Public Art: From many, one
Utata's weekend project asks us to seek out public art in its diverse forms. The coins in one's pocket are often artistic, replete with symbolism, and designed for public consumption.
This dime from pocket change had prominent radial scratches, likely an artifact of the minting process, that seem to frame the central elements with rays.
Symbols:
An olive branch (peace)
A torch (liberty)
An oak branch (strength)
E pluribus unum (from many, one)
I find it interesting that these symbols, chosen after the end of World War II, are not martial. (The preceding design, prepared before US entry into World War I, used a battle axe, or fasces, to represent unity. That symbol later was adopted by the National Fascist Party, became the basis of the term fascism, and thus needed to be removed to avoid confusion.)
Trivia: The coin's design, when introduced in 1946, was derided as honoring Joseph Stalin by detractors.
Technical Trivia
Lighting from all sides, highlighting detail edges, was possible with the dedicated LED light guide. Focus stacking sharpened details near the coin's edge. B&W conversion with Google's free Nik collection.
Public Art: From many, one
Utata's weekend project asks us to seek out public art in its diverse forms. The coins in one's pocket are often artistic, replete with symbolism, and designed for public consumption.
This dime from pocket change had prominent radial scratches, likely an artifact of the minting process, that seem to frame the central elements with rays.
Symbols:
An olive branch (peace)
A torch (liberty)
An oak branch (strength)
E pluribus unum (from many, one)
I find it interesting that these symbols, chosen after the end of World War II, are not martial. (The preceding design, prepared before US entry into World War I, used a battle axe, or fasces, to represent unity. That symbol later was adopted by the National Fascist Party, became the basis of the term fascism, and thus needed to be removed to avoid confusion.)
Trivia: The coin's design, when introduced in 1946, was derided as honoring Joseph Stalin by detractors.
Technical Trivia
Lighting from all sides, highlighting detail edges, was possible with the dedicated LED light guide. Focus stacking sharpened details near the coin's edge. B&W conversion with Google's free Nik collection.