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Later this month the U.S. Mint is rolling out three new collector's coins, designed to honor the American national pastime. And unlike previous coin designs, the Baseball Hall of Fame Commemorative Coins will feature a twist, or should we say a curve:
The decision to go 3D was made by Cassie McFarland, the twentysomething designer who won the attendant design competition (beating out nearly 200 other entrants). McFarland figured the baseball shape ought to be given maximum pop with some Z-axis action, and the concavity created on the other side perfectly lent itself to a glove.
The Mint is releasing three variants of the design: Some 50,000 $5 gold coins, 400,000 $1 silver coins and 750,000 half-dollar clad coins. The vending-machine-proof coins will go on sale on March 27th.
I’m a lapsed industrial designer. I was born in NYC and figured I’d die there, but a few years ago I abandoned New York to live on a farm in the countryside with my wife. We have six dogs.
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U.S. Mint to Launch 3D Coins This Month
Just some notes to clarify your story. The structure of the coin was put forth by the Mint, and legislated by Congress, before Ms. McFarland won the open design competition for the common obverse (heads) side with her glove concept. The common reverse side (tails), with the baseball design, was produced by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart.
https://www.usmint.gov/batterup/?action=curvedcoin
"5$ coins... another 1$ coin, and half dollar coins?!?"
Yes, but non-circulation coins
"What's the point?"
They are commemorative coins. They help raise money for public works programs, memorials, museums, monuments, and other culturally significant projects. They also showcase minting technology, art, and culture of a society.
"More wasted U.S tax dollars."
Certainly true if raising funds is considered a waste of money.
"Vending machine PROOF... again, what IS the point of this design?"
They are commemorative coins. They help raise money for public works programs, memorials, museums, monuments, and other culturally significant projects. They also showcase minting technology, art, and culture of a society.
Vending machine PROOF... again, what IS the point of this design?