Introductory Pricing for Civil Rights Silver Dollars Ends February 3

The introductory pricing period for the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollars will conclude next week on February 3, 2014 at 3:00 PM ET. Collectors have just a few more days to take advantage of the lower pricing for the individual proof and uncirculated coins.

silver-dollar

The United States Mint began sales for the commemorative coin program on January 2, 2014. Initial sales figures have been the lowest in recent memory for a commemorative silver dollar offering.

Through the latest weekly sales report, the US Mint has received orders for 33,855 proof coins and 13,681 uncirculated coins. This makes for total sales of 47,536 units out of the maximum authorized mintage of 350,000 pieces across all product options.

The majority of sales for a commemorative program have typically occurred during the introductory period due to the lower pricing and the tendency for collectors to order products soon after their release. Taking a look back at the sales figures for last year’s 2013 Girl Scouts of the USA Silver Dollar shows that about 70% of overall sales for the individual proof and uncirculated coins occurred during the introductory period.

If a similar percentage occurs for the Civil Rights Act Silver Dollars, it might set the stage for a historically low mintage. It is still very early, but the uncirculated version of the coin may have a chance of coming in amongst the ten lowest mintage modern commemorative silver dollars. Whether or not this occurs may depend on whether the proof or uncirculated version is included in a special product to be released later in the year as well as other factors such as the impact of promotions, the price of silver, and potential speculative buying spikes.

alternate

The lackluster sales for the 2014 Civil Rights Silver Dollars continue a broader trend of slumping sales for the US Mint’s commemorative coin offerings. Specific to this issue, some collectors may have also preferred to see the alternate obverse design recommended by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee featuring a depiction of the March on Washington within the silhouette of the Liberty Bell with reverberating bands and the words “Let Freedom Ring…” The selected obverse design featuring the protestors had been recommended by the Commission of Fine Arts and the beneficiary organization for the program, the United Negro College Fund. The final authority to select the designs for the coin ultimately rested with the Secretary of the Treasury.

If the Liberty Bell design had been used, the US Mint may have been able to produce a truly stunning design which arguably would have paired much better with the selected reverse.

reverse
At the CCAC meeting where the various design alternatives were discussed, members of the US Mint staff Steve Antonucci and Don Everhart had seemed genuinely excited about the visual possibilities offered by the Liberty Bell design. The white field to the right of the bell would have been raised with subtle vibration lines in relief and inscriptions incuse. The bell area would have been executed in lower relief with the “1964” raised and the pool and sky polished. The design could have incorporated different finishes and/or textures as seen on the actual reverse design.

promo

In an odd image hinting at what could have been, the US Mint distributed an email containing the image above when promoting the release of the coins earlier this month. The actual coin is shown against a background image containing the setting of the unselected alternative obverse design.

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Comments

  1. thePhelps says

    Yep…still a bad design choice. It is frustrating that they had an obvious winner and will have no one to blame but themselves if it flails about and gets little interest. Much like the GSA coin selection which failed as well.

  2. ClevelandRocks says

    Eye appeal sells.
    PC never will.
    Would have picked up several of the “rejected” coin.
    Pass on this one…

  3. Teddy Salad says

    As usual PC trumps artistry. The liberals just want to ram their agenda down our throats. It’s like Pravda where propaganda trumped journalism.

  4. says

    I must echo the comments of others. I found the design for this piece disappointing and made the decision to pass over it to save money for the baseball coins and the (presumed) upcoming Kennedy sets.

    I think there’s some chance that this piece will become the “lowest low,” at least for awhile. I’m expecting the upcoming baseball coins to sell like gangbusters and drastically overperform compared to some of the lackluster commemoratives of the last few years.

  5. Louis says

    Sorry, but no new lows here. The 4 1996 Olympics coins (tennis, wheelchair, etc.) are all around 15-16K in BU if I remember correctly, and this one has almost sold that many already in BU and will be on sale all year.
    This is the first commem since I got back into coins that I plan to pass on unless I find it for around melt later.
    Thanks for the backstory, Michael.

  6. smiledon says

    Well, I bite the bullet to get just one.
    The back side is really nice, and the CRA was something that affected my family. They mean something to me, so that is why.
    So, like the 9/11 medal, GSA and BSA coins, I just got one of each.
    I would have loved to see another design, or something else that was commemorated. But I was not asked; I was asked to spend my money.
    Well, I did. For me, if I really love the coin, I get 2.
    I have 2 of the Korean War, Lincoln, US Army, Infantry, and MOH silver coins.

