Revisiting 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar Products

gold-proofFor the final post of this year, I wanted to revisit the United States Mint’s 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar products. Throughout the year, there has been a constant stream of news surrounding the format of the products, the details of the release, sales trends, and the shifting product and household ordering limits.

Early in the year, the first images of the potential products issued to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kennedy Half Dollar came in the form of two different mock ups provided to the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee for discussion. The initial point of discussion was whether the date should be indicated as “2014” or the dual date of “1964-2014”. The CCAC preferred the dual date and also made some suggestions surrounding the inclusion of the fineness or weight of the coin on the reverse. The US Mint would follow these recommendations on the final coin.

Over the summer months, the Mint officially confirmed the full line up of 50th anniversary products that would be issued. The three products consisted of a three-quarter ounce gold proof coin, a four coin silver set, and a two coin clad set. All coins would carry the original higher relief scult on the obverse. The silver coins would be struck at four different mint facilities with four different finishes.

A month later, the Mint shared their plans surrounding the launch of the products. Some key points of information shared included the initial production levels for the two coin clad set and the gold proof coin. Another key point was that the gold coins would be offered at the ANA convention as well as US Mint retail locations with certain specified allocations available at each venue.

product-front

The two coin clad set was offered first, with sales beginning on July 24 ,2014. Initially, the product carried no stated product limit and an ordering limit of five sets per household. The sets were priced at $9.95 representing the lowest pricing amongst the 50th anniversary products. Opening day sales were brisk at 68,974 units, far exceeding the Mint’s initial production level of 37,000 sets. The pace of sales would slow, but the sets continued to be ordered steadily. In late October, the Mint announced a product limit of 200,000 units and in mid-November, the household ordering limit was removed.

The removal of the limit spurred a faster pace of sales and the product quickly approached its limit. The latest weekly sales report indicates orders at 198,268 and the product is indicated as “Out of Stock” on the Mint’s website and can no longer be ordered.

gold-box

The start of sales for the three-quarter ounce gold proof coin on August 5, 2014 was met with a frenzied response, particularly at the physical retail locations where the coins were available. Initially, the coins were priced at $1,240 which would be adjusted throughout the availability period based on the market price of gold. The ordering limit for internet sales was five units per household, however a limit of just one per customer was imposed at retail locations. The Mint planned to make available 2,500 units at the ANA convention and 500 units each at the Philadelphia and Denver Mint gift shops and US Mint headquarters sales counter over the course of five days.

Opening day sales reached 56,694, exceeding the Mint’s initial production level of 40,000 units. Although the coins were readily able to be ordered online, much was made of the limited number of coins offered at physical locations. At the ANA convention more than a thousand people were said to have lined up to purchase the 500 coins available for the opening day. This was followed by even longer lines forming overnight. Eventually, this led the US Mint to suspend orders at all retail locations.

After the opening rush, the pace of sales tapered considerably and for several weeks, the sales reports carried negative numbers indicating that order cancellations and returns outnumbered newly placed orders. The household ordering limit was eventually removed in mid-October and a product limit of 75,000 units was announced in early December. Orders have currently reached 69,319 units, but the pace of new orders has once again slowed to a crawl.

silver-set

The silver coin collection was offered as the third and final 50th anniversary product with sales opened on October 28, 2014. The sets were offered at $99.95 each with an ordering limit of five sets per household and overall product limit initially indicated at 300,000 units. The sets represented the first major new product release under the US Mint’s new retail website. The sets were not offered at physical retail locations.

The collector response to the offering seemed muted compared to the prior two 50th anniversary products. Opening orders reached 85,670 units, which was far below the Mint’s initial production amount of 180,000 units. The lower than expected response may have been what prompted the Mint to make adjustments to the ordering and product limits in short order.

After three weeks of availability, the ordering limit was removed and about a week later the product limit was reduced to 225,000 units. Cumulative orders received have now reached 190,228 units, with 2,081 units added in the latest weekly period.

The table below shows the complete weekly sales data for all three of the 50th Anniversary Kennedy Half Dollar products.

Clad Set Gold Proof Coin Silver Set
7/27/2014 84,593
8/3/2014 97,655
8/10/2014 112,134 62,341
8/17/2014 116,937 63,521
8/25/2014 120,708 63,388
8/31/2014 124,887 64,305
9/7/2014 127,749 63,927
9/14/2014 129,986 63,384
9/21/2014 131,694 63,567
9/28/2014 132,745 63,757
10/5/2014 132,928 63,944
10/12/2014 133,818 64,098
10/19/2014 134,631 64,303
10/26/2014 136,614 65,039
11/2/2014 141,808 66,054 125,147
11/9/2014 146,222 66,547 137,802
11/16/2014 148,928 66,859 144,572
11/23/2014 165,824 67,301 166,291
11/30/2014 170,500 67,640 172,634
12/7/2014 183,698 68,699 178,455
12/14/2014 194,809 69,501 184,098
12/21/2014 198,173 69,299 188,147
12/28/2014 198,268 69,319 190,228

Final note: Many readers have been inquiring about the 2014 Limited Edition Silver Proof Set, which is still listed on the US Mint’s 2014 release schedule as “TBD”. According to the Mint, the coins for the product have already been produced, but there have been delays with the packaging. As such, the set will be released in early 2015.

Final final note: To all readers, thank you for reading Mint News Blog and have a happy new year!

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Comments

  1. maddogdday says

    @fmtransmitter-

    Received both of my FDR C and C sets this morning and they are both really nice. Silver medals are lustrous and could only find one small tick on one coin slightly hidden in FDR’s coat, so I have to say I am happy with my sets. I hope they send you some good ones back when you return them.

  2. TMMSR says

    Michael, I want to also thank you for always providing very unique and informative articles on numismatics and the numismatic community. I will you and your family a very safe and Happy New Year!

    To the readers of MNB, Happy New Year, and as in previous years, thank you all for posting comment that are beneficial and insightful. Now onto 2015!

  3. fmtransmitter says

    Nothing new about packaging issues. Wish we knew what the problem is so we could offer suggestions on what we would like to see it look like. I suspect that black velvet covered slot is going to be the new norm…

  4. TMMSR says

    Well it looks like the 2013 First Spouse gold coins will unfortunately be available into 2015… Not good news!

