I think is a matter of preference. I tend toward black, but your sample with the light is effective also. Go for the choice that make you happy. Don't like it in the end? Use scraps to make another with the light fabric choice. :)

Think it depends on the recipient. For a male, I'd use dark and for a female, I'd the lighter color. In the long run, do what you like best. Both are beautiful..

It's really your preference, as it is your quilt. Which do YOU like??

I'm with cjsews. I like the dark too.

I like dark.

I prefer the light sashing. It looks much more cozy.

I like the dark best but a little darker saturated color than the one shown. (at least on my screen the dark looks almost mottled)

It really depends on the values of the fabrics used for your coins, if they are predominately light to med I would go with the dark, but if they are medium to dark I would use the light sashing. Really depends on your coin fabrics.

I like the darker color

I like the lighter color as it seems to flows thru easier to look at.