Received mine today via UPS. Well packed (for once) and both items appear flawless. The Mint really went all out in packaging materials, but the quality is breathtaking.
Better yet, the designs look much better “in person” than their pics. Overall, I’m very pleased.
Liberty medal arrived today. For the first time ever, I'm returning a Mint item. The medal was covered with hairlines. Disappointed, although the medal is better in hand than the photos, as I expected it might be.
@meluaufeet said: @jmlanzaf Saw a youtube vid that complained about the same thing.
It's both sides, so it really looks like someone rubbed it down. Maybe to remove oil or something. I wonder if they had trouble striking the 2.5 oz high relief.
@jmlanzaf said:
Liberty medal arrived today. For the first time ever, I'm returning a Mint item. The medal was covered with hairlines. Disappointed, although the medal is better in hand than the photos, as I expected it might be.
Isn't this how they make some of the new stuff though? I remember another coin recently looked like that, and it was designed and struck that way apparently.
@jmlanzaf said:
Liberty medal arrived today. For the first time ever, I'm returning a Mint item. The medal was covered with hairlines. Disappointed, although the medal is better in hand than the photos, as I expected it might be.
Isn't this how they make some of the new stuff though? I remember another coin recently looked like that, and it was designed and struck that way apparently.
Random hairlines? What kind of special finish is that?
The enhanced uncirculated coins had textured fields but it's not random hairlines.
@meluaufeet said:
This is going to make people think >whether they should keep any >unopened or not.
Not again, I've had mine for three days now, I could not decide on whether or not to open this, now I'm waiting to see if this is a common problem or not.
I did manage to get my shipping label for the NAC+C set to send back, 22 days is to long for a print out (not even a real label) makes you wonder who's minding the mint.
On BS&T Now: Nothing. Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up! Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
I received my silver today and the scratches do not appear to be a problem , but......it has very low detail on the hair and fresh from the mint milk spots. I would be interested to see if the coins with lesser issues with scratches have lower detail.
maybe they polished out the problem at some point taking the detail with it. I will try to take some pictures this weekend.
No, looks like surface scratches. It's not raised.
Either way someone was heavy handed, Philly or not. The finish is supposed to be matte.
Interesting attempt at “matte.”
——-
Pulled the specs:
Finish: Matte
Composition: 99.9% Silver
Diameter: 2.000 inches
(50.80 mm)
Weight: 2.500 troy oz.
(77.759 grams)
Edge: Plain
Mint and Mint Mark: Philadelphia – P
@jwitten said:
I'm pretty sure it was some of the enhanced Kennedy coins? I remember a bunch with polish lines like this.
The enhanced Kennedy coins had what was called a "light finish" which seemed to be due to die fatigue. But, again, that didn't look like this. These look like actual light scratches. On both sides and across raised features and the fields. Looks to me like someone wiped the actual coin. It does NOT look like transfer from the die.
Got my medal yesterday. Third or fourth time FedEx has done the final delivery (i.e. not handed off to the USPS...)
Obverse looks okay at normal magnification (talking technical, not artistic). If you magnify it, you can see lines, especially under the right lighting. They become very distracting at say, 5x or more. They're completely unnoticeable at reading distance. The reverse looks very good, even under magnification. (There are a couple marks on the capsule, but they're easy to pick out. YMMV.
From a personal standpoint, I like the size/weight of the medal. It's much better than just using an ASE planchet. Box/packaging is impressive too, moreso than previous efforts.
I still hate dislike the obverse, it doesn't improve in-hand. (I had hopes.) On the other hand, I bought it for the eagle, which is very nice, even without arrows in its claws. Guess which side is up in the presentation box...
I've got six days to decide if I'm going to keep it, but if returned, I probably couldn't do it with a mint/damage claim...
@BackroadJunkie said:
Got my medal yesterday. Third or fourth time FedEx has done the final delivery (i.e. not handed off to the USPS...)
Obverse looks okay at normal magnification (talking technical, not artistic). If you magnify it, you can see lines, especially under the right lighting. They become very distracting at say, 5x or more. They're completely unnoticeable at reading distance. The reverse looks very good, even under magnification. (There are a couple marks on the capsule, but they're easy to pick out. YMMV.
