2016 NPS Commemorative Coin Set Mintage Limit and Other Updates

2016-national-park-service-obverse PROOF BOTH

The U.S. Mint has announced that the the product limit for the 2016 National Park Service Commemorative Coins Three-Coin Set will be 15,000 units; a household order limit of two sets per household has also been put in place. The mintage limit is the same as that which was given to last year’s U.S. Marshals Service Commemorative Three-Coin Set, which went on to sell a total of 14,984 units. Prices for the silver and clad N.P.S. coins can be viewed below, while the cost of the gold coins will become official closer to their March 24 release date.

PRODUCT OPTION PRODUCT CODE INTRODUCTORY PRICE REGULAR PRICE
Proof $5 Gold Coin 16CA Per pricing grid Per pricing grid
Uncirculated $5 Gold Coin 16CB Per pricing grid Per pricing grid
Proof Silver Dollar 16CC $45.95 $50.95
Uncirculated Silver Dollar 16CD $44.95 $49.95
Proof Clad Half-Dollar 16CE $21.95 $25.95
Uncirculated Clad Half-Dollar 16CF $20.95 $24.95
Three-Coin Proof Set 16CG N/A Per pricing grid

Images of Proof and Uncirculated versions of all three 2016 National Park Service Commemorative Coins can be viewed here.

15mn_cSMALLest

In other news, U.S. Mint is now selling its bronze medals honoring the Selma Foot Soldiers, available as 1.5-inch and 3-inch versions for $6.95 and $39.95, respectively. The medals are replicas of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded representatives of the particiants on February 24. Both versions were minted in Philadelphia but do not carry a mint mark. More information on the medal ceremony and the obverse and reverse designs can be found here.

article02-74aluminumlincolncentb-012814small

Finally, the Mint has issued a statement regarding its acquisition of an extremely rare 1974-D aluminum Lincoln cent.

Randall Lawrence, whose father Harry Lawrence served as Deputy Director of the Denver Mint until 1979, inherited the coin, which was presumably part of a series of experiments with aluminum and other metals carried out by the Mint in the 1970s. When Lawrence moved to sell the unique cent at auction with the help of Southern California coin dealer Michael McConnell, the Mint took notice and requested the return of the piece, as it was never authorized to leave the Mint facility.

Lawrence and McConnell sued the Mint to establish ownership of the coin, but ultimately decided to turn it over since the law seemed to support the Mint’s statement that “Congress never divested the Government’s interest in the subject aluminum one-cent piece, and accordingly, it remained the rightful property of the Federal government.”

The Mint’s Principal Deputy Director Rhett Jeppson said of the result, “The Mint is very pleased with the agreement, and we are very grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Diego for its work and efforts in reaching this resolution. We look forward to displaying the coin appropriately as an important Mint heritage asset.”

Randall Lawrence struck a positive note in his statement on the outcome,  saying, “I know my father would be pleased that others will get to see and enjoy this rare piece in the U.S. Mint’s collection for years to come.”

Update, 3/20/16: A household order limit of two sets per household has been established for the 2016 National Park Service Commemorative Three-Coin Set.

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Comments

  1. Robert says

    Excellent designs all the way around. The Mint’s artists should be applauded for the consistently high level of quality and craftsmanship in their work, especially given the sheer number of programs that pass through the Mint every year.

    Unfortunately, it’s sad that so many of the collector base (especially on this blog) seem to demonstrate such an unappreciative attitude toward these new and exciting products. I guess they’re still hopelessly stuck in yesteryear.

    And I’m really glad to see the Mint regain possession of their 1974-D aluminum one-cent test piece. Stolen property that never should have been in private hands to begin with.

  2. Hidalgo says

    @Robert – I agree. There is a lot of whining and obvious lack of appreciation of what the US Mint does for the public. What if the US Mint were to stop production of its products? That’s a point to ponder….

  3. Sith says

    I can’t speak for the other but its not whining, its disappointment. For example the Selma Foot Soldiers looks real nice. I can not say the same thing about the 2014 Civil Rights coin, because the obverse selected by CCAC and that was anticipated by collectors was not chosen. The designs chosen were endorsed by the CFA as well as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), but based on sales they were rejected by just about everyone else

    “obvious lack of appreciation of what the US Mint does for the public.” – The mint either does things to make a profit or they do it using tax dollars. I might show some more appreciation if they did not have at least a 30% markup .

    As far as the $2 million penny, every time I hear these stories I cringe, I want to see if the Holy Grail of the coin world still exists (1964 Peace Dollar) and with these rulings I will never find out if a mint employee managed to steal one.

  4. Sith says

    @Hilosilver -Yes but they were supposedly recalled and destroyed. But considering one was found by a U.S. Capitol police officer, I doubt they did recall them and if they did, they implemented very poor accounting of the coins. At least for now, the office’s family has been allowed to keep the coin.

  5. Sith says

    @Give Me Da Money Plz- He should have sold it overseas, anonymously to an anonymous buyer, but to quote Hawkster “I cannot help but think that these newish looking coins wandered out of 40+ year old proof or mint sets, compliments of an uncaring and unknowledgeable grandkid.”

    @Hilosilver – The US Mint recalled the coins, but about 12 to 14 aluminum cents were never returned to the mint. No oversight, record keeping, or statement that the coins had to be returned was made by the US Mint as examples were handed out. When the FBI and other government law enforcement agencies were called in to investigate, some congressmen either feigned ignorance or completely denied getting examples. Typical Congress their either can’t recall, or have no idea what your talking about, but get to keep the goods.

