The CCAC unanimously rejects the reverse designs submitted for the 2018 American Innovation $1 coin

Photo by Agnosticpreacherskid.

Today’s public meeting of the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) centered on the design of a dollar coin proposed to be the first minted under the American Innovation $1 Coin Act. The program’s coins are scheduled to share a common Statue of Liberty design on the obverse. The CCAC focused more on which of the eight designs submitted for the reverse was to be recommended to the secretary of the Treasury. Round dissatisfaction with the portfolio prompted a motion to not recommend any of the reverse designs to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. The motion passed unanimously, 10-0, and various committee members voiced their dissatisfaction with the reverse designs, the proposed obverse design, and the program in general.

Member Dennis Tucker, the committee’s numismatic specialist, pointed out that the legend on the reverse of the 2018 coin designs, mandated by legislation, may be misleading, since the name of the program is “American Innovation” and not “American Innovators,” the latter of which is to be inscribed on the coin. He contends that this narrowing of focus may limit designs to specific people who are innovators and not larger ideas or themes about American innovation that can be expressed on coinage. “Making the coin’s legend consistent with the language of the legislation is Copywriting 101,” said Tucker, who serves as publisher for Whitman Publishing, LLC, which releases the annual Guide Book of United States Coins. “Innovations aren’t necessarily physical. If a state or territory innovated in a non-physical way—for example, it was the first state to allow women to vote; or it innovated in religious freedom—then innovators isn’t the right word.” He pointed out that innovation isn’t limited to inventions or patents, but could be philosophical, cultural, artistic, linguistic, social, creative, or otherwise intangible, and not necessarily requiring a single person as innovator.


Donald Scarinci, the senior member of the committee, voiced his disappointment toward the portfolio, saying that it was “not just a failure to the hobby community, but a failure to the greatest country on Earth.” Scarinci also drew a comparison between American coin designs and foreign coin designs, noting that the former tends to be outdone by the latter. In a bold move, he called for a collector boycott of the program.

Member Heidi Wastweet echoed Scarinci’s concerns regarding the quality of the submissions and additionally was the first to remark that the legislation allows the Treasury Secretary to not issue a “kickoff” coin for the series in 2018. CCAC members noted that this could give artists additional time to prepare designs more suited to the program’s vision of American innovation, though this added time was not included as part of the proposed motion. Another theme hovering over the meeting was the problem of repetition in new American coin designs, with some offenses including the overuse of the inkwell and quill pen and a lack of creative initiative being taken when incorporating George Washington’s signature.

The obverse of the coin is scheduled to include a reworking of Donald Everhart’s Statue of Liberty design that was featured on the reverse of the Presidential $1 coin. Committee member Michael Moran voiced dismay that there were no choices for the program’s obverse design, which will be identical for every coin. The committee strongly praised Everhart’s work, but bemoaned the lack of new design creativity (ironic in a program celebrating American innovation). As a result, it is unclear to me if the obverse design will face recommended changes in subsequent discussions.

So far, the American Innovation $1 Coin Act has been met apprehensively by the hobby community at large, and it appears that the anxiety generated by another multi-year-long numismatic coin program is not entirely unjustified. Aside from the results of today’s CCAC meeting, numismatic journalist Louis Golino wrote an excellent piece regarding the American Innovation $1 Coin Program that outlines the public’s concerns about coin programs that last a number of years. He also draws attention to the tendency of dollar coins to be “hoarded or ignored” by collectors. Thankfully for the hobby community, what I gathered from listening in to this meeting that the CCAC is on our side.  The emphasis was constantly placed on how the hobby community will receive these new coins and it was clear to me that members of the CCAC were well aware of the concerns being raised by the public.

The following are the design submissions for the reverse of the coin that were reviewed by the CCAC:

Hover to zoom.

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Comments

  1. Matt anderson says

    Instead of commemorating the first patent what if the first coin in the series is for our decimal coin system innovation that was used instead of the confusing old English system where 12 pennies equals a shilling and 20 shillings equals a pound.