  7. thePhelps says

    Louis – I agree there will probably be no new lows – but it doesn’t bode well that this will be going against the baseball release this year. Once that coin is released most will be buying that and will probably not revisit this one. I will eventually pick up the uncirculated coin, but even the discounted price did little to entice that for me. I’ll wait for a free shipping period and fill in several blanks at that time – including this one.

    I would have thought given how poorly they did with the GSA and how little enthusiasm in general the commemorative coins have been generating – they would have looked to try and go with a popular choice and not the PC coin as others have mentioned. I said it elsewhere – this release is a protest coin and not a celebration coin as it should have been. The protests were a part of the movement to end oppression – the liberty bell would have been the victory celebrating the end and the start of the new…. I thought it was by far the most powerful imagery choice they had.

  8. Jeff says

    Amazing this product is not selling well its obvious. So the mint comes out today and says prices going up can anyone here they me what happens next they just don’t get it As for the Kennedy again the mint is behind the eight ball they knew this event was approaching years ago and now there asking for suggestion I have one idear keep its original design UHR in Silver and Gold. keep it simple mint there’s no reason to screw this up..

  9. Eddie says

    This coin is going to be in the same boat as the CSA coin no sales and no money for the organization that would have benefited from the sales of this coin.
    Now having said all of that I am going to buy a proof of it and only because of the reverse of the coin.I want to see the reverse of this coin and it makes you wonder why this Mint Director is even in charge of the Mint..If he had of used the Liberty Bell design on this coin the Mint would have had a winner on their hands and isn’t he there to make sure the best designs get made.

  10. smiledon says

    @ thePhelps,
    Please do not try to be rational.
    That would serve to only drive you off the deep end.
    Like I said, I was only asked to spend my money; just shut up, and spend your money. Then, every one is happy.
    Bah, bah sheep.

  11. Jeff says

    Here is my suggestion since I was not asked. Have Kennedy’s head on both sides,
    one side enhanced other UHR this would be a spectacular coin 100K mintage only

  12. Don says

    Despite the fact that the CRA commemorative will remain on sale for several more months, the bulk of the sales, as Mint News Blog points out, have already taken place. Don’t get too excited about projected low mintages, as demand (or lack thereof) will ultimately determine this commemorative’s fate on the after- market.
    I pose this simple question: Is this a coin that appeals enough to you to include in your collection? For the majority of collectors, based on the limited number of above comments, the answer seems to be a resounding “no”.

  13. Dustyroads says

    The liberty bell reverse would have been the deciding factor for the civil rights dollar. If Michael is right about the 30%, then it may be a nice coin to own, on the other hand, Hidalgonomics will most likely prevail. No offense Hidalgo, your just right!

  14. Tim says

    OT, speaking of dumb and dumber. Being from NC, I also know that the GSMNP comprises more acreage in NC than it does in Tn.

  15. Zaz says

    I bought one of each to keep up my US comm set. Not really too excited about the upcoming BB coins either, despite the novelty of the curved shape the design is as generic as possible. Gives no clue as to what anniversary is being commemorated and the reason for the existence of the coins. Only really looking forward to the ’14 Buffalo proof in May, the FS coins which will show up in
    Nov./Dec. and the 5oz ATB.

  16. Face 1004 says

    This Liberty Bell design will sadly be lost in the pages in commemorative coin history. Too bad such innovative look. Who ever that designer was they should give that person a second chance on a future commemorative.

  17. Don says

    Zaz,

    You’re right. Although the Hall of Fame commemorative coin purportedly celebrates the 75th anniversary of the institution, no where on the obverse or reverse is this indicated. It’s about as generic as you can get for a baseball coin, and perhaps that is actually a good thing. Why put the HOF on the coin, when it is, in fact, a private enterprise. Wouldn’t this, in effect, be free advertising for the aforementioned institution.

  18. Louis says

    I agree, yet we collectors and other buyers of the coins will be giving surcharge money to the HOF, which should raise its own money. We need to get out of the surcharge business. As far as I know, we are the only major country that runs this kind of racket.

  19. thePhelps says

    @Eddie… I don’t think this will suffer the same fate as the Girl Scouts coin. From what I have heard – they aren’t producing these in volume and warehousing them to be melted later. That is what cost the surcharge fee – melting the unsold coins.

    I also thought and still think it was odd that they chose to only enhance the reverse of the coin. You have to believe had the bell been chosen both sides would have been enhanced.