  6. Boz says

    So does a 1974-D aluminum penny have any value should we know somebody with a friend who might have one to sell? The friend has an ex who served as a congressperson.

  7. cagcrisp says

    The 2015 Proof AGE’s have all Finally been removed from the website. Hopefully the 2015 Buffalo and the 2015 Uncirculated will be removed Before (not after) Launch. ..

  8. cagcrisp says

    @Hidalgo, “What if the US Mint were to stop production of its products? That’s a point to ponder….”

    That’s the direction the Mint is going.

    The Graduate : Plastics

    The Mint: Bullion

  9. So Krates says

    Just an interesting side note in relation to grammar. Can you guess which presidential candidate uses the lowest level of grammar? I bet you can!

    “The study, by the Language Technologies Institute at Carnegie Mellon University, scored Trump’s grammar at a fifth-grade level. The rest of the candidates’ grammar was scored between sixth- and eighth-grade levels.” – from http://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/gop-primaries/273655-study-trump-at-lowest-grammar-level-of-candidates

  10. Robert says

    The Mint’s collector base is expanding… far more customers that reflect today’s changing face of America than ever before. Thankfully, we are moving beyond the same old, same old, traditional older white male audience demanding coin designs that satisfy only their traditional narrow vision of just who comprises our nation and who made it great.

    Finally, we’re seeing a much more accurate cross section of American faces on our coins.

    Future generations will say, “what took so long?”

  11. Robert says

    Any individual who would even entertain the idea of selling stolen government property overseas is a complete idiot.

    In this case, the aluminum one-cent test piece is right where it belongs.. with my United States Mint who will eventually put it on display so all Americans can see it.

  12. Robert says

    @Hildago: Thanks for your comments. I believe there are a lot of us who have been silently standing by on this blog who do not share the sentiments of those who seem bent on hijacking the conversation away from the posted topic and delve into boring sales figures that would best be discussed in a chat room.

    These individuals also seem to think that they speak for all collectors when they ridicule new coin designs, brushing them off only because they depict someone that either 1) doesn’t look like the, or 2) doesn’t satisfy their narrow view of American history, which usually resembles nothing more than a John Wayne movie.

  13. So Krates says

    “Any individual who would even entertain the idea of selling stolen government property overseas is a complete idiot.”

    Robert, what if…the seller used the proceeds for an undisputed noble purpose?…like feeding 5,000 starving children for a year, or providing malaria meds, or you get the idea. Instead of just sitting behind glass somewhere the meaningless piece of Al could save lives. The new owner would certainly not destroy it so it would exist just the same, only under different control. Just a thought excercise…

  14. tP says

    Robert… based on what figures do you qualify this statement? “The Mint’s collector base is expanding…”

    The mint has as recently as this week stated they are losing customers – because of the changing demographics.

    You are free to rant and rave about the posters on this site all you want – but that doesn’t change the fact that many of the recent mint offerings have taken it in the shorts. The CRA coin had dismal sales – the Girl Scouts are not happy with the fact they got nothing from the sales of the coins. There are a lot of examples of recent coins that were very poorly received…

    The quality of the designs has been terrible – or should we say the designs haven’t been terrible as much as the selection has been.

    But…don’t let facts get in your way…

  15. So Krates says

    Will the mint crack the cent out of the PCGS slab ? Resubmit for a higher grade…think they’d get a break? Definition of a Big Boy, right? Maybe a crossover to NGC to avoid funky toning? Probably order some Chinese OGP one off to store it in.

  16. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    I do not care about Trump’s grammar level So Krates. If you agree with what he says, go vote for him. If you do not, then vote for someone else. It is that simple.

    I would not be on this website right now if I wanted to talk about presidential politics.

  17. Tyler says

    Did anyone else happen to notice that the night before all the gold eagles went on sale ( LATE night 2-4am est and possibly earlier/later…&tech. the same day but you get my drift ) that they were listed for sale under the gold category? Not just “goes on sale March 17th at noon” but it would actually let me place an order which I thought wouldn’t be allowed until 12pm officially. Just curious if anyone noticed/ maybe this was in error /etc?

  18. earthling says

    My ex-sister-in-law has a sister who has been a NPS Park Ranger her whole life I was thinking of getting her a 3 -Coin Proof Set for a gift. I don’t know if she could appreciate such a thing but is it worth a gamble? I’d hate to think of her taking the set to the local store and busting out the Coins for a pack of Beer or Cigs.

    Any thoughts on the subject?

  19. Tyler says

    @Robert…great point. I’m 32 and guessing younger than most regulars here and one thing that has kept my continued love of numismatics is the unique “out of the norm” legal tender coins the Mint produces such as the HOF baseball coin. I think it’s huge to keeping the collector fan base up and wide spread. I do however have to agree with @So Krates.. there is A LOT of good that could have been done w/the sale of that penny. What do we owe the Mint/Government ? IMHO not a whole let, especially something so truthfully un-harmful as that. As an animal lover I have several non-profits I’d have 100% given proceeds to. Plus correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t mystery coins like this one of the things that makes this hobby so cool/interesting?

  20. Tyler says

    @earthling- my sister graduated with a forestry degree and was a park ranger for some time. She would have appreciated it for sure.

  21. earthling says

    Tyler

    I think I’ll go ahead and plan on a set for the Park Ranger Lady. She would probably really treasure the Set, given a quick lesson on what it is. One thing I would want to stress is that the Gold Coin is worth far more than $5 . LOL

    Also I would point out the protective capsules designed to keep hands off the pristine surfaces. Along those lines I’d probably send along a BU Half and maybe also a BU $1 with a note, ” handle these”, if you must.

