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US Mint commercial... biting the hand that feeds them

I've seen a few of these Mint commercials "Someone you love may be a numismatist, who needs your help."

At first I thought they were kind of amusing, but really, they are portraying coin collectors as if they were "special."

Coin collectors have it hard enough as it is- do we really need the Mint to play into negative stereotypes about coin collectors?

They should be trying to enourage NEW collectors, not contribute to alienating those who are already in the hobby.

image
Dan
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    Actually, I agree with you. I used to think they were kind of funny, but once you've seen the commercial a couple of dozen times, it starts to annoy, and even offend.
    image
    To support LordM's European Trip, click here!
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    JRoccoJRocco Posts: 14,277 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think they are OK as long as they don't overdo it.
    Some coins are just plain "Interesting"
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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Here's an example.............Link
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    nycounselnycounsel Posts: 1,229 ✭✭
    great link, thanks. That's exactly what I'm talking about.
    Dan
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    Cam40Cam40 Posts: 8,146
    oh lighten up people.
    its supposed to be humorous and most can see that i think.
    coin collectors most of all should recognize that.
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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭
    A very clever short film.....................The Coin Hunter

    I wonder if this is really Russ with a nice hairdo.....image
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    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭
    I like it. I bet some of you would think us geeks should be offended by this too:

    The Knack
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    Cam40Cam40 Posts: 8,146
    great
    theres 4 minutes i,ll never get back.
    image
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    I think the commercials are funny. Face it, we are "special". image

    Russ, NCNE
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    nycounselnycounsel Posts: 1,229 ✭✭
    I have a good sense of humor... and granted, it would probably be much tougher to make an ad portraying coin collecting as cool.

    But still... I think they could have found a way to make a light-hearted ad without insulting the very people whose premiums pay for the ads.

    Those commercials certainly don't encourage someone who isn't already a collector to join the hobby.

    So a big thumbs down as far as I'm concerned.
    Dan
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    MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,712 ✭✭✭✭✭
    This is exactly why our entertainment should be left to Hollywood professionals.

    And NumisEd, wherever he may be.





    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,062 ✭✭✭✭✭
    The fact that the U.S. Mint is using tax dollars (paying the networks to advertise ?)... to tell the world that coin geeks are "special" is not a waste of tax dollars. But who watches T.V. ? People that are too dumb to realize the waste of tax dollars. image

    There oughta be a law against irresponsible spending in our government.
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461


    << <i>I think the commercials are funny. Face it, we are "special". image Russ, NCNE >>



    Funny you say. Subliminal advertising is banned in some European
    countries but not in the US. The commercials we see are racist, anti American,
    anti white male and belittle the principles of morality. While you laugh
    the young are programed and we must answer to them.
    image

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    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>I think the commercials are funny. Face it, we are "special". image Russ, NCNE >>

    Funny you say. Subliminal advertising is banned in some European countries but not in the US. The commercials we see are racist, anti American, anti white male and belittle the principles of morality. While you laugh the young are programed and we must answer to them. >>



    Run, Run, the sky is falling!!!
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    notwilightnotwilight Posts: 12,864 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The fact that the U.S. Mint is using tax dollars (paying the networks to advertise ?)... to tell the world that coin geeks are "special" is not a waste of tax dollars. But who watches T.V. ? People that are too dumb to realize the waste of tax dollars. image There oughta be a law against irresponsible spending in our government. >>



    Have you thought about the mint's business model here? Advertising doesn't cost, it pays. --Jerry
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    lordmarcovanlordmarcovan Posts: 45,034 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>At first I thought they were kind of amusing, but really, they are portraying coin collectors as if they were "special." >>

    I feel the same way. I'm not offended by them, but you're right... what was kind of funny the first time is kind of annoying after a while. Like we're a buncha "special" kids on the short bus.

    (Of course, there is a grain of truth there... and the truth hurts.) image

    Collector since 1976. On the CU forums here since 2001.

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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭
    The mint doesn't use tax dollars.

