2016 America the Beautiful Quarters Design Candidates

Design candidate images for the 2016 America the Beautiful Quarters have recently been provided by the United States Mint. This will represent the seventh year of the America the Beautiful Quarters program, which features a national park or site in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia in the order federally designated.

The coins for 2016 will feature the following sites:

  • Shawnee National Forest in Illinois
  • Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky
  • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia
  • Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota
  • Fort Moultrie (For Sumter National Memorial) in South Carolina

There is a lengthy process involved in creating the designs for the America the Beautiful Quarters which involves many parties. The process begins when the federal entity which is responsible for the site appoints a liaison to assist the United States Mint with identifying source materials for the candidate designs. From the source materials, the US Mint prepares an initial field of design candidates, which focus on focus on aesthetic beauty, historical accuracy, authenticity, appropriateness, and coinability.

The initial candidates are reviewed by the liaison for the site who ensures that each design is historically accurate, authentic, and appropriately represents the site. Additional considerations such as legal rights to the images used in the designs and coinability may also come into play.

A final slate of design candidates are submitted to the Secretary of the Interior, the chief executive of the host jurisdiction of the site, the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA), and the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) for review and comment. After these groups offer their feedback and recommendations, the US Mint may make changes to address any suggestions. The Director of the United States Mint then makes a final recommendation to the Secretary of the Treasury who has the authority to select the final design.

The design candidates which appear below are those which were provided to the CFA and CCAC for their review. The design numbers sometimes have gaps, which may represent the elimination of some candidates during the initial review phase.

Detailed coverage of the CCAC’s discussion of the designs and their recommendations has been published today on Coin Update. An article on the CFA’s recommendations will follow.

Shawnee National Forest Quarter Design Candidates

IL-01 IL-03 IL-04 IL-05 IL-06 IL-07

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Quarter Design Candidates

KY-01 KY-02 KY-03 KY-05 KY-06

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park Design Candidates

 

WV-01 WV-02 WV-03 WV-04 WV-05 WV-05A WV-06 WV-07

Theodore Roosevelt National Park Design Candidates

ND-01 ND-02 ND-03 ND-04 ND-08 ND-09

Fort Moultrie Quarter Design Candidates

SC-01 SC-02 SC-03 SC-04 SC-05 SC-06 SC-07

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Comments

  1. Antoin Lewis says

    In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.

  2. VABEACHBUM says

    Agreed, Dusty.

    Some of the 2016 topics and/or their history appear to be very difficult to convey in artwork. For example, the whole point of Harper’s Ferry is John Brown and the rebellion he led. Not too many people, but especially younger generations, know the significance of Harper’s Ferry by name alone, so they probably wouldn’t get either the raised rifles or the Fort (WV-03 / without Brown reference) artwork.

    So far, IL-04, KY-03, and KY-05 interest me, but none of these designs really grab my attention and pull me in. I also find it interesting that someone prepared an interpretive / allegorical design for Cumberland Gap (KY-01), but I see both committees axing that design during their initial discussions.

  3. sharks2th says

    These aren’t as boring as some of them have been.
    IL – 04
    KY – 06, 03, 05
    WV – 07, 06, 05
    ND – 01, 08, 02
    SC – 04
    They should have considered the railroad tunnel and the Burma Shave ad painted on the mountain above the railroad for Harpers Ferry.

  4. TimTom says

    I like IL-4, KY-5, WV-4, ND-2, SC-5.

    I don’t like that they feel they have to include people in the imagery (Cumberland Gap and Sand Dunes). It also feels contrived when they have to “explain” the historical significance with a phrase. A word or two is fine. But anything more than that seems like trying to educate ignorant people through coinage. This isn’t the canvas that the late 1800’s educational notes had. These are coins. Make them beautiful, yet simple.

  5. Sith says

    I’m relieved we have some decent candidates but then they had a very low bar to follow.

    FYI We all know that does not hold much water, but go to Coin Update to see the recommendations. I agree Cumberland Gap should be KY-05, as that actually shows the park, but that is not what was recommended. The rest of the recommendations were OK, although I wished that Fort Moultrie would show something like the historic bombardment of Fort Sumter. I guess using Sergeant Jasper is OK, but technically the fort was named Fort Sullivan at the time and once again they don’t show anything you can actually see at the park. IE are we honoring the park or the man?

    http://news.coinupdate.com/ccac-reviews-america-the-beautiful-quarter-designs-4495/

  6. sharks2th says

    FYI for those in the VA/MD area, the VNA show is in Fredericksburg from today through Sunday. They are supposed to have 150 tables.

  7. cagcrisp says

    The US Mint needs to follow the lead of the Royal Mint and start selling Gold and Silver bullion Direct. I just About ordered some Gold from the Royal Mint yesterday but decided against it.

    We Really need an Alternative to buy bullion. With the New Ordering System starting next week, Let’s get in the Direct selling of bullion US Mint….

  8. VA Rich says

    sharks2th – you live around DELMARVA? I was wondering how you knew about the tunnel. Funny you mention that, I’ll be taking the C&O by bike to Harper’s tomorrow.

    Dusty – the beauty of the valley is in the spring when its season to sport the daisy dukes 😉 But yes, it is a lovely state!

    I like the committees recommendations, with the exception of Harper’s Ferry, they’re more creative and will show nicely on a 3″ puck.

  9. Jon in CT says

    John Brown’s “interaction” with Harpers Ferry occurred in 1859 in the state of Virginia. The state of West Virginia did not exist then. That makes the WV-03 and WV-07 design proposals for the West Virginia AtB coin deliciously ironic for me.

  10. TimTom says

    @cagcrisp again – that listing was for illustrative purposes. That has like a $325 markup. Provident has them for about a $125 premium if my calculations are correct.

  11. Dave SW FL says

    KY-01 &SC-01 are my candidates for ugliest coin design contest. Middle school art classes could do better (IMO)

    Too many designs with PEOPLE featured for me.

    Actually prefer -04 in each coin

  12. Zaz says

    ND-01 and -02 are appropriate for the year if not the park itself. The TR pucks will go well with the NPS centennial commemorative if it is issued in 2016.

  13. cagcrisp says

    @TimTom, Thanks for the link. I am looking to Purchase some things for Small Children for Someone else for Christmas. I don’t have any problems making up my mind for myself but Picking out something that someone else is Paying for is completely different. I make a Lot of mistakes financially, but they are my mistakes. I just don’t like making dollar decisions for others..

    I’ve been tasked to find an Alternative to buying 6 sets of the Silver Kennedy’s (Default setting) and I just can’t seem to be able to pull the trigger on anything. I’ve looked old, new, silver and gold and just Nothing jumps out at me…As yet…

  14. sharks2th says

    @VA Rich – Yes I’m in your neck of the woods.

    The Cumberland Gap park is actually in KY, VA & TN. The gap was entirely in VA before the state of KY was formed.

  15. Ikaika says

    Good grief! KY-01 most likely was done by a mint worker that packages our coins. I am not even an artist but could have done that design.

  16. fmtransmitter says

    Love that new Zombuck JagFan and I don’t buy those but that is one cool design…Maybe that artist could apply at the US Mint for a job…

  17. Jon in CT says

    cagcrisp wrote on September 26, 2014 at 2:15 PM:

    @TimTom, Thanks for the link. I am looking to Purchase some things for Small Children for Someone else for Christmas. I don’t have any problems making up my mind for myself but Picking out something that someone else is Paying for is completely different. I make a Lot of mistakes financially, but they are my mistakes. I just don’t like making dollar decisions for others..