  22. Dave SW FL says

    That gold NPS coin is just so cool! Better have your finger on the button for those…might not sell out immediately, but could become unavailable rapidl. Price could be lots higher by the time they are back in stock.

    Is their an order limit per household?

  23. Erik H says

    From my understanding there is a deference between the aluminum 1974 cent struck for Congress (plus over 1 million more) and the 1974-D aluminum cent in this article. The one in the article was not authorized to be stuck at the Denver mint. The Philadelphia struck cents were authorized but destroyed (minus the few that a congressman or woman might have forgotten to give back).

  24. Barry says

    It’s too bad immigration laws aren’t enforced to the same degree as the law that was used to retrieve that cent coin.

  25. Barry says

    @ Robert- So why in your opinion didn’t the “Civil Rights Act” coins sell very well ?

  26. GoldFishin says

    @Robert- You don’t seem to be the same CaptOverkill I remember. I used to really like your posts. They were thoughtful and you seemed to have a good eye for winning coins designs. I used to really pay attention to your posts and others like VA BOB, 2Cents, Steve, and others.
    I am sorry feel the way you do….you laud the fact that the collecting demographic is changing, yet you seem very embittered over the fact that MNB is changing along with it. Contained in the new demographic is a lot of collectors that are purchasing solely as a diversification into PM’s and hoping for a long term return on their purchases. Sales figures(Demand), Mintages(Supply), as well as Design have always been the key components of a coin’s potential for collector interest and thus appreciation. I don’t get why you are disturbed by this. You can only talk about a coin’s design for so long before it becomes boring. People today have a much shorter attention span and the ability to multitask multiple subjects at one time.
    I personally am not a big fan of coins with people on them at all. I am not a lincoln, washington, or jefferson collector(exception of war nickels). Does that make me a hater of presidents? I would hope not, But even if I was what difference does it make? I like most of the classics and many of the moderns with allegorical designs. I really like the 2015 PT Proof. I thought it was a great mix of classical and modern design.
    But I also collect the RCM’s wildlife and privy maple leaf coins, the Perth Lunar Series, Etc. Their designs are certainly not classical and far from overly creative, but I like them anyway. Also, since they are bullion I am not spending a fortune to buy them either.
    Most of the RCM designs today I consider to be poorly thought out and cartoonish. Most any 6th grader with a graphics program could do the same thing, ditto for a lot of what the US Mint and Perth are putting out also. It’s just a fact….don’t take it so personal and if you like every design the US Mint puts out …..then buy them if you can afford to do so. I don’t like the NPS designs for the most part, but if others do, I am glad they do. I am happy for them and hope they enjoy giving them as gifts or adding to their collection. The last design I really liked the the US Mint put out was the Blue Ridge Pkwy ATB, especially the 5 oz bullion. And if you indeed have kept up with this blog, you will know that we ridiculed that design to no end here and had a lot of fun doing it. Does that make us all haters of North Carolina, Dogwood Trees, the Blue Ridge Pkwy, or the US Mint? I don’t see it that way. Everyone’s taste in art, food, movies, etc is not the same and there are paid critics in each genre, so being critical of coin designs come with the hobby. Either be disturbed by it or maybe just learn to respect(or at least tolerate) the opinions of others and be happy for them when they do find a design they like. Cheers!

    Also, as I stated before, three of the most egregious and down right nasty comments that were made a few days back that got you and others so up in arms were made by people that I have NEVER seen on MNB and I read every post every day. Now, my memory isn’t minty fresh, but I think I would at least recognize them. In my opinion, they were posted just to provoke the kind of response that occurred later….and they are probably still getting their jollies about that.

  27. So Krates says

    Barry says
    MARCH 19, 2016 AT 6:54 PM

    “It’s too bad immigration laws aren’t enforced to the same degree as the law that was used to retrieve that cent coin.”

    Agreed. Inconsistent enforcement of our laws is consistent.

    The dirty little secret that most Obama haters don’t realize is that it’s primarily the business owners (mostly Chamber of Commerce Republican types) that want to keep the status quo. It is the cheap labor that their car washes, motels, restaurants, etc need to make it possible to profit on a $24 room, $3 car wash, and $.99 burger.

    You want to solve immigration? The answer is simple and obvious. No need to deport 14M people. We just need to strengthen and/or enforce laws against EMPLOYERS for hiring illegals/undocumented. Very stiff fines and/or some jail time will have these business owners hiring properly in no time. No jobs, no life here. As with most problems, the solutions are evident, it’s the political will of the leaders that is lacking.

  28. says

    @GF, thanks for the kind remark and I have enjoyed yours and many other posts too.
    I still miss ol’ Pittsburgh P though…

  29. says

    @So Krates, I agree 100% about the greed of the big corporations demanding slave pay labor. The problem is they have become unhappy with all the rates they have to pay in the U.S. so they take manufacturing overseas for.25 cents an hour. And it is getting worse, they are starting a new revolution, A.I. and robotics not realizing they are going to cost cut themselves out of business. Full blown greed can never be satisfied.

    Old man Rockefeller was asked once, “how much money does it take to be really happy”? His answer was “A little more”… And it never ends until we have an ending like Rome IMHO

  30. tP says

    So Krates… some of what you said is true. I also doubt that just Republican employers are hoping for status quo, it’s a good theory but no… Then again Obama issuing a free pass to millions of illegal aliens isn’t exactly supporting enforcement of existing laws. I also think the safe haven cities are not exactly supporting existing laws. In fact much of the current policies are not supporting laws already on the books.

