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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,299 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1083 Posts |
I just got the latest Fall Gift Catalog from the US Mint. I was struck by how cheesy all these new coins are, poorly designed, and all commemerating a variety of presidents, their spouses, inventors, US territories, etc. Not to mention regular circulation coins like Lincoln Cents offered in rolls at huge permiums. With the possible exception of the UHR Double Eagle gold, all a bunch of junk with no future chance of ever increasing in value. It reminded me of the offerings I used to get years ago from the Franklin Mint.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2541 Posts |
I agree. I think there is too much marketing and focus on trying to make money. The mint needs to slash the number of products they have and focus on making good quality coins that the public likes. These will sell themselves and the mint will still make money!
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Moderator
 United States
56855 Posts |
What percentage of customers buy from the "US MINT" trying to make a profit vs. because they simply like the design of the coin or medal? Just curious. John1 
Edited by John1 09/04/2009 10:34 am
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Moderator
 United States
187678 Posts |
I think I actually miss the good ole days. The annual proof set fit in one lens, circulating coins actually circulated, and mint sets contained actual circulation strikes.
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Rest in Peace
United States
2668 Posts |
And a dollar was worth something.
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Valued Member
United States
129 Posts |
I agree with all of the above... way too many coins ....especially NIFC's. I haven't had time to add up the total number of coins but with Silver and Clad proof sets, a 36 coin Mint set, All the business strike coins that are differnt from the mint set coins, and all the Gold and SIlver commemoratives it has to be around 90 different coins or so!... In 1970 there were 15?! You're right it is looking an awful lot like the Franklin Mint. I have limited my collections to the old fashioed Proof and business strike coins. Just can't afford every variation that the mint puts out.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1571 Posts |
I too, agree with the above, and obviously for some of the same reasons, but also because the lack of origginality, and creative thinking for new designs, etc. Personally, I don't like the presidents series, much less, the spouses. what are they going to come up with after the pres/spouse coins are all done? and why so many? why not make less, and sell more at lower prices? That way the average Joe, and Jane can also buy a little. Instead, the mint sells to a select few "distribuitors, etc, and they make a huge profit. Then the mint finally woke up and started selling directly, for hugely inflated prices. I for one would rather do without the 'brand-spanking-new cent", at the prices it has been selling for, and wait until it is in circulation, then pay what it is worth, FACE VALUE! It is ridiculus, the way things are getting out of hand. why not go back to the old way of handling coins? Sell by the bag, and for the face, plus cost of S&H? why does Home shopping have to have the first of the sdales in their favor? It stinks to high heaven, of collusion! I would like to have continued my normal habit of butying a box of cents, from both mionts, and being content to have received them, and at face value. As time goes by, they will increase in valus, (face), plus any unknown varieties that might be in the rolls, would be net profit, if that be the game. I would rather see the presence of the date, in a solid series, than ahve several "holes", due to cost. Sorry about ranting, and raving, but I get very disgusted at the way the mint(S) does business. It is a good thing that they haven't though of making copies of the old series of coins, like the IHC, or FE etc. They are still a worthy coin to search for, even if only the culls have survived! Dick
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5603 Posts |
Numismatic News, 9/1/09- page 14 Article titled "Treat collectors like other Mint customers".  I believe Mr Enfield's concise tone towards "the now-a-days U S Mint's attitude" is beautifully summed up to reflect the feelings of many a collector, some of the posts in this topic are all to familiar with the way things are.  I would highly suggest this being a good read for all who do and would like to Collect Coins........PS: As another member also stated, please read the U S Mints 2008 annual report.Another very interesting read! (Bio) 
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Replies: 7 / Views: 1,299 |
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