You now are director of the mint..what would you do?

Halfhunter06 · November 19, 2008 10:24AM

You are now the new director of the mint with the power to change our nations money whatever way you like!! What would you do?? (I know Congress has this power but lets pretend here)

Heres what i would do..

penny: after 2009 change the reverse

nickel: goodbye jefferson and monticello!!! new design

dime: goodbye FDR!! new design

quarter: bye washington!!! new design

half: bye JFK!! new design

dollar: eh, keep Sacagawea, only been there since 2000. Dollar bill to be eliminated.

NOTE: I have great respect for the men on our coins, but i must say they have been for decades and its TIME FOR CHANGE.

fcloud · November 19, 2008 10:28AM

Unfortuneately it will simply be the same ol' stuff.

Bochiman · November 19, 2008 10:32AM

I'd stop a lot of the "buy a ton of product and returning of it".
I would keep the return policy there for those ordering 5 or less, or 10 or less of an item. Order more though and I would treat it like bullion sales to a dealer....no return, because buyers of quantity like that are generally playing dealer.

For the specifics you asked....I would change some of the designs, political maneuvering be damned, but I wouldn't be PC or wishy washy about it. I would look for cool designs that the PERSON ON THE STREET liked. Poll a lot of the folks and it would still be cheaper, imho.

tombr · November 19, 2008 10:34AM

Actually, designs can be changed after 25 years of issue without the consent of congress. I belive the law was passed in the late 1800's. YES, it's time for changes on all of them.

Cladiator · November 19, 2008 10:42AM

I'd chain and padlock the doors.

CertifiedGoldCoins · November 19, 2008 11:26AM

I'd stop producing so much overpriced, overpackaged junk.

Walmann · November 19, 2008 11:39AM

Increase quality control, insure coins going into sets meet standards, deal with packaging/shipping issues to insure coins are not damaged in transit.

Then tackle the issues of redesign on most coins and reduce the number of offerings.

cars · November 19, 2008 11:48AM

<< You are now the new director of the mint with the power to change our nations money whatever way you like!! What would you do?? (I know Congress has this power but lets pretend here)

Heres what i would do..

penny: after 2009 change the reverse

nickel: goodbye jefferson and monticello!!! new design

dime: goodbye FDR!! new design

quarter: bye washington!!! new design

half: bye JFK!! new design

dollar: eh, keep Sacagawea, only been there since 2000. Dollar bill to be eliminated.

NOTE: I have great respect for the men on our coins, but i must say they have been for decades and its TIME FOR CHANGE. >>

You would get rid of the dollar bill and keep the penny?

Fountainhead · November 19, 2008 11:54AM

No way I'd change designs until I could be sure that the Mint once again employed talented artists and engravers - people who could come up with fresh designs superior to the century-old St. Gaudens, Buffalo, etc. These Presidential Dollars, they're practically stick figures! And the best commem designs are from outside the Mint.

66Tbird · November 19, 2008 11:55AM

Higher relief, classic designs.

MadMarty · November 19, 2008 12:00PM

Visit the vault that has the stash of classic dies and make some real coinage!!!

Fountainhead · November 19, 2008 12:00PM

Then I would plan to mint an Obama coin. No sense in letting the private mints govvle up all the business!

Not gold, silver, or clad, either, but black-finish tungsten carbide! That stuff never scratches!

Broadstruck · November 19, 2008 12:04PM

Tiki Bars in the break rooms... need more errors!

lasvegasteddy · November 19, 2008 12:13PM

first things first...

acquire executive powers release from congressional approval

fire 1/2 tha staff especially anyone even suggesting computers be used for design's or hubs....mintages would drop

get some sexy ladies doing whatever they can do so i'd want to go to work...maybe let "hooters" set-up a franchise in the lunchroom

no returns at all...ya don't like that buy canadian

see if pcgs would like to set-up a on site venture

asap work on producing the 2009 lincoln and indian head cents to exact spec's as the 1909 offerings and mintages....hold a lotto for proofs...and the only way to get the 2009-s vdb & 2009-s indian is in 1 of the 309k special mint sets limited to one per address

then work on producing the last of dead prezzie denom's as originally released...farewell ya know

then change the denom's to an eagle based system in copper/silver & gold alloys only

grip · November 19, 2008 12:30PM

<< Visit the vault that has the stash of classic dies and make some real coinage!!! >>