    While many Americans across this country are suffering through lack of health care, low wages, increasingly losing homes. We are being told the solutions to these problems are to ignore the millions of illegals pouring across our borders because they will help solve the problems Americans are already facing. They’ll either solve the problem or create another class of under paid over worked and poor people in this country.

    Ok… back to collecting circus coins, bullion coins, and the rise of the clad coin!

  31. GoldFishin says

    Welcome 2c…..I meant it!

    @Barry- I know Pitt P was getting tired of all the bickering and had made references to taking some time off, but I would think he would have said something by now. I just hope he is OK and enjoying life! He did a nice job of teaching and troubleshooting….among other things.

  32. says

    @Barry, I really don’t know what became of PP. Last I recall he was going out to his back porch, (I understood this as the place he would go to work out issues), And that was it.

  33. Andrew says

    Sorry if this has been asked already, but do we know yet how much the 3 coin set will be selling for from the mint?

  34. So Krates says

    Robert never actually said he was Captain O., he just asked if you remember the name.

    I personally have a high tolerance for racism and other types of political incorrectness because it is part of Free Speech and the First Amendment. Restricting offensive speech infringes on personal Liberty. That said there is no point dodging the fact that mild racist comments(a natural part of evolution) pop up on this blog from time to time (from regulars). It is what it is. We’re not robots… standards are ever-changing and for example we can’t all keep up with what we’re supposed to be calling mongoloid/retarded/disabled/challenged/special folks currently.

  35. tP says

    @Andrew.. we haven’t seen the price posted yet. Much of it depends on the price of gold when the set is released.

  36. Barry says

    @SoKrates- Both political parties have their own interests regarding poor enforcement of immigration laws. This has been going on for many years and it is now a major political issue. To go back to a more blog related topic, it is possible that “sound money” may become a larger part of the political discussion. In one of the earlier GOP debates it was discussed. Let’s see what happens down the road.

  37. Barry says

    Thanks for the Pitt P info. I liked his posts. I used to live near Pittsburgh some years ago but, moved south for better employment opportunities. btw, I have a licensed Pittsburgh Penguins 1oz. silver round ( not jus plated ) from when they won the championship years ago. It’s one of my favorite PM coins/rounds.

  38. says

    GF – Robert is not Captain Overkill.

    CO is a really good guy that’s had to step away from the blog, Lou is in touch with CO.

    Robert is a Troll that likes to name drop.

    Robert likes personal attacks and then offers no credisbbility not consistency. I believe he is 0 for 3 in addressing questions posed to him.

    Robert should stay on the sidelines 😃

  39. Flave says

    A Truman C & C sold tonight for $237.50 on Ebay. It was OEM. Not much OEM inventory lately on Ebay.

  40. Jerry Diekmann says

    Circus coins, animal cracker coins, girls on Boy Scouts and Boys Town coins, NP coins with a Latina dancer – I just don’t see the connection – trolls, racist comments, Indian Head (Buffalo) coins with “liberty” in front of the chief’s face – boy, is that ironic, Indian head cents with a Caucasian “Liberty, Barber coins where you can’t tell the gender of Liberty, St. Gaudens $20.00 gold coins with the face of a man striding forward, 5 oz. bullion coins in silver with a stated value of 25 cents, and 1 oz. bullion coins in silver with a stated value of $1.00, PC running amuck, more trolls, overpriced coins from the Mint, Mint-made “rarities”, unnecessary finishes, Jeppson looking to be a disaster as Mint Director, spaghetti hair coins, poor designs seeming to outnumber artistic designs, just no rhyme or reason going on at the Mint, and more and more disgruntled customers, – no wonder some of the old time bloggers have dropped out. And did I mention more and more trolls?

  41. Montana John says

    after WWII an American general asked a Chinese general what he thought of democracy and the American way of life…” Too soon to tell ” was his reply

  42. gatortreke says

    Re: the aluminum cent, my one wish is the US Mint and US Government would have seen this and similar cases such as the 1933 double eagle as opportunities to both make the coins available to the public and to make some money in the process. Instead of entering into litigation with the holders of these coins, they instead could have entered into negotiations where they would have allowed these coins to be made legal, sold with the proceeds split between the parties. We would have been spared the cost of litigation and made a few dollars (or more) in the process but alas, instead the government chose to do the opposite.

    If the coins were clearly stolen without a doubt, then I may have a different opinion but in both cases cited above, the question of the coins being stolen objects are very much in doubt and given this, the government could chosen a different course rather than trying to assert definite ownership at a high $$ cost.

  43. Dustyroads says

    For those who enjoy watching Gold Rush on the Discovery channel, John Schnabel, grandfather to Parker Schnabel died yesterday at age 96.

  44. GoldFishin says

    @KCSO- Thanks…..I really didn’t have much doubt…CO was always nice and well spoken. He was also discerning when it came to designs, I didn’t remember him making blanket statements like were made above. I had the whole thing pegged a couple nights ago. It could also be somebody we are all familiar with, imo.

  45. GoldFishin says

    @Dusty- he was a cool guy, wow, he loved his grandson……laid a good foundation in Parker’s life. I hope Parker lives up to his grandad’s character.

  46. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    @ gatortreke

    That would have made sense but we know the government needs to make an example out of some of its citizens every now and again so that we stay in our place.

  47. Ken says

    Disappointed in the dollar design. Almost identical to the Yellowstone dollar (Old Faithful). You would think the Mint would come up with a more unique and creative design.