  20. Micro says

    You don’t think you can blame the mint or the mint director for this design selection. It is the Secretary of the Treasury — Jack Lew — that makes the final choice.

  21. Michael says

    Such a boring coin. Why doesn’t the US Mint branch out and give is a high relief silver Eagle…or 5 ounce silver Eagle…or any number of other great designs? Why can only the world mints create stunning coins?

  22. Zaz says

    I agree re: the absurdity of the surcharges going to such entities as the BBHOF. The coins are just missing a simple legend like “Cooperstown*2014” which would speak volumes without mentioning the HOF explicitly.

  23. Jesse Livermore says

    I dunno… bad design ugly IMO and I will not be buying this.

    On top of it, I am sorry but I dont feel the civil rights act deserves anything to commemorate it.

    Bottomline is everyone should be treated equally no matter what skin color. Humans are humans and that should not have needed an act to pass things.

    This coin is a fail on many accounts, including the design.

  24. Don says

    Zaz,

    I’s pretty laughable that there is no reference at all to the HOF on the coin. I wonder if the Mint had a “oops, we missed something” moment after the coin design was finalized.
    But, despite the of a lack of a HOF legend or logo on the coin, we still have to pay a surcharge for what is, in effect, a generic baseball coin. And it still leaves us with no clue as to what this coin is commemorating.

  25. says

    I think as far as the popularity of the baseball hof commemoritve coins go, I think most buyers are going to buy the coins because of the unigue design (which I like…baseball and glove)…that’s what’s most people will see it as…not as giving surcharges to the hof.

    How many of you are thinking of buying all six coins…or which ones are you considering?

  26. Louis says

    Did y’all see the proposal Dave Harper made (tongue in cheek) for a coin commemorating the start of legal pot in CO and WA? I wonder where those surcharges would go? Up in smoke?

  27. Tony W says

    The mintage will not be as low as expected. The mint will offer the coin in a special set for the next couple of years in the name of “giving back” and thereby by pass the “sell the coin in the year it was offered” rule. CRA and the BB coin is plain Jayne.

  28. says

    Steve,

    I am going to be buying all six baseball coins, but I’ve also been very pumped about this release since the beginning and have been saving specifically for it.

    If I had to be discerning, I’d probably focus on the proofs and skip the uncirculateds since I buy to hold and not sell/flip.

  29. ClevelandRocks says

    The Liberty Bell obverse looks awesome.
    The more I look at it, the more sad I am that we will never see this fantastic design on a coin.

    Baseball HOF= Circus coinage. I collected RCM products until they became more ridiculous than the Franklin Mint. Next, the US Mint will offer a colorized hologram on a tri-metallic octogon that glows in the dark and can be used as a yo-yo. Pass.

    Too much stuff from the Mint…

  30. VA Rich says

    Steve – I’ll be buying a complete set of HOF coins in OGP as I think too much gets lost with curved coined that are slabbed, and will retain the set for a good 5 years before seeing what comes of it. I don’t care for what baseball has become and not pleased at all with organizations selected to receive the surcharges. The HOF will be my LAST Commemorative purchase probably for a good 5-6 years and I’m only buying into it due to the coin’s uniqueness.

    Also plan to purchase more than 6 each of the silver and clad coins as gifts for young family members or the neighbors kids. They’ll be enamored by the coin and it will spark or continue their interest in coins.., & it won’t end up in a yard sale next season.

  31. VA Rich says

    On the topic of Comms – surberb idea Blair in previous thread – “the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11 coming up in five years, now’s the time for them to start pushing for at least a commemorative program for 2019.”!!!

    Couldn’t agree more…, and for the surcharge, the money could go to the kids space camp down in Canaveral, or at least to the Russians to take food to our astronauts.

  32. fmtransmitter says

    Great article and there is no doubt you have tried to send a message with this posting Mr. Michael and I agree 100% with the CCAC and feel we should have gone with the back ground on the printed card and the Liberty Bell. What a beautiful that would have been. Love the reverse. I just get a “weird” feeling when I look at the people on the coin. Like a creepy feeling. Like a feeling that I do NOT want to pay my hard earned money for that coin to be a part of my modern collection. CCAC may overcome one day, pun intended!