Bingo!!

zeebob · November 19, 2008 1:23PM

Work my little heart out to get the BEP moved under my authority. Empire building yea. Then I'd lobby to dump the 1, 2 and 5 dollar FRN. Then lobby to have 2 and 5 dollar coins issued.

cars · November 19, 2008 3:46PM

<< Then I would plan to mint an Obama coin. No sense in letting the private mints govvle up all the business!

Not gold, silver, or clad, either, but black-finish tungsten carbide! That stuff never scratches! >>

That appears to me as a racist statement. If so I'm very embarrassed for you.

weresteve · November 19, 2008 3:58PM

Starting in 2010:

First:
Change all of the designs on the one cent through one dollar coins back to the orginal designs for 1793, then move the designs forward every five years to the next successive design in order of issue until reaching the introduction of the dead presidents at which point in time a new series of designs would be introduced every 15 to 20 years.

Second:
Do away with the clad composition and find something that works in vending machines just as well, but has an overall better appearance.

Third:
Maximum order for mint sets, proof sets, and commemoratives of 10 of any one item per customer ... period. Collectors should have a better shot at getting items they want as opposed to large scale "merchandisers".

Fourth:
For the true collector out there ... limited to 10,000 issued per year ... a proof set containg all designs and denominations from 1/2 cent through $20 gold in original metallic compositions and original sizes. Additionally, include all original mint marks representing the same era of circulating designs as in the first entry above.

Fifth:
Get hold of the BEP and start redesigning the currency dramatically. Most likely the first step would be to do a special one year commemorative $1 FRN in the old "Funny Back" design before discontinuing it. Then, bring back some of the classic late 19th century designs such as the Educational notes, Buffalo, Indian Chief, etc.

commoncents123 · November 19, 2008 4:23PM

2009-S-VDB proofs

clackamas · November 19, 2008 6:59PM

Kill Satin Finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

clackamas · November 19, 2008 7:05PM

When you post put it in 14 words or less. People from the mint actually read this, but they don't have the time to read 6 paragraphs with foot notes. If you can't say it in 14 words or less it ain’t worth saying.

BTW - If the above is true the mint guys/gals do read this forum - I CLAIM responsibility for the high relief product next year. I was the first to post it on this forum years ago as the killer mint product. Just so every one is clear that they need to pay homage to moi. Seriously I have been advocating for it for ever, certainly in time to hit the 2007 date much less 2009. BTW - Mint folks - that means I get a freal first strike.

melvin289 · November 19, 2008 7:49PM

Get rid of the dead presidents. Change the composition of the 1¢ coin. Revive Gasparro's original Flowing Hair small dollar. It is not a copy but similar to old coins. Use representations of Liberty, American Eagles, the Statue of Liberty, but for crying out loud no more political correctness on our coinage. I don't think the director has any say-so but the dollar bill needs to go.

morgansforever · November 19, 2008 9:32PM

How about a 6 coin Mint set, can the Prez bucks, and offer business strike bullion to the public.

Streamline, get rid of FDC's, spoons, coin-n-die sets, young collector sets, etc..

Back to the basics would work for me.

Scott

DoUPlayOnePocket · November 19, 2008 10:44PM

>The Director of the Mint shall be appointed by the President of the United States for a term not to exceed 20 years, and may only be involuntarily removed from the post for reasons of gross misconduct, criminal history or misuse of office.

>Where the U.S. Mint is concerned, the only functions of Congress should be to establish denominations and control production PERIOD!

>The "Citizens Advisory & Approval Committee" shall be composed of five members and each member must be celebrated in the field of numismatic and/or medallic design. The candidates for these seats shall submit applications to the Director of the Mint. The Director shall be the final authority for selecting the Committee.

