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I still enjoy collecting but ....

When I got back into collecting in 2002 (when my son was born), I started out slow, then got caught up in things from the USMint.
I bought the SHQ/Stamp crossovers. I bought the mint/proof sets. I bought the SHQs by themselves (ie...in bags sometimes and in the yearly group, without the other denominations). I bought silver and clad. I bought the JFKs and the golden dollar coins. I bought many other items from the USMint.
I enjoyed them for a bit, but then I found that they would cancel some of the series before completion, and I felt left out to dry.
I also found they added new items in what seemed an arbitrary way (and not that cheap by the time you add it all up). And, I largely stayed out of Gold/Platinum items.
Now, I find myself not rushing to buy the USMint mint/proof sets. I will likely buy a mint set and a silver proof set, but not the 2-4 that I used to, and not the clad proof set. They have just been raising prices too much and I have stopped handing the "extras" out as gifts.
Looking online at the USMint upcoming products, and available products, right now, I don't see much to really tempt me.
Yeah, I'll get the edge lettered SAEs, but that doesn't excite me as much right now either. If they did it on a half dollar, I would like it.
And, I'll probably get the 25c gold quarter throwback (1916-2016), and hope it excites me more than the gold merc did (I was going to keep one or 2 of those, but was so underwhelmed when I saw them, that I sold them).
I imagine I am not alone in my (non-dealer/collector only) thoughts of the USMint right now.....right?
I bought the SHQ/Stamp crossovers. I bought the mint/proof sets. I bought the SHQs by themselves (ie...in bags sometimes and in the yearly group, without the other denominations). I bought silver and clad. I bought the JFKs and the golden dollar coins. I bought many other items from the USMint.
I enjoyed them for a bit, but then I found that they would cancel some of the series before completion, and I felt left out to dry.
I also found they added new items in what seemed an arbitrary way (and not that cheap by the time you add it all up). And, I largely stayed out of Gold/Platinum items.
Now, I find myself not rushing to buy the USMint mint/proof sets. I will likely buy a mint set and a silver proof set, but not the 2-4 that I used to, and not the clad proof set. They have just been raising prices too much and I have stopped handing the "extras" out as gifts.
Looking online at the USMint upcoming products, and available products, right now, I don't see much to really tempt me.
Yeah, I'll get the edge lettered SAEs, but that doesn't excite me as much right now either. If they did it on a half dollar, I would like it.
And, I'll probably get the 25c gold quarter throwback (1916-2016), and hope it excites me more than the gold merc did (I was going to keep one or 2 of those, but was so underwhelmed when I saw them, that I sold them).
I imagine I am not alone in my (non-dealer/collector only) thoughts of the USMint right now.....right?
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
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I fear this is a growing problem.
Can anyone here without looking up anything list all of the US Mint products sold last year.
Fine, more for the specialist to collect but why did they come out 2 years into the program?! Same with reverse proof presidential dollars and satin finish state quarters.
I never was a big mint set fan, but I kept up with them from the late '60s until the '90s. When I became a dealer I sold them all, usually at a loss, for amounts under the issue prices.
I have long admired Proof sets and used to collect both the clad and silver sets. Three or four years ago I got tired of losing money on almost all of them. I have continued to collect the annual silver sets, but I gave up on the clad coins. I sold all of my clad "American the Beautiful" sets, but I did keep the State Quarters ... at least for now.
At the the silver sets have 90% silver coins in them, which will always be worth something. Some of the sets from the '70s and '80s are barely worth face value. I marvel at how cheap they are when I auction them off at our monthly club sales.
coins for sale at link below
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3QuUzMTeSMsQXrpg8
On the other hand, it's interesting to me that the modern bullion gold eagles have such strength. I've watched prices creep up steadily over the years (especially in the 1/2-ounce denomination), and maybe that's a lesson to the mint: Focus on beautifully-designed, basic series instead of using a shotgun approach, hoping to score with this novelty and that. For instance, if the Mint had kept releasing fractional buffaloes, my guess is that they would have quite a following by now.
Personally, I love the 5-ounce ATB series and feel it's the kind of thing that will attract a real collector base over the long term.
Meanwhile, I think they should keep paring down their offerings of Mint and Proof sets until they've just got a couple of solid products to offer.
the USMint has started burning me out
it is not the fault of the US Mint and we are not victims.
In any field of antiques, the most important pieces were made be used, and are rather accidental survivors.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
something that is a windfall for the Mint and a waste of money for a collector --- a Mint subscription.
I still enjoy collecting but ....
the USMint has started burning me out
it is not the fault of the US Mint and we are not victims.
Well said Keets.
BST transactions: dbldie55, jayPem, 78saen, UltraHighRelief, nibanny, liefgold, FallGuy, lkeigwin, mbogoman, Sandman70gt, keets, joeykoins, ianrussell (@GC), EagleEye, ThePennyLady, GRANDAM, Ilikecolor, Gluggo, okiedude, Voyageur, LJenkins11, fastfreddie, ms70, pursuitofliberty, ZoidMeister,Coin Finder, GotTheBug, edwardjulio, Coinnmore, Nickpatton, Namvet69,...
