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I've always wondered on the definition of "Modern Coinage"

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  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BillDugan1959 said:
    @DIMEMAN

    I was called out on that lengthy explanation, well-knowing that few would want to hear it.

    If I see you in STL this weekend, perhaps I can accidentally bump your chair.

    Hey man....what day are you going to be there? I always like meeting forum members. Even ones I disagree with. ;)

  • BillDugan1959BillDugan1959 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Maybe. The Silver Dollar Expo used to be on my annual calendar, now it is hit or miss. Still have one kid in college.

  • KollectorKingKollectorKing Posts: 4,820 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Insider2 said:
    @KollectorKing

    Thanks, I made the correction. However,I should be more interested in reading your comment addressing the OP's question rather then getin an speling an grammer leson. I looked but did not see one yet.

    Like I said are you smarter than a 2nd grader hmmm

    I'm not.

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @TommyType said:
    To heck with you all! I don't need to be no steenkin' "Numismatist".....I'm a "Master Collector" now! Bow to me....

    Congratulations. I hope you appreciate what you have accomplished and possibly even what is expected from you in the future. ;)

  • mr1931Smr1931S Posts: 6,411 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Modern era is 1934 to present. The Classic era ended in 1933. Goes by date not by series thus some series bridge the classic and modern eras.

    If you agree with my opinion about this you have the correct opinion.

    Whoever is careless with the truth in small matters cannot be trusted with important matters.

  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mr1874 said:
    Modern era is 1934 to present. The Classic era ended in 1933. Goes by date not by series thus some series bridge the classic and modern eras.

    If you agree with my opinion about this you have the correct opinion.

    I like your style. :)B)

  • DIMEMANDIMEMAN Posts: 22,403 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @BillDugan1959 said:
    Maybe. The Silver Dollar Expo used to be on my annual calendar, now it is hit or miss. Still have one kid in college.

    Let me know...I will be there Friday.

  • OverdateOverdate Posts: 7,157 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I admire my 1964 nickel for its timeless beauty, the imagination and artistry that went into its design, and the care and craftsmanship with which it was struck.

    On the other hand, my 1965 nickel is just a mass-produced slug, barren of any artistic merit and useful only for making change.

    If you put them side by side the difference is obvious.

    My Adolph A. Weinman signature :)

  • divecchiadivecchia Posts: 6,688 ✭✭✭✭✭

    For me "Modern Coinage" are coins produced in 1965 and later.

    Donato

    Hobbyist & Collector (not an investor).
    Donato's Complete US Type Set ---- Donato's Dansco 7070 Modified Type Set ---- Donato's Basic U.S. Coin Design Set

    Successful transactions: Shrub68 (Jim), MWallace (Mike)
  • WoodenJeffersonWoodenJefferson Posts: 6,491 ✭✭✭✭

    Modern Crap - Anything minted post 1964, can be traced all the way back to board member "shirohniichan"

    Chat Board Lingo

    "Keep your malarkey filter in good operating order" -Walter Breen
  • BillDugan1959BillDugan1959 Posts: 3,821 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Overdate said:
    I admire my 1964 nickel for its timeless beauty, the imagination and artistry that went into its design, and the care and craftsmanship with which it was struck.

    On the other hand, my 1965 nickel is just a mass-produced slug, barren of any artistic merit and useful only for making change.

    If you put them side by side the difference is obvious.

    +100

    Exactly

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Great!

    Now that that is settled once and for all, let's define for everyone, for all time, the words: Nice, Old, Rare, Pretty, Valuable, Desirable, and Collectable!

    Oh, don't forget Uncirculated ;)

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • OverdateOverdate Posts: 7,157 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Baley said:
    Great!

    Now that that is settled once and for all, let's define for everyone, for all time, the words: Nice, Old, Rare, Pretty, Valuable, Desirable, and Collectable!

    Oh, don't forget Uncirculated ;)

    You left out Unsearched and Mon$ter Toning.

    My Adolph A. Weinman signature :)

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    What about: Some, Few, Many, Very Many, Slight, Trace, Almost, Light, Several, Scattered, Miniscule, Pleasing, Attractive, Outstanding, etc.

  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Oh, we could go on and on... and will!

    Net!

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @Baley said:
    Oh, we could go on and on... and will!

    Net!

    Hey, I just posted a new thread for this. It should be fun! :)

  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I started collecting buffalo nickels from pocket change in 1957. I thought of coins after 1938 as "modern".

    Later I collected just about everything but not coins after 1964 because they were "modern".

    Then principally collected "modern" which I define as base metal coins that replaced silver in one country after another starting in WW II.

    I still collect "modern" but now I focus on ancient Egypt and think the first coins from back in 650 BC are hopelessly modern.

    Perspective is everything.

