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 Replies: 10 / Views: 2,198 |
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Valued Member
Canada
217 Posts |
Hi,
I picked up a couple of Franklin Mint commems called Eyewitness to History. They are really nice proof quality and come with groovy coin stands. Does anyone know anything about this series? I gather Franklin Mint is basically out of the manufacturing business but I was interested in maybe completing this set.
Any info most appreciated.
*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
The Franklin Mint was one the first of the rip-off marketers of "false rarity" limited edition sets of goofy made-up commemorative subjects. Basically, their junk is just worth bullion value. Many companies still thrive in this field, advertising in popular magazines to the ignorant - notable among them The Bradford Exchange, a most regrettable example of a company built completely on deceptive advertising.
Edited by Coinfrog
03/21/2017 6:16 pm
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Valued Member
 Canada
217 Posts |
I'm sure that's all true - though the couple of pieces I picked up for about melt are outstanding proofs. FM does seem to have its own collector market, maybe just by people like me who like kitch alternatives to regular bullion. Anyone interested in their various releases (they stopped around the early 80's) should check out this site I stumbled on. Tons of info. http://www.franklin-mint-silver.com/index.htm |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
8516 Posts |
I would like to see them if you can get some pics of yours.
Oregon coin geek.....*** GO BEAVS ! ! ! ***
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
94367 Posts |
It took quite a long time for the market to finally disown the FM. You cannot imagine the amount of money "collectors" lost buying their junk.
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Moderator
 United States
54282 Posts |
That site is set up to SELL Franklin Mint items (and they buy too - and they brag about getting them cheap on ebay). |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4409 Posts |
nss-52 the site linked to above has NOTHING to do with the current Franklin Mint and posted this notice. Quote:
NOTE: This website is about vintage Franklin Mint products, but WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE FRANKLIN MINT. CoinFrog your calling Franklin Mint medals "junk" repeatedly and saying worth bullion value only doesn't make it so. Sure, the most common themes (e.g. Presidents) are likely worth a small premium over melt. However, Franklin Mint did produce some that are worth more than melt. Collect what you like regardless of what anyone else says. -MV |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
869 Posts |
My late uncle was an avid Franklin Mint collector back in the 70's. Recently, I put several of the gold commemorative pieces up for bid on ebay. They were like brand new in the box with all documentation and display folder. Ended up selling for melt value . .  So . . Numismatic value is zilch . . zero . . nada . .  That was my experience anyway . . YMMV Edited by flag4
03/22/2017 8:41 pm
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Moderator
United States
188770 Posts |
I have a few Franklin mint items. They were gifts so their sentimental value will always make them more than bullion.  |
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Valued Member
Canada
217 Posts |
  Sorry not great pics. I have no opinion on whether the Franklin Mint was a scam/ripoff whatever 40 years ago. But even in these lousy photos one can see that the quality was very high, and for basically melt, you get a nice proof medallion in sterling with a groovy stand and encased in a handsome plastic airtight. The site I linked to is run by two collectors and aftermarket sellers and it has tons of info about the FM's various series. One of the guys was kind enough to email me back with Mintage #'s for this medallion and some other info. I'm sure the FM products are not for everyone and seem to represent a sore spot for some given their huge mark up over spot on original release. For me they represent a quirky and kitschy alternative to bullion and seem to have a lot of personality with very little premium in the aftermarket. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3079 Posts |
Here is somebody that buys and sells Franklin mint http://www.exonumia.com/ he sells and buys all sorts of exonumia. I have dealt with him for a number of years on tokens, mardi gras throws and government type tokens. always as advertised and never have been disapointed when I receive them. He also has new and used books at great prices. I have to agree that you should collect what interests you. I find the overheated fever some have for the Carr items very silly. If the collecting goes sideways or the world Apocalypse in the future all his will be worth only melt too! As people won't pay a premium for fantasy pieces.  |
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Replies: 10 / Views: 2,198 |
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Posted 03/22/2017 1:20 pm