From a personal standpoint, I like the size/weight of the medal. It's much better than just using an ASE planchet. Box/packaging is impressive too, moreso than previous efforts.
I still hate dislike the obverse, it doesn't improve in-hand. (I had hopes.) On the other hand, I bought it for the eagle, which is very nice, even without arrows in its claws. Guess which side is up in the presentation box...
I've got six days to decide if I'm going to keep it, but if returned, I probably couldn't do it with a mint/damage claim...
Honestly, I kind of like the obverse. I may be the only one, but I really felt it was attractive.
And I adore the eagle which is really struck up nicely also.
I'm still trying to decide whether to ask the Mint for a replacement and take a chance or just buy a 69 in a slab.
@meluaufeet said:
This is going to make people think >whether they should keep any >unopened or not.
Not again, I've had mine for three days now, I could not decide on whether or not to open this, now I'm waiting to see if this is a common problem or not.
I did manage to get my shipping label for the NAC+C set to send back, 22 days is to long for a print out (not even a real label) makes you wonder who's minding the mint.
Honestly, I'm not sure there is ever a good reason not to open them. That's especially true with an issue like this that will never sell out.
The only reasons to keep them sealed is to preserve "First Strike" eligibility OR to get a "Mint sealed" premium from someone who doesn't want a picked over set.
Now, first of all, has anyone looked at FS premiums 5 years after issue? For most coins I've looked at, they seem pretty negligible. But, even assuming there will be a moderate FS premium, the price difference between a 70 and a 69 and a 68 is going to be MUCH larger than the FS premium.
As to the "Mint sealed" option, that usually gets eaten up by time. How many moderns sell for more 5 years after issue? And that is going to be even worse with an issue like this that won't probably sell out for years and may well be available from the Mint for years.
Good analysis of first strike value over time.
I would suggest you use something other than “just my two cents” for your sign off, as Mitch has used that caveat for years and may have a trademark pending...
@MilesWaits said:
Good analysis of first strike value over time.
I would suggest you use something other than “just my two cents” for your sign off, as Mitch has used that caveat for years and may have a trademark pending...
@meluaufeet said:
This is going to make people think >whether they should keep any >unopened or not.
Not again, I've had mine for three days now, I could not decide on whether or not to open this, now I'm waiting to see if this is a common problem or not.
I did manage to get my shipping label for the NAC+C set to send back, 22 days is to long for a print out (not even a real label) makes you wonder who's minding the mint.
Honestly, I'm not sure there is ever a good reason not to open them. That's especially true with an issue like this that will never sell out.
The only reasons to keep them sealed is to preserve "First Strike" eligibility OR to get a "Mint sealed" premium from someone who doesn't want a picked over set.
Now, first of all, has anyone looked at FS premiums 5 years after issue? For most coins I've looked at, they seem pretty negligible. But, even assuming there will be a moderate FS premium, the price difference between a 70 and a 69 and a 68 is going to be MUCH larger than the FS premium.
As to the "Mint sealed" option, that usually gets eaten up by time. How many moderns sell for more 5 years after issue? And that is going to be even worse with an issue like this that won't probably sell out for years and may well be available from the Mint for years.
Just my 2 cents...
Well I have to agree, one example of a sealed 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles set is not selling on eBay with a price of $70, yet opened sets sold on the recent past from $45 - $99, no rhyme or reason. It would have been better to have sold it the first few months after issue. That was a three hour sell out with a one per household limit.,*
*I may be a little off on the time, it's only been a decade and two strokes ago ;-)
On BS&T Now: Nothing. Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up! Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
A huge surprise just now
My Liberty Au & Ag were just delivered.
Monday the still showed label made, awaiting item.
The silver looks like the photos by @7Jaguars, @Kkathyl & @ECHOES = No scratches
I buy 2 sets of everything so if I want a look I keep a sealed. I do it with the 5 oz have sold some and half get FDI 70 designated so it to each his own.