  48. Yes, But...You Can't Take It With You. says

    earthling wrote:

    “My ex-sister-in-law has a sister who has been a NPS Park Ranger her whole life I was thinking of getting her a 3 -Coin Proof Set for a gift. I don’t know if she could appreciate such a thing but is it worth a gamble? I’d hate to think of her taking the set to the local store and busting out the Coins for a pack of Beer or Cigs.”

    I think that’s a great idea! When the Boy Scout commem came out I bought a Proof for two of my friends who are Eagle Scouts (they are well into adulthood but “once an Eagle Scout…”). One of them is a high-level city official and he displays it prominently in his office. The other friend was very appreciative and impressed by the coin but I don’t know what he has done with it since. If he spent it at 7-11, I hope that at least he got a Slurpee instead of the Beer of Cigs – he will live longer that way. Since it’s only denominated as $1.00 I’m sure that’s all he could get for it anyway! Anyway, they both appreciated the thoughtfulness, if nothing else. I’m sure that your ex-sister-in-law’s sister will too.

  49. So Krates says

    @ Yes, But – While there is no doubt about the lethality of cigarettes, I take exception to the assumption that a Slurpee is healthier than a beer. One for one, I’d argue a well crafted micro brew with no adulterants provides more nutrition and anti-oxidants than a 7-11 Slurpee (or Big Gulp for that matter). More than 2-3 pints and the alcohol toxicity outweighs the nutritional benefit and the less harmful refreshment would probably shift back to 2-3 Slurpees but who prefers 3 Slurpees to 3 great IPAs?

    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11093684

    http://www.medicaldaily.com/4-health-benefits-beer-drinking-antioxidants-b-vitamin-and-protein-are-there-dont-overdo-it-258658

  50. stephen m says

    That aluminum cent, the mint and all of the government’s assets are taxpayer owned. It all belongs to me.

  51. Erik H says

    Actually Stephen you only own about 1/318,900,000th of it. If you add in all the illegals that want citizenship you’ll own a little less.

  52. Erik H says

    Maybe by 2024 the mint will be producing aluminium cents and we’ll get a 50th Anniversary set with a backdated 1974 cent that would wipe out any premium of the “real” cents that might have been misplaced. Price $29.99, mintage 20k, household limit of 10, sellout time 3 minutes (maybe 5 if the mint servers are still crashing in 2024)

  53. Erik H says

    The MNB crowd will complain about the $29.99 price for two pieces of aluminum but by 2024 a gallon of milk will cost $20 and a loaf of bread $10 so the price actually will be about right.

    (After posting I realized that all of the “real” 1974 cents might get a slight premium since the dies would be different but it wouldn’t be a million dollars!)

  54. Robert says

    Did anyone bother to read the Mint’s statement? The author of the article above was kind enough to provide a link to it. If one understands that our nation is a republic, that is, a nation based on the rule of law, this case is pretty much open-and-shut. The object in question – a 1974-D aluminum one-cent test piece – was never authorized to be produced in the first place. Therefore, it cannot be lawfully possessed in private hands, which also means there can be no legal transaction involving this object.

    Here is the text:

    Washington, DC – The United States Mint announced today that it has recovered a 1974-D aluminum experimental one-cent specimen that was neither authorized to be struck nor authorized to leave the Mint. The Mint’s recovery follows an agreement to resolve a lawsuit over the ownership of the piece.

    The lawsuit in question involved an aluminum one-cent specimen that had once been in the apparent possession of a former assistant superintendent at the United States Mint in Denver, Colo. The two plaintiffs, an heir of the former assistant superintendent and a California coin dealer, filed suit in federal District Court in San Diego, California, seeking a declaratory judgment that the piece was legal to own.

    Over 1.4 million of the experimental pieces were struck at the Mint in Philadelphia in 1974 as part of a test program to possibly replace copper one-cent coins. However, Congress never enacted legislation authorizing the Mint to issue one-cent coins composed of aluminum, and the test pieces were to all be melted. The specimen piece in question bears a “D” mark, signifying production in Denver, along with the date “1974,” and appears to have been struck with a die intended for the Mint’s Denver facility. However, authority was never granted for production of the experimental test pieces at Denver.

    An heir of the now-deceased former assistant superintendent contended that his father was given the aluminum one-cent specimen as a gift upon his retirement. The heir provided the piece to an auction firm and hoped to sell it. In February 2014, the United States Mint became aware of plans to offer this particular piece for auction, and immediately reached out to the plaintiffs, notifying both that the United States Mint never issued, nor otherwise transferred title to any aluminum one-cent piece, and that indeed, lawful authority to issue them was never granted. Congress never divested the Government’s interest in the subject aluminum one-cent piece, and accordingly, it remained the rightful property of the Federal government.

    The Mint, upon authorization of the Secretary of the Treasury and as delegated by Congress, has the exclusive authority to mint and issue U.S. coins and other numismatic items. Items made at United States Mint facilities but not lawfully issued–or otherwise lawfully disposed of–remain government property and are not souvenirs that Mint officials can remove and pass down to their heirs.

    The agreement directs that title to the piece rests with the United States Mint and that it be transferred to its custody and control. Mint Police have secured the piece. The Mint considers the specimen to be a valuable historic heritage asset. Accordingly, it intends to display the specimen publicly so that this heritage asset can be properly showcased and enjoyed by numismatists, coin collectors and the general public. The display forum has not yet been decided, but the Mint will make an announcement when a decision has been made.