  2. KEITHSTER says

    What ever happened to the new Liberty program with all the new and great Liberty’s ? Now would not that be innovative to put a new one on each of the coins and at the end of the program pick out the good one? At no cost to the taxpayer why not? Thanks for the redo on the rear now go tell them to lLiberty up the front.Or are we not innovative enough and stuck with yuk? Good Luck To Us Or Not “>”>”>”>”>”>?”
    ?>

  3. earthling says

    Looks like somebody in DC has Cents enough to reject bad dasigns. Good show. Now maybe we can move forward to a better future in the Hobby.

  4. Daveinswfl says

    Keithster,
    Spot on, good man! 15 Liberties, 15 years, even could do 15 different ethnic Liberties.

    But you have a marvelous idea, dude. Sure hope some decision makers are reading this blog!

    Maybe, just maybe, we can make American coinage great again……or at least innovative, or desired, or collectible!

  5. Louis says

    @Keithster and Daveswfl- About five years ago the CCAC proposed a series of circulating Liberty coins that would have also been issued in silver for collectors but the Congress showed no interest in it. However, the existing gold HR and silver medal Liberty series should continue biannually, meaning the next one would be in 2019.

  6. just another dave in pa says

    Medals are the new coins.

    Liberty is the new Barbie.

    I’ll be getting a Big Mac tomorrow because I’m an idiot.

  7. So Krates says

    What will Ronald do with all the bags of MacCoins that are redeemed for the “free” BigMac? Beware the Hamburglar

  8. earthling says

      ”

    1798 Capped Bust Right Gold Half Eagle BD-6 Small 8, 13 Stars Reverse PCGS AU-58 (D. Brent Pogue Collection)

    From the  Sedona Collection Part IV.

    Here’s an interesting item I found on Great Collections. Current bid , $10,500

    25d, 12h, 20m, 53s
    (Sun, Aug 26, 2018 06:03:20 PM Pacific Time)

    The Pouge Collection just sold relatively recently didn’t it ? Like maybe a year ago ? Why is it being resold so soon? I’d guess an old Guy bought it and he’s gone on to his better place? Sad. But it is a better place.

  9. Hidalgo says

    I thank the CCAC for rejecting the above designs. I am wondering what criteria were used to limit what is probably a large number of submissions to just these few.

    According to the article above, “innovation isn’t limited to inventions or patents, but could be philosophical, cultural, artistic, linguistic, social, creative, or otherwise intangible, and not necessarily requiring a single person as innovator.”

    We should all remain positive. Let’s hope that the CCAC will approve of some really great designs that will make the public want to say, I want to buy that coin! The possibilities are endless if we open our minds. Some themes could include: space exploration, science fiction movies, landscape photography, architectural wonders, etc.

  10. cagcrisp says

    The CCAC action was much ado about Nothing. Not going to change anything. There will be a $1 American Innovation series and Most probably there will be a $1 coin in 2018.

    Nothing has changed. The CCAC is Not responsible for legislation. This is the CCAC mission and purpose of the CCAC:

    “The CCAC was established in 2003 by Congress under Public Law 108-15 to advise the Secretary of the Treasury on the themes and designs of all US coins and medals. The CCAC serves as an informed, experienced and impartial resource to the Secretary of the Treasury and represents the interests of American citizens and collectors.”

    The CCAC passed a resolution 10-0 to Not recommend any of the reverse designs submitted.

    My guess is that One of the designs rejected by the CCAC 10-0, WILL be on a coin in 2018.

    Much ado about Nothing…

  11. cagcrisp says

    I don’t know Who is driving the bus on the $1 American Innovation coin but whoever it is is not going to give up. Contrary to the Majority opinion, my Guess is that the Mint (or whoever watches the revenue, net income or seigniorage for the Mint) is driving the bus.

    Someone wants a $1 coin in 2018.

