Periodically since the early 1970s, the US Mint has launched initiatives directed at young collectors. The efforts have included programs featuring coins as well as medals.
The first significant effort was launched in August 1970 by then Director of the Mint Mary Brooks. Ms. Brooks initiated a new series of Mint medals that were priced at a level that young collectors could afford -- 50 cents. The first medals released were bronze miniatures of the Presidents Medals for Nixon, Kennedy and Eisenhower. Brooks' new program of "miniature medals" has continued to this day in the form of the ongoing Presidents Medals series, as well as the bronze miniatures of the Congressional Award medals.
Another nod to younger collectors (and collectors of all ages on budgets) was the decision to strike nearly all of the half-dollars issued as part of the modern commemorative series in copper-nickel rather than silver to keep the coins as affordable as possible. The base metal pieces could be sold at a lower cost and therefore be more accessible for young collectors on a limited budget.
In 1993, the US Mint took a more direct approach to engaging young numismatists in the collecting of US commemorative half-dollars by launching the first of a series of "Young Collector" sets. These colorful, informative sets were specifically designed for children ages 6 to 10. They used cartoons and easy-to-understand language to engage kids in the coin collecting hobby and to subtly educate them about US history and coins. The first set featured the James Madison/Bill of Rights commemorative half-dollar in uncirculated. Interestingly, the first set targeted at kids contained one of only two silver half-dollars in the modern series (the 1982 George Washington was the other). Also interesting is the choice of a space theme for the set -- IMO it was a bit too "out of this world" for the coin, subsequent design themes for Young Collector sets were much more "down to earth" and relateable to the commemorative event.
The Bill of Rights Young Collector Set was priced at $9.75 pre-issue ($11.50 regular) and had a mintage of 50,000. It was a quick sell-out, though one wonders if its strong sales were a result of young collector "demand" for the set or the fact that the uncirculated BoR half-dollar was not available for individual order. (The UNC half-dollars could be purchased in two- and three-coin sets with the UNC silver dollar and UNC gold half-eagle). Over the years, many of the coins in these YC sets have been removed as collector interest in the set has not remained as strong as the individual coins.
I've included images of all the panels of the coin case for the BoR Young Collectors Set along with its slipcase.
Enjoy!
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Slipcase, Front
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Slipcase, Back
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Coin Case, Front Panel
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Coin Case, Interior Top Panel
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Coin Case, Interior Bottom Panel
Bill of Rights Young Collector Set -- Coin Case, Back Panel
Posted 06/24/2012 01:12 am