  5. cagcrisp says

    @TMMSR, R U seeing that somewhere in print or just figuring that out because they haven’t been pulled yet?

  6. TMMSR says

    CAG, sorry for the confusion. I am just assuming that since the First Spouse coins are not yet pulled – and since there has not been any type of notification of the mint’s intent to pule them, that they are going to be available for sale. I have been wrong many times in the past, I surely hope I am wrong on this, but my gut tells me that they will remain for sale…

  7. Brad says

    TMMSR,

    Yeah, it’s a crock for sure. After all these years of pulling them after “approximately one year”, the Mint is going to allow the First Spouse coins to become one of those products that languishes in the catalog for years. I definitely feel like I was duped into buying something that might have some value based on low sales numbers. Without that, I have no use for the extra unc of both Ellen and Edith Wilson that I bought! I just never saw this betrayal coming.

  8. gary says

    The U.S. Mint has and will continue to sell certain prior year products into succeeding years. Why should the First Spouse coins or the Anniversary Kennedy coins be any different? Trashing inventory simply because the calendar flips from December to January would be a very lame reason.

  9. cagcrisp says

    @TMMSR, No problem. I am Assuming the same thing you are…

    A Little more transparency/guidance forthcoming from the Mint would be a good New Years Resolution for 2015…

  10. JBK says

    Thx for and to the MNB. It has been a very valuable resource. I have gotten in on some great opportunities that I would have missed otherwise.

  11. CasualCollector says

    Regarding the HSN Guy and the Sac C&C product. Anyone notice the Dollar bill pictured has a serial number oustide the 50,000 range? I’m not even sure if the coin is an actual EU coin…

    The guy seems to speak “half truths” all the time. Or he makes comments that are “technically” true, but can easily be misinterpreted…

    Happy New Year everyone!

  12. JBK says

    And if the last few JFK clads go back on sale I hope someone will post it ASAP…… I only got two sets and I expect to regret that fairly soon….

  13. merryxmasmrscrooge says

    Happy New Year 2015 from merryxmasmrscrooge.
    Predictions for 2015: Jackie Kennedy $650, Gold $1000/oz,
    Clad 50th Ann. Kennedys Key Date $30 apiece.
    Dow 19,000 by June. Next US recession not until 2019.

  14. gary says

    A good new year resolution for the Mint would be to never again launch a precious metal coin offering at any major coin show or convention. All that ever does is fatten the bank accounts of the big money players to the ultimate detriment of the individual collectors who eventually will enjoy, appreciate and hold the coins in esteem. My best wishes for 2015 to all of the MNB folks who shared their opinions & passions here. For me, In 2014, I learned more about what NOT to buy than what I should buy on pure speculation. A HAPPY 2015 TO ALL!

  15. Brad says

    Gary,

    Regarding the First Spouses, it’s the precedent the Mint had set. Ever since 2007 when the program began, the Mint had adhered to a policy of selling the First Spouses for “approximately one year” or until sold out, whichever occurred first. For the first few years, the coins had a pretty regular release schedule of one coin per quarter, and when a coin went on sale for the current year, the corresponding prior-year coin was pulled from sale. The first three 2007’s were first-day sellouts, but the 4th 2007 coin (Dolley Madison) was pulled from sale when the 4th coin for 2008 (Van Buren’s Liberty) went on sale. When the 1st 2009 coin (Anna Harrison) went on sale, the 1st coin for 2008 (Elizabeth Monroe) was pulled from sale. This is the way it went for the first few years.

    After the production and release delays starting in early 2011 and especially 2012, the pattern that had been established went away. However, the Mint still pulled the prior-year coins from sale by the end of the next year. That was no problem, since all of them had been offered for sale for at least one year, sometimes a little longer. That being the case, the 2013’s should be treated no differently. Since it appears that sales for them will be allowed to continue, those of us who have been faithfully buying the series and hoping that what we’re overpaying for now will be worth something later due to the low sales numbers feel betrayed. Basically the Mint is “changing the rules in the middle of the game.” We thought we could count on the established sales and availability pattern for these to remain the same.

  16. fmtransmitter says

    maddogdday says
    DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT 11:28 AM

    @fmtransmitter-

    Received both of my FDR C and C sets this morning and they are both really nice. Silver medals are lustrous and could only find one small tick on one coin slightly hidden in FDR’s coat, so I have to say I am happy with my sets. I hope they send you some good ones back when you return them.
    Thanks, going to return for replacement…

  17. JBK says

    Speaking of the JFK clad set, I finally opened the biox I got a couple months ago. It seems the folder is sealed with a small plastic seal/tape. Are people cutting that, or does it peel off neatly?

  18. fmtransmitter says

    CasualCollector says
    DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT 12:36 PM

    Regarding the HSN Guy and the Sac C&C product. Anyone notice the Dollar bill pictured has a serial number oustide the 50,000 range? I’m not even sure if the coin is an actual EU coin…
    Didn’t look EU to me…

  19. fmtransmitter says

    JBK says
    DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT 1:07 PM

    Speaking of the JFK clad set, I finally opened the biox I got a couple months ago. It seems the folder is sealed with a small plastic seal/tape. Are people cutting that, or does it peel off neatly?

    This was mentioned awhile back. There is way to open them. I think from the back or something..

  20. fmtransmitter says

    HE was like “Look, look right here, it says it on the packaging, ENHANCED…I smell snake oil with this coin…We shall see…Still no one has answered why NGC needed the con in the packaging. They NEVER ask for the packaging.

  21. CasualCollector says

    @JBK
    Just turn the folder upside down — the insert with the coins will slide out…

    When putting it back in, just make sure the piece of foam is positioned to slide the insert back in…

  22. CasualCollector says

    Something I wish the Mint would do is somehow put a tamper-proof seal on the OGP so that it’s easy to tell whether the OGP has been opened or not (like official US Mint cellophane around the OGP or something like that).

