Why were so many patterns made?

agentjim007

So few designs were actually used couldn't they figure out they were wasting their time?

MrEureka

I'd guesstimate that 1500 of the 2000 coins listed in Judd were made solely for the purpose of selling them to collectors. So don't worry, they didn't waste their time!

RKKay

<< <i>I'd guesstimate that 1500 of the 2000 coins listed in Judd were made solely for the purpose of selling them to collectors. So don't worry, they didn't waste their time! >>


or $!

keyman64

I believe a number of patterns are still made today...they just don't make it into the hands of collectors.

CaptHenway

<< <i>So few designs were actually used couldn't they figure out they were wasting their time? >>



From 1876 on until the Director of the Mint put the brakes on it you had two or three major class engraver working at the Mint, competing to show the world who was better. It's a guy thing.

AngryTurtle

Mr Eureka, one thing I have wondered about is whether the mint was producing patterns to give the employees practice, in an era when designs changed slowly (Seated Liberty). Which came first, keeping the employees busy and at the peak of their skills, or making creations to sell to collectors? Seems like the solution solved both problems! We had a similar period of constant designs in a more modern era, ending at the start of the state quarter period, interrupted only by the bicentennial. and the restart of the commem series in 1982.

boiler78

I am pretty sure they didn't "create" all those patterns just to keep their skills sharp. I think Andy's explanation is spot on. The situation is not unlike the "improbable" error coins that seemed to flood the market in the not too distant past.

johnny9434

<< <i>I believe a number of patterns are still made today...they just don't make it into the hands of collectors. >>



they should. the mint is alway looking for a few extra bucks to support the wars and whatever else we have going so why not do just that?

llafoe

In my case, a new pattern has to be made almost weekly... I loves to eat!