    The president signed the legislation on 07/20/18 and 11 days later you have an emergency meeting of the CCAC to approve a reverse for a coin for 2018.

    I don’t see Anything that the CCAC did yesterday will slow the process in any manner.

    Their job was to make a recommendation to the Secretary of the Treasury.

    They Chose to take a Knee.

    We all know what Trump thinks about taking a Knee…

  12. says

    Cagcrisp, there is such a thing as a “pocket veto” — not literally, in this case, but the CCAC did in fact advise the secretary of the Treasury regarding these coins. We might not have said, “We recommend Design #53A,” but we did give our advice.

  13. Hidalgo says

    @cagcrisp

    I am fairly certain there will be a $1 introductory Innovations coin. The U.S. Mint had better pick a winner to set the right tone for the series. There is a lot of potential to generate much excitement and enthusiasm, especially among those who have never taken an interest in coin collecting. We need to keep our minds open.

    I would be asking myself – what would appeal to millennials and children? They are the future of our country.

  14. Ben There says

    It seems like all the major world mints (especially Canada) are just throwing out immense amounts of new coins in order to generate profits at the expense of the collector. There are way too many issues. Too many are poorly designed. The mintages are so high there is no hope for any return on investment. I don’t mind regular issues struck in silver or gold, but all these questionable commems are ridiculous. I do not buy anything from the Mint.

  15. KEITHSTER says

    Thanks Louis it dawned on me last night that the Liberties were to be medals. But all we are saying is why not tie it to the new dollar program or is it to late to tweek the law? Like Daveinswfl said each year a different ethnic Liberty on it just to give the French statue a little rest. And each one could also be done in silver minus the 1 dollar. And the mint will a make out by not having to change the dies much? And us cheapskates can get the cheap ones and the rest the silver medals.. And then truly an American Innovation?”> “>”>”>

  16. Louis says

    @Dennis – Do you know if this is the first time the CCAC has taken such an action?

    Also, regarding the legend on the reverse, I agree it should be “American Innovation” as that is the title of the law, but the coins can depict people and things as specified in the language, which says the reverses should depict: ”

    (I) A significant innovation.

    “(II) An innovator.

    “(III) A group of innovators.

    This is from the enacted version.

    I agree that there will almost certainly be a 2018 innovation coin. I also agree with Hidalgo that we should keep an open mind.

  17. cagcrisp says

    @Hildalgo, “I am fairly certain there will be a $1 introductory Innovations coin.”

    Nothing has changed. The legislation has been passed and signed by the president. The ONLY question is whether there will be a coin in 2018.

    IF there is a coin in 2018 it WILL have an obverse of the Statue of Liberty and IF there is a coin in 2018 the reverse WILL be a signature of George Washington.

    The ONLY question is whether there will be a coin in 2018. That’s the ONLY question. My Guess is that there WILL be and It WILL be ONE of the reverses rejected yesterday by the CCAC…

  18. cagcrisp says

    Here is the EXACT wording of the law CONCERNING the issue of a coin in 2018 :

    ““(ii) FIRST COIN.—Notwithstanding subparagraph (A), if the Secretary finds that it is feasible and cost-effective, the Secretary may mint and issue a $1 coin in 2018 to introduce the series of coins described in this subsection, that—

    “(I) has the obverse described under paragraph (2)(A);

    “(II) has a reverse that bears the inscription ‘United States of America’ and ‘American Innovators’ and a representation of the signature of President George Washington on the first United States patent issued;

  19. cagcrisp says

    You look at the designs that were rejected by the CCAC and you will see that ALL designs followed the LAW…

    “(II) has a reverse that bears the inscription ‘United States of America’ and ‘American Innovators’ and a representation of the signature of President George Washington on the first United States patent issued”

  20. earthling says

    @ just another dave in pa

    Dare I say McDonalds is the new US Mint? I love the U.S. Big Mac , on a fresh Bun , it can’t be beat. On a stale Bun, not exactly so great. Let’s hope tomorrow every Big aMac comes on a fresh Bun. I plan to get about 10 Macs through the Day ! Hoping to get a complete Set of McDonalds Big Deal Mac Coins.