    I’ve been tasked to find an Alternative to buying 6 sets of the Silver Kennedy’s (Default setting) and I just can’t seem to be able to pull the trigger on anything. I’ve looked old, new, silver and gold and just Nothing jumps out at me…As yet…

    Assuming your budget is 6 X $99 = $594, then let me suggest that you buy as many old “circulation” quality silver coins as can be managed within the budget. In particular, may I suggest Barber half-dollars. They will all very shortly be over 100 years old — kids will be impressed. They are all half-dollars, which no longer circulate, which means they are big and unfamiliar to most people now — kids will be impressed. And, since they are relatively low quality, kids can actually handle/stack them without significantly impairing their value. One current eBay listing here could fit that bill. The seller has 4 20-coin rolls of Barber halves available for $205 each. You make and offer to buy 3 rolls (60 coins) for a total of $594 (an $11 dollar discount from his asking price). If successful, you divide the 60 coins up into 6 10-coin piles, one for each kid.

  18. cagcrisp says

    @Jon in CT, Thanks for the link and the suggestion. I actually thought about Barbers. I don’t have any currently. Looking at the pictures, it sure does Not look like young Children could do any harm to those coins Pictured…

  19. VA Rich says

    STC – I believe the mint wanted to amended the law to permit .999 silver coins in the silver sets vs .90, which would in turn, reduce production costs of the blanks.

  20. VA Rich says

    Michael – I’m sure you have far more important things on your plate than entertaining us, though you know how we love to vote for our favorite designs, please bring back the voting poll if able – thanks & have a great weekend!

  21. Louis says

    @JagFan- I saw that too and a cool video about the production. But it’s overpriced and there is way too much new stuff coming soon. I suspect it will be cheaper in six months or a year.

  22. says

    A much better selection of design candidates for 2016. I only wish we didn’t have to wait a year to see them as coins.

    Shawnee has a relatively weak selection, but I think IL-04 is probably the best of them.

    For Cumberland, they’d have to be crazy to choose anything other than KY-05. Easily the best of all the designs proposed for all five AtBs for 2016! KY-03 is decent too but cannot compare. I really think CCAC made a mistake passing over 05, and perhaps if any of them read the comments here they might give this one another look.

    Harper’s Ferry has a number of good designs and I am honestly having a tough time picking from them. I don’t like WV 01-03 but I like most everything else.

    Roosevelt is another tough one. I dislike ND-02 and ND-03, but every other design seems like it will look great, especially on the five ounce AtB.

    In the case of Fort Moultrie, I think it needs to be SC01 or SC04. None of the other ones seem especially inspiring.

  23. ABC says

    Antoin Lewis says :
    “In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.”

    No one should have the right to tell anyone that they shouldn’t have the right to own firearms. If someone wants to own firearms to defend themselves, it’s their right to do so. What needs to be addressed is the mental health of those perpetrators involved in these crimes that you speak of. To say that guns cause violence is like saying the pencil is responsible for all the grammatical errors that are made by the person using it. Every day people die in traffic accidents, should we ban the ownership of all automobiles? By the way, I hope they choose to use WV-01 or WV-02.

  24. CW says

    ‘In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.’ This is about the dumbest thing I have read all day. Our history was given to us at the end of a barrel. I am so tired of political correctness infecting everything in this country, including the coin hobby!

  25. VA Rich says

    Louis – appears Ms. Wastweet will make a good addition to the CCAC, I enjoyed reading her comments over on Update, insightful yet practical…, brains & beauty – nice!

  26. stephen m says

    We need guns for personnel protection period, and for survival in case of groceries disappearing from the shelves in the event of a disaster of any sort. Teddy on his horse, ND-01, looks good. The way I understand it this man is responsible for a lot of the public lands and parks that have been set aside for us and future generations to enjoy.

  27. Louis says

    Thanks VA Rich. I am FB friends with her and today learned some more interesting things. One- over on another forum she was asked when she knew she had “made it,” and her answer is truly an inspiration and is very humble for such an accomplished artist who literally gets major new commissions every day from all over the country and world. Two- she found out someone revised her Freedom Girl design and used her name and likeness in the advertising, all without her permission, but she did not go ballistic. Grace under pressure. Can you tell I am a fan?
    Just one clarification, she just began her 2nd term on the CCAC.

  28. NC_Stacker says

    Here are my picks which I think will make it to production in 2016

    Shawnee National Forest 11-04
    Cumberland Gap National Historical Park KY-05
    Harpers Ferry National Historical Park WV-04
    Theodore Roosevelt National Park ND-02 maybe ND-09
    Fort Moultrie SC-04 As its the only design that has a palm tree AND the moon.

    You read it here first 🙂

  29. Jerry Diekmann says

    Jon in CT – you are correct. The counties that became West Virginia seceded from Virginia (turnabout is fair play, I guess) and West Virginia became a state in 1863. The three upper counties that surround Harpers Ferry voted to join the other counties to the west and south because of all the Union soldiers who were stationed in the strategic town at the time the vote was taken (Harper’s Ferry changed occupation by Union and Confederate forces seven times during the war, I believe. After the war, Virginia petitioned to have these three counties returned to it but the Supreme Court ruled against Virginia, and so we have these counties still part of West Virginia.

    Be that as it may, the ATB quarters are being issued in the order they were designated as national parks or historical sites, and Harpers Ferry was part of West Virginia when it was designated a national historic park.

  30. Jerry Diekmann says

    One other point on Harpers Valley I would like to make. I would recommend either WV06 or WV04 only. I have visited Harpers Ferry and climbed on to Jefferson Rock. I agree with other posters in not naming cerain features – it takes away from the simplicity of the coin. The entire area is just beautiful, and is where three states (MD, VA, and WV) all come together. The image on WV06 shows the little town across the Potomac River in the foreground, with the Shenandoah River to the left side. The railroad bridge leading across the Potomac to MD is shown in the picture and there is a glimpse of what is the ruins of another railroad bridge anchor at about 7:30 on the coin. I think it would be good to show a little more of this destroyed bridge (it parallels the bridge and trestle shown at 6:30) as this second bridge was the first one and was destroyed during the Civil War. I think it would add some meaning to the coin and show the town’s strategic location at the junction of the Potomac River, and its major tributary, the Shenandoah River, whiose valley figured so prominently in several battles and cavalry raids during the Civil War.

  31. Dave says

    @Antoin Lewis says: September 26, 2014 at 10:22 am:”
    “In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.”

    Right huh — even though they are part of our heritage, just like baseball ad apple pie. As a matter of fact, we should include more coin or a series with guns/firearms/cannons — what a great idea!

    It is our right to bare arms/own guns that will allow us to remain the free Americans, we are — look what happened in Germany before WW II, take a look at what has happened in other countries that allowed that right taken away. Hell, look at Rwanda — they just use a machete.

  32. Dave says

    @ABC says, September 26, 2014 at 5:46 pm:
    Antoin Lewis says :
    “In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.”

    Hey ABC — now, now, I had always thought pencils were the culprit for grammatical error; you trying to tell me they are not?? Yeah — we better ban those damn automobiles too if pencils aren’t off the hook.

    Oh, and electricity too for that matter!!