Well, I stand corrected. Even though I stated above that the coin and medal "appear flawless," upon closer examination I am also seeing what appears to be hairlines when the medal is held at a certain angle. I'm thinking perhaps this is the norm for what the Mint defines as a "matte finish?"
Anyway, I removed the medal from its capsule and took about a dozen pics, choosing the best one to post here. I have never photographed coins before, although as a retired educator in art and design, I have fairly extensive experience in photographing my artwork as well as 20 years in academia helping my students document their work, first with slides and then later with digital photography.
I took this pic on my drawing table with two artist lights (warm white 2700K small fluorescents), one on either side and mostly indirect. The camera I used was a Sony Cyber-Shot point-and-shoot that was attached to a mini tripod.
Comments and/or suggestions are welcome, especially from the experts.
@OldMaster said:
Well, I stand corrected. Even though I stated above that the coin and medal "appear flawless," upon closer examination I am also seeing what appears to be hairlines when the medal is held at a certain angle. I'm thinking perhaps this is the norm for what the Mint defines as a "matte finish?"
Anyway, I removed the medal from its capsule and took about a dozen pics, choosing the best one to post here. I have never photographed coins before, although as a retired educator in art and design, I have fairly extensive experience in photographing my artwork as well as 20 years in academia helping my students document their work, first with slides and then later with digital photography.
I took this pic on my drawing table with two artist lights (warm white 2700K small fluorescents), one on either side and mostly indirect. The camera I used was a Sony Cyber-Shot point-and-shoot that was attached to a mini tripod.
Comments and/or suggestions are welcome, especially from the experts.
Based on the pic the lines appear to be from the NW to SE (or SE to NW).
After hearing about the lines I figured I would open mine and check, when I did I was shocked, I really had no idea how big this medal was, with all the pictures here there was no scale until now. I placed a silver eagle next to it, and placed it over a PCGS slab --
Now you can see the size is HUGE! It as thick at the rim as two Silver Eagles.
Also I didn't see any scratches on the surface.
On BS&T Now: Nothing. Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up! Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
@rip_f said:
I think Liberty is facing a strong headwind, both in the world today and on these coins.
That's the allegorical message being conveyed. (and the reason for her squint and flowing hair)
I saw these coins displayed at the Mint's area at the ANA Show last week. They were not as high relief as I had expected. The line was not very long at noon on the 15th. The line to get the Director's autograph was longer.
I call that the Bugsly
What is 'Bugsly' :-)
I ordered 8-21, being delivered Wed 28th via FedEx Smartpost
@Texast said:
After hearing about the lines I figured I would open mine and check, when I did I was shocked, I really had no idea how big this medal was, with all the pictures here there was no scale until now. I placed a silver eagle next to it, and placed it over a PCGS slab --
That is why it requires the $20 oversize holder like many National Commemorative type medals.
The 70's are a real question, as I have been hit hard by PCGS grading on hairlines in some cases, and yet not so bad on others. I should receive mine tomorrow, and will attempt to decide to grade or not.
After zooming on the above as suggested by @jwitten I see the hairlines are even on the rim which makes me thing these were wiped after being struck.
Would be really nice for someone in the Mint to explain the hairlines in die polishing, minting, or handling of these specifically since it seems to be prevalent issue.
Conscientious employee wiping dust off each one with microfiber cloth before putting into capsule?.
Comments
Received mine today via UPS. Well packed (for once) and both items appear flawless. The Mint really went all out in packaging materials, but the quality is breathtaking.
Better yet, the designs look much better “in person” than their pics. Overall, I’m very pleased.
Been thinking I'd rather have this medal, than two ASE burnished.
Liberty medal arrived today. For the first time ever, I'm returning a Mint item. The medal was covered with hairlines. Disappointed, although the medal is better in hand than the photos, as I expected it might be.
@jmlanzaf Saw a youtube vid that complained about the same thing.
It's both sides, so it really looks like someone rubbed it down. Maybe to remove oil or something. I wonder if they had trouble striking the 2.5 oz high relief.
Maybe I'll just wait and buy a slabbed 69.
Isn't this how they make some of the new stuff though? I remember another coin recently looked like that, and it was designed and struck that way apparently.
Random hairlines? What kind of special finish is that?