    This is more exciting than any US Mint release. Maybe the US McMint will soon be issuing more? Hope springs eternal.

  21. Louis says

    The Big Mac tokens were minted by the Osborne Mint in OH, the oldest private mint in the country.

  22. Anthony says

    I HEARTILY congratulate all CCAC members for their take on the “designs” of the inaugural dollar for this impending new series. If this coin MUST be made for 2018 AND SET THE TONE for the remaining 14 years of this series, the proposed designs need QUITE a bit more noodling.
    IF the Statue of Liberty is mandated for the obverse, why not then (for instance) SCALE UP Don Everhart’s great design and truncate at the shoulder. Relocate “$1” and “IN GOD WE TRUST” as needed to maintain a balanced design and ADD THE DATE & MINTMARK!
    “AMERICAN INNOVATION” should be the adopted legend for the reverse. The proposed designs for the reverse are the worst possible arrangements of all… BORING! Make a design that can be interpreted as excellent or ugly, BUT JUST NOT BORING!!!

    Unfortunately and regrettably I agree with cagcrisp’s take on this program. The law & mandates have already been signed off so this thing will very likely steamroll itself into reality. The Mint marketing team knows that they have only one opportunity to make a great 1st impression and that surely will not happen with this program as it now stands. Collectors of U.S. moderns will get hosed with a clinking, clanking collection of calaginous junk for 14 years to follow. SAD beyond SAD!!!

  23. Themadhouse says

    Yeah, because all the other dollar coins minted to date have worked out so well! Guess their gonna have to build another super center to house all the ones left over, like the presidential dollar coins. What a frickin waste!!

  24. ips_stuff says

    Will the big mac coins, be graded by the TPG’s
    Will they be worth more if keep with original Big Mac?
    Has it come to this… oh bother.
    and have a great day

  25. Buzz Killington says

    @cag, on the Weinberg sale ,

    If any heir to the estate wanted those coins, and could agree on a price with the other heirs, these coins would never see a public auction. It is likely that no heir wants to hold onto them at this point in time.

    I don’t consider it entirely a surprise, since a dealer’s family probably has a lot of choice pieces squirreled away, and these aren’t considered special enough to keep. If you are a well-known dealer, you’ve got to be used to selling great pieces.

    But the only thing that makes sense if that there is overall market pessimism for the near future.

  26. Jeffrey R says

    If these are not silver then they will just be expensive gas station giveaway tokens…

  27. Buzz Killington says

    @SK —

    You raise an excellent question about what will become of the McDonald’s tokens after being redeemed.

    Since most McDonalds are franchises, you would think they will have to be turned in like any other coupon for redemption. But then what happens to them? After the end of the year, they will have no value, but until them, someone will have to keep a pretty tight lid on them, since they do have value.

    I think it is reasonable to assume they will be destroyed after redemption. I also think it is reasonable to assume that the “collectibility” is being stressed because what is better to a retailer than an unredeemed coupon?

    About 20 years ago, Sunoco issued little bronze collector tokens with a fill up. While the promotion was active, there was an active ebay market for the tokens, as people apparently wanted to fill sets. Now, they are worthless. I predict a repeat of that pattern. Sell your sets before the end of the year, collectors!

  28. cagcrisp says

    @Buzz Killington,” on the Weinberg sale ,

    “If any heir to the estate wanted those coins, and could agree on a price with the other heirs, these coins would never see a public auction. It is likely that no heir wants to hold onto them at this point in time.”

    My assumption was that there were More than 27 coins and IF there were other heirs that those coins have been previously distributed.

    “But the only thing that makes sense if that there is overall market pessimism for the near future.”

    I agree 100%. There has to be pessimistic view points by whoever is driving the bus for the auction.

