New commemorative coins celebrating the nation's semiquincentennial (aka, its 250th anniversary) have caused controversy after they were released earlier this year. The commemorative designs, which will only be minted this year, have been criticized for missing a common symbol of the U.S. since the late 1700s, the symbol for the country's seal is an eagle with 13 arrows in one talon representing the 13 colonies and an olive branch. The design of the new dime, which also features the torch, olive branch, and oak branch, has been criticized by some who believe it is an attempt to represent America being a nation of peace. The designer of the honorary dime, Eric David Custer, stated that the empty talon was intentional and reflects an early chapter in America's history.