If they were rare, it would be interesting, but it's hard to buy w/o them. It cheapens the potential appeal.
Buy the coin, not the holder.
"My friends who see my collection sometimes ask what something costs. I tell them and they are in awe at my stupidity." (Baccaruda, 12/03).I find it hard to believe that he (Trump) rushed to some hotel to meet girls of loose morals, although ours are undoubtedly the best in the world. (Putin 1/17) Gone but not forgotten. IGWT, Speedy, Bear, BigE, HokieFore, John Burns, Russ, TahoeDale, Dahlonega, Astrorat, Stewart Blay, Oldhoopster, Broadstruck, Ricko, Big Moose.
<< <i>I agree wholeheartedly with njcc, if you like them, cool, if not, then that's ok, too. For my part, I cannot fathom why anyone would wish to have someone's automated signature(even a 19th century superstar) that was cranked out by a machine with no regard by the signer caring where and which coin received the automated sig. Try selling a signed copy of Leroy Van Allen's book that was automatically signed during its printing. Wonder what premium would be attached to it, but someone would pay more, I guess, and that is their prerogative. Then, that's just my opinion. Jim >>
You need to get your facts in order ... Mercanti signed every one of those labels....take a close look...everyone is slightly different.
"Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's?
"Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's? >>
Impossible, but a truely great artist, not some late 20th century hack. Adolph Alexander WeinmanText
His art makes the ASE interesting. The back is ho-hum.
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's? >>
Impossible, but a truely great artist, not some late 20th century hack. Adolph Alexander WeinmanText
His art makes the ASE interesting. The back is ho-hum. >>
Ok, Dr. Frankenstein....good luck in getting his signature
"Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
Walker Proof Digital Album Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin >>
Does that mean we can give him credit for "spaghetti hair"?
And I always thought the "JM" on these coins stood for "John Maben".
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin >>
Does that mean we can give him credit for "spaghetti hair"?
And I always thought the "JM" on these coins stood for "John Maben". >>
that is great
Successful coin BST transactions with Gerard and segoja.
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work.
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also.
"Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
My question: does the label contained a real signature or a computer generated auto pen signature? If it is a real signature than it is a cool piece and a nice added bonus. If it is an auto pen reproduction then little more than decoration.
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also. >>
I'm not interested in looking for an alternative signatory, but rather objecting to Mercanti being classed with the legendary designers of all time. Granted he has a large body of work but IMO it is rather ho hum.
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also. >>
I'm not interested in looking for an alternative signatory, but rather objecting to Mercanti being classed with the legendary designers of all time. Granted he has a large body of work but IMO it is rather ho hum. >>
Well, I suppose we'll let history decide that in about 100 years.... after all, most of your mentioned ones weren't especially household names during their time either.
"Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
Well, I suppose we'll let history decide that in about 100 years.... after all, most of your mentioned ones weren't especially household names during their time either.
@wondercoin said:
I'll take a stab at your question ...
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Hint if the initials JM are on the coin that is him
The reverse of the American Eagle Silver bullion coins
Reverse 1999 Pennsylvania State Quarter:
Reverse 2001 North Carolina State Quarter:
Reverse 2003 Arkansas State Quarter:
Reverse 2004 Iowa State Quarter:
Reverse 2005 West Virginia State Quarter:
1984 Olympic Gold $10:
1986 Statue of Liberty $1:
1989 Congress Bicentennial Gold $5:
Obverse 1990 Eisenhower Centennial $1:
Obverse 1991 Mount Rushmore $5:
Obverse 1991 Korean War Memorial $1:
REVERSE 1991 United Services Organizations $1:
Obverse 1992 Christopher Columbus Quincentenary $1:
Obverse 1994 Vietnam Veterans Memorial $1:
Obverse 1996 (1995) Atlanta Olympics $1 - Cycling $1:
Reverse 1996 Smithsonian Instution 150th Anniversary $1:
Obverse 1998 Black Revolutionary War Patriots $1:
Reverse 2002 West Point Military Academy Bicentennial $1:
Obverse 2003 First Flight Centennial Half Dollar:
Reverse 2004 125th Anniversary Of Edison's Electric Light $1:
In 1974, Mercanti joined the United States Mint as a sculptor-engraver after working as an illustrator. On May 19, 2006, he was appointed Chief Engraver of the U.S. Mint (also known as Supervisor of Design and Master Tooling Development Specialist).