    The thing that I thought was interesting was that there were 27 coins (in this lot) for auction. ALL 27 are listed as CAC OGH.

    There is NO WAY a dealers with the connections that the owner has has NOT already had graders look at the these coins and see IF they would grade up. NO WAY…

    …SO… These bidders are bidding on a CAC OGH and I think these are fully valued…

  29. Buzz Killington says

    @cag —

    Isn’t a gold CAC sticker on a OGH worth more than one grade up in a current holder?

    For this sale, I thought it was interesting that they are selling all of the coins on a particular invoice from 1973. I wonder how many such invoices exist? Maybe none other, and that is how these were selected for auction, with the invoice being some kind of interest factor to an auctioneer? I mean, anything is really possible. Getting this auction into the numismatic press is about as good as it gets, from a marketing-strategy perspective.

  30. Robert says

    Funny, I thought the U.S. Mint’s primary responsibility was to provide coinage for the American people, not just the numismatic community.

    If done right, this program has the potential be one of the best to date.

  31. cagcrisp says

    @Buzz Killington,”Isn’t a gold CAC sticker on a OGH worth more than one grade up in a current holder?”

    That would be Conventional thinking. Conventional thinking is 1 to 2 grades higher than previously graded. I just don’t think in this case, with the connections this dealer has, that this Specific individual would leave that kind of money on the table.

    My Guess is that All the good stuff has already been regraded and not part of this auction…

  32. datadave says

    In the future maybe McDonalds will hand out a 2018 Innovator’s dollar coin with the purchase of every Big Mac (equivalent to $1 off) and let you turn in 3 of these “special” coins to receive another Big Mac.

    If McDonalds is smart they will keep the redeemed tokens until 2019 and then release on ebay.

  33. Buzz Killington says

    @cag —

    I mean, if any old holder has the GREEN CAC sticker, that means it won’t upgrade, period. I’m sure all were submitted to try to get the gold. I think the Green CAC sticker on an old holder actually makes it worth LESS than unstickered, because a buyer can imagine it was never submitted to CAC, and might qualify for a gold.

    I was agreeing with you after a fashion. I think submitting to CAC and hoping for a gold sticker is a better strategy that re-submitting now, and hoping for a one-point upgrade.

  34. 20th Century Variety Collector says

    Will someone clarify…
    Didn’t New York just sue the Post Office for the use of the Statue of Liberty?
    Can the mint be sued as well?

  35. cagcrisp says

    Keep in mind that Bullion Sales for the United States Mint in 2017 was the Worst since 2007…

    …SO…How does the Worst year since 2007 (2017) compare to 2018?

    2017 Bullion Gold Buffalo first 7 months = 72,000 oz.
    2018 Bullion Gold Buffalo first 7 months = 78,000 oz.
    Y/Y Up 8%

    2017 Bullion Gold American Eagle first 7 months = 211,000 oz.
    2018 Bullion Gold American Eagle first 7 months = 155,500 oz.
    Y/Y Down 26%

    2017 Bullion Silver American Eagle first 6 months = 14,553,500 oz.
    2018 Bullion Silver American Eagle first 6 months = 7,707,500 oz.
    Y/Y Down 47%

    Gold for Both the Buffalo and the American Eagles were Stronger in July 2018 vs. July 2017.

    Silver American Eagles were Weaker July 2018 vs. July 2017…

  36. earthling says

    I bought a 1937 PR65 Proof Buffalo Nickel in OGH ( PCGS Rattler) with a CAC Gold Sticker. I can’t grade for nothing. What might I assume for an upgrade … if anything ?

    The slab itself is in excellent mint state. It came in an original looking plastic sleeve.

  37. cagcrisp says

    @20th Century Variety Collector,”Will someone clarify…Didn’t New York just sue the Post Office for the use of the Statue of Liberty? Can the mint be sued as well?”

