The Future Of The Coin Market As I See It.

[/quote]But real collectors and numismatics are in the minority as the public is too stupid to figure out how to use a dollar coin (as they do in Canada and Europe). We want to put Clinton on a dollar coin instead of designs that incorporate artistry, grace, liberty and power.[/quote]

You would not believe how many times I have argued this point to the members of congress. Today it is more important to keep the job instead of doing the job. Everyone worries about not offending someone or something that nothing can be done. We have somewhere along the lines forgotten that things need done, that decisions need to be made.
We reissue the same old things over and over, and for the most part people don't care. Congress learned this lesson long ago. As long as they don't rock the boat, no one will notice.

As an experiment, ask people if they know what will happen to the "Nickel" in 2006 and beyond? No one seems to realize that there is a law returning Jefferson and Monticello. On top of that, most do not care. It is simply a worthless coin that cannot be used for purchases. In the mind of most, anything smaller than a quarter is worthless in society.

The new presidential series is supposed to teach Americans about the presidents. Of course, this lesson is not even taught in our schools, so why would anyone expect coins to teach what the schools won't. The new series is supposed to stimulate collectors. Well we all know how well that has worked in the past. It is supposed to get Americans to use coins instead of currency. Again, we all know how well that works. Finally, this coin is supposed to inspire people. I think that we have proven time and time again that the U.S. Mint can churn out "Ugly" dead presidential figures without fear of being confused with any form of artistry.

Coins are a reflection of a society. So America has gotten exactly what reflects it's *SHEEP HERD* culture-- coins that are sterile, shallow, yes men sitting in a row at a board meeting with the same looking haircuts kind of coins.

Coin collecting as a small society is just the smaller picture of the bigger picture--overall society. And authenticity in American society, it would seem, is something people are desperate for. Even to the point of paying hundreds of dollars for "destroyed jeans"--jeans that have been deliberately worn out with abrasives and chemicals to give them a "lived in look." How funny is that? People will spend hundreds of dollars on something that is still fake so they can feel that the jeans and their lives aren't fake?

This is why, IMO, Darkside coins, (especially circulated, toned, slab-free coins) are going to be the *shocker* in numismatics--there is a "down to earth" authenticity to them.

[quote
This is why, IMO, Darkside coins, (especially circulated, toned, slab-free coins) are going to be the *shocker* in numismatics--there is a "down to earth" authenticity to them.

[/quote]

I kept some 500 franc coins from before the euro out of nostalgia
I see on ebay nobody wants to buy them anywere near face value

On the other hand everybody wants to overpay for anything denominated in euros

Todays modern coin collectors seem in a race to get the newest coins the fastest way possible and those collecting old coins seem a minority
I stopped collecting postage stamps in 1971 because the same thing happened then to stampts

I still have my 1971 stamp collection
I was told the easiest way to sell them is to use them for mailing
I may get back face value after 30 years if I am lucky
Something like 400 euro
Probably the six stamps on the first page are worth more then the four albums together .

I never bothered with history but since I collect coins I have
read more about history then ever before
Mostly French history

Richard,
Like the varmits you Aussies put on coins. Like the pioneers in aviation series from the Perth Mint (shaped like the Australian continent, they commemorate Aussie aviation firsts, but ironically are legal tender of Tuvalu!), and find the dancing man interesting...

Welcome Cladking! I don't think you will find that to be true on this forum. All peoples opinions are respected and appreciated! Stick around and I'm sure you'll agree. We debate almost everything, but all views count! Mike
P.S I notice your a Hoosier! This forum is loaded with them. We are neighbors, I live in Cedar Lake or Cedar Tuckey for you "St John" Folks!!

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Originally posted by cladking
Old time collectors have hardly welcomed the newbies with open arms. We tend to be both rude and condescending to them when they come to shops or shows. They see letters to the editors and message boards full of insults and warning directed at them. The coins they seek are often called junk or worse.

The real wonder is that so many collect anyway.

The mint has been making a real effort to improve the product and most people just don't even seem to notice. The gains have been across a broad spectrum from quality to designs. Certainly there is far more to do, and certainly Congress is mucking things up but this is the American way.

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Welcome Cladking. Nice to see you make the jump. You are absolutely correct. Both dealers and collectors have serious issues with new people entering into the hobby. Each feels as if the door should have been closed after they arrived. I see this firsthand at ALL the major shows, and have been told the stories thousands of times.
Even my efforts to get dealers to contribute to forums is met with resistence. It is like everyone wants to keep the "secret" to themselves.

While I agree that the Mint has made great improvements with quality for the most part, they are stuck with the designs handed to them. I do not blame the mint for the lackluster designs, that is congress and the states. The mint is bound by what is given to them.

Anyways, great to have you here. I hope that you will contribute often. Your knowledge in the modern coins is much needed (and appreciated).

Thanks everybody.

This was the only clad coin I noticed on the list of available avatars. While I specialize in moderns and consider both the Delaware quarter and the '99 SBA to be ultra-moderns, they are intended to reach out to the newbies who almost always collect at least some ultra-moderns. I do collect the later dates but don't put a lot of effort into them yet.