  33. HIdalgo says

    My observation – most coins collectors, dealers, etc. tend to be white males. Also, I sense that most of the Republican-leaning posters on this blog fall in that category. So it’s no big surprise that coins and commemoratives depicting or recognizing minorities, e.g., women and African Americans tend to be mediocre sellers. The only exception: Native Americans, who tend to be part of the “Old West” and Western culture, both of which are popular with white males.

    Think for yourself: Were these coins popular when they were FIRST introduced?

    Women
    First Spouse gold coins, Susan B. Anthony dollar, Girl Scout commemorative, etc.

    African Americans
    Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver, Jackie Robinson, Black Revolutionary War Patriots, Little Rock Nine, etc.

  34. Ikaika says

    @ FM

    The people on the Civil Rights coin look like zombies to me. That’s my impression. Therefore, your “weird” feeling is shared by others. Maybe I am too much into the zombucks 🙂

    @ Cleveland

    I still like the venetian glass and glow in the dark dino series from the RCM. Collect both and are the only colored coins I have. Not sure what the RCM was thinking when they released that candy cane venetian glass coin? Having three bugs in a row than a candy cane does not make sense for the series. Oh well………

  35. VA Rich says

    Ikaika – Ha, that’s too funny! I started to chuckle when reading FM’s comments because I was thinking the same.., like a herd of Walkers! Rub out part of the sign post and it’s like it stuck in him. Well this is going south quick, I’ve digressed. How’s the Zombuff look? Haven’t bought any yet, tied up chasing Mercanti’s last design at the moment.

  36. Louis says

    Hidalgo- To a certain extent I agree on what demographic group is most interested in coins and follows this blog, but that has nothing at all to do with why I don’t like them. I think the theme is very imp and am eager to see more minorities represented on our coins. It’s the poor quality of the design that bothers me. The people do not look lifelike. I got the RCM’s WWI coin, which has a group of soldiers leaving their loved ones to go to war and they look very lifelike because of superior engraving, different finishes that make certain elements stand out, etc.

  37. VA Rich says

    Hey, my comment above is not intended to be derogatory towards the intent, significance, or message of the CR act or purpose of the coin, my bad if I ruffle some feathers. Though the design of the coin, is solely fair game – peace out!

  38. fmtransmitter says

    SURE VARich, “rub out”, “stuck in him”..We know you had some major Fruedian slips in that post! PEACE out dude…lol j/k

  39. fmtransmitter says

    Ok, I am giving away my age. The people on the coin look EXACTLY like the group approaching the Mother Ship in Close Encounters of the Third Kind at the end. The original version with the mountain of mash potatoes…

  40. Ray says

    not including actaul material costs, wuld making .999 silver coins be cheaper than .9? seems like it would be at least one less step.

  41. thePhelps says

    @Hidalgo… not sure why you threw Republicans into the mix. They didn’t filibuster the vote on this law. It is amazing that Democrats were against CR and are now viewed as the heroes of Affirmative Action. Talk about a skewed world we live in…

    That said – I accept your comment – but think your missing the mark. The thing in common with many of the coins you mentioned is poor design. Your ignoring what many have said already – they chose the wrong design for this coin. Had they gone with the coin that depicted a celebration of liberty – they would have sold like gangbusters. They didn’t opt to do that and are now reaping the rewards of poor choice. It is easy to blame it on the buyers – but that is the wrong place for the blame.

  42. Smiledon says

    I would dearly love to see Neil, Buzz, and Michale
    on a 50 year anniversary coin. I think that is better
    then what we are currently seeing on coins.
    Besides, did we really honor them with their own
    coin?

  43. Nick says

    Fm- I have not seen it. It was probably before my time. The flames on the reverse are nice but they are not SO nice as to make up for the front

  44. Hugh Jorgen says

    I think the problem is the inappropriate use of three figures on the obverse. GSA: Three creepy heads = FAIL. CRA: Three protestors = Meh.

    Perhaps a Three Stooges commemorative would be better aligned with the recent artistic direction?

  45. Ikaika says

    @ VA Rich

    Have not purchased the Zombuffs yet. Hoping the price of silver will drop a little more. Will buy soon.

  46. stephen m says

    Ikaika, It’s a civil rights march in 1964. Hearts are racing, the air thick with tension, that’s making the protesters on the coin have that zombie look?

  47. Don says

    Stephen m,

    That’s a pretty dramatic explanation on your part for the zombie look. The Mint engraver responsible for this coin would be proud of the way you interpreted his representation of these protestors.

  48. Smiledon says

    @ fmtransmitter,
    I mean a coin like the CRA coin.
    I remember private parties did something like
    what you posted. Well, we can only hope.

