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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,080 |
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Rest in Peace
United States
3730 Posts |
I am in the minority when it comes to the up-coming Presidential dollar series. I like it. Although most coin collectors would probably disagree with me, there is one thing we can agree upon, and that is the U.S. Mint will likely make millions of dollars producing the new series, just as it has with Statehood Quarters. Now, here's a thought. And, I realize there is no way this will happen. But, wouldn't it be nice! I assume that the profits made from coins go back into what amounts to the "general fund." And, we've all heard the stories about the $200 screwdrivers, $800 toilet seats, and the bridge, which leads to nowhere. Wouldn't it be wonderful if at least some of that profit would go to benefit numismatics! For example: Up-grading mint equipment. Improving coin design by hiring additional artists and sculptors. Building on, or improving museums, which are a part of our U.S. Mints. Improving mint tours so they become more interesting and include "hands on" activities, rather than just looking through plate glass windows down to the tops of minting presses. In other words, pour some money back into the system rather than (in some cases) pouring it down the drain. Does this idea sound so far-fetched? If millions of dollars are being made, what's wrong with using at least some of the profits to improve the product and give citizens some reasons to be proud of their coinage?     Edited by Gary Burke 01/27/2006 6:17 pm
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Pillar Of The Community
Turkey
1205 Posts |
Excellent idea, but kind of utopic:|
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5953 Posts |
Its nice that you can still dream about such nice things happening. I think I am too realistic for such a thought to even enter my head after all the suggestion makes perfect sense.
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Valued Member
United States
108 Posts |
I agree, I also think this is indeed happening today. Yup right in front of your eyes! The U.S. mint is making the new Franklin commemorative coin. some of the money is going to the Smithsonian museum. also I would like to add ,they do have (new) coin artists and engravers. they are making the new State Quarters.Most any company will put money back into it,Yes in this case the us mint. what for? To pay for equpment matinees and upgrades. every time I come up with an idea some one shoots me down. I do commend you for thinking and, trying to improve this world. You should become a president and, then we would all have something to look forward to. great post..
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
Yeah, they got new coin artists and designers and they just announced they intend to use the ugly Presidential portraits off of their Presidential Medal series for the new dollars. Another joke from our Mint! Also after seeing the designs pick by the Fine Arts Commission for the states of Washington and Wyoming I would suggest they disband the Fine Arts Commission, who apparently don't have a clue about coinage or the Statehood Quarter program and what it MEANS to the people of the respective states. These people are so far from reality its absolutely disgusting to have them with any kind of say into any of our coinage programs. What a waste!
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Pillar of the Community
Australia
1091 Posts |
An excellent suggestion Gary.
I'm keen to see the series of the presidents. I'm sure I'll be collecting one of each. It has History, education and may help bring more people into the hobby. And Cheap as anything to collect a set.
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Valued Member
United States
458 Posts |
I'll reserve judgement on whether I'll collect any of these commems. I guess it'll depend on how they look and how they r minted. what bothers me some is the fact that the 1st ladies will be in gold while the ole prez is in silver, and they were the ones elected?  . Should it not be the other way around? Prez gold, 1st momma silver? 
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Valued Member
United States
110 Posts |
Personally, I don't see where the First Ladies have any reason to be on the coins. PERIOD! In my opinion, the President should be on the gold and the Vice President on the silver. Or maybe, Pres=Platinum, VP=gold, Secretary of Defense=silver...anyway you look at it, the Dept. of the Treasury has become the laughing stock of the Numismatic Community...and this thread proves that. All in all, GREAT IDEA!!!
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Rest in Peace
United States
2884 Posts |
EZ, I agree! It is a great idea. However that is why it won't fly!LOL Mike 
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Rest in Peace
 United States
3730 Posts |
Although I'm excited about the new series, I agree with most members that the First Ladies don't need to be on the gold coins.
There were a few significant First Ladies -- Dolley Madison, Elenor Roosevelt, Jackie Kennedy, Mrs. Wilson, or even Mrs. Harding who seemed to be the "Power Behind The Throne" -- but most didn't make much of a historical splash.
Too bad an attractive or historical theme of importance isn't selected for the gold coins.
Also, I read that the reverse will be the same on each coin. Wouldn't it be better to include information on the President on the reverse, or perhaps something significant that happened during his term?
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Pillar Of The Community
3147 Posts |
It is nothing more than a cash cow for the U.S. Mint. The banks won't call them out, the designs are bland, and the Statue of Liberty on the reverse is, like it or not, old hat! The sad part is they will shove these down our throats in the mint sets and proofs set which will cause a huge rate increase. If you want an idea how disgusting the designs are just go the the U.S. Mint website and check into the Presidential Medals. And, concerning the First Ladies or should I be politically correct and say First Spouse well, as I have said, most are about as memorable as the last hot dog vendor you bought from at a sporting event! There will be so few of them purchased the set will probably be worth a fortune when its all said and done! You don't have to go back to many years to remember the First Lady was to be seen and not heard and most of them (not all) served no meaningful cause while living as the spouse in the White House. To put them on gold has done more to turn me AWAY from U.S. coins than any of the other Mint blunders in my life. We need a MAJOR turn over in Congressional members in both the House and the Senate. In three elections we could be rid of most of the freeloaders we now have and send a strong message to those taking their places. Pull out your gold plated ear plugs and start listening and working for the American people or out you go! Heck with the parties, a vote against all incumbents is a vote for change!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1327 Posts |
good ideas, but does the government ever do the smart thing.
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Valued Member
United States
123 Posts |
It makes too much sense, so it will never happen. Some other government agency with more clout will get all of the profits.
Oh well; at least the government mentality benefits me. I work for a defense contractor. I haven't made any $800 toilet seats, but many products are way more expensive than they should be. People may like to blame the contractors, but the government rules and processes are the reason why simple things get so expensive! I hate to imagine how inefficient the U.S. Mint must be. Overblown bureaucratic rules probably at least double the production costs.
Heather
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,080 |
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