I ordered five American Innovation proof and reverse proof sets from the US Mint. Received them today and three out of the five have issues. Now I have to go through the trouble of returning them. You would think directly from the mint there shouldn't be a problem. Two had bad toning and the third has a piece of debris in it. I could probably keep that one since I will be breaking them open and it does move around in the case so it's not stuck to the coin. Not sure if the replacement would be worse than the debris.
Has anyone had to return and still get bad product with the replacement?
It does give me pause. I have to at least finish my Innovation Dollar and America Women's quarter sets. The 2026 celebration releases feel like a must have. Then there are six more years of ID. After that, who knows what I will do.
Quote: imo---the new coins from the mint are not worth buying---
that was my conclusion, too, several years back. I won't harp on it, though. no one is wrong for collecting what they enjoy collecting. I guess i'd rather have a decent currency than hundreds of choices of collectible coins and so-so quality control.
Quality control lacks in everything man touches. The mint is no exception. I had a blemish on the plastic lens right over the Kennedy half dollar in my 2025 proof set, and thankfully that has been the only item I can remember. The coin was not harmed. Seven days to return, those look like a good candidate for a return.
Well I sent them all back, noticed under different light that the one I thought was good actually had hazing on the obverse.
I'm beginning to question by decision to even get back into collecting coins. I like to have complete sets or at least work towards completing a set. But as I look at the prices of proof sets especially the silver ones I start to wonder if it's even worth the money it will take. I wonder if I'm better off just buying 90% constitutional silver coins and bullion and not even both with completing modern sets that will probably just be worth face value.
Best of luck with your return! I know the struggle. Over the course of two months, I had to return the 2025 Proof Set three times for QC issues. The fourth set they sent me was good. Had it been bad, I would've given up and gotten a refund. The whole situation was ridiculous, almost a running gag by the third return cycle. The nationwide slowdown in postal service didn't help, either, because the return shipments took up to 2 weeks. All's well that ends well, I suppose. I will add I'm happy with the final proof set, though. Makes me wish I didn't stop buying them with the 2012 issue.
Quote: I'm beginning to question by decision to even get back into collecting coins. I like to have complete sets or at least work towards completing a set. But as I look at the prices of proof sets especially the silver ones I start to wonder if it's even worth the money it will take. I wonder if I'm better off just buying 90% constitutional silver coins and bullion and not even both with completing modern sets that will probably just be worth face value.
Despite my story, I would still encourage you to stick it out if you enjoy collecting modern coins. Numismatics is all about collecting what makes you happy! If you find that modern coins don't bring you joy, that's okay! There are so many options for your collection. Just don't give up on our wonderful hobby.
Like JBuck, extremely fortunate to have not received any issues directly purchased. Several a year for over fifteen. For myself, my issue with the mint is price increase, where for the first time in many years I won't be buying the silver proof set. Eventually they will be found for less in the secondary. I can wait. Point is, for what they charge a higher standard is expected without question. Obviously, and regrettably, they missed the mark in your case.
ANA member - PAN Member - BCCS Member There are no problems only solutions - the late, great John Lennon
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Posted 05/20/2025 5:08 pm
All's well that ends well, I suppose. 