  49. Tony W says

    Hildogo – this blog is about coins and collecting from the mint. The “white males” comments are for MSNBC or CNN – gives the whole discussion a negative and hateful flavor – I hope the comments are moderated out including mine. 🙂

  50. Dustyroads says

    Hidalgo, It’s no mystery that women and minorities have felt as though they’ve gotten the short end of the stick in our “past” white male ruled America. However, I’m willing to bet that anyone would put their faith in a person who exhibits strong character and sound mind regardless of what their color or sex may be. If some of us would do less inciting and more inviting I believe more bridges could be built. Fact, psychology 101 teaches us that we are naturally attracted to other people who look like ourselves. I think it would be wise to simply let the ones who like these coins and have a connection to them, buy and enjoy them without feeling ashamed for doing so. BTW, what is it really to have color or politics. Nothing, only greed!

  51. Eddie says

    @@fm the uncirculated coin looks about as good as the proof does in those pictures. I think my HR WTE is #9175. That is just off the top of my head.
    If I order a CR coin it will be on the 2nd so I can still get the $5.00 off.

  52. Gary says

    I am not sure race or gender plays any part in whether people buy the coin. I think design is everything!!
    I would buy a coin recognizing the 250th Anniversary of toilet paper if it had a good design!

  53. fmtransmitter says

    @Gary, agreed! With that being said, GM sent me a beautiful full color catalog with all there titilating offerings and I found one that stuck out with exceptional design. When I looked down ad saw the price my smile turned to a frown. And of course it was this stunning beauty…
    http://www.govmint.com/1-oz-silver-diplomatic-medal-pcgs-gem-proof.html
    I can’t afford to pay that for 1 oz of silver, sorry…Maybe someone else can but I can’t..

  54. fmtransmitter says

    @Dustyroads, I thought so too..There was for sure effort to bring out some new fields on the reverse of this coin, why not match it up with the obverse? They should match with multiple fields if your going that route IMHO.

  55. Matt says

    Mint, we need an announcement today that you’re making my 2014 Denver Bronco World Champion $50 dollar gold coin.

  56. ClevelandRocks says

    Still upset about Denver beating my Browns in ’87 and ’88, but will be pulling for Manning. How can you not admire the guy? Colts thought he was done…

  57. thePhelps says

    @fm – that diplomatic coin is pretty stunning. You can try and win it here: 231139582530

    I wonder why we the public never had a chance to buy these?

  58. Wes says

    OT just read a story of odd news. A Real Estate agent in La Jolla inherited a rare penny from his father and didn’t realize what he had. He sold it to a coin shop owner for a small amount. The Shop owner after researching the coin discovered it is a rare 1974 aluminum penny worth at least a couple of hundred thousand dollars. They are auctioning it and decided to split the money between them. Cool Store owner not a very smart son to think he has had it for decades and didn’t think it may be valuable.

  59. Wes says

    Oh from the article on Yahoo they are also planning on donating 100,000 to a local homeless charity.

  60. Wes says

    I just saw Michael has a link to a Coin Update article about the penny under on this page under the article listed as weekend reading.

  61. Wes says

    I was just looking at some graded coins on e-bay. I don’t see why a coin should be graded a 70 with white spots all over it. i would rather have a MS 68 coin with no white spots than a 70 with even one white spot. TPG companies are worthless IMO.

  62. fmtransmitter says

    The white spots are a NATURAL occurrence from the minute metal other than silver. They grade the STRIKE, not spots..

  63. fmtransmitter says

    Some feel the discoloration gives it character and buyers pay a premium for the blue, purple, orange, etc hues that occur from old coins stored in old school holders.

  64. Eddie says

    Seems like the Mint needs to start getting a better grade of silver like Canada uses. I haven’t heard about any of their silver coins having spots on them. That could be why Canada uses 9999 silver. I could be wrong.

  65. AkBob says

    Milk spots come from improper washing and rinsing. They don’t get all the soap residue off in the rinse cyce and it gets pressed into the silver and you can never get rid of it. A coin with mik spots on it will NOT get a 70 grade if they see the spots while grading. that’s what I have been told and have come to understand. The Canadian Maple Leafs have a HUGE problem with milk spots but that’s the only one I’ve really heard of, oh the wildlife series had problems come to think of it, too.

