Are the Gold 5-Star General Coins Worth Buying?
RichR
Posts: 3,930 ✭✭✭✭✭
According to CW, I see that the total purchased to date are in the range of approx. 5,000 coins for both proof and Unc...are those mintages still low enough to be compelling?
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In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
Well, just Love coins, period.
Having said that I like these coins and decided to buy the folio set with the MacArthur medal and Uncirculated dollar and half dollar. I bought the three piece Proof set earlier in the year. I gave a program about these coins and the five, five star generals to my local club. They really enjoyed it.
Unlike some commemorative programs this one does cover a worthwhile topic. The short answer for me, as a collectors' item they are fun; as an investment, I don't think so.
Were gold to drop 50% and take stuff like this down with it, I might reconsider as a combination bullion/numismatic play, but otherwise my c-note and up coins are dated before 1830
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
<< <i>And, most likely they will be sold into next year also. >>
Sale has been extended to 12/31/2013 from 12/15/2013....Lack of interest for both the G.S. & 5 Star Commems.
the star spangled banner in mid December. mintages in those last days
went from just under 5k to just over 7k. But the mint does not always
give warning like that. they could show them sold out with no warning any
time they get a mind to. I personally think they like to play Games like that!
Same with the spouses, They could take one down when the next one goes
on sale 11/14 or leave them all up? You never know.
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<< <i>And, most likely they will be sold into next year also. >>
Sale has been extended to 12/31/2013 from 12/15/2013....Lack of interest for both the G.S. & 5 Star Commems. >>
Well at least they did not extend it to June of the following year they way they did with the Jackie Robinson commemorative coins.
Beginning 1/1/1999 ... May mint and issue during any calendar year ...
I think they no longer can sell past 12/31
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<< <i>
<< <i>And, most likely they will be sold into next year also. >>
Sale has been extended to 12/31/2013 from 12/15/2013....Lack of interest for both the G.S. & 5 Star Commems. >>
Well at least they did not extend it to June of the following year they way they did with the Jackie Robinson commemorative coins.
I recall that they talked about extending the Jackie Robinson date (some U.S. Senator from New York was behind the idea), but as far as I know they never reopened sales following the original cutoff date. About 7,000 Jackie Robinson unc. gold coins were subsequently melted.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
So...if that's accurate, that would put a considerable gap between the Unc and proof totals...correct?
No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left
<< <i>They did re-open the Jackie Robinson coin sales for six months. I remember it well, and a lot of collectors and speculators were not happy about it. If you bought the coins during the preset buying period, and others did not, you deserved your reward. It did not matter. The period extenders did not get much in additional sales. >>
I remember it well too, and they did NOT re-open Jackie Robinson coin sales at all. (See the Sec. 5 amendment near the bottom of the page.) The proposed legislation, S. 1283, never made it beyond passage by the U.S. Senate. I purchased two of the unc. gold coins during the initial ordering period, and followed very closely the attempt to reopen sales after the low mintage of just over 5,000 became known.
If the ordering had been re-opened, sales would likely have been *much* higher, as the 5K mintage was extremely low by 1997 standards.
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
Well, just Love coins, period.
<< <i>Hmmm, my recollection is also that they did in fact reopen Jackie sales and the mintage went up afterward by some 400 or so pieces, ~4700 to ~5100. In fact, I know they did. >>
I would be interested in seeing any documentation of this extension. The Mint's website says "Coins were available for sale between August 16, 1997 and August 16, 1998." The proposed legislation would have extended sales to December 31, 1998, but it failed to pass the House. How could the Mint re-open sales without being authorized by Congress to do so?
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
<< <i>Hmmm, my recollection is also that they did in fact reopen Jackie sales and the mintage went up afterward by some 400 or so pieces, ~4700 to ~5100. In fact, I know they did. >>
They may yet reopen sales of the Jackie Robinson
<< <i>As an item of militaria and history, they are nice to have - as an investment, IMO, nothing much beyond melt value. Cheers, RickO >>
RMR: 'Wer, wenn ich schriee, hörte mich denn aus der Engel Ordnungen?'