  33. Dave says

    @CW says, September 26, 2014 at 6:15 pm:
    ‘In view of all the gun violence in America and the killing in Missouri, no coins should feature guns or canons.’ This is about the dumbest thing I have read all day. Our history was given to us at the end of a barrel. I am so tired of political correctness infecting everything in this country, including the coin hobby!”

    You tell em, baby! I’m with yeah, all the way — I got your back.

  34. Dave says

    So — anyway Dave, I like your view on the Mint doing a historical series on firearms and their evolution in this country.

  35. Dave says

    @Dave says, September 27, 2014 at 1:31 am:
    “So — anyway Dave, I like your view on the Mint doing a historical series on firearms and their evolution in this country.”

    Oh yeah, and don’t forget their use to stop the British — done so and by everyday/ordinary Americans in 1775. And what about the West and Samuel Colt.?

  36. Small time collector says

    @VA Rich – thank you for explaining. Is what you are writing confirmed? When I read it I immediately thought no spotting + less cost may make the allloy I linked a candidate.
    I’d much prefer to see the higher Ag content.

  37. Jon in CT says

    Jerry Diekmann wrote on September 27, 2014 at 12:16 AM:

    One other point on Harpers Valley I would like to make. I would recommend either WV06 or WV04 only. I have visited Harpers Ferry and climbed on to Jefferson Rock. I agree with other posters in not naming cerain features – it takes away from the simplicity of the coin. The entire area is just beautiful, and is where three states (MD, VA, and WV) all come together. The image on WV06 shows the little town across the Potomac River in the foreground, with the Shenandoah River to the left side. The railroad bridge leading across the Potomac to MD is shown in the picture and there is a glimpse of what is the ruins of another railroad bridge anchor at about 7:30 on the coin. I think it would be good to show a little more of this destroyed bridge (it parallels the bridge and trestle shown at 6:30) as this second bridge was the first one and was destroyed during the Civil War. I think it would add some meaning to the coin and show the town’s strategic location at the junction of the Potomac River, and its major tributary, the Shenandoah River, whiose valley figured so prominently in several battles and cavalry raids during the Civil War.

    I have a big issue with WV06, which shows the railroad bridge across the Potomac in the foreground. While it is a nice view, the viewer needs to be standing at Overlook Cliff in Maryland to get it. While that viewing point is technically within the boundaries of Harpers Ferry National Park, I still feel it is highly unsuitable for the AtB coin meant to honor West Virginia.

  38. stephen m says

    Sorry for being OT, Good for that gun, that jumped in by itself, and stopped the workplace violence, beheading and stabbings that’s in the news this morning. Way to go gun.

  39. gary says

    Got my Great Sand Dunes 5 oz. today. Terrific looking coin. Appears quite pristine to me. No spots, nicks, fuzz or curly hairs! A keeper.

  40. Bill B says

    I’m seeing a little twinkle in Antoin Lewis’ eye through my keyboard.
    Kinda thinking that post about the guy was made to stir things up?
    Predictably, it did.

  41. Dave says

    @stephen m says, September 27, 2014 at 9:39 am:
    “Sorry for being OT, Good for that gun, that jumped in by itself, and stopped the workplace violence, beheading and stabbings that’s in the news this morning. Way to go gun.”

    Well — it is my opinion that they should invite “Gun” to D.C. and in a big ceremony and give “Gun” a medal. Yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket!!

  42. Dave says

    @Bill B says, September 27, 2014 at 10:37:
    “I’m seeing a little twinkle in Antoin Lewis’ eye through my keyboard. Kinda thinking that post about the guy was made to stir things up? Predictably, it did.”

    I don’t mind this guy posting like everyone else,, however he must know the consequences for a post like that — you know.

    And actually, by the way, I have not seen this guy post before, so I am a little suspicioius (damn pencil), it is the guy we all know and come to love — JON! Do you guys think it could be him (Jon)?

    Yea or Nea and we will just tally them; I will have my friends Smith and Wesson help me.

  43. Dave says

    COBRA (Stallone, 1986):

    Supermarket Killer: Get back! I got a bomb here! I’ll blow this whole place up!
    Marion Cobretti: Go ahead. I don’t shop here.

    conversation.

    Supermarket Killer: [shouting] I don’t wanna talk to you! Now you bring in the television cameras in here now! C’mon, bring ’em in!

    Marion Cobretti: Can’t do that.

    Supermarket Killer: Why?

    Marion Cobretti: I don’t deal with psychos. I put them away.

    Supermarket Killer: I ain’t no psycho, man! I’m a HERO! You’re looking at a f___in’ hunter! I’m a hero of the New World!

    Marion Cobretti: [shakes his head] You’re a disease – and I’m the cure.
    ——————————————————————————————–

    Comment: What Cobretti meant is he had a bottle of , “Clonazepam.” Right guys?

    CLASSIC

    See now this would make a great coin.

  44. cagcrisp says

    @Jeff, YOU said there would be 20% Gold BHOF coins Not Produced. Here is how Bad you Missed it:

    “On Sept. 23, Adam Stump, deputy officer, Department of Corporate Communications for the U.S. Mint, stated that the Mint has, to date, shipped approximately 99.8 percent of the gold coins it was authorized to produce. He added that all holds have been verified and released, but that while the Mint transitions to its new order management system, no additional orders will be shipped until the week of Oct. 1”

    per coinworld

  45. VA Bob says

    Gary – Glad you got a nice GSD. Mine came two day ago and I was also pleasantly surprised with the quality of the coin. It also looked better in hand than the design’s drawing did.

    Concerning “gun violence”; I’ve been a gun owner since I was eight. Never had a gun of mine commit an act of violence. I’d advise the commenter that he needs to worry more about “vehicle violence” or “bath tub violence” as those “deadly” weapons take more lives than the idiot’s causing problems with a firearm. Put the blame where it is due, on the individual, not a piece of steel.

  46. VA Bob says

    As far as the ATB’s go, IMO, I hope they move away from stylized versions, like the British Surrender at Saratoga we will get next year. The Mint (and approving committees) need to decide if they are honoring the parks or the event that made it a park. My preference is to see something of the area itself. Now I understand some of these places hold re-enactments and such, so I’m not totally against including period costumes, but please show something (a landmark) I can actually see if I were to visit.

    And, please stay away from the totally abstract, like that KY-01! What the heck is that? Footprints on a winding trail… the hiker must have been drunk as the footprints indicate he/she can’t even stay on the path. If they add two additional sets of footprints (plus little dog footprints) they can cover the 75th year of the Wizard of Oz movie and say it’s the yellow brick road. Two birds with one stone. No clip art coins.

  47. Pittsburgh P says

    Cag thx for sharing 🙂
    Jeff, reply or are you still toot tooting you horn.

    VaRich well said…

    Bob of VA I thought the same thing when I saw the footprints

  48. Pittsburgh P says

    Don’t know why I thought VaRich was that first posts author – both Va Bob… Must be the Va 🙂

    Well said Va Bob!

  49. Ends in Error says

    How come in all this blame the ____ hysteria, no one ever blames ” Life Insurance”
    for its fair share of Murders. You know what I mean – a husband has insurance put on him and then there is foul play and his policy is paid out to someone. Can we start a campaign to end Life Insurance? That deadly instrument inspires all sorts of killing by every means and weapon imaginable. So dont talk about banning the guns so much ( comment aimed at those anti gun foes that yak off all the time) unless equal time is given to all weapons and all causes of death. Thank you.

  50. Clark says

    @AntoinLouis–A nickel plated Colt Python revolver should adorn the reverse side of all future Jefferson and Buffalo nickels.