  66. Eddie says

    Well I guess from what I have read the Mint needs to rinse the blanks better or they need to do something better.
    The HR WTE I thought it would have had more relief. That is one reason I ordered the regular silver proof coin so I could compare them to each other and see the difference between them.
    It would be nice if the Mint made a gold Kennedy half as long as they make it 24K and make it the same size as the half dollar is now.

  67. Eddie says

    I haven’t had all that many Canadian and Australian coins. And was one of the reasons they cost more.

  68. fmtransmitter says

    The Canadian bullion maple has tons of spotting. They seem to have corrected the problem this last year but older bullion maples are riddled with them.

  69. fmtransmitter says

    That being said, a quick dip and they are gone…I only do it with NEW bullion if they have spots, never old coins. The spots come back within a couple weeks.

  70. Blair J Tobler says

    I guess they’re not gonna be making that Denver Broncos Super Bowl Champions coin after all….

  71. stephen m says

    Looks like if they can put a man on the moon, the US Mint can make a silver eagle without spots. It appears the spots are not worthy of the mint putting an end to them. Mr. US Mint, no more spots for us please. 2014 ASE proof scheduled for delivery tomorrow from the Mint’s subscription program.

  72. fmtransmitter says

    I think if you buy a PROOF you will be ok, the regular SE’s are pumped out in the millions and one cannot expect special treatment on bullion. IMHO.

  73. Samuel says

    i said before, i bought a PF70 eagle from a very old store, many spots, got exchange, still many spots. thats why i seldom buy proof eagles except special sets.

  74. stephen m says

    The usmint could do better. Spots on silver coins, I think, can be cured by all the mints with minimal effort. Some say spots give a coin character but it’s normally the sellers singing that tune. I won’t buy a coin with spots. Who knows it could be a new found label one day and command a premium?

  75. GMS says

    We couldn’t put a man on the moon today if our existence depended on it, heck we can’t even put a man on the “international” space station. Also, my proofs from the Apollo era are still pristine and spot free as they were when issued.

  76. thePhelps says

    Lets be clear… milky white spots add no value to the coins. Toning – coins with multi-colored hues do have buyers. If anyone is telling you that milky white spots are a variation of toning – they are trying to sell you poor quality coins with a pitch.

    I have never gotten a milky coin from the US mint. I have seen them, but I haven’t bought any “so far”.

    The RCM did have a really bad track record with milk spots on the coins for years – it has been well documented. I didn’t see any from them last year either.

  77. john says

    has any one hear if the mint is going to refund the 10.00 on the gsa coin,the mint did not give any money to them.

  78. thePhelps says

    john

    That is on the GSA – not the mint. The surcharge didn’t get paid out and the mint had to pay for the coins to be melted. While I am no fan of the surcharges – I also don’t like the idea a sponsoring party such as th GSA – didn’t do enough to sell these coins. They got Congress to ignore all the other possible coins for commemoration in 2013 and then when they have the coin minted – they didn’t do enough to sell them.

    I honestly hope that stops some other sponsors from promoting their coins to Congress.

  79. fmtransmitter says

    Hldalgo jus trying to spur up comments CW, I know others who just kinda pass his posts up. lol I haven’t gotten spots either, I know of ONE blogger who consistently says he gets spots like every time.

  80. Howard says

    Somebody asked what or who would replace the Kennedy half if it ended in 2014? Raises a question of any Mint’s obligation to make halfs???

  81. AkBob says

    Hidalgo – I don’t know why you or others (Liberals) always have to bring in race, white men, Republicans, etc. into the conversation in such a negative way. It’s just plain disgusting for anyone to say things like that about anyone and I’m very tired of this kind of garbage! The folks that make these blanket statements lose ALL credibility with me. Please STOP this kind of rhetoric. You are breeding devisiveness.

  82. smiledon says

    Hidalgo posts his feelings.
    He has that right; does he not?
    No one has to like them, just like no one has to like all the coins that are made.
    We all have the right to speak, choose, and do what we like.
    Free speech comes with having to hear what we may not like.
    I guess that if “breeding divisiveness” means speaking one’s mind, I gather that we no longer have a free nation.
    Remember the old childhood saying about sticks and stones?

  83. Dustyroads says

    Looking at the Mints new downloaded population report, the 1/4 oz. proof AU AGE comes in at 12730 with the 1/4 at 12874. I guess the Mint could possibly alter the report for unknown reasons, but these are the downloaded numbers.

  84. VARich says

    Received another on line survey, this time they asked about how I felt about the free shipping.., well that was an easy one to answer! I like the free shipping towards the end of the year, that’s when most of the good stuff get’s released!