CJ: 'No one!' [Ain't no angels in the coin biz]
does anyone have handy the final mintage numbers for the SSB gold proof and Unc and the current sales figures for the proof and unc 5 star gold issues?
Thanks!
SSB Proof - 18,313
MacArthur Unc - 4,568
MacArthur Proof - 15,145
A new report is overdue, so the MacArthur mintages ought to be changing today or tomorrow.
I knew it would happen.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>I looked at the final weeks of the SSB, and I must note that over 2,400 of those coins were sold in the last 7 weeks that they were on sale. It ain't over till it's over.
So true. Unless they just abruptly stop selling I'm sure that the same will happen with these.
No history.... Shiny geegaws..... Money sponges.....Should please primitive peoples.
Junk.
PM for what I really think of them.
<< <i>These trinkets are no better than fakes and copies as far as the effect on "value" of numismatic coins goes.
No history.... Shiny geegaws..... Money sponges.....Should please primitive peoples.
Junk.
PM for what I really think of them.
Great post, still laughing.
Of course same could b said for Jackie UNC and look what that brings.
<< <i>These trinkets are no better than fakes and copies as far as the effect on "value" of numismatic coins goes.
No history.... Shiny geegaws..... Money sponges.....Should please primitive peoples. >>
Right, just shiny metal disks struck for collectors, never intended for circulation.
Other examples of this "junk" include the 1804 dollar, 1884-85 trade dollars, 1913 liberty nickel, many patterns, 1973 Ike dollars, 1970 and 1987 Kennedy halves, and every commemorative and proof coin ever made.
Shall I go on?
My Adolph A. Weinman signature
Posts like this indicate to me that they still aren't far enough under the radar to be a key.
I knew it would happen.
<< <i>These trinkets are no better than fakes and copies as far as the effect on "value" of numismatic coins goes.
No history.... Shiny geegaws..... Money sponges.....Should please primitive peoples.
Junk.
PM for what I really think of them.
One could say the same things about any of the commemorative coins that were issued years after the event they mark. There is no doubt about the historical worthiness of the five men who are honored on these coins. The questions are how many of these coins will be sold, how much appreciation will future generations have for these men and how much collector interest will there be in these coins in the future? Some of the old commemoratives should not have been issued because they celebrated non events, like Cincinnati half dollar. Others, like the Hudson, New Rochelle and Albany should have no more that town medals. I think that it too soon to dismiss these coins as nothing more than fuel for melting pots.
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already.
<< <i>
<< <i>These trinkets are no better than fakes and copies as far as the effect on "value" of numismatic coins goes.
No history.... Shiny geegaws..... Money sponges.....Should please primitive peoples. >>
Right, just shiny metal disks struck for collectors, never intended for circulation.
Other examples of this "junk" include the 1804 dollar, 1884-85 trade dollars, 1913 liberty nickel, many patterns, 1973 Ike dollars, 1970 and 1987 Kennedy halves, and every commemorative and proof coin ever made.
Shall I go on?
And of course the Pan Pac issues, etc, etc....
(Edited: I see you mentioned every commemorative in your post. Didn't mean to be redundant. That said, I can only imagine the "NCLT" "Modern Junk" type comments directed at the Pan Pacs at the time.)
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
Well said. I was speaking of Jackie strictly in terms of appreciation. I was not collecting at the time - unfortunately.
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
I did not know who "Hap" Arnold was until I acquired this set. He was one of the great aviation pioneers. He is pretty much forgotten today in part because he died in 1950. As for others I now doubt that a lot of young people know what they accomplished given the poor state of history education these days. Heck, when I was kid, the history class was lucky to make it to the beginning of the 20th century.
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
Given what these men accomplished, it might be difficult to give them their full share of accolades.
In honor of the memory of Cpl. Michael E. Thompson
<< <i>
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
I did not know who "Hap" Arnold was until I acquired this set. He was one of the great aviation pioneers. He is pretty much forgotten today in part because he died in 1950. As for others I now doubt that a lot of young people know what they accomplished given the poor state of history education these days. Heck, when I was kid, the history class was lucky to make it to the beginning of the 20th century. >>
There are amazing Hap Arnold exhibits at both the Smithsonian Air and Space in D.C. and at he Udvar Hazy center in Dulles should you find yourself near either.