  51. Eagle One says

    Dave says – September 27, 2014 at 1:43 am

    Dave wrote “You’re a Daisy”

    Urban dictionary translation. From Doc Holiday – “If you do, you will be a daisy.” Meaning, you are dead or will be pushing up daisies.

    LMAO Not

  52. Jon in CT says

    The Mint’s phone customer service goes dark in just 53 minutes for 12 hours tonight. I might give them a call tomorrow at 8 AM ET when the radio silence ends, just to say: “Hi.” I bet I’ll be speaking to someone in Dallas then.

  53. jeff says

    To all you gun lovers. I hope one day you are meet face to face with someones gun violence let us know how it works out for ya.

  54. Dave SW FL says

    @Jeff
    Better armed than unarmed for that meeting! I always prefer even odds to being a sure fire loser. Ya just don’t see a Jihadist walking into a police station to try some beheadings now, do ya?

  55. VA Bob says

    jeff – A criminal is a criminal, no matter what tool they use in the execution of their crime, but I must say one wishing ill will on another is pretty low brow and frankly, disturbing coming from a member of this blog. Most responsible people will not put themselves in the position you suggest, that’s not to say anyone can’t find themselves a victim of crime. No one here is asking you to own a firearm. But anyway be careful what you wish for because I’m sure you know what they say about karma.

  56. jeff says

    Cagcrisp So I’m off quite a bit % wise I still hold my position the entire mintage for both gold and silver will be below stated production. I guess your one of those that believe if it’s on the Internet it must be true. Lol

  57. jeff says

    I don’t own a gun I don’t put myself in a position that I would think I need to arm myself. No I wish no ill will towards any human beings but as evident those that do possess a firearm makes them more confrontational. This is not the wild west all i say you own a gun your insecure your thinking is off. VA your opinion is your opinion I respect that, if you own a gun you will one day be sorry that you did I’m sure you could ask many if they regret owning a gun when their son, daughter, mother, father or loved one meet the wrong end of a gun.

  58. VA Bob says

    jeff – I don’t know who you associate with, but the gun owners I know are very respectful of others and take great responsibility in their ownership. It’s not a matter of insecurity, in fact it’s a matter of taking ones own security seriously. We have prime examples of places where law abiding citizens are not allowed to have guns (Chicago and Detroit come to mind), and your remark about the “wild west” pretty much sums up those places.

    It is unfortunate that crimes prevented by gun owners don’t get nearly the press as a shooting victim. I’m glad that many people that can’t trust themselves with a firearm, don’t have one, much safer for themselves and those around them. I find some of the most anti-gun people are the criminals that don’t want their victims armed. As for your family and friends, I hope they never face a criminal at all, be they armed with a knife, baseball bat, or a gun, and if they are I hope someone with a fire arm comes to their aid.

  59. Clark says

    Jeff–Here in the West, the second amendment is alive and well. I am licensed to carry a concealed handgun and have it with me at all times. Contrary to your theory that carrying a firearm makes people more aggressive, properly trained licensees are much less likely to be aggressive precisely because we are armed. It is a huge responsibility. I hope I never have to use or draw my firearm, but I have 100s of hours of training to help me if I ever do. If you are ever faced with a deadly threat of any sort, which I hope you’re not, you will be thankful that a well-trained good guy with a gun was there to save your butt.

  60. VA Rich says

    Clark – I respectfully beg to differ, a muddy & sweat soaked M-1 Garande should adorn any new reverse to the American Silver Eagle. 🙂

    Maybe on the obverse, Lady Liberty can ditch the torch for a python?

    Freedom isn’t Free folks,

    unfortunately, democracy breeds naivety & complacency

  61. Pittsburgh P says

    Jeff you were the one parroting the internet facts tooting your own horn & now you changed your tune eh?
    I guess Adam Stump is lying huh. You are too much 🙂 Keep standing by what you said even though you are not just “quite a bit off % wise” you are wrong. So if gold sell 49,997 & silver 399,996 you’ll say told you so??? Wow!

    About the gun issue I won’t even go there with you. It is your right not to own guns as it is mine to own as many as I want but to say:

    “To all you gun lovers. I hope one day you are meet face to face with someones gun violence let us know how it works out for ya.”

    Then

    “If it happens to one person thats to much.”

    To cover you a$$ after you just supported me(a gun owner) getting shot by “someones gun violence” then realized what you said.

  62. jeff says

    Philly P Your to antalitical try not to figure me out . 2nd amendment out dated this is the 21 century and we’re dealing with 17th century law lmao I’m proactive no reactive enjoy you gun toting baffoons. I carry my weapon every where I go lmao that’s called paranoia , hey maybe one day you’ll need it just like that South Carolina Trooper needed his when asked the person for a license and he complied went to his front seat and the trooper shot first asked questions later oh he was pulled over for a seat belt violation.

  63. VA Rich says

    Pitt – just add that handle to the “needs sunshine in CT’ list, speaking of sunshine, easy win for you all on Sunday!

    Clark – besides Provident or APMEX, any others that I may want to look at that could have better availability and/or pricing on pandas?

    GF – to my surprise, auctions for the JFKs have gone up (and early in the auction phase), it seems as the number of auctions is still about the same though the timing is more sporadic, you seeing the same? The number of listings really hasn’t gone down though the median price sale has gone up, when the mint sale price has gone down, just wondering if you have any thoughts…

  64. VA Rich says

    Jeff – did you volunteer or get drafted to serve your country? There’s many posters out here that did serve in that era.., out of respect for them, their personal sacrifices, & contributions to this great nation.., that comment really crosses many lines, the vast majority of which were well beyond their control.., and many responded to answer a call for their country.

    I’d recant that September 27, 2014 at 9:28 pm statement – seriously, you need to think this over and take back that statement.

    If you did serve, then let me know, in the past 36 months they’re is 12 veterans that regularly post here –

    And if you didn’t, you don’t slight a man’s or woman’s virtue that did…

  65. Brice says

    VA Rich- Well stated. I did not serve but had an uncle in Vietnam, an positive he would not have appreciated Jeff’s statement.

  66. jeff says

    VA RICH What in the he’ll are you talking about serving my county . You are way out there dude. If your insinuating I don’t respect those who have sacrificed the ultimate your mistaken. Now tell me about your sacrifices, tell me how my idea has spurred you to attack my Americanism.

  67. VA Bob says

    FM – I thought the soft-core porn music was a nice touch. 😀 Those pandas are pretty nice. New obverse design each year. Very proof like even though as you said they are bullion. Did you know the average Chinese can’t buy them as cheap as we can here in the states? Fakes are also prevalent there too. These come out pretty early in the year, so it’s going to be hard to find a dealer that wants to take a bath on them with lower silver prices. They usually just up the premiums to mitigate the losses.

  68. Pittsburgh P says

    Hit post comment…

    Anyway VaRich, Yeah it was an easy win on sunday…

    Just another to add to the list of you rules… I think it was #3 but could be mistaken. He has crossed the line many times but he is too stupid to realize it… Or trying to stir things up but I’ll stick with stupid 🙂

    Back to coins… We still on fir the Baltimore show?

  69. Pittsburgh P says

    jeff says
    SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 AT 9:28 PM

    How about this on observe an actual gun fight maybe from Vietnam.

    What did this mean then Jeff… My whole family served and my brother did observe onevin Vietnam – where he was KIA.