Amazing accolades by the man.
Let's flip the other side of the coin. Pun intended. Has Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron ever design any Americana U.S. coin or coins? Has Jessica Lynch ever done the same. Although, there is a Silver Eagle, designed by the topic subject, tributes ms. Lynch. Oh, she signed it as well.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.
@wondercoin said:
I'll take a stab at your question ...
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin
So he's the Joe Pepitone of Mint engravers?
On the 10 year Anniversary of my reply, reading it now, I thought I had a pretty darn good answer back then! That said, I much prefer the “hammering Hank Aaron” autographs PCGS produced two years after my response. 😊 He hit 755 Home Runs while we all watched!!
Wondercoin
Please visit my website at www.wondercoins.com and my ebay auctions under my user name www.wondercoin.com.
Never really cared for it.
Even more so because after making an eBay purchase once from Bullion shark of NY, constantly keep getting badgered over the phone about Mercanti signed bullion they desperately keep pushing.
Mercanti was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint of course.
Imagine having a signed piece a Chief Engraver like Robert Scott, Christian Gobrecht, James Longacre, Charles Barber, George Morgan, Frank Gasparro, or... John Mercanti?
I for one, appreciate when we give honor and recognition to a designer like Mercanti.
I personally have a Kennedy, 4-coin, 2014 series set which I included in my registry set.
>
IMO:
If the other designers mentioned above were to have a genuine signature and not a facsimile included on a label
with a coin that they designed, we would have a different story and responses here.
It is such a shame to me that we have to give more glory to sports figures that has nothing to do with coins.
Sports figures have their own world, why not coin designers?
Wayne
Comments
Buy the coin, not the holder.
<< <i>I agree wholeheartedly with njcc, if you like them, cool, if not, then that's ok, too. For my part, I cannot fathom why anyone would wish
to have someone's automated signature(even a 19th century superstar) that was cranked out by a machine with no regard by the signer caring
where and which coin received the automated sig. Try selling a signed copy of Leroy Van Allen's book that was automatically signed during
its printing. Wonder what premium would be attached to it, but someone would pay more, I guess, and that is their prerogative. Then, that's just my opinion.
Jim >>
You need to get your facts in order ... Mercanti signed every one of those labels....take a close look...everyone is slightly different.
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's?
<< <i>
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's? >>
Impossible, but a truely great artist, not some late 20th century hack. Adolph Alexander WeinmanText
His art makes the ASE interesting. The back is ho-hum.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>There are only a couple of people whose signature on an insert label would be meaningful to me. The talented and prolific Mr. Mercanti isn't one of them. >>
Please enlighten us with your knowledge & wisdom ....who's signature would you rather have on the ASE's? >>
Impossible, but a truely great artist, not some late 20th century hack. Adolph Alexander WeinmanText
His art makes the ASE interesting. The back is ho-hum. >>
Ok, Dr. Frankenstein....good luck in getting his signature
Fellas, leave the tight pants to the ladies. If I can count the coins in your pockets you better use them to call a tailor. Stay thirsty my friends......
<< <i>I'll take a stab at your question ...
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin >>
Does that mean we can give him credit for "spaghetti hair"?
And I always thought the "JM" on these coins stood for "John Maben".
<< <i>
<< <i>I'll take a stab at your question ...
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin >>
Does that mean we can give him credit for "spaghetti hair"?
And I always thought the "JM" on these coins stood for "John Maben".
that is great
Successful card BST transactions with cbcnow, brogurt, gstarling, Bravesfan 007, and rajah 424.
<< <i>Because his name/signature has the potential to make some people money, here and there. >>
+1
<< <i>
<< <i>Because his name/signature has the potential to make some people money, here and there. >>
+1 >>
Probably the best answer yet!
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Because his name/signature has the potential to make some people money, here and there. >>
+1 >>
Probably the best answer yet! >>
Doh...that's a no brainer ..... I'm sure Mercanti & PCGS are not doing it for their good health
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work.
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also.
