eLetters November 28, 2023

Which U.S. coin design best depicts Liberty? Why?

I would choose the 1988 Olympic two-coin set. Both the gold coin obverse were designed by Elizabeth Jones, who was the chief sculptor back then, and the silver dollar by Marcel Jovine, which was beautifully designed as well.

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Fred Broach, Address withheld

Best, hands down – Barber coinage! Classically inspired yet representative of our country’s Liberty motto. Doesn’t get much better! This is coming from an ancient coin collector, though.

Joe, Address withheld

My coin pick: the Walking Liberty half draped in the American flag.

William Clark, Address withheld

I’m drawn to the Walking Liberty on the Half Dollar. The flag-draped over her gives me a proud feeling.

Chris R., Grosse Pointe, Mich.

I would have to say the Liberty Walking half dollar because the design on the obverse of the coin shows her walking across, clutching the American flag and other symbols of liberty and freedom. The reverse, in my opinion, depicts the most beautiful eagle design of all times of any American coin ever made.

Dave Burdis, Charleroi, Pa.

In my book, Weinman’s rendition of Liberty on the Half Dollar is tops!

Louis Ludiciani, Cumberland, R.I.

In my opinion, the 50-cent Walker dollar represents Liberty the best. The American Liberty $1 started in 1996 is a further depiction and is being minted today yet, as proof of its endurance!

Rolf Hofmann, Address withheld

I think the U.S. coin design that has the best depiction of Liberty is the Walking Liberty design on the half dollar that was minted from 1916 through 1947 because it depicts Liberty on the move, making progress as we move into the future, a hand, and an arm reaching out as if to represent the U.S. lending a helping hand to those in need and displaying the spirit of liberty. And she is carrying branches of laurel and oak, symbolical of civil and military glory. This design is also the most beautiful Liberty design, in my opinion, and has been used on the American Silver Eagle coins since 1986 and on the 2016 half-dollar gold coin.

Ken Kalsem, Onalaska, Wis.

I think the Walking Liberty half dollars do. Both obverse and reverse are magnificent. Liberty on the obverse with the brilliant sun striding into the future and the majestic eagle on the reverse combine for a proposed bright future.

Roy Herbst, Address withheld

Tough call because there is no best. A few I like are the Saint-Gaudens design $10 gold eagle, the 3-cent piece, and the Morgan and Peace [dollars]. I could go on and on.

If I throw in Liberty as depicted on paper money, or how about the best-looking eagle on coins and paper money: Holy cow! As Harry Caray used to say.

Joe G., Carlsbad, Calif.

This is a tough call. My classic favorite has always been Saint-Gaudens’ 1907 high-relief depiction of Liberty. That said, I very much like the $100 1792-2017-W 1-ounce depiction of Liberty. Why? Because it’s innovative, new, and different and a refreshing take on the depiction of Liberty.

Lorne Lavertu, Herndon, Va.

From classic coins, Robert Scot’s Draped Bust design is best, in my opinion. For modern coinage, Elizabeth Jones’ depiction of Liberty on the 1988 Olympic $5 gold coin stands heads and shoulders above any other attempted design.

Gary Burhop, Memphis, Tenn.