The enhanced uncirculated coins had textured fields but it's not random hairlines.
This is going to make people think whether they should keep any unopened or not.
Any chance @jmlanzaf you could post a few pics?
Here's some photos. You have to tilt the medals at the right angle to see them.
First pocket coin in the series! Congratulations.
Yes, it kind of looks like someone rubbed it with cloth
But damage aside, it is a pretty medal
Die polished?
Cannot tell if it is incuse or not.
No. Looks like surface> @Hemispherical said:
No, looks like surface scratches. It's not raised.
I'm pretty sure it was some of the enhanced Kennedy coins? I remember a bunch with polish lines like this.
Coinworld should feature this. Not cool at all. No excuse for this.
@jmlanzaf
That should grade "special hand mint finish".
Not again, I've had mine for three days now, I could not decide on whether or not to open this, now I'm waiting to see if this is a common problem or not.
I did manage to get my shipping label for the NAC+C set to send back, 22 days is to long for a print out (not even a real label) makes you wonder who's minding the mint.
Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up!
Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
I received my silver today and the scratches do not appear to be a problem , but......it has very low detail on the hair and fresh from the mint milk spots. I would be interested to see if the coins with lesser issues with scratches have lower detail.
maybe they polished out the problem at some point taking the detail with it. I will try to take some pictures this weekend.
Either way someone was heavy handed, Philly or not. The finish is supposed to be matte.
Interesting attempt at “matte.”
——-
Pulled the specs:
Finish: Matte
Composition: 99.9% Silver
Diameter: 2.000 inches
(50.80 mm)
Weight: 2.500 troy oz.
(77.759 grams)
Edge: Plain
Mint and Mint Mark: Philadelphia – P
The enhanced Kennedy coins had what was called a "light finish" which seemed to be due to die fatigue. But, again, that didn't look like this. These look like actual light scratches. On both sides and across raised features and the fields. Looks to me like someone wiped the actual coin. It does NOT look like transfer from the die.
Yes, and if die prop the "lines" should have been struck out/through on the high points of the face. That did not happen on this coin.
Well, just Love coins, period.
Got my medal yesterday. Third or fourth time FedEx has done the final delivery (i.e. not handed off to the USPS...)
Obverse looks okay at normal magnification (talking technical, not artistic). If you magnify it, you can see lines, especially under the right lighting. They become very distracting at say, 5x or more. They're completely unnoticeable at reading distance. The reverse looks very good, even under magnification. (There are a couple marks on the capsule, but they're easy to pick out. YMMV.
From a personal standpoint, I like the size/weight of the medal. It's much better than just using an ASE planchet. Box/packaging is impressive too, moreso than previous efforts.
I still hate dislike the obverse, it doesn't improve in-hand. (I had hopes.) On the other hand, I bought it for the eagle, which is very nice, even without arrows in its claws.
Guess which side is up in the presentation box... 
I've got six days to decide if I'm going to keep it, but if returned, I probably couldn't do it with a mint/damage claim...
Honestly, I kind of like the obverse. I may be the only one, but I really felt it was attractive.
And I adore the eagle which is really struck up nicely also.
I'm still trying to decide whether to ask the Mint for a replacement and take a chance or just buy a 69 in a slab.
Honestly, I'm not sure there is ever a good reason not to open them. That's especially true with an issue like this that will never sell out.
The only reasons to keep them sealed is to preserve "First Strike" eligibility OR to get a "Mint sealed" premium from someone who doesn't want a picked over set.
Now, first of all, has anyone looked at FS premiums 5 years after issue? For most coins I've looked at, they seem pretty negligible. But, even assuming there will be a moderate FS premium, the price difference between a 70 and a 69 and a 68 is going to be MUCH larger than the FS premium.
As to the "Mint sealed" option, that usually gets eaten up by time. How many moderns sell for more 5 years after issue? And that is going to be even worse with an issue like this that won't probably sell out for years and may well be available from the Mint for years.
Just my 2 cents...
Good analysis of first strike value over time.
I would suggest you use something other than “just my two cents” for your sign off, as Mitch has used that caveat for years and may have a trademark pending...
