Let's review the new Wisconsin State Quarter. Done? OK. 2 out of 4 stars. Pretty boring. Low on inspiration. Mildly embarrassing. In a word, forgettable.

The problem is the amateurish attempt to use too many symbols at the same time. A good looking coin should be relatively simple as well as thoughtfully designed. If Wisconsin wanted the cow, they should have had just a big smiling cow on the quarter. That would have looked great in a kitschy sort of way, and it would have been hilarious opposite the stoic Washington.

Too bad for WI. But it's still not the worst designed quarter out there. That honor goes to Ohio who's quarter looks like it was designed by a team of 5 year-olds with a clip art program. Not to mention the fact that no matter how hard Ohio numatasists try, North Carolina will always be more associated with the Wright Brothers. Plus the NC quarter actually looks nice.

Even more so - the Ohio quarter came out a year after NC, which makes it even lamer that they decided to use the Wright Flyer design long after is was circulating. How lame are people in Ohio? Have I used the word "lame" enough?

That brings me to my point - the people in Ohio are probably nice folks, but their quarter, circulating amongst millions does not do them justice. These silly little coins actually do make a statement. A nice looking quarter makes a good impression, a forgettable one is forgotten, a lame one does worse.

If Mississippi can design a good looking coin, surely anyone can.

[the master list]

Post script - Though totally predictable, the proposed Texas quarter looks damn cool.