I'm thrilled to note that, in recent years, the powers who get to decide which commemoratives are minted have broadened their list of acceptable topics. I hope the trend continues. In my view, a nation's coins should tell us something about the people who spend them. Could anyone examine a collection of Ancient Greek coinage and not conclude that this was a diverse and interesting populace?

If a type set of modernI'm thrilled to note that, in recent years, the powers who get to decide which commemoratives are minted have broadened their list of acceptable topics. I hope the trend continues. In my view, a nation's coins should tell us something about the people who spend them. Could anyone examine a collection of Ancient Greek coinage and not conclude that this was a diverse and interesting populace? United States Commemoratives were transported to beings in another galaxy what could they learn? At a glance, they might conclude Americans are particularly fond of one type of bird. …And they have some pretty impressive buildings, too; probably temples of some sort. Earthlings get very involved in sports every four years, don't they? And they still occasionally go to war… Strange how Americans seems to favor one gender over the other…

Of course, I'm not suggesting we create commemorative coins with the intention of distributing them in space, though I wouldn't miss a few issues if their entire mintages were sent there. What I'd really like to see is more attention paid to arts and science, though I'd resist the temptation of increasing sales through the selection of personalities from pop culture. I appreciate Elvis and Bugs Bunny as much as the next guy, but would prefer attention for those who've made more significant contributions to our civilization and culture. Albert Einstein and Ernest Hemingway come to mind.

Based on the popularity of the State Quarters, proposals for other circulating commemorative issues are certain to proliferate like rabbits. Maybe our next series will depict some Americans of accomplishment outside the realm of war, sports, and politics. Perhaps medicine, education and business?