    So if someone wanted to order 10 of a specific coin or set, they can open one of the boxes/sets, and still easily sell the other 9 as “Sealed OGP” — this could bring a premium on the secondary market as the buyer doesn’t have to worry about getting sloppy seconds after the seller cherry picks the 70’s…

  23. Dustyroads says

    Brad, Just as the Mint likes to keep the “S” clad quarters around for a short while a few late comers can still decide to buy, it will probably be the same for the FS coins. At least wait until you see what their plans are…. besides, they can still be gone after tomorrow.

    My bets on them being gone very soon.

  24. JBK says

    Thx for the tip on the JFK clads. I almost ripped the thing open not knowing it was sealed. nasty trick they played…..

  25. Dustyroads says

    NC-Stacker, Is this the error you have in mind~

    Professional Coin Grading Service is grading the coins with a Mint State (designated as “MS”) designation and noting on the grading label the orientation of the edge device in relation to the obverse design. Position A reflects edge lettering that is right side up; Position B, edge lettering upside down

    http://www.coinworld.com/insights/enhanced-uncirculated-native-american-dollars-in-demand.all.html#

  26. Eagle One says

    I think the 50th Anniversary Kennedy sets have been great. The only problem with the series has been the over production of the K13 Silver Sets. The Mint should cut them off at 200,000.

  27. Rob says

    Casual Collector,

    That would be a brilliant idea for the mint to incorporate a tamper proof seal on each coin/set. It would only be eligible for return if it was still sealed too? I bet many people would not like that idea, but I for one do like it.

    I say that they should also label each seal with the ones that are truly 1st strike and distribute them randomly to resolve all question.

    Maybe even serial number each set individually . . .

  28. Samuel says

    The article is very interesting, it basically teaches you how to flip a coin:
    SP 70 3 $750
    SP69 85 $80
    SP 68 12 $40
    OGP 100 $35
    Total value=$13030, based on current eBay sold price.
    NGC grading fee: 100*15=$1500.
    purchase cost 200*13.95=$2790
    eBay fee (10%)=$1078, excluding the three SP70.

    Profit=13030-1500-2790-1078=$7662.

  29. gary says

    @Brad… I do understand your take on the prolonged offering of the First Spouse gold coins. If I had collected them from the start as you did I would feel betrayed by the Mint as well. I think the Mint is trying to mitigate what has become for them a very costly series to produce for very few faithful followers. Were the Mint not mandated by Congress to produce these, given the circumstances of their low popularity the Mint would most likely have discontinued the series long ago. Even with prolonged sales, you are still assured that in general the series will conclude with an assurance that it will become the lowest mintage series the Mint ever produced.

  30. Ends in Error says

    As I’ve stated a few times previously, IMHO the Jacky Kennedy FS Coin will pull in members of the nonnumismatic public. They will then discover the remaining 2013 and 2014 FS issues that the US Mint has so graciously kept in inventory just for this sudden buying frenzy. What is the number the mint has struck up? Do I remember 15,000 as the limit on these? My memory is nonexistant on these. Offhand I’d guess there are at least 10,000 that were produced. If so then there are a bunch still in the warehouse. Would explain why there has been no end of sales.

  31. NC_Stacker says

    Thanks Dustyroads.

    Then it is not truly an error per say. But to make the uneducated feel that it is falls under false advertising.

    Also does anyone know if someone makes an airtite tubes for unopened dollar rolls?

  32. stephen m says

    Thank you Michael for the informative blog. Happy New Year to you and everyone here. 2015 is going to be a great year.

  33. CasualCollector says

    Regarding the orientation of the lettering on the side ofthe Sac C&C Set. I just checked the one box of 5 sets I opened. If I have the sides right (correct me if I am wrong).

    Heads = Side with LIBERTY across the top. So coin is “Heads Up”, then lettering on the side readable would be “Position-A”

    Tails = Side with Man offering Pipe and his wife with Fish and Corn. So “Tails Up”, the lettering on side is readable, that is “Position-B”

    Of the 5 sets I have, 2 are Position-A, and 3 are Position-B

    If it runs about even, then there’s really no scarcity here (either way).

    One interesting note: Wiki on the Sacagawea coin describes it like this
    “These coins have a copper core clad by manganese brass, giving them a distinctive golden color.”
    so I guess the HSN Guy is accurate calling them “Golden”

  34. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Dusty – thanks for posting the link, quite informative.

    Also indicative of the nepotism that prevails within this hobby/industry (and especially prevalent in down in Florida) – “The three sets were sold privately by American Rare Coin Galleries in Tampa, Fla., to American Auction Network in St. Petersburg…, Besides the three Specimen 70 coins, 12 of the coins were graded Specimen 68, and the remainder graded Specimen 69.”

    – Really.., three 70’s out of 100, AND 85% graded 69 – BULL$&!+!
    And let me guess, MCM that’s across the street and has a relative on the board of NGC, wonder what there 69/70 count-to-date it?

    I’m not upset, I really don’t care anymore, I just think it’s ironic that I went through 20 sets and found 4 that looked good and received 2-69, & 2-68. And GF whose probably as good as anyone to assessing these things, and others, commented how rough some of them looked.
    Guess I need to reset my expectations until I become a big dealer and move to FL or CA! 🙂

    Happy New Year All! May the coming year be healthy, prosperous, and intellectually rewarding for us all!

  35. Ikaika says

    Stopping by to wish you all a Happy New Year!!!! I enjoyed the discussions this year. Thank you Michael for all your hard work to keep us collectors informed. Also a big thanks to Louis for his excellent articles.

  36. CasualCollector says

    What is driving the price up on the Sac C&C Set today on eBay? It’s been slowly creeping up and up. Is it a short-term frenzy over this “Position-A” vs. “Position-B” side-lettering variety? Or is there something else driving the price up?

  37. I started collecting yesterday says

    I’m really happy I found this blog. Thank you. I’m also happy I purchased, from the Mint, multiple Kennedy clad and silver sets. I really enjoyed this review of the 50th anniversary Kennedy products. I wish my parents were alive to experience it. Thanks again. See you in 2015. My prediction is a gold dime in 2015.

  38. Dante says

    Happy New Year to all.

    My resolution is to hope we get a 2014 LESPS before 2016.

    With extra Kennedy proofs (hint, hint).

