2 1/2" vs. 3" Silver Bullion 5 oz. - another Mint fiasco?
jmski52
Posts: 23,953 ✭✭✭✭✭
So now it looks like the first few issues of the 5 oz. Silver Bullion "Quarters" will be issued as 3" diameter pieces as they are in production at this time. It appears that Congress has authorized a 2 1/2" diameter modification in order to be able to deal with slightly thicker planchets.
This begs the question - why did they start making these before they knew what diameter they were going to settle on? This type of inconsistancy seems to be Standard Operating Procedure at the Mint. Needless to say, this will make it a PITA for collectors who would like to keep and store these pieces in a logical system of some sort.
This begs the question - why did they start making these before they knew what diameter they were going to settle on? This type of inconsistancy seems to be Standard Operating Procedure at the Mint. Needless to say, this will make it a PITA for collectors who would like to keep and store these pieces in a logical system of some sort.
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I knew it would happen.
I knew it would happen.
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Considering the retooling, new size blanks etc. that a change would require, I think chances are good that a reduction in size for future issues will not occur.
<< <i>My understanding is that the change to a 2 1/2 inch diameter is optional, not a requirement - the current 3 inch diameter can be retained.
Considering the retooling, new size blanks etc. that a change would require, I think chances are good that a reduction in size for future issues will not occur. >>
I agree.
Reasonable question.
Answer: The law stipulated 3-inch diameter and 5 oz weight. (Curiously, the weight is expressed as “5 ounces” not “5 troy ounces” leaving the Congressional door open for under weight knockoffs.)
The option to make a 2.5-inch diameter version would accomplish several things:
1) permit striking using more than the one 3-inch press now at the mint
2) possibly permit production of mirror proofs at West Point Mint
3) possibly permit hubbing of dies
4) reduce the time it takes to hand-finish working dies
5) reduce problems associated with planchet flex and warp.
6) Possibly permit use of faster reviewing and packing equipment.
These are my thoughts, not the mint’s.
You can almost predict the future.