..this is just my preference and I know that there are many who will get a lot of enjoyment from assembling a handsome set of these 1 ounce buffalo gold coins. I do think that I will start collecting the buff golds but in a smaller denomination, probably the quarter ounce {large enough to do the design justice but still affordable}

Although I don't collect moderns I am glad to see the Walking Liberty design on the SAE's, the Gaudens on our gold coins,and the buffalo return. I only wish that our generation could return to an artistic approach to coin design that balances a 21st century approach with classic American ideals...again, this is just how I feel...but 100 years of Lincoln on the cent is enough tribute..

Here is one of my favorite coins of my collection, and also one of my favorite designs..these coins are not pretty when they get worn but an MS grade coin is a true work of art and testament to America...Standing Liberty Quarter-1917-S type 1 FH {barely}