We Alaskans have an opportunity to comment on the design of the new Alaska Commemorative Quarter which will apparently go into circulation next year. We have four designs to choose from, and having sent my comments to the Alaskan Commemorative Coin Commission, I decided there is no reason to be shy, so I'll share them with you as well.
The picture below shows our choices:
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To my eye "AK-1" just sucks. Polar bears are found in such a tiny portion of Alaska that the coin seems to exclude much of the State. It just doesn't seem to represent much of what makes Alaska so unique in the world. AK-3 with the grizzly bear just seems rather cliche' to me. Neither of these two coins show a human element, and I really think that the spirit of Alaska involves humans just as much as it involves nature. AK-4, with the prospector, seems dated to my eye. Although it may reflect how Alaska once was, that time is past and it will never be again.
Of course that's only my opinion, and if I combine my opinion with four or those shiny new quarters I'll have enough to buy a cup of coffee or make a telephone call. Nonetheless, according to the History Channel, the life expectancy of a coin in circulation is about 30 years. I can only hope that when a kid is examining the Alaskan commemorative coin 30 years from now he will be able to get a hint of the feeling that makes Alaska so special.
You can express your own opinion where it counts. The Alaskan Commemorative Coin Commission is accepting public comment on-line through April 22nd. Just click here and tell the nice bureaucrats what you think.
Swanny
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