  39. Ralph says

    Here it is new Year’s Eve and my girlfriend is home sick so I’m sitting here playing with my coins again! Got the Three Stooges on tv.
    I’d like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!
    Thank you to the MNB. I really enjoy reading all the comments posted here. I have learned so much. Thank you to all the posters.
    Speaking of Mike on HSN, years ago he was paired with a guy named Robert Chambers. This was 12 to 14 years ago when I was just getting started in this hobby. The guy was a wealth of information. Being forced to keep talking on live tv, he taught me a lot about a lot of things. Luckily, I didn’t but too much from them!

  40. thePhelps says

    Hope everyone has a safe and Happy New Years! I plan on doing what I usually do… stay inside off the streets and find something entertaining on TV. Hmmm…maybe I’ll watch HSN.. (NOT!)

  41. Ends in Error says

    I was hearing these Radio ads before Christmas touting a Star Registry as a gift for someone. Pay so much and you name a Star after someone. Wow such BS !
    The way I see it these MS70, PF70, and SP70 Coins are the same type of BS pie in the sky crap waste of money. Maybe I’ll start claiming all my bills that end in “7” are worth double face value. Think any cashiers will go for it? Oh well it’s worth a try. Might be a couple suckers out there.

    Happy New Year to everyone. Hoping to see gas below $1.50 this year. It’s as low as $1.69 in the Detroit metro area.

  42. Tinto says

    @CasualCollector @Rob

    Yeah, I like that idea of the Mint making it harder for people to order a large quantity and cherry pick the best and returning the rejects back to the Mint which will sell it back to an unsuspecting collector. I hate the idea of getting someone’s reject ..

    For example who can say how many of the JFK silver sets were ordered in bulk, then opened, and the best coins in each set taken out and assembled into “keeper” sets and the rest returned …. and the Mint right now has no way of knowing whether those coins in the rejected sets were cherry picked or the entire original package/set was returned as shipped.

  43. jeff says

    I would totally agree the mint needs a policy on returns. I can’t see though how they can do it. As is now returns are refunded this does not stop the cherry picked coins they just return for refund then turn around and buy another batch. I think the only way is to have house hold limits for the first week of issue then open up to unlimited.

    Happy New Year. I as well have learned so much from all the posters on this thread, I know I’ve been obnoxious time to time but I really have learned a lot and I say thanks to all the contributors.

  44. A Bob says

    I’m happy that it appears there will be more silver medals in 2015. Maybe 4 presidential and a high relief.
    That coin show is on now PST. It makes good background noise.

  45. Eagle One says

    I’m having a great New Year’s Eve at home this year reading the MNB, bidding on 2014-D Enhanced Sac $1s on eBay, and drinking Coronas with an ice cold jumbo shrimp cocktail. Cheers ya’ll.

  46. GoldFishin says

    @thePhelps, et al- Happy New Year’s to everyone here and also to those lurking but never posting! My family just watched a download of “Million Dollar Arm” and it was very entertaining and I would recommend it! You folks are terrific and I wish you all the best in the New Year!! Here’s to health and happiness!! 😉

  47. jhawk92 says

    @Dustyroads/NC_Stacker-I have the CoinSafe tubes for quarters and use them for the rolled quarters from the Mint. They do fit in the tubes, but the lids don’t always close back 100%, as the roll ends add enough length to not seal/snap back closed. However, they are the closest tubes out there for rolled coins. I would think the other denominations are similar.

  48. NC_Stacker says

    Dustyroads and Jhawk92
    Thanks for the link and for the reviews. I am looking for a see thru as I hvae a roll of Godless Washington dollars in the sealed mint roll.

    Hope everyone has a great New Years for 2015 and get all the coins they want from the mint this year.

    Silver by end of 2015 ….. 10 to 12 bucks an oz
    Gold to 800 to 900

  49. Mister Kairu says

    Happy new years everyone! Hope 2015 will be as exciting and everyone can add to their collections!

  50. jeff says

    Who would of thought two of the best releases in 2014 ( Kennedy & Sac’s) where clad and not silver or gold . Just goes to show its not the high dollar coins that make a difference. I’m staying with the cheap theme in 2015.

  51. Eagle One says

    A special year end personal thank you to Michael Zielinski for his literary expertise and professional commitment to this incredible public forum that has been highly informative and wonderfully interactive for many. I’m sure hundreds of people would agree. Thank you for your efforts Michael – you’re a rock star.

    Happy New Year!

  52. Bob R says

    Happy new year everyone, it’s already started out great, we are all still alive and made it again.

    Maybe we should have a contest for best prediction of PM. Gold and then also silver prices at closing Dec 31, 2015.

  53. gbotz says

    Happy New Year!!
    I was watching AANTV last night and heard them announce that
    there is going to be a Reverse Proof Set this year. ANNTV said
    they got this info from the Mint.
    Has anybody else heard anything on this set?

  54. The Real "Cool" Dave says

    Well folks — that puts another day into the books. Time to sign off now with the National Anthem and then either a long (TV) “beeeeeeeeeeeeee” sound or white noise . . . then disembodied voices talking about PM’s in that noise.

    Good Night all & Happy New Year!!

    Mr. “Cool” Dave 😉

  55. Ralph says

    Can it be? I am the first post of 2015? Maybe I’m the only one up now because I went to bed at 9:30 last night! Saw the C&C Set’s continue to climb overnight. Seems to be less listings. Any guess how high these’s set’s will go? One seller sold one for $51.75 BIN. Seems that same seller was the only one selling yesterday even though there were listings for less. I’ll bet the guy who dumped a bunch at $30 is second guessing himself today.

  56. Ralph says

    Oops! As I look back I see I am not the first post of the year. But I am probably the first one this morning! lol

  57. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    CasualCollector says – What is driving the price up on the Sac C&C Set today on eBay?

    In my opinion – Awareness. Awareness by those collectors that don’t live and breath this stuff daily of the Sacabuck and Awareness that she’s not coming back. If you recall, it was Samuel out here on MNB that first commented on it I believe, and then A&L that posted pics of the enhancement, AND THEN us coin hoarders out here on MNB bought it out (every time Sacabuck popped her head up). Remember the first week of December? Repeatedly it was commented here that it was available and then us hoarders bought it out, within the hour sometimes.