  55. Dave SW FL says

    MontanaJohn
    Re the NPS set eBay early sale :
    And ONLY at more than $100 per set over where the mint will be selling them….no thanks – I’ll sit by my computer and not have my coins pre screened to eliminate the opportunity to get a 70. I’m sure that’s what eBay sellers do.

  56. Erik H says

    Yes Robert, my post at 6:50P yesterday says basically the same thing (just much shorter), did you bother to read?

  57. Sith says

    @Robert – “that is, a nation based on the rule of law,” Except for Rule of Law to work members of Congress and the “too big to jail” crowd would need to be held accountable. In this example those with influence were able to keep their coins, by essentially pleading the 5th or outright lying to investigators. I’m sure the families of the Congresspeople know exactly the worth of the coin, unlike Randall Lawrence, who had no idea of the value of the coin, if they have not already sold them to some overseas collector.

    As far as Denver not been authorized to strike the coin…then how did they get the planchets?

    @So Krates – I looked at the overstrikes, but so far I have not been really tempted. The government’s treatment of Norfed, and others, makes it risky, beside the same loophole that allows the overstrikes also allows high quality Chinese fantasy coins (without the word copy) to be openly sold at a fraction of the cost. In summary, I like them as a conversation piece, but I can use a fantasy coin as a conversation piece, and I just don’t see the ROI.

  58. tP says

    Sith over the years there have been several “not authorized to strike” coins that have been found. The 1913 Liberty Nickel and the 1933 $5 gold pieces come to mind. Some the mint chooses to pursue…some they ignore.

  59. Sith says

    Just as FYI about the legality of the 1964 Peace Dollar. Mint employees were allowed to buy some of the test coins at face value just after they were struck. Later these employees had been “requested” to return them, by threatening their jobs. Rumor has it that at least one employees claimed that he did not have the coins anymore as he has spent them. This would be feasible because like the Presidential Dollar series the mint intended the coins to circulate, and destroyed them because they were simply going to be horded\collected.

  60. Boz says

    Have not seen a $3 car wash or a $24 hotel room in a while. A 99 cent burger maybe yes but only if you are careful to order a la carte and not a combo. Most #1 or #2 deals at a fast food place will set you back $8-10 these days.

    But I do agree with the premise that there is no longer a need for the cent coin.

  61. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    Just a reminder to anybody that did not catch my post a few weeks ago that the Proof Set goes on sale on April 1st and the Silver Proof Set goes on sale on April 18th.

  62. Yes, But...You Can't Take It With You. says

    So Krates wrote:

    “One for one, I’d argue a well crafted micro brew with no adulterants provides more nutrition and anti-oxidants than a 7-11 Slurpee (or Big Gulp for that matter).”

    Agreed, as stated. And also agreed (as you go on to explain) that there is a reversal of benefit ratio when you get into more beers, depending on the drinker. Overall, alcohol is a much bigger drug problem than is often realized/admitted. But since my friend hypothetically only had the commemorative “dollar” to spend, I think he’ll be safe with the beer. 🙂

    Actually, the whole “spending collector’s coins at 7-11” is a touchy subject for me because , as it turns out, the coin collection that my brother and I had as kids (heavy on silver pulled from circulation) was largely spent by our little sister who did just as described – spent our coins at 7-11 on Slurpees. But at least she wasn’t buying beers at 10 years old (I hope).

  63. CasualCollector says

    OffTopic

    My NGC Membership is about to expire. I noticed renewal at the “Premium” Level includes a $150 Credit to NGC. Does anyone know how the credit works?

    For Example
    1) is it a voucher for 5 Early Bird Submissions (at $30 each). But it has to be used on a single order?
    2) an actual credit to use as I go. So I can actually use it for different coin submissions? say 5 “Modern” on one order, and then 5 more “Modern” on a separate order?

    TIA,
    CC

  64. Hawkster says

    2 cents,
    Yes, I also remember Pittsburg P, in his last post, saying he was heading out to his back porch after the Steelers lost an important game. I sincerely hope the stress of this loss didn’t contribute to his possible demise.
    By the way: Whatever happened to Cleveland Rocks, as he too has gone silent? Perhaps he ran off and joined the circus.

  65. Dave SW FL says

    ClevelandRocks – looking for Johnny Football?
    No one gets stressed about Cleveland Football. Drunk, maybe, but not stressed😜

  66. says

    @Hawkster, I don’t know what became of CR either. He certainly was a colorful fellow as I remember. Wasn’t he the person who coined the phrase “Circus Coins”?

  67. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    I remember Pittsburg P and Cleveland Rocks. They used to post very regularly. I did not post then but have been reading the blog for over two years. They last posted sometime during the summer last year. I also remember Pittsburg P saying he was going out to his back porch. I will keep them in my prayers.

    I feel when you post regularly on this blog or any other type of social media, you should at least have the decency to leave your handle and email with a family member or friend so if god forbid you pass on, the rest of us are not worrying about what happened to you for the rest of our lives.

  68. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    @ 2cents

    I do believe it was Cleveland Rocks who coined (pun not intended) the term “circus coins.”

  69. Hilosilver says

    Speaking of circus coins….is anyone collecting those 2oz silver Element series coins?

  70. Xena says

    Hilosilver – several of us are collecting them. The Privateer series is my favorite. The American Landmark is hit or miss. KCSO thinks Cleo is going to become a series. Shop around, the prices vary a bit. Prov has a capsule that fits them.

  71. Dustyroads says

    Hilosilver, Nice to see your posts. Three things I remember about you…NAVY!, enjoying hunting for sand dollars, and needing a good lawyer. Oh, and then there was your wife using the US Mint bag for her knitting supplies. Hope your shores are managing to stay clean this spring break!