Lmao.
Noted
More Pics from just now:
Well, just Love coins, period.
Came a day earlier
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member
Surface: Wiped with cloth
@jmlanzaf @7Jaguars @Kkathyl
Thank you for posting the pics.
No hairlines here, rather beautiful...
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
I'm a fan of the design
Well I have to agree, one example of a sealed 2009 Lincoln Coin and Chronicles set is not selling on eBay with a price of $70, yet opened sets sold on the recent past from $45 - $99, no rhyme or reason. It would have been better to have sold it the first few months after issue. That was a three hour sell out with a one per household limit.,*
*I may be a little off on the time, it's only been a decade and two strokes ago ;-)
Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up!
Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
A huge surprise just now
My Liberty Au & Ag were just delivered.
Monday the still showed label made, awaiting item.
The silver looks like the photos by @7Jaguars, @Kkathyl & @ECHOES = No scratches
I buy 2 sets of everything so if I want a look I keep a sealed. I do it with the 5 oz have sold some and half get FDI 70 designated so it to each his own.
Best place to buy !
Bronze Associate member
Might have hairlines after-all, I will keep nonetheless...
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
Interesting the hairlines look consistent from left-to-right (or right-to-left) with @jmlanzaf medal.
Based on the two pics it appears that a denser (or more heavy handed) number of hairlines are in the field in front of her eyes in both medals.
Well, I stand corrected. Even though I stated above that the coin and medal "appear flawless," upon closer examination I am also seeing what appears to be hairlines when the medal is held at a certain angle. I'm thinking perhaps this is the norm for what the Mint defines as a "matte finish?"
Anyway, I removed the medal from its capsule and took about a dozen pics, choosing the best one to post here. I have never photographed coins before, although as a retired educator in art and design, I have fairly extensive experience in photographing my artwork as well as 20 years in academia helping my students document their work, first with slides and then later with digital photography.
I took this pic on my drawing table with two artist lights (warm white 2700K small fluorescents), one on either side and mostly indirect. The camera I used was a Sony Cyber-Shot point-and-shoot that was attached to a mini tripod.
Comments and/or suggestions are welcome, especially from the experts.
Also, the hairlines do not extend into Liberty's portrait.
Polish lines?
POST NUBILA PHOEBUS / AFTER CLOUDS, SUN
Love for Music / Collector of Dreck
Based on the pic the lines appear to be from the NW to SE (or SE to NW).
A different die and/or polisher?
hmmm
Those lines seem to go thru the star.
Hmmmmm....
I wonder how PCGS will treat this issue for grading on their 70s?
Wow, trying to find something to like in that design. I got nuthin.
Many successful BST transactions with dozens of board members, references on request.
After hearing about the lines I figured I would open mine and check, when I did I was shocked, I really had no idea how big this medal was, with all the pictures here there was no scale until now. I placed a silver eagle next to it, and placed it over a PCGS slab --
Now you can see the size is HUGE! It as thick at the rim as two Silver Eagles.
Also I didn't see any scratches on the surface.
Fighting the Fight for 11 Years with the big "C" - Never Ever Give Up!
Member PCGS Open Forum board 2002 - 2006 (closed end of 2006) Current board since 2006 Successful trades with many members, over the past two decades, never a bad deal.
What is 'Bugsly' :-)
I ordered 8-21, being delivered Wed 28th via FedEx Smartpost
What are the gold's like? Hairlines??
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
That is why it requires the $20 oversize holder like many National Commemorative type medals.
The 70's are a real question, as I have been hit hard by PCGS grading on hairlines in some cases, and yet not so bad on others. I should receive mine tomorrow, and will attempt to decide to grade or not.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set
I can easily see the lines in your last picture. Click on it to blow it up, and look in front of her face.
After zooming on the above as suggested by @jwitten I see the hairlines are even on the rim which makes me thing these were wiped after being struck.
Would be really nice for someone in the Mint to explain the hairlines in die polishing, minting, or handling of these specifically since it seems to be prevalent issue.
Conscientious employee wiping dust off each one with microfiber cloth before putting into capsule?.
My US Mint Commemorative Medal Set