    The Post Office used the Statue of Liberty from New York, New York casino in Las Vegas…

  38. John Q. Coinage says

    These proposed designs were like done in a 5th grade art class, they did not even get Washington’sX right on some, what is that a HAT on one…such an American innovation! Maybe show bigs macs, Corvairs, Edsels, Trump som of our “innovations”…seriously if Sec. Munchkin has the final say, it will be the ugliest POS design possbile, or one with a trophy type design, a young 18 year old chick on Washington’s lap, or Washington signing a foreclosure notice on someone for 88c (Munchkin did THAT!) There is no other poli in DC with as mucgh Hubris, smirky BS smiles & self-dealing tax avoiding, Swamp residing past that Munchkin…..he is Trumps fluffer

  39. Numismatrix says

    An appropriate “first” or “second” coin might be commemorating Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning arrestor or bifocals. It would be nice to see the US Mint commemorated in this series for their own early innovations.

  40. cagcrisp says

    @Numismatrix, “An appropriate “first” or “second” coin might be commemorating Benjamin Franklin’s invention of the lightning arrestor or bifocals. ”

    The coins will be issued in the order “With respect to each State, the coins shall be issued in the order in which the States ratified the Constitution of the United States or were admitted into the Union, as the case may be.”

    Delaware will be first in 2019
    Pennsylvania will be second in 2019…

  41. A different Jeff says

    The key word in the legislation os MAY, as in may issue a coin. If enough resistance comes to bear, the coin may not be issued.. Borg notwithstanding,however…

    On a different note, I saw the reappearance of the WWI medal sets. Having seen them on some of the TV huckster shows (Remember, not only are you getting this RARE medal, struck in 90% silver, but also comes in the high-desireable blah-blah-blah holder that only WE are authorized to sell!) , I have to say the medals do look quite spectacular, way better than the coin. So, I hope I didn’t make a mistake by ordering all 5. Based on the way the law was written, I don’t think these can be additionally struck coins, but ones which were struck and inventoried for purchase fulfillment to those who pre-ordered, but subsequently either cancelled or had CC issues which caused an automatic cancellation.. Based on my tracking, there were a combined order total of 62,550 through the pre-order window; as of last week 54,168 were reported as sold, which leaves a maximum availability of 8,492 (less my five). Even with a typical reject rate (just over 1%), that still leaves around 7.700 sets available across all medals (between 1600 and 1800 depending on service brance).

  42. John Q. Coinage says

    Delaware Punch! Great with vodka & a neat design could be made…. Pennsylvania forget Ben try the Pennsylvania Pinkie!

  43. John Q. Coinage says

    Jeff, the medals will likely be availanble for spoti$h prices in ayear or 3, check out the Am Wildlife silver medals, I get them for SPOT now….way under issue @ USM….. only the Army design has chops the rest look so-so….”Over There” how many times can you say THAT!!!

  44. A different Jeff says

    @John Q. Coinage:
    True, true, they might be available for spot or slightly higher, if I wait long enough. However, as a counter to that, the 2013 TR Coin and Chronicles set, which has a regular (not RP) TR proof prezy dollar a copper medal and a (ASE planchet) silver medal has more than held its value 5 years on. I didn’t jump at it when offered by the mint (not a medals guy) as it had nothing of any note, but when the FDR set came out in 2014 and the 4 in 2015, I was able to get one at $77 (about $20 over offering price). Even then the sets would regularly be offered (on eBay) for $120 to $130 in OGP. Now they command $180 or more, and for no real coinage reason. So, I decided to jump now. Maybe I’ll come to regret it, but for now I think I will be content.

  45. Ryan says

    Well I just received my reverse proof set and it doesn’t look good…….three coins have multiple spots or chips in the matte field, one slab has six air bubbles or places where the plastic is pushing against something so it looks all messed up and the box came ripped like someone opened it and ripped it the way a cereal box rips on the top of you’re not careful. This was my first order of the year from the mint and it’s going back. It seems like the mint gets worse every year or maybe it’s just compared to other mints and coin sellers.