  85. fmtransmitter says

    I think if we all (everyone), race, color, creed, put on a uniform and went to a war and then tried to stay alive with live ammo being fired at us, we would learn to get a long REAL QUICK as we helped each other try to stay alive!

  86. AkBob says

    Smilledon – Who said anything about free speech. You can say lots of things that aren’t “right” that doesn’t make it ok to say. Did you hear the word “divisiveness”? Choose your words carefully. You can say things in a way that is not a negative but is indeed a positive and usefull. I like hearing both sides. I don’t have a closed mind . If I did I’d still be a democrat. Not really sure what the childish saying has to do with this topic either. You obviousy feel the same as he does, too bad but it’s your right and I respect that. Read the posts, you’re in the minority (and I’m not talking about race for those liberals that may want to say that’s what I’m talking about). Pathetic I have to be that clear. What ever happened to “commen sense”?

  87. AkBob says

    FM – ABSOLUTELY. Now that was a positive comment. No divisiveness there, need I say anymore?

  88. VARich says

    smiledon – you’re missing the point. It’s a blanket generalization that is derogatory to fellow posters and is so narrow minded that it is absolutely ridiculous.

    I suspect you can relate to this, when many of my friends and acquaintances get together, which happen to be brother-in-arms or coworkers of a different race than I, we have a great time talking about dumb stuff we did overseas or last week in the office, we don’t talk about coins. They have their hobbies, I have mine. We have a lot in common but coins is not one of them. I come here to talk coins with you fine gentlemen, which just happens to be of one majority demographic…, it’s because we collect coins…, nothing to do with race, sex, culture, or anything else…

  89. Eddie says

    I ask last week or so about the Clad and Silver Proof Sets looked any different from last year. The Mint is going to start using the laser on the proofs to give them a different finish or look.
    So has anyone gotten their quarter proof sets this year? Do they look better than last years coin?

  90. thePhelps says

    @Eddie – I don’t know if the mint is using the laser on all proof releases. I think they plan to use it on select coins – like the CRA reverse. I got my 2014 proof ASE and don’t see it as any different than the 2013 coin.

  91. smiledon says

    People, please!
    When I read, hear, see something, I make the choice to let it get to me.
    It is not like having flashing red and blue lights in your rear veiw mirror!
    Allowing mere words to wrap you around the axle is something I had to learn along time ago to avoid going off the deep end.
    The CRA coin is a hot button coin because some do not like it. Well, if this coin fails to sell well, could some state that this nation is still a racist nation?
    Well, I guess you can say. Is that fair? I would say not.
    Lord!
    If that was a blanket statement, I am CHOOSING to not get wrapped into it.
    VARich, I remember being in uniform for 12 years, and how easy it is to ruin a close knit unit with careless words or actions.
    However, I am not living in a room with anyone here. I am not on a tank crew with any one here.
    I do not fully understand this mind set of being responsible for not saying what may offend someone; which is not the same as being rude, crude, and disgusting.

  92. Howard says

    What did Lincoln say “you can’t please all the people all the time”Someday we will all be united but that will take a outer space attack. Pretty simple be repectfull to our fellow man.

  93. Dustyroads says

    Hidalgo’s comments, that I always enjoy reading, can easily be seen as presenting the possibility for the CRA coin to be a sleeper and future collectable, he was only stating the facts. Although, who can disagree with him over coin collecting being mostly done by white males, and that coins depicting women, other than liberty or minorities have never sold well. I’m a white male who’s Swedish, English, and Irish, my wife is Aztec Indian, Spaniard, and Polish Jew, what does that make my kids? I’ll tell you, it makes them whatever I tell them they are. I live in the southern most part of Texas where the population is about 90% hispanic, until you hear some of the stories that people have to tell about how they have been treated in white only communities, it would leave you speechless. I may be wrong, but I don’t think Hidalgo meant to rub any cats here the wrong way.

  94. Larry says

    Ok I get the obverse of the Civil Rights Commem is not liked by some, BUT the reverse of this coin is SPECTACULAR! The pictures simply do not do it justice. Worth every bit of the 50 bucks I spent.You could say the reverse of the coin is reverse proof, because only the flame in the center is a mirror finish. Most of the reverse looks like burnished unc. Do not judge this coin until you see it in person.