    So I think short answer is that awareness of the coin has gotten out, why else would anyone pay $30+ for a clad Sacabuck at this point 5 weeks after the release? I took my proceeds and subscribed to Coin Hoarders Anonymous, like MANY of you all should, & I only bought 20. 🙂

    Where could it go from here? I sold 12 in the $32-$34 range, and pulled my last 2 auctions it sit it out and watch. I recommend everyone cease their auctions and see if a floor can be established at $40. Remember, it’s supposed to be a buyers market the week of Christmas & NY though Sacabucks & S BHoFs have gone up from my experience.

  58. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Not sure if anyone noticed though the price of the not-so-available APE went up yesterday, not sure what’s holding up that SO flag.

    @ I started collecting yesterday – Gold Merc in ’16

    GF – good to see you back, & that you survived good ole family turkey dinner, lip smacking good, eh? I threw in the towel 50c DMPL, no way I going to pay $400, & they’ve only gone up from there. That’s one of the great things about this hobby that I love, EVERY release is different and has a new twist at some point during the release cycle. It keeps you on your toes.

    Jagfan – Ag was kind enough to drop to $15.68 last night for the debut of the Standing Zeek! Love it!

  59. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Oh, one more thing for the New Year – think we can plan (assume) on the mint conducting increment price adjustments if Ag remains at current levels in-step with the 2015 Product Schedule ~

    Under that assumption, the next price adjustment notices should be around:

    2/20/2015 – AtB Quarters Silver Proof Set
    3/2015 – Homestead National Monument (HNM) Puck
    3/2015 – MoD Sets

  60. Hidalgo says

    Happy New Year to Michael and all readers of this blog.

    If you can’t get enough of U.S. Mint products, then there will be a new product offering tomorrow. The American Eagle 2015 One Ounce Silver Proof Coin goes on sale.

    Get on your marks, get set, go!

  61. thePhelps says

    “gbotz says

    January 1, 2015 at 2:06 am

    Happy New Year!!
    I was watching AANTV last night and heard them announce that
    there is going to be a Reverse Proof Set this year. ANNTV said
    they got this info from the Mint.
    Has anybody else heard anything on this set?”

    There has been or was some discussion a couple of months ago. Right now this isn’t listed as an option for 2015, but it is possible the mint does something goofy and issues the set…

  62. Jsm says

    If NGC is only grading .6% of these sacagaweas as 70s, I think the prices are going to be much higher than the $750 number mentioned in the article.

  63. Ralph says

    I still have some US Mint shopping bags they were giving away free during the BHOF sales. Does anyone know if there is any demand for these? Can’t seem to find any on ebay. The boxes have come in very handy shipping out C&C orders.

  64. Ralph says

    Lowest price BIN for a C&C set is $49.50 on ebay. I am actually watching the prices increase! How high will it go?

  65. Ralph says

    Ikaika@ Is this coin something to consider buying? Sure is different. Haven’t seen it before.
    Thanks in advance.

  66. Hidalgo says

    @Ralph – prices will increase as long as demand remains high and the available supply dries up. Prices will go up as high as buyers are willing to pay for the item.

    By the way, the market value is best determined by looking at the latest “sold” prices. One can list the 2014 enhanced uncirculated dollar at a Buy it Now price for $1,000. Will it sell at that price? Probably not.

  67. thePhelps says

    @Ralph… the Zoombucks are a series of 10 Silver Rounds that Provident metals is creating. The current Starving Liberty is like the 7th in the series. Many of us have been buying these since they started the series. The early ones sell for a nice profit now.

  68. Ikaika says

    @ Ralph

    The Starving Liberty silver round is the 7th coin of 10 in the Zombucks series launched by PM. The Walker was the 1st. I started collecting these because it is one way to accumulate silver. The premium is a little bit lower than for the ASE’s (about 50 cents). Another reason is some of us here are aficionado in Zombie stuff. Many designs are really cool IMHO 😉

    It doesn’t hurt that the price of some coins has gone up in value. The Walker was sold initially for around $21, and is current selling in the secondary market for above $40. There are people in this blog that have called this series “silly “, but for us collecting them it is all good.

  69. Ikaika says

    ZOMBUCKS ALERT

    BTW, PM is also selling a custom box with capsules for every Zombuck silver and copper rounds (20 slots). Two comments:

    1) I wish they had thought of this when they launched the series. Many of us have found other ways to display the coins already.

    2) The price of $24.95 seems a little bit high. One can get a plain velvet box that fits 12 coins for about $10 (delivered) in the secondary market. I am not sure if the PM box is cardboard only. Does not provide details in the description.

  70. Larry says

    Looking back at 2014, here is a list of my favorite coins, with most favorite at the top:

    BHOF silver Proof (certainly brought the most “wows” when shown around)
    Enhanced Sacawagea (I know it’s clad, but it is a beautiful coin)
    Arches 5 OZ P puck
    Everglades 5 OZ P puck
    Kennedy 50th Anniversary 4 Piece Silver
    America the Beautiful Silver Quarter Proof Set
    Civil Rights Proof (Ok shoot me, but I just think the reverse is very cool).
    Kennedy 50th Anniversary clad set (bought this on a whim, however this one caught me by surprise, I didn’t think a clad half could look so good)

    Not on my list, but OK coins – the other BHOF’s, Gold Kennedy (this one just didn’t do it for me), the other 5 OZ P pucks (OK, but not as good as the ones above). Nothing else last year really appealed to me.

    Comments? Make your own list!

  71. VA Bob says

    gbotz – Yes there has been talk of a reverse proof set for this year. IMO it will be the ruin of the whole RP finish (as in it will no longer be special) particularly if it becomes an annual offering. Annual proof sets are not selling like they use to. Throw another option on top and while it might be popular the first year or two, it will only cause people on a tight budget to pick and chose, or get fed up and stop entirely. With few exceptions, usually a specific coin(s) in a set, annual non-PM proof/mint sets do poorly post 1964. The US Mint is slowly turning into it’s foreign counterparts. It’s the folks that make the quick buck on the secondary market that are driving this train now.

  72. Ralph says

    Hidalgo, thePhelps &Ikaika
    You guy are the best! Thank you for taking the time to answer.
    I am going to make a purchase.
    I see there’s a “Feast Dollar” that ends today. Is that one of the 10 coins in the set?