    As to the article above, IMO all the designs look terrible!!

  46. Steve says

    @Ryan

    That’s unfortunate to hear re: your Reverse Proof sets. 🙁 I received my two sets today and they were in great condition.

  47. Larry says

    All this Mcdonald’s token talk reminded of one I saved from 1983. it looks just like the one in this Ebay listing. Guess I will just keep it, that was the year my son was born. I would grade it MS65. Feels real light, I think it is made of aluminum. Since the offer ended 3/18/1983, I guess I can’t use it anymore.
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/1983-Advertising-History-25c-Flip-for-McDonalds-Token-Coin-Chicago-Illinois/362107070474?hash=item544f43680a%3Ag%3AaNEAAOSwARZXk5jx&_sacat=0&_nkw=flip+for+mcdonalds+1983&_from=R40&rt=nc&_trksid=m570.l1313

  48. CaliSkier says

    Looks like precious metals are continuing down the slippery slope, based on NYSE close!

  49. CaliSkier says

    Today’s price on an Unc. W 2018 ASE is $46.95! The price/spot silver price difference is about $2.85 from 2008. Now @ about, $15.35 per oz, then$18.17 per oz!!! Yet you’re paying over $25 more per coin!!! That’s more than double!!! I wish that I could have the same type (percent) of pay increase over that same period!!! I tried to figure out the % increase..:.. just kept coming up with numbers that didn’t compute when I checked my math…. Quote from link posted yesterday, after the US Mint pulled the 2007 W Unc., offering off of sale.

    “This time around, it does seem to be a sell out, however at this point it is still uncertain especially after prior apparent sell outs. The price of silver has been making new recent highs, now trading at $18.17 per ounce. The coins were priced at $21.95, so it is possible that sale have just been suspended due to metals prices.”

  50. CaliSkier says

    @ Hidalgo: I hate to be a naysayer, however you said: “ The U.S. Mint had better pick a winner to set the right tone for the series. There is a lot of potential to generate much excitement and enthusiasm, especially among those who have never taken an interest in coin collecting.”

    You don’t need to convince me, as I think this program is going to be futile at generating interest of any sort! However, how’s a non circulating 1$ coin, offered only from the mint ,probably only by the roll, going to create or generate ANY “excitement and enthusiasm, especially among those who have never taken an interest in coin collecting.”???? If only the CCAC, had clout/authority to actually implement their ideas and desires of the numismatics community!

  51. 20th Century Variety Collector says

    Ok, I went through all 86 RP sets and this is my analysis/opinion of the quality 🙂

    Full disclosure…I only purchased the 2018 Silver proof sets(5) and 2018 Reverse proof sets(86). Those are my only purchases from the US Mint this year.

    First I received the the five 2018 Silver Proof sets and basically I said, “I hope the Reverse proof sets aren’t this bad”, referring to the spotting and cloudiness. Two of the cents were very cloudy, one of the cents had around 20 “brown” spots, half of the quarters were cloudy AND SPOTTED, and the rest of the coins were ok but still slightly cloudy with a few spots…one of the halves looked like it has a sweat drop.

    The Silver REVERSE proof sets are soooooo much better 🙂 Overall, I am VERY happy with the quality of the coins. VERY few had spots….literally I had two quarters with some spots that look like a sneeze, very few of the coins were cloudy but nothing to complain about, and the halves are very nice, but some had contact marks on the bust and chin. The strikes on the Thorpe Dollar were very nice too! Now the bad news……
    About 75 % of the sets had a lot of scratches on the quarters bust on the TWO RIGHT SIDE QUARTERS, Minnesota and Rhode Island. I looks as though the packaging process somehow slid across them. The sets were ordered in one order of 10 and another order of 76 that were shipped in two different boxes and arrived in two different days…10 and 38 on Tuesday, 38 on Wednesday. The 10 regular silver proofs arrived on Monday.