  70. Pittsburgh P says

    Pardon my spelling but I’m tired of reading these posts from a jackass whose comments make zero sense. It was fine and almost humerous when about coins but now on topics he knows nothing about apparently, it has become disrespectful.

    I will step away from this site for awhile. Goodnight all…

  71. Clark says

    VaRich–I get great deals on MCM’s single coin silver Panda fleabay auctions (for current year issues). MCM runs several staggered auctions at a time throughout the week. If you’re persistent, you can usually pick them up for less money than many others charge. Prior years are always expensive as far as Pandas are concerned and they seem to increase in price every year. Others may have had different experiences, but that has been mine.

  72. oldfolkie says

    I like IL-04, KY-05, WV -07, ND-01 and SC-05. Of all of them I’d love to see Teddy on the “Teddy Roosevelt” National Park coin the most, or better yet on the obverse where he should have been for the whole ATB series. The Harpers Ferry designs are the ones I like least, the valley over view is nice but on a quarter you wouldn’t see much of the tiny detail.

  73. Dave says

    @jeff says, September 27, 2014 at 8:01 pm:
    “To all you gun lovers. I hope one day you are meet face to face with someones gun violence let us know how it works out for ya”

    Hey — Palee, I HAVE been in that situation — here is how it worked out — the son-of-a bitch ran like hell, when tne Kimber with the big hole at one end came out — he was wanted for a previous drive by and due to my situation was caught later that night. Guess what, I did not need to fire a shot. Now tell me — how do you think you would have faired in that situation, besides al the P__s running down your leg!

  74. Dave says

    @jeff says, September 27, 2014 at 9:28 pm:
    “How about this on observe an actual gun fight maybe from Vietnam.”

    You are just not too bright are you?

  75. Dave says

    @All — I am done posting to this, “Jeff,” guy. Sorry — everyone, I had an uncle in Vietnam, who would say to this guy, don’t talk about which you literally know absolutely zero. My family has had one of us in every war since WW I.

  76. merryxmasmrscrooge says

    it’s not that I give a damn, but
    IL-04 Good balance
    KY- no opinion but 05 is best
    WV-07
    ND-01 Keep the horse like Rough Riders but why is only half his head in the design?
    SC-03

  77. VA Rich says

    Pitt – yeah, the list associated with Rule #3 continues to grow. And that’s an enthusiastic Yes on Baltimore. As of right now, be up there on Friday to look over coins (they’ll be a couple of other regulars there as well). And again for the class which I’m very much looking forward to which couldn’t be timed better.

    Yesterday, I received my BHoF coins back from PCGS, I knew the results earlier in the week though had to see them first. These were my Topgun Coins – the best of the best, or so I thought. These guys don’t spend more than 2 seconds looking at these moderns and I have to believe they’re driving to a percentage. Of the $5 PRF, I pre-screened 5, of the $1 PRF & UNC, went through about 2 dozen of each type to come up with 2 each. Then compared those to some others that were PCGS from retailers and from my own early submission, and did the scan thing under different lights and loupes as I’ve mentioned before, & so on. What makes this submission unique is that every $5 PRF and $1 PRF/UNC was IDENTICAL to its own respective type. I swear, identical, and I felt really good about firing these off.

    So here is how they graded out –
    $5 PRF (70 -1; 69 -2) – all 3 of these babies are perfect and identical
    $5 UNC (70-1) – can’t complain, maybe this was my sucker’s gift
    $1 PRF (70 -1; 69-1) – identical coins on par with the those received from mint 07 April
    $1 UNC (70-1; 69-1) – these were the obverse proof-likes that are near deep mirror, excellent strikes

    Anyway, six months into my membership and I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m wasting my time and money. I’m no expert though I’ve gotten good at looking at these BHoFs and knowing what to look for across all 6 strikes. The results of this submission solidifies for me that regardless of what quality you send in, it’s still a crap shoot as to what you may get back. And I may add, my 69’s, in many respects, are superior to some 70’s I received from retailers. So going forward, I’ll just grade them myself and enjoy them in display cases like what you’ve done.

  78. VA Rich says

    Thanks Clark – I’ve thought a lot about what you said last week, that’s an excellent strategy for stacking.

  79. gary says

    @FMT… Those silver Pandas really look exceptionally nice! The China Mint in recent years has been turning out some very high quality pieces. With the current decline in PMs it is possible, with patience, to get some of the scarcer early dates at reasonable prices on Ebay.

  80. Dave says

    @VA Rich says: September 28, 2014 at 7:23 am:
    “Yesterday, I received my BHoF coins back from PCGS, I knew the results earlier in the week though had to see them first.”

    I had the same issue with NGC on the 2012 (75th annn.) set, and have been meaning to resubmit two of the sets, as I could see no possible way, they graded 69.

    I think that TPG’s have become so profit oriented that they are getting sloppy, especially with moderns. My suggestion for a fix is that they provide brief documentation with the returned coin(s) that outlines what/how the grade for anything less than a 70 was determined. They could even use a check a box format with an optional comment section; then when coins are returned send copy back with coins.

    This in turn would validate to the customer that they actually spent time looking at the coin(s) and just did not due a quick glance and then run them trough, which I suspect they do with the high volume of moderns received.

    Basically, this method would make them a accountable and provide a way to check greed with the actual job/grade done.

    I really need to send back the two sets of 69’s and then re-post on MNB how it turns out.

    What do you think?

  81. Pittsburgh P says

    VaRich yeah it’d be best to just grade em yourself & enjoy imo 🙂 I do believe TPGs worry about the percentages… How would their 70s be unique if 95% of them graded that way?

    A MNB regulars get together in Baltimore would be good… Hope it works out this time.

  82. fmtransmitter says

    gary says
    SEPTEMBER 28, 2014 AT 8:09 AM

    @FMT… Those silver Pandas really look exceptionally nice! The China Mint in recent years has been turning out some very high quality pieces. With the current decline in PMs it is possible, with patience, to get some of the scarcer early dates at reasonable prices on Ebay.
    Thanks Gary, did you read about sticking with your trusted Dealer and it will pay off eventually? Took me awhile and many orders but I thought it was time I got a break and I chose to voice that on these Pandas and he sure enough did me right on them. Very pleased…

  83. jhawk92 says

    I received my GSD puck on Thursday. As a subscriber, I am amazed that it takes almost two weeks from the coin’s release for me to have it in hand. They know about my order months in advance and yet it didn’t ship for a full week. I hope the new fulfillment center does better.

    As far as the coin goes, I need to look close at one area of the rim at about 10:00 on the reverse as it looks like I might have a nick. Not sure whether to send this one back as the rest of the coin looks great. I haven’t had many issues with this series so I wonder if the odds have caught up with me?

  84. fmtransmitter says

    VA Bob says
    SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 AT 10:48 PM

    FM – I thought the soft-core porn music was a nice touch. 😀 Those pandas are pretty nice. New obverse design each year. Very proof like even though as you said they are bullion. Did you know the average Chinese can’t buy them as cheap as we can here in the states? Fakes are also prevalent there too. These come out pretty early in the year, so it’s going to be hard to find a dealer that wants to take a bath on them with lower silver prices. They usually just up the premiums to mitigate the losses.
    Thanks! That is the Audio pre programmed that you can add via u tube. On the MCM issue, I live in FL so am always charged sales tax from them…:( Always have to find a different out of state dealer to avoid…

  85. Dave says

    @Samuel says, September 28, 2014 at 9:06 am:

    “Dave, You give them a new way to make more profits. They will charge you $x more for the document.”

