2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins

From the Oct. 2 Numismatic News e-Newsletter.

What do you think of the newly released reverse designs for the 2021 gold and silver American Eagle coins?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers.

It is a nicer reverse. These coins are not circulated, therefore not subject to wear. We must remember the amount of these coins sold as collectibles versus bullion hoarding. How often will these coins be viewed by the owner versus being placed into a safe for later use as bullion?

Carl Hornberger
Integrity Coin Store
Poquoson, Va.

I like the older versions; they seemed more detailed, refined and beautiful.

Name and address withheld

They don’t appeal to me. The designs feel busy. Since I won’t buy them, though, it doesn’t matter.

Henry Mensch
Syracuse, N.Y.

I prefer the original designs for both coins. There was more going on in the original designs, and they were more appealing to me.

I think the new designs are going with the “less is more” effect. They are simpler and do look nice, they are just not my preference.

Mark Fowler
Milford, N.H.

It’s lackluster and looks like a beginner, not a professional’s work. It’s not really a real coin anyway, so they could have a picture of a Hoover on it.

Name and address withheld

The large head design is, in its own way, heraldic and strong-looking. While the second is not bad, it more resembles the scrawny eagle of some early U.S. silver dollars.

Jeffrey S. Wiesenfeld
New York, N.Y.

Change is always good when it comes to coins.

Michael McLoughlin
Manchester, U.K.

I don’t like it. I loved the Walking Liberty design way better than just an eagle.

Name and address withheld

I like the reverse eagle for the one-ounce silver eagle, but I think that the reverse eagle for the gold coin is terrible.

Allan Parker
White Plains, N.Y.

They are both wrong for our country.

Name and address withheld

First, it is obvious these are computer-generated with some graphic program. Whatever happened to great engravers who sketch on paper and then hand-made galvanos?

Second, is the Mint, whose sales have declined over recent years, attempting to attract new interest? Designs are not the attraction, a fair charge is.

Third, the real poll question should be: does a coin design influence purchase? The real retort would be price and resale value, for bullion products.

Buffalo nickels, Lincoln cents, Morgan dollars, Mercury dimes, etc., all remain popular because the designs were never changed or were limited in change.

True, nothing should last forever, save the Lincoln cent’s face side at 111 years!

Michael S. Turrini
Vallejo, Calif.