Letter
Dear Ms. Fore:
The Commission of Fine Arts reviewed designs for the 2006 Colorado quarter at its 17 March 2005 meeting and made the following recommendations:
Designs #1 and #5 were thought to show the most promise because of their basic simplicity and legibility at coin size. However, both would benefit from further simplification.
Design #1. The curved ribbon with "Colorful Colorado" on it should be removed and the curve at the bottom of the mountain scene replaced with a straight line or preferably with a natural edge.
Design #5. The crossed shovel and pick, snowflakes, and "Pike’s Peak or Bust" should be removed and just the mountain scene left. The natural edge was considered good, but the profile of the mountains needs to be stronger and sharper, so that it looks like the Rockies and not like a worn down mountain chain. Without all the extraneous elements, there would probably be room to move the mountain scene down somewhat so the peaks could be made more prominent.
Sincerely,
/s/Frederick J. Lindstrom
Acting Secretary
The Honorable Henrietta Holsman Fore, Director
United States Mint
801 9th Street, NW, 8th Floor
Washington, DC. 20220