    I already thought about that and had the same thought — lets suppose they did not charge any more? What about the concept?

  86. Pittsburgh P says

    Dave I like the concept & might even pay a bit more cause then I’d know they actually looked at the coin but doubt they’d ever do something so practical 🙂

  87. Dave SW FL says

    Received my 4 GSD pucks Fri. One looks perfect, 2 have nicks on the ATB side, and one has black stuff inside the rim of the capsule with a bit protruding onto the coin edge.
    They really do need to pack their product with greater QC.

  88. stephen m says

    Does anyone know any part of the ASE proof process that is different now versus early date ASE’s? Any handwork on early ones compared to an all computer process now. Wasn’t some handwork done on the finishing process or frosting that is computer done now after a certain date ASE? Thanks in advance.

  89. Pittsburgh P says

    @Stephen m I’m pretty sure it’s always been the same..

    “The proof minting process is much more powered by humans than the process for an uncirculated Silver Eagle. The production process starts out by hand feeding burnished blank coins into custom made dies which are then hand-pressed. The proof Silver Eagle is pressed multiple times to give the images on the coin the feel that they are actually levitating above the coin face itself.

    After the coins have been pressed they then undergo a white glove inspection to check for any, even the most minor, impurities. After the coin has undergone the scrutinized inspection it is then carefully placed into a protective plastic case where it will likely remain for quite some time. The proof American Silver Eagles are then placed in a satin-lined flip case as to make them even more elegant looking. Inside the satin-lined case is a certificate of authenticity to ensure the buyer that he or she is actually receiving an authentic proof Silver Eagle.”

    http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/american_eagles/index.cfm?action=american_proof

    Don’t know how hard they are “scrutinized” for quality control though 🙂 I still like em…

  90. gary says

    @FMT… Yes I read the part of your post about working with a trusted dealer. That is how I went about working on and completing the 4 coin set of 1987-1990 platinum panda 1 oz. over time. A date set of silver pandas would be a fantastic sight with all of the different panda designs. I’ve noticed that some of the early dates have come down some in price within the last couple of years & could present a great opportunity to work on building a set.

  91. gary says

    Dave, I think your idea of getting some feedback from TPG is a great idea but The TPG probably won’t want to provide hard evidence accountability as to how they grade 70 or 69. As some here have noted, they most likely would charge $$$ for the critique and just more expense added when getting a 69 grade. It is a great idea though, so TPG probably would never do it.

  92. stephen m says

    Pittsburgh P. Thanks, I had it somewhere that some of the frosting or a step somewhere in the process of manufacture was hand done by laser that is now done by computer. My memory just isn’t what it use to be. The proof ASE is my favorite modern. Thanks again.

  93. Dave SW FL says

    @ Pitts Pete
    Hand fed into the dies and then HAND PRESSED? I always thought that proof coins were machine pressed with tremendous pressure. Can anyone confirm that proof ASEs are HAND pressed?

    @Michael
    Wow! The new bolder type is much easier on the eyes!

  94. Dave SW FL says

    Oh, well. I came back to the site only to find the old type.

    Please disregard my comment to Michael – I have no idea where the bold type I was reading came from, but it sure was neat!

  95. Pittsburgh P says

    Dave SW FL that’s directly from the US Mint site… Hit the link. What that’s not conformation enough that they’re HAND pressed? Also, hand press machines also use “tremendous amounts of pressure”

    That’s what the quotation marks are for… Not what I said or my opinion. It’s what they say they do.

  96. Hawkster says

    Pitt,
    It’s the fourth quarter and the Steelers are in a tight game with Tampa Bay. And you’re still posting comments?

  97. Pittsburgh P says

    My mistake that was copy & pasted from an ASE site that claimed to get their info from the US Mint for the article NOT the Mints website.

  98. Pittsburgh P says

    Hawkster… I am multi tasking 🙂 Watching the Steelers & Pirates but the Buccos just blew their chances and I had to step outside for a minute… Didn’t want to swear in front of my son – then checked the site.

    Not worried about the Steelers though, they just went up 7 & got an easy int… although the Buccaneers pulled within 4 and are about to score… Back to the porch!

  99. Tinto says

    @Dave

    On the TPG, I guess they could provide paperwork on their grading of a particular coin and I wish they would. But they would never do that, IMO, not just bec. they wouldn’t want to leave something so concrete for others to pick on, , but it would also take away from their breakneck “review” of modern (and probably not so modern) coins and assigning “grades” , thereby reducing their income … since the more coins they grade the more money gets into their pockets.

  100. Hawkster says

    Pitt,
    So I guess it was one eye on the keyboard and the other eye on the games. A busy afternoon for you.

  101. Eddie says

    I wished the Mint or whoever would get some different artist…….I mean most of these coins look like they were drawn by the same artist though out the series. Don’t you agree?

  102. Eddie says

    2014 Kennedy U.S Half Dollar Coin *50th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL RELEASE LOGO* P&D MINT.
    Does anyone know what these are? you get a P or D per folder if that is the correct word for what it comes in.
    It is on e-bay go figure this is the first time seeing any of these.

  103. Eagle One says

    VA Rich,

    Here are my final conclusions that involve the PCGS grading of the last 11 Clad HR Kennedys I submitted and the three I recently purchased. I now have a number of these coins where the grades range from SP66 thru SP68. None of these coins have any sharp digs or distracting scratches. The obverse cheeks are clean and the reverse shields are clean too. Neither have spots or stains. Strike and luster appear solid as well. The centering is not good enough for any of them to grade a 70. With the naked eye, I cannot sharply discern the difference between a 6 and an 8. With a loop; they all look about the same – clean with no distractions. I scrutinized these coins to the point of eye pain. It seems to me that excessive surface shine or a bright reflection may be a factor that inhibits one’s ability to perform an anomaly recognition on a highly reflective surface.

    So, I decided to conduct a competitive analysis by taking Hi Resolution scans of all these coins using my flat bed scanner. I used a piece of flat black paper as a back ground to eliminate any possible reflections. Much to my surprise, it was here that I was finally able to see a genuine ocular difference between these grades. With the 6s, the fields looked a little noisy and also had a fair number of rather small tick marks that did not show up with a loop, but were collectively obvious in the scan. The 7s were much better with fewer ticks. The 8s were very clean and near tickless.

    I have concluded that PCGS must be using some type of imaging system to make their grade assessments on modern coins. The human eye does not have the photopic band width or frequency response needed to discern at this level on a highly reflective surface. Additionally, a grader cannot possibly attain the ideal lighting conditions produced by a modern imaging system. It use to be, a naked eye assessment and than a quick 5X loop assessment. Also, scratch and dig at 5X was the ice breaker at 66. Now, grade assessment appears to include some type of surface imaging analysis for roughness and microscopic pits. Furthermore, with the high resolution scan, distinct characteristics appear in the coin, similar to that of a retina scan or fingerprint, and this makes the coin truly identifiable. So, from now on, I will be taking digital scans of all modern coins before submission. This is in addition to the other pre-submission screening checks and dips I normally perform.