<< <i>Americans love labels in general. MJ >>
you always bust me up!
FWIW strike while the iron is hot!
<< <i>
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also.
I'm not interested in looking for an alternative signatory, but rather objecting to Mercanti being classed with the legendary designers of all time. Granted he has a large body of work but IMO it is rather ho hum.
Wondercoin
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>Mercanti, not to be mean, and not to take anything away from him for his accomplishments while he worked at the US Mint but Mercanti doesn’t hold a candle to the likes of Barber, Gasparro, Roberts or Sinnock as a designer in US Mint history or the impact they had on US coinage.
+1000
And I'll add that with only a miniscule fraction of the coins to his credit, Augustus Saint-Gaudens contributed more to US coinage than Mercanti could ever hope to even if given 50 more years of work. >>
Agree....but as said before....It's going to be difficult for him to start autographing his work
Lets get Donatello, Rodin, or Michelangelo into the act also.
I'm not interested in looking for an alternative signatory, but rather objecting to Mercanti being classed with the legendary designers of all time. Granted he has a large body of work but IMO it is rather ho hum. >>
Well, I suppose we'll let history decide that in about 100 years.... after all, most of your mentioned ones weren't especially household names during their time either.
Well, I suppose we'll let history decide that in about 100 years.... after all, most of your mentioned ones weren't especially household names during their time either.
Fair enough and a valid point
The more he signs, the less each signature is worth. When he can't sign anymore, the value can be determined
Putting signatures on bullion coins doesn't change them. They are still bullion.
Overland Trail Collection Showcase
Dahlonega Type Set-2008 PCGS Best Exhibited Set
So he's the Joe Pepitone of Mint engravers?
Amazing accolades by the man.
Let's flip the other side of the coin. Pun intended. Has Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron ever design any Americana U.S. coin or coins? Has Jessica Lynch ever done the same. Although, there is a Silver Eagle, designed by the topic subject, tributes ms. Lynch. Oh, she signed it as well.
"Jesus died for you and for me, Thank you,Jesus"!!!
--- If it should happen I die and leave this world and you want to remember me. Please only remember my opening Sig Line.The man signs everything for a buck - even labels for coins he has absolutely nothing to do with.
No to all 6 questions
@wondercoin said:
I'll take a stab at your question ...
John Mercanti stands along with Gobrecht and Barber as one of the most significant American artists and designers in U.S. Mint history. I believe he worked at the US Mint longer than any other Chief Engraver and designed more coins and medals than anyone in the history of the US Mint. He may not have hit home runs out of Yankee stadium, but he contributed to the collecting gene that many of us possess in our bodies as we all sit at home and admire our coin collections. So, indeed, Mercanti did hit about 100 home runs out of Philly stadium, West Point and San Francisco Park (i.e. the Mints).
Wondercoin
So he's the Joe Pepitone of Mint engravers?
On the 10 year Anniversary of my reply, reading it now, I thought I had a pretty darn good answer back then! That said, I much prefer the “hammering Hank Aaron” autographs PCGS produced two years after my response. 😊 He hit 755 Home Runs while we all watched!!
Wondercoin
Never really cared for it.
Even more so because after making an eBay purchase once from Bullion shark of NY, constantly keep getting badgered over the phone about Mercanti signed bullion they desperately keep pushing.
https://www.pcgs.com/setregistry/u-s-coins/quarters/PCGS-2020-quarter-quest/album/247091
Mercanti was the Chief Engraver of the United States Mint of course.
Imagine having a signed piece a Chief Engraver like Robert Scott, Christian Gobrecht, James Longacre, Charles Barber, George Morgan, Frank Gasparro, or... John Mercanti?
Engrave coins?
Which one of the above affects our hobby the most?
I for one, appreciate when we give honor and recognition to a designer like Mercanti.
I personally have a Kennedy, 4-coin, 2014 series set which I included in my registry set.
>
IMO:
If the other designers mentioned above were to have a genuine signature and not a facsimile included on a label
with a coin that they designed, we would have a different story and responses here.
It is such a shame to me that we have to give more glory to sports figures that has nothing to do with coins.
Sports figures have their own world, why not coin designers?
Wayne
Kennedys are my quest...