  73. VA Bob says

    Larry then this years pucks are going (for the most part) to be a big let down for you this year. Some of these will have us reminiscing the “beauty” of the Hot Springs ATB.

  74. Alex in MA says

    I am new to coin collecting, started maybe one year ago. Found this blog by accident. After reading blog I understood that I spent too much money on coins (education tuition).
    I have question: why 2006 and 2007 Buffalo gold proofs cost much less than Buffalo now? It is the same 1oz of gold.

  75. Ikaika says

    @Ralph

    Yes, it is the 6th coin and last chance to get the Feast Dollar. Price is actually below release price since silver was higher back then. I paid $20.06 back in October. I think the Feast Dollar is one of the best designs along with the Walker.

  76. Larry says

    So now that’s it’s 2015, shouldn’t the mint remove the LESPS from the 2014 schedule and add it to the 2015?

  77. VA Bob says

    I never got into the Zombucks, mainly because, while the obverses are pretty cool, they didn’t give the reverse the same treatment. It’s not silly to collect any type of off beat PM as long as you realize it’s a niche, and peoples tastes change. What I do find silly is the people paying $40 dollars for the rounds now. Ask yourself if you would pay $40 dollars for any other silver round while spot is sub $15. IMO it is no different than any other art round or bar, if you like it and get in on the ground floor, it’s all good. If you get a lot of them to sell for a profit, that’s good too, as their seems to be no shortage of people with more money, and less B R A I N S (zombie humor there). But , even the zombie craze will end someday. In summary, nice set for the initial buyer and/or those cashing in on the zombie craze. Vampires are so last season. 😉

  78. Ikaika says

    @ VA Bob

    “What I do find silly is the people paying $40 dollars for the rounds now.”

    This is no different than people paying over $200 for the 2014 First Spouse Bronze series in the secondary market now or almost $50 for the C&C set or $100 for a graded Civil Rights Uncirculated coin. Some of these were available for awhile and many did not care or like them until a report on the mintage or related came out. The C&C set is an exception.

    Many of us buy what we like regardless of the future value. If it goes up, even better.

  79. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Since we’re on the topic, I’ve wanted to ask a few of you your thoughts on how the series will end for #8-#10? Thoughts on the final 3?

    I’d like to see ~
    #8 – Flowing Hair Liberty
    #9 – Mercanti’s Heraldic Eagle
    #10 – St. Gaudens

  80. Louis says

    anyone here remember the 2003 legacies of freedom set with an ASE from 2003 and a Britannia from 2002 that was sold in 2004? I was taking some time off coins then and don’t understand why they issued this other than to sell eagles. I know people liked the packaging, but what was the hook? anglo-american comity after 9/11?

  81. Ralph says

    Ikaika & Keep Calm & Stack On, thanks!
    I am sold. These are right up my alley. They are very cool! 🙂
    I now consider myself a “Zombucker”. Or, as we say up here in New England, “Zombuckah”!

  82. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Ikaika – I thought the same about the display case, though it comes with 20 39mm airtites and they retail at 50 cents, so that’s how I could justify the purchase of the case along my tube this morning. I’m hoping that they run it along with the free shipping selection as I would like another for the proofs. I’ve always scoffed at buying the proofs though with this being a one time gig and seeing how I’ll spending a lot less with the mint this year, I figure why not. Besides, it’ll be a break even collection when silver hits $50/ounce again. It’s hard to believe they’ve continued to sale 39,000-48,000 rounds on each design!

  83. The Real "Cool" Dave says

    Hey all – you guys posting today are cracking me up – LOL!

    IS anyone still waiting on orders of the C & C (Sac) sets from the Mint? I still am – my third and final order:

    USM0277XXXX $279.00 12/5/2014 This order contains 1 item. PROCESSING

  84. Ikaika says

    @Keep Calm & Stack On

    The Zombucks silver proofs are just too pricey. As I mentioned, I buy for their silver content and for their looks, LOL.

    Why buy 1 proof if you can get almost 3 of the bullion version?

  85. The Real "Cool" Dave says

    Hey all – you guys posting today are cracking me up – LOL!

    IS anyone still waiting on orders of the C & C (Sac) sets from the Mint? I still am – my third and final order:

    USM0277XXXX $279.00 12/5/2014 This order contains 1 item. PROCESSING

  86. The Real "Cool" Dave says

    Might change my handle/name to, Mr. “Cool” Dave — I dunno? wha’d You think?

  87. VA Bob says

    Ikaika – “Many of us buy what we like regardless of the future value. If it goes up, even better.”

    Sounds like we are complete agreement. Thank goodness for people that will pay more for something when items are sold on the secondary market. As I have never sold a single coin, medal, or token I have yet to take advantage of that. Of course, I’m more interested in what a coin, or bullion round will be worth years from now, not during the immediate feeding frenzy hype of a relatively new product.

  88. VA Bob says

    Louis – I believe the Legacies of Freedom set you mention was an attempt by the Mint(s) to cross sales. It didn’t work, although we would have got the better half of the deal as the Britannia obverse changes design yearly. Of course we would get the Queen every year then too. The ASE was an UNC. I picked up two of these sets at time, one for my youngest son who is British, and one for me. It’s a pity in a way, it is a nice set.

  89. says

    Larry,
    I pretty much agree with your list of 2014 favorites. Here would be my top four:
    1). HOF silver proof
    2). Arches 5 oz.
    3). Everglades 5 oz
    4). Kennedy 4pc. Silver Set

    The major criterion that influenced my selections is how well the coins display. The enhanced Sac, while a nice looking coin, does not display as well as the aforementioned coins on my list because of its smaller size. Therefore, I bumped it down below the Kennedy silver set.

  90. VA Bob says

    Cool Dave – Two small orders in December 4th hell.

    USM02765XXX $32.85 12/4/2014 This order contains 1 item. BACKORDER

    USM02765XXX $32.85 12/4/2014 This order contains 1 item. BACKORDER

  91. thePhelps says

    Louis… wasn’t that set in conjunction with the conversion to the Euro? I seem to recall there being some type of tie-in like that.