>Return to the classic designs with allegorical devices..................no more dead presidents!

>All circulating coinage and Uncirculated Mint Sets shall be struck in aluminum.

>All denominations for Proof Sets shall be struck in silver.

>Replace the cent with 2-cent & 3-cent pieces.

>Keep the 5c, 10c, 25c, 50c & $1 coins. Note: With the addition of the 2c & 3c coins, you can make every conceivable amount of change.

>The diameter for each denomination would be: 2c - 10mm, 3c - 15mm, 5c - 20mm, 10c - 25mm, 25c - 30mm, 50c - 35mm, $1 - 40mm.

>The satin finish can only be used as an option for commemorative coins.

>The design of circulating coinage cannot have a commemorative theme.

>The Mint shall not be allowed to surcharge any circulating or non-circulating coin, medal or token produced from non-precious metals by more than 25% of it's face value.

>For precious metals, the Mint shall not be allowed to charge more than 25% of the applicable spot price, and the surcharge must be reviewed monthly to adjust to market fluctuations.

>The Mint cannot refuse to sell any product to the general public if it is offered to any other dealer. For example, the Mint cannot refuse to sell a "Green Monster" to a private party if it is available to bullion dealers. Note: The precious metals surcharge mentioned above would still be applicable irrespective of any volume discounts that may be applicable for bullion dealers.

>Fire anyone at the BEP who even suggests that we keep the One Dollar Note.

That's all I can think of right now. I could probably think of more, but I'd have to wake you, first.

Chris

halfnut · November 19, 2008 10:52PM

"Kill Satin Finish!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

That would be the first thing on my list.

Dan

messydesk · November 19, 2008 11:50PM

First order of business would be to fire some people. Not sure who, but certainly there are 5-10% that could go.

Next, I would announce a nation-wide coinage redesign contest open to all US citizens. Entrants must submit a sketch and a 3D prototype of as many denominations as they wish, since I'm not interested in clip-art. The Chief Engraver and I would be the only judges, and if I didn't like the Chief Engraver's taste, I'd find a new one.

All denominations would be changed at the same time and would be frozen for at least 20 years, protected by curse that would cause any meddling Congressleech to suffer eternal public humiliation by talking like Elmer Fudd in the presence of a microphone (I haven't figured out what would happen to Barney Frank yet).

Annual proof sets would be produced using a higher-relief "as intended" version of the designs than those used for circulation. A high-relief medal, with a new design each year of my liking, would be included in the set.

Tighter quality control measures that would include holding shift supervisors responsible for producing excessive low-quality coinage. They would be required to bring donuts to the office of the Mint Director and staff (plenty of Boston Cream, please).

DoUPlayOnePocket · November 20, 2008 12:32AM

<< They would be required to bring donuts to the office of the Mint Director and staff (plenty of Boston Cream, please). >>

Sorry, John, but I'm going to have to let you go. That is "misuse of office".

Chris

Whitby · November 20, 2008 1:04AM

1)BRING BACK A BIG FREAKINFG DOLLAR COIN ALA IKE

2)PUT LIBERTY ON THE OBVERSE OF SAME COIN

3)Kill half dollars, and dollar bills

4)Bring back wheat and a new obverse to the cent

5)Require a daily foot massage to everyone in the mint

pmac · November 20, 2008 1:13AM

<< 1)BRING BACK A BIG FREAKINFG DOLLAR COIN ALA IKE

2)PUT LIBERTY ON THE OBVERSE OF SAME COIN

3)Kill half dollars, and dollar bills

4)Bring back wheat and a new obverse to the cent

5)Require a daily foot massage to everyone in the mint >>

Whitby must work at the mint.

Whitby · November 20, 2008 1:16AM

<< 

<< 1)BRING BACK A BIG FREAKINFG DOLLAR COIN ALA IKE

2)PUT LIBERTY ON THE OBVERSE OF SAME COIN

3)Kill half dollars, and dollar bills

4)Bring back wheat and a new obverse to the cent

5)Require a daily foot massage to everyone in the mint >>

Whitby must work at the mint. >>

No, but I would love to see demand 5 met ASAP.

coolest · November 20, 2008 1:20AM

I would learn to count and I would keep accurate records.

ambro51 · November 20, 2008 1:36AM

I would hire a chemist.

