Statue of Liberty Issues Are a Mixed Bag

Coins often are works of art. The beauty not only can enhance the value but also the desirability. Collectors look forward to each new issue, hoping to enhance their collections with coins that will give them hours of pleasure, studying the details and enjoying the significance of the artwork and symbolism.

Sometimes, even the best of intentions is not always successful. A case in point is the Susan B. Anthony dollar, a miserable flop with the public because of its size and design. The coin was an attempt to appease feminists but instead failed to satisfy anyone.

Now, the Treasury is offering three new designs (pictured) in the commemorative Statue of Liberty series. Unfortunately, the new designs are not entirely satisfactory.

The most disappointing is the $5 gold piece. The obverse crops in on Miss Liberty’s head from below, an angle that in Hollywood is known as a nostril shot. Also, the face seems pudgy if not bloated, and she seems to be scowling or perhaps looks as if she just got a whiff of the East River.

Worse still is the reverse of the $5 gold piece. There we see what at best looks like an eagle that has just caught a load of buckshot you-know-where or, at worst, looks like a chicken caught in a hurricane. Poor baby. Responsibility for the design is given to Elizabeth Jones, chief sculptor-engraver for the U.S. Mint.

The Statue of Liberty silver $1 and clad half dollar fare somewhat better. The $1 shows a more traditional Miss Liberty and Ellis Island on the obverse with the torch and an excerpt from Emma Lazarus’ poem, “The New Colossus,” on the reverse. The obverse was designed by Jonn Mercanti, the reverse by Matthew Peloso.

For my money, perhaps the best of the three coins insofar as design is concerned is the half dollar. The obverse shows a full-length profile of the statue with the sun rising in the East against the New York skyline of about 1913. The statue is welcoming an inbound liner. This obverse was designed by Edgar Z. Steever IV. The reverse depicts an immigrant family at Ellis Island, waiting to go to New York. It was designed by Sheri J. Winter.

Money raised from the sale of these coins will help pay for the restoration of the Statue of Liberty, which will mark its 100th anniversary next year. The coins are a fitting and proper tribute. Too bad the aesthetics weren’t entirely successful.

Question: I have an 1847 penny. How much is it worth in perfect shape?--E.P.

Answer: Realistically, your coin is probably worth between $3 and $50. When you say your coin is in perfect condition, you stretch the realm of probability. Few if any coins exist in so-called perfect condition.

The main problem is they’re not made that way. They’re made by machines, and there’s usually a flaw of some sort along the way. Then, when they get into the hands of collectors, mishandling can cause other imperfections. Even slight rubs, improper storage or environmental conditions, such as smog or salt air near the ocean, can detract from a coin’s value.

Almost 7 million large cents dated 1847 were minted. I don’t know how many survive, but the number is probably quite substantial. Prices for super specimens with original mint luster to the copper can be quite substantial--if you can find a buyer.

Copper coins have not been all that popular for some time, which has tended to depress the market in that area. So, I’ll stick with my original estimate, unless you happen to have that one coin in a million.

In that case, write your own ticket.

Q: Several months ago you wrote that one could buy the 1985 Canadian commemorative silver dollar from the Royal Canadian Mint. A few days later, I ordered a silver dollar (1985 national park commemorative), but so far I have not received it. I have even written three letters to them, but I have not received any letters in return. Please tell me what I should do.--R.K.

A: You didn’t indicate whether your check has been cashed. If it has, then I’m sure your coins are on the way. The Royal Canadian Mint is quite legitimate. I have heard from a few readers from time to time who believe the service is slow but eventually they get their orders. I’m sure you will too. Another possibility is to check with the Canadian Trade Office in Los Angeles, but I really don’t think that will be necessary. Be patient. The Canadian coins are worth waiting for.

Q: My father gave me this coin (traced and enclosed with letter) in the 1960s. He found it while redoing the hallway floor in our house back East. For years I’ve always wondered about the coin and the value. I do know that the coat of arms is from Portugal and that Mocambique, in Africa, is now called Mozambique. I did my best in showing what the coin looks like. Please tell me what it is and what it’s worth. Also, could you tell me the value of a 1974-D Lincoln-Kennedy penny? Only so many were supposed to be printed.--P.E.L.

A: Mozambique was once a colony of Portugal. Your 1936 10 escudos is silver and worth about $25 or $30. The so-called Lincoln-Kennedy cent is a souvenir piece, privately manufactured and has no collector value.

Q: I have a couple of British farthings dated 1922. Is there any value?--N.C.

A: Sorry, your farthings have little or no value.

Q: I would like to ask the approximate value of the following Japanese coins: a silver 1,000 yen, 1964 Tokyo (with Olympic rings); silver 1 yen, 2 sen and 5 sen of early Meiji Period; money issued under Japanese occupation, and old copper coins, round and oblong, with a square hole.--B.O’M.

A: Your Japanese Olympic coin is worth $10, the Meiji pieces are worth about $20, Japanese occupation money has little or no collector value at this time, and the old copper pieces are each in the $5-to-$10 range.

Coin News

A souvenir card for the International Paper Money Convention next week in Cherry Hill, N.J., is being offered by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Featured is the obverse of a $10 National Currency note of the second-quarter period, Series 1882. Mint cards are $4 by mail, intaglio prints are $16.50 by mail. Orders should be printed on 8 1/2x11-inch paper. Order No. 916 for mint cards, No. 917 for canceled cards. Checks or money orders should be made payable to BEP at Mail Order Sales, Room 602-11A, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Washington, D.C. 20228.

A one-ounce silver proof medal featuring Frank Gasperro designed by Gasperro, former chief engraver of the United States Mint, is being offered in a limited edition of 1,000. Medals are $19.95 each and may be ordered from Bowers & Merena Galleries, Medal Department, Box 1224, Wolfeboro, N.H. 03894.

Don Alpert cannot answer mail personally but will respond to numismatic questions of general interest in this column. Do not telephone. Write to Your Coins, You section, The Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles 90053.