  92. NC_Stacker says

    @The Real “Cool” Dave
    I have received my last order from the Mint that was placed on 12/4 in the late afternoon.

  93. thePhelps says

    I placed an order for 1 C&C on the 14th of December on a whim…I doubt I get it – but it is still active and simply shows backordered.

  94. VA Bob says

    thePhelps – The UK kept the British Pound and Europe adapted the Euro a few years earlier. I believe it had more to do with commonality and goodwill between our two nations. A bit more distant these days IMO.

  95. thePhelps says

    Tinto – it is listed…but…
    This product will be available for sale on January 2, 2015, at 12 noon

  96. NC_Stacker says

    To all the Sacagawea collectors out there, please school me on this on the first day of the new year.

    As I am looking at the bay I see some slabbed coins that are 2003 thru 2009 MS68 and MS69 that are asking high prices (500+) that I don’t think these are key dates.

    Are these sellers just placing them out there with high prices hoping that someone ( sucker) will buy them unaware of there true price or are these coins worth their price?

    I know that the Cheerios, Goodacre and this years C&C are key dates but are there others?

    Thanks

  97. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    Mr. RC Cola Dave – 10 Dec C&C set still on backorder – not sure why, it should have gone through, mint CS reps couldn’t tell me either.

    NC – there’s a Sacabuck without the edge lettering and Position A/B across certain grades makes a big difference as well. A special breed of collector it takes to get into those I guess. The error with the C&C Sacabuck involves Position A & B for the edge inscription.

  98. Keep Calm & Stack On says

    VA Bob – “As I have never sold a single coin, medal, or token ” – you must have one Big Honking House Bob, where do you put all this stuff? Funny thing is, I was talking to another poster the other day and this very subject came up, where do some of you stash all all this stuff that you all buy over the years? I have a closet just full of empty boxes that needs to go somewhere, and I’m forced to sell to make room for and finance this year AtBs. Guess I need to find me a sugar momma with a bigger house! 🙂

    “I’m more interested in what a coin, or bullion round will be worth years from now, not during the immediate feeding frenzy hype of a relatively new product.” – Sadly, with the vast majority of Commemoratives and non-low mintage AG/SEs, the high water mark for OGP is during the immediate feeding frenzy – Sad, but True. The exception being of course sealed boxes hold a very nice premium and low population of graded ones but that can be a crap shoot as well. So back to your point, best to buy what you like and enjoy, view it as art ’cause moderns don’t make very good investments.

  99. Ikaika says

    @ Keep Calm & Stack On

    “I have a closet just full of empty boxes that needs to go somewhere”

    This seems to be what all of us have in common!!!! Boxes full of empty boxes, plastic tubs full of empty boxes, Boxes full of empty holders, capsules, tape and pens 🙂

  100. Hidalgo says

    The US Mint used the term “backordered” when supply was not readily available. Sometimes buyers received their ordered products, and sometimes not. I’m uncertain how the U.S. Mint uses the term “backordered” under their new ordering system.

    I hope that everyone who ordered their 2014 Coin and Currency Sets will receive them.

  101. Ends in Error says

    Initially I’m pulled into an issue by the potential for price appreciation. But since I’m also one of those that rarely sell I guess I’m really just a miser hoarder at heart. It gives me great joy to hold multiples of an item that has appreciated many times its issue price. One day I might just wake up and realize ” hey I have enough inventory to be a Coin Shop “. One day an internet store might just be my calling.

  102. Louis says

    Thanks for the feedback, guys. The euro was launched 1/1/2001 (though it was a virtual currency for a couple years before that), so it would be strange to issue a set 3 years later connected to that. I think buyers did okay because the 2002 Britannia is the 2nd lowest mintage.

    For what it is worth the US and UK governments are and will likely remain very close even with tension from time to time. OK, back to coins…

    happy 2015 to all

  103. stephen m says

    Well, It must be all the young folks on here that have a storage problem for OGP, coins etc. Once the kids leave you turn a bedroom into a military style arms room or safe room. Still not enough room? Sell something. Oh and try not to let the kids move back in unless absolutely necessary of course.

  104. says

    Stephen m,
    It might seem like a good idea in regard to turning the former kid’s bedroom into a sort of coin vault for the hoard of enhanced Sacs and other modern issues. But what about a few years down the road when the grandkids come over to visit? You might have to set up a tent in the backyard to accommodate them.

  105. Ikaika says

    @ Stephen m and Hawkster

    There are those cases where the Mrs. does not allow storage beyond the closet regardless of big house, little house, kids, no kids. Just saying, lol 🙂

  106. achmed says

    for Louis:
    The Euro coins came into circulation on the 1st of January in 2002. Not in 2001. Some countries of the eurozone had their first coins with the year 2002 on it: Germany, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Ireland, Greece and Portugal. Others have coins with earlier years, but all coins came into circulation the 1st of January 2002.

  107. VA Bob says

    KCSO – I have a four bedroom home and it’s just me an the wife. I do have coins scattered in 5 separate rooms. The gold and some of the more expensive/rare coins go in the safe or other secure storage, others come out of the shipping box and are carefully packed in boxes. No sugar mama, but I do have a very understanding wife.

    As far as OGP being the high watermark shortly after release, I’m banking on most people thinking that way. You can tell some folks never seen old (and not so old) toys and other merchandise being sold. Not near the price without the original packaging. My brother and I had those Rock em Sock em Robots back in the sixties. Of course my mother threw it out at some point. it wasn’t too long ago I saw it going for $500 w/box, not so much without. People like their antiques as original as possible, and the market shows that. But, I do encourage others to take their coins out. 🙂 I enjoyed seeing the link the other day with the 100 Sac CC dollars with the coin flap cut off. Those OGP are going to be destroyed in great numbers. I can wait, I’m in for the long haul. As You say, I buy what I like, small quantities, and assume it will all be worth nothing when I do, and hope I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

  108. VA Bob says

    achmed – I’m inclined to agree. I recall being in Spain in 2001, still using Pesetas (or as we called them “potatoes”) and seeing the signs describing the coming Euros. Talk about a massive annual set, if one were to collect all the member nations designs.

    One of the nicest, yet modest, sets I have is the last annual USSR proof set (in OGP of course) from 1992. Wonder if they thought it would be their last at the time?