<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
I did not know who "Hap" Arnold was until I acquired this set. He was one of the great aviation pioneers. He is pretty much forgotten today in part because he died in 1950. As for others I now doubt that a lot of young people know what they accomplished given the poor state of history education these days. Heck, when I was kid, the history class was lucky to make it to the beginning of the 20th century. >>
There are amazing Hap Arnold exhibits at both the Smithsonian Air and Space in D.C. and at he Udvar Hazy center in Dulles should you find yourself near either. >>
That's nice, given the fact that "Hap" Arnold took flight lessons from the Wright brothers, but did not invent the airplane, it is easy to see why the Smithsonian exhibit would be overlooked when you consider that the Wright brothers plane, the "Spirt of St. Louis," Mercury and Apollo space capsules, moon landing and other more spectacular exhibits are there. Sorry, I read a lot of history, but I did know about "Hap" Arnold.
Call me stupid and uninformed, but I think I know more American history than most American citizens know.
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<< <i>
<< <i>
<< <i>I diverge from a lot of opinions here in thinking that Jackie actually was a great subject for a coin. In fact, I decided NOT to buy one because I thought it would be wildly popular and never be worth anything. Yes, you can ridicule me at will!
The generals? Yes, they are interesting historically, but I just think they've had their full share of accolades already. >>
I did not know who "Hap" Arnold was until I acquired this set. He was one of the great aviation pioneers. He is pretty much forgotten today in part because he died in 1950. As for others I now doubt that a lot of young people know what they accomplished given the poor state of history education these days. Heck, when I was kid, the history class was lucky to make it to the beginning of the 20th century. >>
There are amazing Hap Arnold exhibits at both the Smithsonian Air and Space in D.C. and at he Udvar Hazy center in Dulles should you find yourself near either. >>
That's nice, given the fact that "Hap" Arnold took flight lessons from the Wright brothers, but did not invent the airplane, it is easy to see why the Smithsonian exhibit would overlooked when you consider that the Wright brothers plane, the "Spirt of St. Louis," Mercury and Apollo space capsules, moon landing and other more spectacular exhibits are there. Sorry, I read a lot of history, but I did know about "Hap" Arnold.
Call me stupid and uninformed, but I think I know more American history than most American citizens know.
We are fortunate to live near the D.C. and the Dulles Museums so we go to each frequently. It is by going to these Museums that I've learned about Hap Arnold and other aviation greats.
In addition to the exhibits which you mention in D.C. don't overlook Udvar Hazy in Dulles if you're in the area. Amongst other exhibits are the Shuttle Discovery, and SR71 and the Enola gay.
<< <i>There were also four Admirals made 5 Stars during and after WWll. Admirals Leahy, King, Nimitz and Halsey. Sooner or later Navy types will be demanding coins for them also. >>
Bring 'em on! They deserve a lot more recognition than former First Ladies get. All most of them was to marry well ... in a couple of cases less than well ...
Last reported sales were 4,857!
A new key in the making?
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Personally don't like the silver coins, but I do like the MacArthur. My reasoning is that there are 2 generals on each of the silver coins, thus diluting the value of each general. ;-) MacArthur's value as a general keeps increasing, since he's got his own $5 coin now. Also his bad-boy image is more trendy than ever. In fact hipsters in SF are sporting Aviator sunglasses though only the truly hip are smoking their pot from corncob pipes. Let us not forget he wanted to keep going through Korea after Japan! That's worthy of GOLD. If it wasn't for Truman, he could have saved us the Korean War and Kim Jung Ill, and saved the corncob pipe industry to boot.
As for Hap Arnold, way to go Hap !! - one of the real unsung hero's - and "Architect of American Air Supremacy" he deserves his own $5 coin.
Wondercoin
<< <i>As mentioned ablove. the $5 Macarthur is not sold out by a long shot. Neither are the other two coins in the 3 coin set. >>
The 3-coin set was a proof set. It's the uncirculated MacArthur gold that's on backorder, and could be sold out or nearly so.
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