  72. tP says

    I think Cleveland had problems reading and posting when the format change took place – and he just stopped posting. He didn’t care for the baseball coins and did call them circus coins…

  73. Jerry Diekmann says

    Always run in the other direction if someone says, “Hello, I’m from the government, and I’m here to help you”. This “help”does not apply if you have been so unfortunate as to fall into the middle class – that’s the Americans who pay so the rich can stay rich and the poor can eat and see a doctor. I am a little surprised at some people posting that our government is somehow like mother, milk, and apple pie all wrapped up in a red, white, and blue flag waving liberty and freedom and justice all over the land. Maybe they’re young, or idealistic, or naïve, or have the foolish optimism of Pollyanna, but one thing they are not, and that is realistic. The Mint is just a microcosm of our government – dysfunctional and unaccountable for all its mistakes, poor leadership, and bad judgments, and run by people who really don’t give a damn about what you want, need, or think. Once you realize this, you will be so much wiser and can then act accordingly and not falsely believe somehow that the government cares about you or your family. There – I’m glad I got that off my chest – you can agree or disagree – it’s still supposed to be a free country – I think.

  74. tP says

    Jerry… there are many of us who were alive… before the government was given a pass to be involved in every aspect of the average Americans life. Most younger people have no idea that public housing as they know it was almost non-existant until the 70’s. They have no idea that food stamps weren’t a way of life for many people, or that a minimum wage job wasn’t meant to be a career choice – but a starting position you wanted out of.

    I blame both parties in office for the expansion of socialism and the exportation of jobs. They both have agendas that are self serving and about getting elected and little to do with a healthy America. When I hear a 23 year old tell me that America needs socialism – I see just how far we have fallen. They have no vision for their own future, and want someone else to be responsible for their health and well being.

    I actually could rant and rave for a long time… but when Americans look around and see the majority of jobs that make up our economy are nothing more than service industry positions… they have to wonder what that entails for the future.

  75. KCSO says

    Not sure what happened to good ole Pittsburgh P.

    He and I had plans to attend a NGC grading class at a Baltimore show to years ago. He never showed, and I never heard from him that weekend. I hope all is well, miss his camaradery out here, he was a damn good poster and knew his stuff.

  76. KCSO says

    Regarding Cleo – got confirmation from a ‘rock star’ that dines with the artist. I look forward to the next release 😉

    Hi Lo- your a little more mellow now.., hope time has been good to ya! JMB and Prov are in a price war on the 2 oz mini-pucks, I anticipate a sale around Easter, we’ll see.

    Premium on Shawnee has finally coming into check as some of you stated.

  77. cagcrisp says

    Anyone want to Speculate as to the relative numismatic Strength or Weakness in the AGE’s when numbers are released either today or tomorrow?

  78. says

    Weak!

    As a follow up to my gold and silver BHoFs in PCGS slabbed with red spots and red blemishes…

    I checked my gold Kennedy’s this weekend.., all 3 of my PCGS slabbed gold Kennedy’s also show visible red/violet spotting either on JFKs face or hair

    I’ll post photos later this week

  79. data dave says

    I am thinking the 3 coin NPS set, since it will probably go Cu on the first day, and then to BO after a week or so.

  80. data dave says

    @KCSO – so are we better off keeping the gold in original gvt packaging? I haven’t checked my Kennedy lately, it the problem you mention only with slabbed coins?

  81. Mike in NY says

    I plan on picking up the NPS 3 coin set Thursday at noon. Will pick up the unc gold, silver and clad later in the year – no rush on those.

  82. cagcrisp says

    @tP, would you preferred to have the Gold design on the Silver? Or do you just prefer the Silver design?

  83. KCSO says

    dd – Yes Sir.., it’s been a trend with the PCGS graded slabs.., I finally got the courage to look this weekend, and sure enough, they were evident

  84. tP says

    I prefer the gold design – I think the silver is the weakest of the 3 (and none really thrill me) but I have been doing the uncirculated silver coins for several years now…

  85. cagcrisp says

    @KCSO, I hate to say this …………..BUT………………

    You keep your Slabbed coins long enough…

    You may have one of them there Color Variants…

  86. cagcrisp says

    I just got set up on voice mail recognition for all my brokerage accounts. Now you guys will have to keep me alive longer than just cutting off a finger…

    circus coins, gold coins, silver coins,coins that look like me…

  87. Zaz says

    Definitely the 3-coin set Thurs noon, also unc silver & clad. Unc gold later. APMEX’s set up listing and alert me button for Cumberland bullion. Tomorrow maybe with the hourly increases in price?

  88. So Krates says

    @ tP – Your constant, simplistic bashing of social spending is tiresome. Have you ever been to Northern Europe? Sweden, Denmark, Norway or Finland? How about Iceland,Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany or Austria? Japan? If you have, you have seen with your own eyes how social spending benefits all. The Dutch figured out long ago that by making sure it’s poorest are fed well it benefits the entire society. They are consistently among the tallest societies in the world (yes, height is an effective way to measure societal health). The chain is only as strong as its weakest link. A reliable study just concluded the Danes are the happiest country on Earth. Been to a US airport, ridden Amtrak, or traveled cross country on the Interstate Highway System lately? Take a European or Japanese tour. The airports, rail system and roads and bridges are significantly better. Our infrastructure is starting to resemble South and Central America. So is our society. This is where we are headed if we listen to your prescriptions.

  89. Dave SW FL says

    Opening day I’ll get the 3 coin set as I have all the modern sets. Depending on the price action of gold, I will get at least one of the Unc golds.
    Sure wish they had put the gold design on the silver canvas. Would have gifted many in that format!