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • BaleyBaley Posts: 22,663 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 30, 2017 4:56PM

    Back to the OP, it seems a common refrain here was, "moderns are younger than me" and of course we're all different ages.

    Of course, collect what you like. What the old timer was grousing at might be related to the unfortunate folks who bring their moderns into the shop that they overpaid for, on tv or whatever, and he has to let them down and see their disappointment, shame, and regret at lost money.

    BUT, you seem to know what you're doing with Your moderns, as always collect what you like and makes you proud if your collection's goals

    Liberty: Parent of Science & Industry

  • koynekwestkoynekwest Posts: 10,048 ✭✭✭✭✭

    "I read somewhere (CW or NM most likely), that post 1933 is considered modern by many. Don't remember the details, but the year stuck in my head."

    I've always accepted this as my definition of the term. Anyone who says there's nothing good to be found after this date or that it is "a waste of time" must not be aware of the fact that most of the good U. S. doubled dies known are after this date.

    I collect a modern series by anyone's definition-the Sac $1 simply because I love the design. I don't care if it is "a waste of time."

  • ZoinsZoins Posts: 34,401 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited October 31, 2017 8:51AM

    @SanctionII said:
    In 30 years when most baby boomer collectors (those born between 1946 and 1966) are dead or in their 80s and older, I wonder how collectors will answer the question "What is the definition of a Modern Coin."

    This is very interesting. Here's a list of our generations for comparison with coins.

    http://genhq.com/faq-info-about-generations/

    • Gen Z, iGen, or Centennials: Born 1996 and later
    • Millennials or Gen Y: Born 1977 to 1995
    • Generation X: Born 1965 to 1976
    • Baby Boomers: Born 1946 to 1964
    • Traditionalists or Silent Generation: Born 1945 and before
  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭

    @Insider2 said:

    @TommyType said:

    @10000lakes said:
    PCGS defines it as after 1964.

    And yet, the PCGS Registry has this:

    "Modern Type Set (1950-present)"

    Sigh....There is no universally accepted right answer. :disappointed:

    As others have posted there are opinions. As an old "dinosaur" I was filling my folders with "MODERN" coins dated in the 1940's. Lincolns in the 1950's were still "red." Even back then, NO INTELLIGENT NUMISMATIST or collector considered a coin made in 1909 as being "modern."

    This one does. Simply because I believe that Modern is relative to design.
    Not size, not denomination, not metallic content, not year. But design.

    "Modern Coin Designs"

    Of course, many will disagree as their primary focus is on metal content which, to me, would mean that the 2014 Anniversary Kennedy's were "classic" while the 2013's were Modern?

    Or dates which would mean that the 1964 Kennedy is Classic while the 1965 was Modern?

    As for matallic content, are 1992-S Silver Kennedy, Washington and Roosevelts Modern or Classic?
    Is the Silver Eagle Modern or Classic?

    Defining Classic vs Modern as a specific Date does nothing but pander to general ignorance regarding numismatics. Basic coin collecting for dummies.

    PCGS's decision to define that line at 1964 kinda blows the metal content argument out of the water anyway and as for calling a 1909 Lincoln a "Modern" coin, I'm sure that the folks who lived in 1909 considered it "a Modern Coin" because it was a radical departure from traditional (classic) coin design.

    The fact of the matter is that "Numismatics" (i.e. coin collecting) is a complex hobby and can in no way be simplified down to an arbitrary decision that 1965 began the modern coin era. To do so would imply that we are not "Numismatists" but "bullion scavengers".

    We're supposed to KNOW something about what it is we collect over and above "Gee, thats purty!" or "This is Real Silver!" Otherwise, every 1880 Morgan Dollar would be worth a million bucks and every worn out Wheat Cent will fund my kids college education. We all know that this simply is not true because, "We know a little something about something."

    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    A very thoughtful post. I say to each their own. It is always good to have folks around that buck "conventional wisdom." They are the rebels that expand our view of the status quo and lead us to interesting discussions. :wink:

  • coinhackcoinhack Posts: 1,173 ✭✭✭✭

    Depends on one's perspective, I guess. I purchased a coin yesterday from a seller in France. On their eBay store they have coins in the following categories:

    Royals (Pre 1788) They have French coins back to the 1300's
    Revolution (1789-1804)
    Semi Modern (1805-1899)
    Modern (1900-1958)

  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @coinhack said:
    Depends on one's perspective, I guess. I purchased a coin yesterday from a seller in France. On their eBay store they have coins in the following categories:

    Royals (Pre 1788) They have French coins back to the 1300's
    Revolution (1789-1804)
    Semi Modern (1805-1899)
    Modern (1900-1958)

    France has always been a backward country! >:)

    Only kidding. Good info.

