Exorbitant Price Increases For Bronze Medals From The US Mint

Still pretty cheap on ebay, but sellers may catch up prices.

Regardless of the logic of the rationale, there's no question in my mind that the decision maker's have killed this part of the hobby. As captainrich points out, collectors will turn away from these items for other collectibles which present better values, such as items made of silver.

I feel fortunate (really lucky) that I read about this U.S Mint decision about six months ago. I had never had an interest in the Mint's Presidential Medals, as my numismatic interests have been with Classic U.S. coins. But once I read the announcement, as I learned more about this series, it sparked an interest. I bought on ebay one of those 40 medal albums previously sold by the Mint filled with 40 medals (the smaller versions) for about $35 or so. I then bought about the eight or so missing ones (mainly the ones issued most recently since that album was made) on ebay and directly from the Mint. I then placed my order in December for the most recent medal issued, knowing the price was going up in January - two of the three inch, and 10 of the smaller versions. I'll give most away as gifts, keeping one of each for myself.

Thanks. As noted, I got lucky - lucky I read about the pricing increase, and also lucky someone was selling that item on ebay at such a great price!

Wow, I'm late to the party. I had planned to order from the Mint more of the 1.5" medals, like around 25 of them. Sigh. Missed an opportunity, $175 purchase is now $500. I guess that makes it easier to not move that collection going forward.