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 Replies: 19 / Views: 4,204 |
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Valued Member
United States
193 Posts |
I read recently that the mint was thinking about going to switch the content of the silver proofs from .900 to .999 silver due to the cost of getting the .900 planchets made. What is the forums take on this? I am of mixed opinion. On the one hand I like the original composition as it is historically what silver coins were made of. On the other hand I like the idea of getting the dime quarter and half in .999 silver.
I think the mint sees a money maker in this. They can get the plachets cheaper (probably) and they can charge more for the silver proof sets due to the higher silver composition.
Questions, comment, concerns?
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Valued Member
United States
306 Posts |
I would like to see them keep the original, traditional, composition. But I also wouldn't pitch a fit over it if they do change to .999.
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Valued Member
United States
167 Posts |
I agree - if they change it - they change it. Frankly I like the easier math for determining value based on .900
That said - perhaps if they are stamped right - as .999 - they would be able to make it into precious metals IRA. Which might be another side market for them.
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Valued Member
United States
70 Posts |
Good point @ibab. I like it for the simple fact that they're not turning them into complete garbage. If the government's budget called for cost saving measures at the mint, I would fully expect plastic coins or ones made from recycled tin cans. Instead, they're increasing the amount of silver in them. Thumbs up mint. I can live with that!
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21786 Posts |
Neither the .900 nor the .999's are meant for circulation, so why bother with accurate alloying?
I feel the market would prefer .999 coins of this nature anyway.
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
7096 Posts |
That is probably why the roo,wombat and Kookaburra coins enjoy a fair bit of popularity, good designs and .999 silver. Those tacky awful dragon coins are .999 silver but in my opinion are bloody awful |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4132 Posts |
I'd prefer they stick with a traditional coin-silver composition. They're numismatic products, not bullion products. I wish they switch to solid bronze for proof cents as well.
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Valued Member
United States
156 Posts |
If they are going to change the composition of the silver proof sets, they should go the whole distance. How about solid bronze for the cent, .999 nickel for the nickel, and .999 silver for the dime, quarter, and half, with silver weights being exactly 1/10, 1/4, and 1/2 ounce?
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Valued Member
United States
114 Posts |
 Buzzard your idea for the dime quarter and half makes sense and would make it so much easier for the math impaired like me, therefore the gubmnit will never do it |
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Valued Member
United States
410 Posts |
I second Buzzard's motion? Shall we vote? :)
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
20753 Posts |
Anyone ever wonder just how accurate those metal statistics are? Is it possible that the so called .900 is actually anywhere from .950 to .9999999? Isn't it possible that the Mint could say it is now .99999999999 and in reality it is .85? OR .897742? OR .90192993? Just how many people would have such a coin taken somewhere for verification anyway? I wonder how many at the Mint are sitting there laughing at such stories?
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Moderator
 United States
187446 Posts |
Quote:
I would like to see them keep the original, traditional, composition. But I also wouldn't pitch a fit over it if they do change to .999. Pretty much how I feel. It will not upset me. |
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CCF Master Historian of USA Commemoratives
United States
12250 Posts |
#just carl: I think the metal composition of the coin planchets used by the US Mint is very accurate -- certainly more accurate than the ranges you've specified. Even without a formal Assay Commission, there are still checks and balances (and coinage laws) to ensure the metal composition of each coin is accurate and within tolerances.
Overall, I hope the Mint continues with the traditional 90% coin silver for the sets as there are a good number of other options for those looking to collect bullion. Not everything offered by the Mint needs to be 0.999 fine!
Collecting history one coin or medal at a time! (c) commems. All rights reserved.
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Valued Member
United States
362 Posts |
I'm slightly in favor of the .999 change but I can take it or leave it. Honestly I would rather they concentrate on creating some new, exciting designs and products.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2295 Posts |
Either way is fine with me. They probably could sell more sets if they went to .999.
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Valued Member
United States
78 Posts |
I prefer keeping it with the historical .900
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Replies: 19 / Views: 4,204 |
Posted 03/03/2012 8:47 pm
