Coin Designs Don’t Make Sense, Boy Says

Twelve-year-old Alexander Headley has some definite ideas about 20th century U.S. coins--and it’s no penny ante stuff, either.

Alex is an avid coin collector who wants to see more beauty and fewer presidents: Abraham Lincoln looks too stiff on the penny, and as for Susan B. Anthony--well, let’s just say she isn’t portrayed in the best light.

Alex’s 28-page essay proposing a redesign of American pocket change won him a $25,000 college scholarship.

“I am sick and tired of our present coins that are in circulation, even the better ones,” Alex said in his essay.

“The coins of the beginning of this century were great art and showed a positive attitude and were inspiring,” he said. “We should make coins that show the environment and people working together and themes that help improve our national spirit.”

Alex’s essay was among more than 500 entries submitted by fifth- and sixth-graders to the Professional Numismatists Guild contest, which is aimed at encouraging kids to become coin collectors.

“He had what we considered the right answers,” contest coordinator Harlan J. Berk said.

“All of the coins in circulation have gone way past their 25-year minimum of being minted and are now ready to be changed,” the essay said.

Abraham Lincoln looks too stiff and the Lincoln Memorial is too small to appreciate, Alex said. But an older version of the penny received a higher rating because of its “artistic” wheat back.

He gave the Franklin Roosevelt dime two stars and the Susan B. Anthony dollar 1 1/2.

“I really didn’t like it that much,” Alex said of the Roosevelt dime and the Anthony dollar.

But the turn-of-the century Miss Liberty $20 gold coin and the Mercury dime received the top five stars.

“It’s just really bold and beautiful and very artistic,” he said of the Liberty coin.

Coins from the early part of the century received higher scores because they were more aesthetic and depicted ideals such as liberty and freedom, Alex said.