  90. Tinto says

    @cagcrisp

    I plan to get the gold NPS, probably one of each finish …. most likely they will be my last gold purchase from the Mint (unless they come out with the Moon Landing commemorative gold ..) and no more platinum after completing the Preamble series ..

  91. Dave SW FL says

    SoKrates
    Might that be because their “Fed” hasn’t put them in the debt hole we have here (probably because their currency cannot be printed willy-nilly.). Just an offhanded guess.

    I often wonder if other governments try to “solve” a problem with multi-thousand page bills loaded with layers of bureaucracy and regulations written by lobbyists and then never read by legislatures nor given the chance to be vetted before passage.

    Oh, gee. Don’t get me started😬 MNBers, please accept my apology.

  92. So Krates says

    Dave SW FL says, “Opening day I’ll get the 3 coin set as I have all the modern sets”

    Commendable!

    Do you have the larger multi-coin sets too? Wondering if you’ve ever tried to figure out cost versus current value like some have done with the FS series. Granted, it’s a more daunting task but would be curious if you’ve seen any trends or drawn any conclusions about value from that large data set.

  93. Hilosilver says

    Xena: Something about those UHR uncirculated bullion coins that appeal to me, although a little pricey over spot. Dustyroads I’ll try to keep my feet in the sand this year!! Nice to hear from you again.

  94. So Krates says

    @ Dave SW FL – It might be, but I think the contrast in the current state of affairs is largely a result of two different mentalities. In it’s most simplistic form, one continent has an attitude of “We’re all in this together, let’s cooperate” One continent has an attitude of “Self reliance and individual freedom, to each his own, leave me alone, us and them, we are exceptional”

  95. tP says

    So Krates… you have said you are a libertarian (doubtable) and don’t believe in God (yet had to comment on the passing of Nancy Reagan as if you did)

    Social spending is inevitable – social engineering is not.

    I for one am not striving to be like Europe, yet you bring up Europe like many others as the goal America should strive for. I’ll pass…

  96. So Krates says

    tP- Guess you have not been to ANY of the countries I mentioned to see for yourself how terrible they are and how everyone is so miserable under socialist tyranny.

    I said I have a libertarian leaning and have said I don’t like “left/ right” labels or party affiliations over neutrally evaluating each issue. Your attempt to pigeonhole me as “A LIBERTARIAN” is a perfect example of what I mean.

    I’m sorry but your point about Mrs. Reagan completely evades me. In case you hadn’t noticed, I have not uttered a single word about Monsignor Flanagan’s stupid coin which I obviously don’t like in principle.

    Palladium coins, rhodium coins, Catholic coins

  97. VA Bob says

    I do wonder how many social programs Europe would have if Uncle Sugar didn’t cover their military spending. I also wonder what would happen if their governments didn’t dictate the price of pharmaceuticals sold there allowing the US to pick up the costs for the same meds here. The world looks to the US for welfare. When the US becomes the socialist utopia some want, I suppose we’ll see what happens to the world when half want what we have while we want everything for free for no personal pain.

    Steel, aluminum, and plastic pennies.

  98. So Krates says

    Back to coins (or more correctly rounds). I have noticed very positive feelings towards the 2 oz. high relief series on this board while at the same time noticed very negative feelings toward more “generic” type 1 oz. silver rounds. Not sure but it might have been from the very same individuals. Just curious as to why two similar type private mint products would inspire such opposite opinions. BTW- I like both. The new style Buff/Indian Head 1 oz rounds from Elemetal with the anti-counterfeit lines are nice. I do have the first 2 oz. Privateer and that thing is bad-a**. Arghhh

  99. So Krates says

    Really don’t think wanting Japanese style trains, smooth roads without potholes all over the place, and bridges that aren’t rusting is unreasonable in my country of massive wealth and resources.

  100. fmtransmitter says

    I do have the first 2 oz. Privateer and that thing is bad-a**. Arghhh

    Because the 2 oz HR’s are stunning! Every single one of them and worth the extra cost just to look at! I have stared at those at every angle in every shade of light and am amazed at how the strike floats off the surface of those. They are beautiful IMHO…I could go on about others but for the price they are a great value. to get a strike like that from say “other” mints, there is a much higher mark up for them,…

  101. Xena says

    HiLo (shipmate) – not as pricey as Proof Silver Eagles, all relative. They are definitely worth it. Prices have gone up on the first Privateer, so if you want in would suggest catching up soon.

    If KCSO is right about Cleo, she should be picked up (so to speak) before the second in the series comes out.

  102. Give Me Da Money Plz says

    I know someone who fled the Soviet Union during the 1980s and has family that is still living in the Czech Republic. Socialism is a complete disaster in the Czech Republic and any of the fantasies that So Krates wants you to believe is a flat out lie.

    They get away with it because they give the best care to foreigners, the people in the media, and the people that have money. The rest of society gets the finger.

    “Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don’t need it and hell where they already have it.” -Ronald Reagan

  103. So Krates says

    @ MoneyPlz – I named 10 countries, ten! You picked somewhere else to argue about. You sound like you’ve never been any place where they do things differently.

    I’m not arguing for a socialist utopia, just know we can do better than Amtrak, I-80 and LaGuardia

  104. So Krates says

    “…is a complete disaster”

    Who else loves that phrase? lol,

    You forgot to say …”tremendous “

  105. CJ says

    With the Mercury Dime 1/10 oz gold going on sale April 21st, I may wait. It depends on the mintage.

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