    On another note, I am still perplexed as to why the TPGs continue to grade coins that are grossly milk spotted or heavily water spotted. It is these coins that buyers avoid with a passion. Heavily spotted coins do not sell. Heavy milk spots on an obverse field instantly tubes the beauty or subjective score for any coin. Yet, I’ve seen SP69s that are heavily milk spotted and are just plain freaking ugly because of these spots. I believe that these heavily spotted coins should be body bagged as “excessive surface spots” and returned to the submitter because they have no market or collector value. Additionally, some eBay sellers will show a beautiful 70 spotless coin, note that 10 are available, state this is a stock photo, and then send you a nasty spotted dog. I could name a number of eBay dealers that pull this stunt. The TPGs need to establish a criteria for excessive spots to protect its customers when buying sight un seen coins. This has become especially obvious with the Clad UNC Kennedy series.

    JMHO

  104. Tonyw says

    Some of the offerings are stunning – hopefully the classier coins will be chosen – to each his own on the ones that are stunning….

    However – the Cumberland Gap offerings are all terrible – as in terrible like the Civil Rights designs – pitiful – sorry Kentucky….

  105. sharks2th says

    @Dave SW FL – The Mint only recently (last 10 years or so) began using lasers to create the frosted image on proofs. Prior to the laser treatment the dies were treated with a silicon dioxide treatment (sand blasted). Louis may be able to provide some specific dates of when the Mint went to the laser treatment only. The older sand blasted die ASE proofs will have a bit more detail on the relief areas since the early laser treatments tended to cause a loss of the relief details. You may actually find 3 distinct finishes on the proofs over the entire series – silicon dioxide treatment, heavy laser on early laser treatment (around 2005) & lighter laser treatment used since about 2013. Read Louis’ article for more info on this: http://www.coinweek.com/featured-news/the-coin-analyst-u-s-mints-new-laser-frosting-technique-pushes-the-envelope-in-coin-design-process/

    These articles are also informative: https://www.coinworld.com/numismatic/coins/us-modern/mint-using-new-laser-technology-in-frosting-c.html

    The 2003 National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Medal Series were the first items the Mint struck using laser treated dies. Read the Mint’s 2003 Annual Report for this info: https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.usmint.gov/downloads/about/annual_report/2003AnnualReport.pdf&sa=U&ei=T50oVO5eivbJBJengbAJ&ved=0CAsQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNGhpcXROR75c6c6kXbkJZypp54Xyg

  106. cagcrisp says

    @Eddie, These are your Mint’s $9.95 clads. Nothing new. Just new way for someone to try to market them to make a buck…

  107. sharks2th says

    Sorry if this info gets posted twice. I guess the comments get held in moderation if there are too many links.

    @Dave SW FL – The Mint only recently (last 10 years or so) began using lasers to create the frosted image on proofs. Prior to the laser treatment the dies were treated with a silicon dioxide treatment (sand blasted). Louis may be able to provide some specific dates of when the Mint went to the laser treatment only. The older sand blasted die ASE proofs will have a bit more detail on the relief areas since the early laser treatments tended to cause a loss of the relief details. You may actually find 3 distinct finishes on the proofs over the entire series – silicon dioxide treatment, heavy laser on early laser treatment (around 2005) & lighter laser treatment used since about 2013. Read Louis’ article for more info on this: http://www.coinweek.com/featured-news/the-coin-analyst-u-s-mints-new-laser-frosting-technique-pushes-the-envelope-in-coin-design-process/

  108. Bob R says

    Looks like silver may fall into the $10 to $12 range with gold $700 to $900 in the next 12 months, I sure hate that but it looks like the trend.

  109. jhawk92 says

    Dave SW FL – it sounds like your GSD pucks may have a similar nick as mine. IIRC, my nick is on reverse and about at 10:30. Wonder of they came from the same set of dies? Are you going to return any of yours? I will look again tomorrow and see if it should go back.

  110. Dave says

    @Eagle One says, September 28, 2014 at 7:33 pm:

    Grades/spotting: “It use to be, a naked eye assessment and than a quick 5X loop assessment. Also, scratch and dig at 5X was the ice breaker.”

    If the TPG’s have changed their method/criteria for grading coins, then they need to disclose to the public/customers, those methods. I can see huge ethical if not legal issues here; for any legal, it would require additional research — IF what you posit is the case.

  111. VA Rich says

    Dave – like the idea of a checklist and I’d pay a little extra for the explanation, though as you conclude, it would force accountability and provide the submitted more ammunition to challenge a grade, something the TGPs would want to avoid dearly (and a likely saturation of there 70 population).

    Eagle One – innovative and impressive approach – thanks for sharing! I’ve sometimes wondered what labor force is required to turn so many submitted coins around in a 3 weeks or less, and associated costs. If not there already, I could easily see simulation and modeling software development with laser or EO scanners being utilized for moderns and the costs being recouped over an acceptable time vs rising labor costs.., makes you wonder?

  112. Dave SW FL says

    Jhawk,
    Not returning any as leaving for cruise today. Normally I would return the bad one. I’ll live with the sub discount. Switching to bullion with Everglades (69DMPLs)

  113. Pittsburgh P says

    Bob R the trend is definitely downward but I can’t see silver dropping to 10$ to 12$… Gold might drop as low as you said… Personally I don’t mind since I’m not selling now & will buy at those prices.

  114. VA Rich says

    K15 –
    8/10/2014 – 62,341
    8/17/2014 – 63,521 (+1180)
    8/25/2014 – 63,388 (-133); price increase to $1,277
    8/31/2014 – 64,305 (+917); price decrease to $1,240
    9/07/2014 – 63,927 (-378)
    9/14/2014 – 63,384 (-542)
    9/21/2014 – 63,567 (+183); price decrease to $1,202
    9/28/2014 – 63,757 (190)

    For those in the guesstimate competition-

    1,416 units sold over 7 weeks
    Forecasted Sales from Sold Average:
    8/25 – 498 x 19 weeks + 63,388 = 72.8k
    8/31 – 654 x 18 weeks + 64,305 = 76k
    9/07 – 396 x 17 weeks + 63,927 = 70.6k
    9/14 – 208 (weekly avg) x 16 wks remaining +63,384 = 66.7k
    9/21 – 204 (weekly avg) x 15 wks remaining +63,567 = 66.6k
    9/28 – 202 (weekly avg) x 14 wks remaining +63,757 = 66.5k

  115. VA Rich says

    Sizable jump here –

    2014 AM EAGLE SILVER UNC 1 OZ – from 189,818 to 196,517
    Gonna be a big number this year

  116. stephen m says

    VA Rich, Looked at your link. I can’t see or figure out what MLB has to do with ms silver eagles and vice versa and at a $95.00 price tag. Good grief indeed! @sharks 2th, Thanks to you and article by Louis for explaining the difference on grit blasting vs. the newer laser frosting on proof silver eagles and proof coins.

  117. TimTom says

    @VA Rich – Maybe Derek Jeter is a coin collector!

    You can feel the desperation oozing off those kinds of labels. What do MLB All Stars have to do with the Silver Eagle. Is that a poor man’s BHoF Silver $1? I guess in the end it’s just another way to sell somebody an ounce of silver for $100. I’ll take my burnished OGPs, throw a Baseball card in where the COA is, and see if I get the same effect. LOL.

  118. VA Bob says

    VA Rich – I think I’ll wait for the American Idol labeled ASE’s. They both have “American” in their moniker, they are going to be big, a great investment! 😉

    Yet people won’t wake up to what this label madness. I guess if there is a buck to be made this sort of thing will continue until it goes the way baseball cards did. It’s going to hurt for awhile when it happens, but maybe then we can get back to the coins and not the holders.