I still enjoy collecting but ....
the USMint has started burning me out
it is not the fault of the US Mint and we are not victims.
My YouTube Channel
There are those who feel that the U.S. Mint has not put a decent quality product in many years...and you can count me among them.
Not even the UHR gold coin? I think that one was a real winner for the mint.
I never understood buying anything that's specifically "made for collectors"
In any field of antiques, the most important pieces were made be used, and are rather accidental survivors.
100% agree!
My YouTube Channel
There are those who feel that the U.S. Mint has not put a decent quality product in many years...and you can count me among them.
Not even the UHR gold coin? I think that one was a real winner for the mint.
And the Platinum.
My YouTube Channel
Bingo, Bochiman !
Every week I buy "estate" coins that are multiple dates of Proof and Mint Sets. It always makes me think, "WHY" ? These could be toned out to the max, by now.
On that note, I'll just pipe down and buy a couple of Silver Medals with Liberty as the theme in .999 silver, with a household limit of 2 in about 30 minutes.
``https://ebay.us/m/KxolR5
I never understood buying anything that's specifically "made for collectors"
In any field of antiques, the most important pieces were made be used, and are rather accidental survivors.
100% agree!
I also agree.
I have never been a fan of nor have I purchased mint bullion coins and commems.
I have always liked the classics (Walkers, SLQs, SLHs, CBHs and Morgans) and always will.
What the mint does will not influence my collecting habits.
Sometimes, it’s better to be LUCKY than good. 🍀 🍺👍
My Full Walker Registry Set (1916-1947):
https://www.ngccoin.com/registry/competitive-sets/16292/
There are/were 2 exceptions to that rule.............
(1) Proof sets:
When I was very young, my grandparents started buying me a mint/proof set each year. After they passed, I didn't continue with the series. However, when my 2 sons were born, my parents started to buy each of them a (clad, usually) proof set each year. After a while, I took up the mantle, and continued buying them each a set every year up until 2011. During that timeframe, when the opportunity came along to pick some up at reasonable prices to fill-in some holes in our collections, I also tried to complete both my own set from my birth-year thru to 1982, as well as fill in the missing sets for the runs for my boys since they were born - - and even extend their runs back to 1983, where my own set left off. (That arbitrary date cut-off had something to do with availability of 2 sets for the boys starting with the 1983 date). But, pretty as the sets were, as prices climbed recently even for the common clad junk, I realized they were a losing proposition & what would be a PITA for the boys to drag around in life. So 2011 was the last year I bought Proof sets.......
(2) Mint sets (to keep our collections current):
Collecting the state/territory/ATB quarters (& rolls), JFK halves, Sac/NA/Prez $'s used to be a lot more fun when I could look forward to getting rolls from the bank with each release - - some to save as rolls & some to break open to fill holes in our folders & swap "P-for-D" with fellow collectors to fill more holes. My fascination with the hobby has always been how beautiful older coins were, as well as a piece of history. My catchphrase has always been "they don't make these anymore", especially when discussing IHC's, buffalo's, mercuries, walkers, Morgan/Peace, etc. I wanted my legacy to my boys to be a piece of history handed down to them & then their kids, etc. It was never the money aspect itself. So I've always felt the need/responsibility to continue filling holes every year to keep things up-to-date. While I could still find decent "P" mint examples (and trade for "D" needs) over time each year from the bank or pocket change, I found myself getting out less and less to come across them in change, and, with my failing eyesight, a had a lot of trouble looking at smaller dates on cents & dimes. It was easier to swap for or buy what I needed to fill holes in our collection with nice examples. But I also found myself having to buy or trade more & more to get non-circulating "collector" coins available only in Mint sets (i.e. JFK halves & NA/Prez dollars). I really dislike this requirement, especially when those coins were widely promoted initially by the Mint as a way to develop a new generation of collectors. I remember so many of my kids & their friends trying to complete their State Quarter folders & maps. But suddenly, the Mint decided they would no longer distribute individual coins or rolls. They could only be bought at a high mark-up from the Mint. Now I don't mind paying a premium for silver-content coins or collectible dates, but I do have a problem with premiums on what I consider to be mass-produced "junk" clad coinage. If certain denominations are no longer going to circulate, they should just stop minting them once and for all. Otherwise, continue to make them available to all at face. But, until then, this is the only reason I continue to indirectly seek Mint sets anymore. I'd rather spend the same amount of money each year on nice, historical coins like Walkers, Morgans, & Peace coins for my kids instead.....
- - Dave
Maybe if they quit minting multiple billions of pennies and nickels at a loss every year, they would have money to pay better engravers and do more interesting pieces to collect, instead of so many versions of the same thing.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
Or let's go all in for the younger generation, and put Pokémon creatures on them in limited numbers, and see if we can catch them all. LOL
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
First, you must get out of denial and recognize that there is a problem.