    Russ, NCNE
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    A typical and very shallow reply.

    image

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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,062 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>The fact that the U.S. Mint is using tax dollars (paying the networks to advertise ?)... to tell the world that coin geeks are "special" is not a waste of tax dollars. But who watches T.V. ? People that are too dumb to realize the waste of tax dollars. image There oughta be a law against irresponsible spending in our government. >>



    Have you thought about the mint's business model here? Advertising doesn't cost, it pays. --Jerry >>



    We are a few dollars in debt. We ought not spend what we don't have image
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    MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,712 ✭✭✭✭✭
    I think they could have found a way to make a light-hearted ad without insulting the very people whose premiums pay for the ads.

    The ads are clearly not marketing to collectors, but to people that may buy gifts for collectors. I don't imagine that the ads will pay off, or that anyone will ever know if they did.


    Those commercials certainly don't encourage someone who isn't already a collector to join the hobby.

    That's a good point. IMHO, creating new collectors should be the primary goal of the ads.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
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    TwoSides2aCoinTwoSides2aCoin Posts: 45,062 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The mint doesn't use tax dollars.

    Russ, NCNE >>



    Okay, general funds or whereever they come from. It's money that ought not be spent
    ... Let's get technical image
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    coinsarefuncoinsarefun Posts: 21,781 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>A very clever short film.....................The Coin Hunter

    I wonder if this is really Russ with a nice hairdo.....image >>






    That one hurt my brain.
    The Knack cracked me upimage
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i><< The mint doesn't use tax dollars.

    Russ, NCNE >>

    Okay, general funds or whereever they come from. It's money that ought not be spent
    ... Let's get technical >>



    There's nothing "technical" about it. The mint uses no tax funds, and generates a profit each year.

    Russ, NCNE
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    MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,712 ✭✭✭✭✭
    There's nothing "technical" about it. The mint uses no tax funds, and generates a profit each year.

    Russ - The Mint has a government-granted monopoly. "Making a profit" isn't enough. They should be maximizing profits.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
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    IGWTIGWT Posts: 4,975
    I suppose I might be offended if I were buying what the Mint is selling.
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>There's nothing "technical" about it. The mint uses no tax funds, and generates a profit each year.

    Russ - The Mint has a government-granted monopoly. "Making a profit" isn't enough. They should be maximizing profits. >>



    Not the issue. The issue was that they were wasting tax dollars advertising when, in fact, there are no tax dollars involved. Compared to the rest of the Federal government, the US Mint is a profit generating machine.

    Russ, NCNE
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    The US Mint is not a profit making operation. It is totally funded
    by taxes. The coins they sell amount spit in the bucket.
    image

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    MrEurekaMrEureka Posts: 24,712 ✭✭✭✭✭
    Not the issue. The issue was that they were wasting tax dollars advertising when, in fact, there are no tax dollars involved.


    The profits and losses all go to the bottom line of the Federal Government. If the ads are a loser, it has a negative impact on the government's bottom line, which impacts taxes. So yes, tax dollars are involved.
    Andy Lustig

    Doggedly collecting coins of the Central American Republic.

    Visit the Society of US Pattern Collectors at USPatterns.com.
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    RussRuss Posts: 48,514 ✭✭✭


    << <i>The US Mint is not a profit making operation. It is totally funded
    by taxes. >>



    Uh, okay. Ever heard of seignorage?

    Russ, NCNE
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    OPAOPA Posts: 17,162 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>The US Mint is not a profit making operation. It is totally funded
    by taxes. The coins they sell amount spit in the bucket. >>



    Not true .. Suggest you study their annual reports.
    "Bongo drive 1984 Lincoln that looks like old coin dug from ground."
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461


    << <i>

    << <i>The US Mint is not a profit making operation. It is totally funded by taxes. The coins they sell amount spit in the bucket. >>

    Not true .. Suggest you study their annual reports. >>



    Everyone who cares has done this with the same red ink conclusion.
    image

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    nycounselnycounsel Posts: 1,229 ✭✭

    I think they could have found a way to make a light-hearted ad without insulting the very people whose premiums pay for the ads.

    The ads are clearly not marketing to collectors, but to people that may buy gifts for collectors. I don't imagine that the ads will pay off, or that anyone will ever know if they did.


    It's mostly collectors who buy from the Mint, including things like $20 worth of quarters for $35, or $1500 worth of platinum for $1950.

    It really would be better if the Mint were to make an advertisement letting people know of the products that exist, and that those products are "special" instead of suggesting that those who collect them are.

    Increase the collector base, don't marginalize the existing one.

