2016 Gold WLH, SLQ, And Mercury Dime

Well, I can't speak for other collectors, but I specialize in that era (1916-1940s) and think that run of designs is the height of American coinage. From the Buffalo nickel to the Mercury dime to the SLQ to the Walker to the Peace dollar to the Indian head incuse quarter and half eagles to the St. Gauden's Indian head eagle and the St. Gauden's double eagle, there is NO OTHER TIME in American numismatic history where a better set of designs existed.

Having said that, the gold bullion versions of the Mercury, the SLQ, and the Walker just look all "wrong" to me. Obviously the St. Gauden's double eagle obverse design has been around in bullion form for 30 years now (though IMHO the reverse is horrible), but doing a gold version of this to the other three coins just looks wrong to me. And I cannot explain why, but I have a feeling many other collectors feel the same way.

How about a SILVER proof set in .999 silver of the Mercury, the SLQ, and the Walker? Because I would buy those. In a heartbeat.

Kevin.

So I got that email from the Mint to take the survey that was mentioned earlier in the post.
After reading this post, I took the survey and copied some of the questions they asked and info they shared.

Below is taken directly from the Mint survey...


The United States Mint is considering producing 3 special coins for the 100th anniversary of its classic designs in 2016. To celebrate this centennial occasion the United States Mint will strike the original coin designs, as they first appeared in 1916, in .9999 Platinum. These special 100th anniversary coins would be released over the course of 2016, with approximately 1 month between the releases of each coin. These coins would be:
A 1/10 oz. Platinum 1916 Mercury dime with a uncirculated finish for $165.
A ¼ oz. Platinum 1916 Standing Liberty coin with a uncirculated finish for $385.
A ½ oz. Platinum 1916 Walking Liberty coin with a uncirculated finish for $745.



The United States Mint is considering a redesign of the American Eagle Platinum coin in 2017 to commemorate its 20th anniversary. The coin would feature an original rendition of Liberty (first utilized in 1997) on the obverse and a singular, iconic Eagle on the reverse. The coin would be produced with a reverse proof finish with a special 20 year privy. An image of the 2017 coin is not available; the current 2014 proof coin is presented for reference. The price of this coin would be approximately $1,500.


The United States Mint is considering a number of different, multi-year American Eagle Platinum coin series programs to begin in 2018. Each program would celebrate a different aspect of American History and would be minted in a proof finish. The current programs being considered are:
A 3 year series that celebrates the Preamble of the Declaration of Independence
o "Life"
o "Liberty"
o "The Pursuit of Happiness"

A 4 year series derived from FDR's speech during WWII that would feature designs based on his four freedom principles
o Freedom to Worship
o Freedom of Speech
o Freedom from Fear
o Freedom from Want

A 5 year series centered on the 1st Amendment
o Freedom of Religion
o Freedom of Speech
o Freedom to Peacefully Assemble
o Freedom of the Press
o Freedom to Petition the Government for Perceived Grievances
The price of each coin would be approximately $1,500.

Reviving the post, now that we know they don't plan to release until December 2016. Too bad not now while spot is so low.

The above thoughts are very wise--thank you! I bet there are plenty others like myself: only having started looking at numis within the last decade and reading Eric Jordan on modern commems...I bet this threesome sells pretty well.

As with the thoughts above, they would have been SOOOO much better in silver. It really is the best era for design. As for the "real coins," some folks will be hard-pressed to decide between a common date $10 indian head in MS-63 and this new WLH.

I doubt the mint will allow that to happen. It will probably end up like the 2014 gold jfk half

They are in gold because the Mint does not need Congressional approval to make new gold coins. They need an act of Congress (Literally!) to get anything coined in silver. Don't ask me why. I don't know. It just is.

I would buy silver versions in a heartbeat.

These are awesome pieces. It would be nice to see silver versions as well but I will at least be able to get the gold Mercury dime

Man those are cool coins. I'll be curious to see the mintage on them.