  • 19Lyds19Lyds Posts: 26,492 ✭✭✭✭

    @Insider2 said:

    @coinhack said:
    Depends on one's perspective, I guess. I purchased a coin yesterday from a seller in France. On their eBay store they have coins in the following categories:

    Royals (Pre 1788) They have French coins back to the 1300's
    Revolution (1789-1804)
    Semi Modern (1805-1899)
    Modern (1900-1958)

    France has always been a backward country! >:)

    Only kidding. Good info.

    Yes but their pastry is great! And their l'Entrecote? Fabulous!

    I decided to change calling the bathroom the John and renamed it the Jim. I feel so much better saying I went to the Jim this morning.



    The name is LEE!
  • Insider2Insider2 Posts: 14,452 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Chocolate from Belgium is my vice.

  • LindeDadLindeDad Posts: 18,766 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @derryb said:
    post 1964

    Thats what the host says too.

  • derrybderryb Posts: 37,648 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @LindeDad said:

    @derryb said:
    post 1964

    Thats what the host says too.

    wish they would agree on what I submit.

    No Way Out: Stimulus and Money Printing Are the Only Path Left

  • TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 44,599 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Modern coinage, to me, is the stuff that sucks us into the real coin world. It gets hyped, flaunted, embellished and pedaled, without scrutiny, by the best and the worst of us.
    And the hobbyist latches on and catches on soon. Whether it’s birth year coinage, graduation gifting, holidays, or commemorations of every sort which enables it to continue, it continues. And rightly so. Once the student enters the field, he begins to understand the scope of numismatics.

  • coinkatcoinkat Posts: 23,836 ✭✭✭✭✭

    There is simply no single date that works for US coinage crossing all denominations. Further, some consideration should be afforded to the technology applied in the production of coinage.

    Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.

  • mustangmanbobmustangmanbob Posts: 1,890 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1. of or relating to present and recent time; not ancient or remote:
    2. characteristic of present and recent time; contemporary; not antiquated or obsolete

    Since neither term has a "hard" or "measurable" definition, then "modern" can only be defined in terms by the user or be defined by another in authority. For example, PCGS, ANA, NGC Red Bouk could all have a different definition, and all would be correct as there is no "master" of terms.

    Other than fighting over deck chairs on the Titanic, this discussion cannot have a conclusion.

    If the definition of DEAD is not absolute in this country, how can "modern coinage" be defined. What I mean by that is each state defines what constitutes a person being "dead". 36 states have signed off on a Federal definition, but 14 have not. So a person in one state could be tried for 1st degree murder, convicted, and executed, while, if you move the unfortunate victim across the state line, the victim is still "alive" in that state. (Uniform Determination of Death Act).

    So this Topic is either Dead or Alive, depending on what state you are in, unless you have a cat named Schrödinger.

  • KellenCoinKellenCoin Posts: 1,237 ✭✭✭✭

    Since 1964 for me.

    Fan of the Oxford Comma
    CCAC Representative of the General Public
    2021 Young Numismatist of the Year

  • cladkingcladking Posts: 28,731 ✭✭✭✭✭

    @mustangmanbob said:
    1. of or relating to present and recent time; not ancient or remote:
    2. characteristic of present and recent time; contemporary; not antiquated or obsolete

    Since neither term has a "hard" or "measurable" definition, then "modern" can only be defined in terms by the user or be defined by another in authority. For example, PCGS, ANA, NGC Red Bouk could all have a different definition, and all would be correct as there is no "master" of terms.

    Other than fighting over deck chairs on the Titanic, this discussion cannot have a conclusion.

    If the definition of DEAD is not absolute in this country, how can "modern coinage" be defined. What I mean by that is each state defines what constitutes a person being "dead". 36 states have signed off on a Federal definition, but 14 have not. So a person in one state could be tried for 1st degree murder, convicted, and executed, while, if you move the unfortunate victim across the state line, the victim is still "alive" in that state. (Uniform Determination of Death Act).

    So this Topic is either Dead or Alive, depending on what state you are in, unless you have a cat named Schrödinger.

    It lives even though it's been talked to death.

    It's both dead and alive but we'll have to wait for the last post to determine which. ;)

    tempus fugit extra philosophiam.
  • Rich49Rich49 Posts: 191 ✭✭✭
    edited October 31, 2017 2:56PM

    This has turned out to be a really great topic ! I have come to believe there really isn't just one answer.Age is a factor for sure.I remember when Silver coinage circulated and when the Clad Coinage came out in '65 we turned up our noses at that and considered them Modern junk.I wish I had put away unc. rolls in 1965-1968.Nobody saved them . So the Clad that replaced the Silver to me seems Modern. The Kennedy Half Modern. Memorial Cent Modern .Any time a new design came out, it became Modern to me. Great response and information exchange.

    photo index.gif

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