  119. cagcrisp says

    Looks like for End is Near on Shipments of Gold and Silvers

    Mint BHOF excel spreadsheet update for 09/28/14 (change from 09/21/14 spreadsheet):

    Gold proof BHOF 32,495 (down 343)
    Gold unc. 17,694 (down 745)
    Silver proof 267,885 (down 109)
    Silver unc. 131,924 (down 0)
    Clad proof 215,089 (up 793)
    Clad unc. 132,651 (up 521)
    Young Collector 21,628 (up 223)

    Gold BHOF 50,189 oversold 189
    Silver BHOF 399,809

  120. cagcrisp says

    Total Sales of 2014 AGE 1/2oz has now Exceeded the Low set in 2013. Total Sales for 2013 was 12,717.
    Total Sales for 2014 now is 12,732.

  121. cagcrisp says

    I have Solved my Angst concerning gifts for Children’s Christmas gifts. Over the weekend I purchased some Walking Liberty halfs, some Mercury dimes, some Barber halfs, and some Morgans. This is the First time I have purchased Anything old that was Not Gold

  122. Tinto says

    @VA Rich

    Whoa … this is really ridiculous with the labels, but the TPGs are making money off the label collectors … and I guess the MLB Players Association gets a cut/fee too since they are prominently highlighted on the label ….

  123. jhawk92 says

    Dave SW FL – Well, that’s a very good reason to hold it. Enjoy the break.

    stephen m – Was that article on grit blasting/laser frosting a new one, or something from the archives?

  124. VA Rich says

    Guys – we laugh and scratch our heads at the label games being played, though sad to say, I can’t think of anything preventing the repackaging for BHoFs for All-Star games, World Series Champions coin, Home plate steeler Award, & this could go on.., may be a stretch, though how popular with fans would a World Champions Silver Dollar BHoF be signed by your favorite player? (rhetorical question) – not sure if we’ve seen the end of the BHOFs quite yet.., good or bad.

  125. VA Rich says

    Thought someone would have posted this by now, none-the-less, here it is for budgeting purposes –

    The United States Mint is announcing pricing for the 2015 United States Marshals 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Program as follows:

    Coin / Introductory Price / Regular Price
    Silver Proof / $46.95 / $51.95
    Silver Uncirculated / $43.95 / $48.95
    Clad Proof / $14.95 / $18.95
    Clad Uncirculated / $13.95 / $17.95

  126. Ikaika says

    Stopped by my local bank this morning. Teller had 6 rolls of JFKs on hand. Bought to see what could come out of them. None from the 1960’s, but found a 2001 S Clad Proof. Needless to say not worth more than face due to its conditions. One day, maybe one day 🙂

  127. cagcrisp says

    @VA Rich, Thanks for the info on the Marshal coins… I had not seen those prices. Looks like they have lowered prices with lower Silver prices. The gap between Proof and Unc seems pretty tight to me.

  128. cagcrisp says

    per the US Mint: “The new website will offer multiple shipping options – budget, standard, expedited and priority – to meet customer needs. The current system offers only standard and expedited). To reduce shipping cycle times, the new site will allow most products to be shipped the same business day for priority orders if placed by 12:00 noon (ET) and next business day for non-priority.”

  129. Jerry Diekmann says

    Somehow these posts went off on a tangent about guns and violence. I have never owned a gun or a rifle, but I would be the first person to tell you that we do need these weapons – yes, I know they are intended to kill. I was called up for Vietnam in 1966, as a 22-year-old college graduate. I would have served if I had been selected, but I was rejected because of the 6’6″ height limitation at the time. I was told then that I “was too much trouble” for the Army, because of such issues as shoes, uniform, bed, and the inferred “too big a target” and “short guys can dig foxholes faster than tall guys”. Later I found out that another reason the Army didn’t want tall guys was because somehow the length of the stock of the rifle was too short for us in using the weapon(???). So I was sent to another office, signed some papers, and went to wait on the bus until all the other guys came back from completing their physicals. This was way back in July 1966 and I heard the other guys talking about that they would probably be shipped over to Vietnam that fall. They would have been over there for the Tet offensive. I went home, went back to my job, later married, raised a family, and now I am 70 years old, with five grandchildren. I admire all our men and women who served honorably in our armed forces at risk to their lives many, many times over. Sometimes I think of my fortune in being “too tall”and not having to serve, and I wonder about all the other young guys that did have to serve, and some of them would certainly have been killed and others wounded. I honor all veterans, whether they were in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. My best friend for 33 years was an officer in the USMC. He passed away at age 51 from cancer, after he had retired from the service. I have a lot of respect for the men and women who have served in our armed forces over the years. I know this has nothing to do with coins, at least this particular topic, and the US Mint has honored most veterans with coins since at least the Ike dollar in 1990. Now, how about a coin for WW I veterans – maybe in 2017 or 2018, the centennary of our involvement in what was then called “the Great War”, or 2018, 100 years after the Great War ended.

  130. Jerry Diekmann says

    Eagle One – your comment about Ebay dealers using stock photos is well taken. I would recommend that prospective buyers NEVER buy any coin from any seller who uses stock photos. You are almost guaranteed to get an inferior coin. Such a practice is misleading and really amounts to cheating, IMHO.

  131. A different Jeff says

    VA Rich – Regarding the Guessing Game – I think you have to throw out the 1180 second week sales when looking at the trends as they were most likely purchased on the Monday or Tuesday before the price increase. If you do, the weekly average drops to 39, and the forecast then becomes about 64K. I also don’t think they’ll be available past mid-December at the latest, unless the Mint mounts a HEAVY DUTY campaign before Thanksgiving. I don’t see the silver set contributing significantly to sales; only a price drop would do that at this point. Thought there might have been one this week, but quite unlikely now, so there is little incentive to jump on the wagon. If gold holds its current levels, I think the Mint will determine that ‘Mint to Demand’ has been achieved and will curtail sales by mid-November.

  132. A different Jeff says

    As far as the AtBs go:
    IL-04
    KY-05
    WV-07 or possibly WV-06
    ND-04 or ND-09
    SC-04 or maybe SC-03

    But I don’t get to vote,.

  133. David says

    I wish this silly program would just end. The Statehood Quarters were great but this multiple designs now is overkill. Just want a regular series with the same design, whether is be the 1932-1998 design or something entirely different.

  134. stephen m says

    Jerry Diekmann, I’m sure you wonder what you missed and what would be different for you now if you weren’t too tall for service in 1966. Maybe I slid in just under that height requirement or it changed in 1970 when I won the draft lottery at 6 foot 5 inches in height. I am glad I was able to serve. Learned a lot about people and life in those 20 months and it was the longest party I’ve ever been to.

  135. oldfolkie says

    I love the constantly changing designs and I’m an old guy that was hustling buffalo nickels from the shoe shine guy in Philly in the late 50s, (cute little kids could get anything). I lost interest when mint marks no longer meant anything and “change” collecting became boring. I got back into it with the state quarters and think the ATBs are a great series. I know we’re all attracted to different things but if it weren’t for these I’d just be upgrading my 7070 from time to time and hoping for a 1916 Standing Liberty Quarter I could afford, and that ain’t gonna happen anytime soon.

  136. Jerry Diekmann says

    Stephen – with my luck, I would probably have come back in a body bag. Definitely no party!

  137. bob r says

    Forgive me, yes I know it depicts John Brown in Kansas, which has nothing to do with Harpers Ferry.

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