    I think someone else was talking about the scratches on the quarters from a youtube vid…or was it here(too)?
    🙂

  52. CaliSkier says

    Dennis Tucker says to Cag: “the CCAC did in fact advise the secretary of the Treasury regarding these coins. We might not have said, “We recommend Design #53A,” but we did give our advice.”

    If only Congress, the Secretary of the Treasury, US Mint could pull their collective heads out of their bungs, they might be able to actually hear/listen and truly consider the advice this committee(CCAC) has offered since it’s inception!!!! We’d then be talking about REAL innovation,regarding the entire overhaul of our coinage for circulation as well as numismatically!!! Then we would TRULY get the excitement and enthusiasm, HIDALGO was hoping for!!!

  53. CaliSkier says

    Louis G wrote(article) on MNB, July 24, that: “The innovation dollar program is the brainchild of two Connecticut legislators: Rep. Jim Himes (D) and Senator Chris Murphy (D).

    My question, since my research on the 2 brainchildren, didn’t turn up much information, is: What favors are they paying back & or which Family member or friend is truly benefiting from this effort by them??? Only thing I could gather is that in a relatively small area there appear to be a fair amount of coin businesses??? I tried to “follow the money”, however came up empty handed!

  54. CaliSkier says

    @ 20th Century: “ About 75 % of the sets had a lot of scratches on the quarters bust on the TWO RIGHT SIDE QUARTERS, Minnesota and Rhode Island. “

    Wow!!! That just doesn’t seem right! I believe what your saying is correct, however unless the quality control has devolved to that stage, it’s just unfathomable that the mint is sending or producing such poor quality product!! On a special offering, nonetheless! Perhaps, I should be thankful my account hasn’t been resolved & that I’ve been unable to purchase these last 3 years? I’m aware, not all coins will, should or would grade 70, if submitted. However IMO if these were my sets I’d be sending them back and take a refund vs replacement!

  55. 20th Century Variety Collector says

    @ CaliSkier
    I separated them by how many quarters had the scratches on the bust…
    I should’ve counted exactly, but I just breezed through them since I’ll be buying more 🙂
    I had around 10 quarter sets that I would say are about 95 % “problem-free”. Since I breezed through the quarters with the emphasis on how many were scratched, I separated them by how many quarters had the scratches on the base of the bust. As stated earlier, almost 75% were both quarters on the right side. I only had one set with four quarters with the scratches on the base of the bust, around 15 with three quarters(two right plus middle coin), around 25 with only 1 quarter with the scratches(top right in set when looking at bust), and the rest with 2 quarters(right side). I’m pretty sure others have noticed this too.

    Has anyone noticed how people are loving the nickel in this set? Despite the obverse design, I really love how the reverse “pops” on this nickel 🙂

    Overall, I love this set!!!

    🙂

  56. Jerry Diekmann says

    OMG! Just horrible designs.. This program should be aborted before it gets started. Nobody will ever collect these coins and the public will never see or use them.

  57. 20th Century Variety Collector says

    @ Jerry Diekmann
    I too will not buy one of these circulating $1 coins 🙂

  58. John Q. Coinage says

    How can they reject this!? Sec. Munchkin has ORDERED a coin this year, he needs the seignorage for his offshore accounts…….. He also owns a magnesium mine in Libya!

  59. iJTR says

    Philly cheese steak was a great invention.
    How about Boston baked beans.
    If we need a bird on them to get them sold you could have a duck feeding on the beans and a sandwich.
    The great plastic water bottle and plastic drinking straws?
    How about AR-15 or colt 45?
    Great innovators for sure.

  60. gatortreke says

    Dennis Tucker: I applaud what you and the CCAC did by rejecting all the options for the opening coin in this series. Whether we like the series or not, I agree that the series will go on so it is good that the Committee collectively thumbed your noses at the submitted designs. You only have so much influence and power and you registered what limited power you do have in a very public way. At the very least, you are on record stating the options presented to the CCAC in the future must be better to get your approval.

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