    Dan
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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>
    I think they could have found a way to make a light-hearted ad without insulting the very people whose premiums pay for the ads.

    The ads are clearly not marketing to collectors, but to people that may buy gifts for collectors. I don't imagine that the ads will pay off, or that anyone will ever know if they did.


    It's mostly collectors who buy from the Mint, including things like $20 worth of quarters for $35, or $1500 worth of platinum for $1950.

    It really would be better if the Mint were to make an advertisement letting people know of the products that exist, and that those products are "special" instead of suggesting that those who collect them are.

    Increase the collector base, don't marginalize the existing one. >>




    Good point nycounsel.

    Problem is, most commercial watchers are a part of the so called "critcal mass" during any one advertising cycle/time slot.

    They need to "feel special" about a product that they are aware of, but do not really feel comfortable owning.

    The Mint's strategy? Even newbies can become numismatists when they buy direct from the U.S. Mint.

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    AkbeezAkbeez Posts: 2,698 ✭✭✭✭✭
    ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz image
    Refs: MCM,Fivecents,Julio,Robman,Endzone,Coiny,Agentjim007,Musky1011,holeinone1972,Tdec1000,Type2,bumanchu, Metalsman,Wondercoin,Pitboss,Tomohawk,carew4me,segoja,thebigeng,jlc_coin,mbogoman,sportsmod,dragon,tychojoe,Schmitz7,claychaser, Bullsitter, robeck, Nickpatton, jwitten, and many OTHERS
  • Options
    HyperionHyperion Posts: 7,489 ✭✭✭
    3 words:

    lighten
    up.
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461


    << <i>3 words: lighten up. >>




    Your epitaph perhaps or a meaningless message to the living.
    How empty and worthless it is. So void and unbecoming.
    Can you be rich and poetic? Can you in some less shallow way
    tell us what what you truely mean.
    image

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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>3 words: lighten up. >>




    Your epitaph perhaps or a meaningless message to the living.
    How empty and worthless it is. So void and unbecoming.
    Can you be rich and poetic? Can you in some less shallow way
    tell us what what you truely mean. >>



    Epitaph???

    Hope this helps......Linky
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    Beside the point private pontoon
    image

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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    <FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c0c0c0">
    </FONT>x
    image

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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i><FONT style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #c0c0c0">
    </FONT> >>



    What are you talking about??

    You seem like a provocateur.

    Go to bed already!!
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    I will do that on my own command
    image

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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    Are you here on two differnt names??
    image

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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    No answer
    image

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    GoldbullyGoldbully Posts: 18,505 ✭✭✭✭✭


    << <i>Are you here on two differnt names?? >>



    Just ask my brother, Hyperion that question.

    We buy and sell coins under dual personalities.

    Dammit Jim, I'm a numismatist!!!

    Post haste....we have been foiled by someone who calls himself pb2y.

    Why won't he bed himself down.

    These intellectuals says the darndest things.

    Where's Bear when you need some sage wisdom??? image
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    And so I thaught. So obvious and phony. You gang and for
    a time fool us. You will be quite well known soon.
    image

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    HyperionHyperion Posts: 7,489 ✭✭✭


    << <i>

    << <i>Are you here on two differnt names?? >>



    Just ask my brother, Hyperion that question.

    We buy and sell coins under dual personalities.

    Dammit Jim, I'm a numismatist!!!

    Post haste....we have been foiled by someone who calls himself pb2y.

    Why won't he bed himself down.

    These intellectuals says the darndest things.

    Where's Bear when you need some sage wisdom??? image >>



    you calling me an alt, ponk?
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461


    << <i>

    << <i>

    << <i>Are you here on two differnt names?? >>

    Just ask my brother, Hyperion that question. We buy and sell coins under dual personalities. Dammit Jim, I'm a numismatist!!! Post haste....we have been foiled by someone who calls himself pb2y. Why won't he bed himself down. These intellectuals says the darndest things. Where's Bear when you need some sage wisdom??? image >>

    you calling me an alt, ponk? >>



    No and worst. Two imposters burning both ends of the candel.
    image

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    HyperionHyperion Posts: 7,489 ✭✭✭
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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    Thank for mentionig Bear. He ani't going to bail
    butt out of this phony fish trip
    image

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    pb2ypb2y Posts: 1,461
    Got any more names????
    image

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