I would show him some new cent coins, and point out the black pool spots.

The Chemist would alter the rinse formula so it stopped producing black pool spots.

Then, Id take him to lunch.

messydesk · November 20, 2008 2:53AM

<< I would hire a chemist... >>

And here I thought you'd lock him up to solve the milk spot problem.

messydesk · November 20, 2008 2:57AM

<< 

<< They would be required to bring donuts to the office of the Mint Director and staff (plenty of Boston Cream, please). >>

Sorry, John, but I'm going to have to let you go. That is "misuse of office". >>

OK, they can bring them to the break room of the Mint Director and staff. That shouldn't fall under "Misuse of Break Room" rules.

BBQnBLUES · November 20, 2008 3:16AM

The B.E.P. should change _All currency designs to represent Famous moments in America's History (similar to the Bicentennial $2) No more Dead Prez !!

The Mint should issue coinage colored like Mardi Gras tokens

Gemineye · November 20, 2008 3:30AM

I'd tell Congress I'm losing money minting the cents and nickel coins and asks for some ..Bail-out money...!!!.........

rpw · November 20, 2008 3:40AM

Since Obama is the "New Lincoln" I'd just make a new cent with him on it. Instead of "One Cent" on the reverse it would read "The One Cent."

[/sarcasm]

Coinsponge · November 20, 2008 4:01AM

Get rid of edge lettering. Stars on the edge would be ok and I would not allow the pc police to do any more than the corrupt policians in Congress already mandate. Also, find a way to peg the price of bullion coins on a weekly basis to the spot price with a return limit of 5 on bullion only to cut down on the big time speculators. Make that 3 for gold.

Walmann · November 20, 2008 4:39AM

<< The B.E.P. should change _All currency designs to represent Famous moments in America's History (similar to the Bicentennial $2) No more Dead Prez !!

The Mint should issue coinage colored like Mardi Gras tokens

>>

This means we could end up seeing a coin with OJ's white Bronco speeding away on it.
That is if we go by what's considered famous moments these days.

fc · November 20, 2008 4:41AM

higher some artists and give them the ability to design something
without a committee of people looking over their shoulder.

tahoe98 · November 20, 2008 5:59AM

<< I'd chain and padlock the doors. >>

tahoe98 · November 20, 2008 6:03AM

<< 

<< 

<< 1)BRING BACK A BIG FREAKINFG DOLLAR COIN ALA IKE

2)PUT LIBERTY ON THE OBVERSE OF SAME COIN

3)Kill half dollars, and dollar bills

4)Bring back wheat and a new obverse to the cent

5)Require a daily foot massage to everyone in the mint >>

Whitby must work at the mint. >>

No, but I would love to see demand 5 met ASAP. >>

.............how 'bout an occasional DOPE SLAP!!

Whitby · November 20, 2008 6:23AM

Ohhh, this means you have an idea......

Well, what are they?

19Lyds · November 20, 2008 7:43AM

Walk over to the Bureau of Engraving & Printing and kick somebodies buck!

chrsb · November 20, 2008 8:34AM

<< 2009-S-VDB proofs

>>

That would be my first act! They would be on copper and nice hard planchets!!

DoUPlayOnePocket · November 20, 2008 8:45AM

<< The B.E.P. should change _All currency designs to represent Famous moments in America's History (similar to the Bicentennial $2) No more Dead Prez !!

The Mint should issue coinage colored like Mardi Gras tokens

>>

With or without tan lines on their bared chests?

Chris

DoUPlayOnePocket · November 20, 2008 8:48AM

<< Since Obama is the "New Lincoln" I'd just make a new cent with him on it. Instead of "One Cent" on the reverse it would read "The One Cent."

[/sarcasm] >>

and on the obverse, it would read.................."None Returned".

Chris

You now are director of the mint..what would you do?

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