  95. thePhelps says

    Sorry Dusty… the fact that I am a white American male has nothing to do with a poorly designed coin not selling. Design a good coin – it will sell regardless. That is a fact and it runs contrary to “only stating facts”. It also is furthering the misnomer that Republicans in general have something against women and people of color – that is contrary to the fact that Republicans didn’t filibuster the CRA and in fact supported it getting passed. The facts don’t support most of what Hidalgo posted – other than he pointed out some poorly conceived and implemented coins that didn’t and aren’t selling well.

  96. Zaz says

    @Eddie: the laser ‘light frosting’ effect was not used on the ’14 quarter proofs unfortunately, the frosted elements are uniformly so. It could’ve been used to great effect separating the cabin from the forested background on the GSM release, the misty hills on the Shenandoah coin, etc. Nevertheless, they are a spectacular set of quarters even eclipsing the inaugural ’10 set. Despite, pooh-poohing the people in Sand Dunes quarter initially, I have grown to really like the design, it adds a human dimension to the NP series, which were what the parks were created for in the first place! You will not be disappointed with the clad or silver quarter set. Maybe the laser frosting will show up on next year’s quarters?

  97. AkBob says

    Did anyone hear the HSN guy say he was going to purchase 100,000 Kennedy Sets. No, not 10,000, he said 100,000! He has been saying he purchased 25,000 of the 2013 WP Sets. Once he slipped up and said he bought 35,000 but he has on numerous occasions said he bought 25,000 WP Sets. I know HSN has the BIGGEST deep pockets in the TV coin shows out there. Wow, if he does, which I don’t doubt, what will that due to the sets value. I’m buying one for MY collection, not to re-sell so it really won’t matter much to me. I do try to purchase coins that I feel will go up in value but there are numerous times I buy only because I like it and don’t really care much about the future value as it’s for my own personal collection.

  98. KEITHSTER says

    I know most here don’t like the coin because of the protesters but it seems to hold a place in my heart.think you had to live thru the times to enjoy this coin?But it also reminds me of all the other protests that went on in my lifetime. The people hand in hand standing up and together for the good of all. Only to be met with the dogs the water hoses the tear gas or batton. Man it’s been a while but watch cause it’ll happen again just look around the world the people are getting restless? So here’s to all you old protester’s you finaly got your coin you deserve it beat down with one hand and handed a shinny coin with the other?So you newbie or willbe protesters better get one while you can.But the rest please stay away from this one as I’m sure you’ll get your libberty bell someday or just buy some franklin halves. If the 70% sold as of today holds true to form and they use the proof for the set because it’s selling more? that should leave the uncs. around 22,000 and that would be a fitting end to this one:):>:>:>:> Good Luck Do Good!!!

  99. VA Bob says

    AKBob that’s why we need a (reasonable) household limit, at least for the first week or two, even if they mint to demand on a given product. The Mint may like those big dealer orders, but I believe it hurts them in the long run. If someone buys from the dealer, they are not buying from the Mint. Everyone, individual, speculator, or dealer should get the same opportunity for the first orders IMO. BTW my Mint survey said only 50K of the Kennedy gold coins… anyone hear anything different?

  100. Louis says

    They could be issued to demand, nothing decided yet. I get the entire survey from the Mint for my work and that question has both options- 50K or minted to demand. I am recommending a household limit and a limited mintage.

  101. Dustyroads says

    Is there another time the US Mint has done what they are suggesting they may do to the Kennedy half in changing the composition while maintaining the design?
    I’m having a hard time seeing them doing that.

  102. simon says

    The FYR 1964 was 0.9 Ag, the 1965-70 was 0.4 Ag, 1971-present Cu-Ni clad, 1976 Pr/Unc in 0.4 Ag, 2005-2010 satin finish clad, 1992-present Ag in proof, 1998 0.9 Ag in matte. Did I miss anything ?

  103. Dustyroads says

    I’m sorry simon, I worded my question all wrong. What I should have said was; has the US Mint ever produced a coin in gold that had never been before, such as our common coinage like the half dollar. Well, it’s not common any more, but you know what I mean.

  104. Jerry Diekmann says

    Louis – if you think the people portrayed on the CRA coin look weird, you should take another look at the Girl Scouts coin. I think that is the major reason the coin sold so poorly – so very, very ugly.

  105. Jerry Diekmann says

    AkBob – Why would ANYBODY ever purchase any coins whatsoever from HSN? Or Littleton? Or some of the big sellers on Ebay or advertisers on Coin World or Coinager Everything they sell is so overpriced and/or overgraded.

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