I wish I could market stuff with a guaranteed minimum 35% markup.
I knew it would happen.
Coin Club Benefit auctions ..... View the Lots
What would we be collecting if there was no US Mint? [anymore]
Old coins that actually circulated.
Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry
Not sure I understand what the continued US-Mint-crap-peddling has to do with burn-out.
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My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins]
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Why, just why?
What would we be collecting if there was no US Mint?
I think you are taking it off to an extreme that no one else had; nor needs to.
What many collect are coins that circulated. There are some proof sets/mint set coins as well (I'm thinking IHCs and other coins).
However, the USMint has, speaking for myself, taken things to an extreme in what they produce to sell, imho.
If you read my original post, I reference "collectibles" that the USMint created solely for the purpose of selling online/at their kiosks. Not made to circulate at all. And, then they cancel these before they have run their course. I mention the Statehood Quarter/Stamp combos. They never did complete that run. I made the mistake to buy them. Thought they were kind of cool. Too bad I can never complete the SHQ series with them, because the mint didn't think things out well and ended up canceling them.
I also did know enough to think things out well enough.....I bought into the hype early and bought them.
So, the whole "what would people collect if there were no USMint?" is kind of a BS thing to say. There IS a USMint and there WILL BE a USMint. They just don't have to manufacture things solely to sell and not think them out.
And, "we" don't have to blindly buy them.
They have a job to do, and some of what they do is cool. They just don't seem to have a knowledgeable marketing team nor people that fully understand the market they are selling to.
Making money off limited mintages doesn't mean you know your market. Could very easily be proof you don't know your market as you left a lot of it untapped.
I've been told I tolerate fools poorly...that may explain things if I have a problem with you. Current ebay items - Nothing at the moment
If they do not need a coin in commerce, why should it be in a mint set? For instance the late date half dollars? Why mint them for collectors only? Guess I am a purist. In my mind a mint set should be just that - a mint set,- Uncirculated coins that were also struck to be used in commerce. And for that matter mint sets should have no special surfaces or finishes. Sorry if this offends anyone-I'm just old school on this issue.
Let them do what they want-they will anyways. You don't have to buy everything that comes out.
Bob
I'm a modern guy and even I get really frustrated with the mint. Coming out with "S" mint uncirculated ATB quarters for example--
Fine, more for the specialist to collect but why did they come out 2 years into the program?! Same with reverse proof presidential dollars and satin finish state quarters.
I agree - the lack of consistency and planning by the Mint is very discouraging
Whatever you are, be a good one. ---- Abraham Lincoln
They also have not gone nearly as wacky as many other mints in the schlock they produce (think Perth Mint and Royal Canadian Mint). It will be a relief, though, when the Presidential/Spouse series end, freeing up some energy for a more thoughtful approach to releases. And I agree with many here that I hope they move toward more beautiful coins instead of the current parade of coins that pander to particular interests.
Hard to argue with a lot of the angst expressed here. The Mint could do a much better job in many areas. Then again, they do put out some wonderful coins, too. I really enjoy a lot of the ATB quarter designs, especially in the five-ounce size where I can really see the design. The Native American coin designs have also by and large been terrific. And the baseball coins were a lot of fun, and looked cool, too.
They also have not gone nearly as wacky as many other mints in the schlock they produce (think Perth Mint and Royal Canadian Mint). It will be a relief, though, when the Presidential/Spouse series end, freeing up some energy for a more thoughtful approach to releases. And I agree with many here that I hope they move toward more beautiful coins instead of the current parade of coins that pander to particular interests.
I just ignore the mint products I don't like. Truth to tell I rarely even buy the ones I do like from the mint but rather on the aftermarket. I've even bought a few I don't like since other people doand it's this demand that creates markets.
I don't see many suggestions for what people think the US Mint could do to make them excited to buy their products again.
I haven't purchased anything from the US Mint in over a decade. I might consider it if they would issue something that was classically designed, higher relief than a stack of 3 sheets of paper, and with a design that wasn't cartoonish and devoid of all artistic merit. And, I'm not talking about a gold slug like the 2009 UHR -- I mean something that doesn't cost me $1200 at issue.
I think the frustration with the US Mint is sometimes also misplaced anger and frustration at the unscrupulous dealers who are out to make a buck (flipping, etc.; think back to the gold Kennedy shenanigans).
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My sets: [280+ horse coins] :: [France Sowers] :: [Colorful world copper] :: [Beautiful world coins]
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I don't see many suggestions for what people think the US Mint could do to make them excited to buy their products again.
There may be only one thing and that is to make coins an economically important product again in everyday transactions. This won't happen until the penny is eliminated and Congress lacks the courage to act. The mint can simply announce that there are already far too many pennies in commerce since transactions can be rounded to the nearest nickel so they will stop production at the end of the month.
If Congress wants to keep the penny then they should act.
Once people see how convenient it is to have a $1 coin they just might clamor for a $2 and even a $5.
Then Congress can get busy at work turning the $5 coins into worthless trinkets.