  109. Ralph says

    I just noticed on the Mint’s website that you can sign up for the enrollment of the Silver Eagle Proof’s and it says the first coin you will receive is the 2015! The old website cut off the subscription to that years coins at least a week before it’s release. I am going to order them tomorrow. Should I take a chance and sign up for the enrollment and hope I do get the 2015’s? I’m not expecting a mad rush at noon tomorrow, so I’ll probably wait.

  110. thePhelps says

    Ralph… based on the Denver mint’s history of MS70 coins – it isn’t all that unexpected to see high dollars for MS70 coins. Last year the Generals half dollar coin was selling for over 2k…

  111. MarkInFlorida says

    Louis, I remember it was 1/1/2002 when the Euro replaced the old currencies, because on that date I met my wife, when she arrived from Germany to work at my company. We talked about the currency change, and I told her that she no longer had a DeutschMark, but now she had a FloridaMark. And now we have a little Mark!

  112. The Real "Cool" Dave says

    Well folks — that puts another day into the books. Time to sign off now with the National Anthem and then either a long (TV) “beeeeeeeeeeeeee” sound or white noise . . . then disembodied voices talking about PM’s in that noise.

    Good Night all !

    Mr. “Cool” Dave 😉

  113. jeff says

    I Keep Raising My BIN Prices For The NA C&C Set They Keep Knocking Them Down. Guess I’m Going To Give My I Don’t Want to Sell Prices. LOL

  114. CasualCollector says

    Regarding Sac C&C Edge Lettering — what are thoughts on whether one will have a higher premium over the other? I noticed on eBay someone selling a PCGS MS69 Position-B for a pretty high premium (BUY-it-NOW or Best Offer). Is it too early to call, or is the general consensus that the Position-B will have the premium?

  115. VA Bob says

    CC – My “position” on one edge lettering selling over another…. There’s one born every minute. Position A or B is determined how the coins are dumped into the edge lettering hopper, heads or tails. I guess some need to find something “special” to hype their coin more. Hey, if it works, their are plenty of suckers that will buy it.

  116. Hidalgo says

    @ Ralph – subscriptions are convenient. However, if you believe that the product you plan to purchase will be on sale for several months, then by all means, buy the product without a subscription. That way, you can combine shipping with other items and save a few dollars.

  117. whatajoke says

    Happy New TAX Year.
    The best coins of the year?
    1 – JFK GOLD
    2 – 2014 P Great Smoky Mt
    3 – Baseball Silver proof
    4 – JFK silver
    5 – 2014 P Arches

  118. fmtransmitter says

    I hate asking this here as I have read it several times but can anyone be so kind as to the procedure for a refund on returned shipping charges? Also, the form states you can ask for replacement so I checked that but if I remember the Mint no longer does replacements and hasn’t updated there packing slips to reflect such so do I need to call and place a new order? How long does it take to get your refund and your returned shipping charges back? Thank you in advance!

  119. CasualCollector says

    @fmtransmitter
    Go to your Order History and click the order you want for the return
    Click Return Items From This Order
    Fill out the info, and hit Submit Return Request

    They will send you an email that will also contain a Return Label that you can use to ship the items back

    NOTE: when I returned a couple of Kennedy Silver Sets, the shipping label was UPS — so I printed the label and stuck in on a box and took to UPS Store for acceptance. They received the package about 4 days later, and I was credited ia couple of days after that. They did not replace the sets even though I filled out the form and included it in the return package. It turned out ok as I never did re-order 2 sets (instead I was able to get a graded 70 set for less than what I would have paid to get the coins graded myself)

  120. cagcrisp says

    @GoldFishin, Your Call on the Gold Kennedy mid point of 69,859 was about as close as you could get. Hats off to that call.

    Shame that the Mint has continued to offer these in 2015…

  121. GoldFishin says

    @cagcrisp- the gold per oz/ oil per bbl ratio is now at 27.25 at current prices. Quite a remarkable imbalance…even if gold fell to $1000, oil would still be a buy. I am going to start on my pure play now…1/3 at a time and then add if necessary. Still have my big yield integrated, but got taken out of the other one. How is the bond short going? Good luck!

    My top ten 2014 coins….not in order of preference. (couldn’t keep it to five)
    1- $5 Gold HOF PF
    2- Arches DMPL Bullion 5 ozer
    3- Great Smoky P 5 ozer
    4- JFK Gold
    5- Everglades P 5 ozer
    6- $1 Silver HOF PF
    7- Sacabucks
    8- JFK Silver RP
    9-JFK Silver EH DPL
    10- $5 Gold HOF unc.

    Blind squirrel=Nut eventually found 😉 Thanks…

  122. vk says

    Hello GF…Thanks for your info on the gold/oil ratio. What’s the best way to get into oil? ETF OIL?

    thanks in advance.

  123. GoldFishin says

    @vk – I am playing the low oil with some of the large integrateds that are yielding over 4%. I don’t like naming names in this forum, but you can look up one that is yielding over 6% and has had some liability issues(think oil spill). Even if they were to cut the dividend it is still a stock I like in long run. Technically I am still watching the integrateds as they are attempting to build a base, but it is still early on them. And yes, you answered your own question on the other ETF, I bought some this morning 12.26. Keep in mind these are very long term plays for me, multiyear, I actually am planning on building a position down to as low as $35 oil. I don’t think that will happen, but $40 something is doable. I expect to hold these positions until oil reaches $85 again, which is where I think it will return. By the way, I had a typo on the ratio, I meant to put 23.25, anything near or above 24 is screaming “buy me”. Remember gold could fall and reduce the ratio, so I calculate that into my equation. Patience is a virtue in my opinion. Good luck!

    Also, the oil etf you mentioned has some intrinsic risk that is a little complicated to explain, but because it is based on futures contracts, there are risks that are involved. I wouldn’t put more into it than you feel comfortable with.

  124. vk says

    Thanks GF for your info. Neat clue on oil spill. I might get into OIL if the crude drops below 45. I am also long. Let see. thanks again!

  125. Joe says

    Now that the Kennedy coins have been out for 50 years my interest has really dropped in obtaining any more. It will be interesting to see if sales of mint or proof sets are affected.

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