(Press release)—As one of the few institutions specifically rooted in the Constitution, the United States Mint has served the nation by playing a key role in the country’s financial system and fostering commerce. Next year marks the 225th anniversary of the Mint’s founding; to honor this important milestone, the Mint will kick off a yearlong acknowledgment and celebration during a ceremony to be held at the Treasury Department on January 12, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. At the event, the Mint will also unveil the new design and imagery of Lady Liberty as she will be portrayed on the 2017 American Liberty Gold Coin, which will be released next spring.
Throughout 2017, the Mint will also highlight the unique contributions the institution makes to American society and commerce. Many people don’t know that as both a self-sustaining corporation and a government agency, the Mint returns the revenue generated from its operations to the taxpayer. From a manufacturing standpoint, the Mint drives innovation through new technology and lean practices. Much has changed since the Mint’s founding in 1792—from the coins that tell America’s history to how and why they are made—and the Mint looks forward to sharing these stories throughout the new year. ❑
Press release courtesy of the United States Mint; edited for style and space.
johnaz says
What does e-bay do to bibber that do not pay. I had someone bid up a gold half and did not pay.
Erik H says
Johnaz, eBay does nothing. You have to file a claim. After a few days if the bidder hasn’t paid you’ll get your fees back and then have to relist.
Erik H says
Non paying bidders is one of my biggest complaints against eBay.
Can anyone tell me what happens to a bidder at a “Real” auction house if they don’t pay. Does the item go to the under bidder? If so, at what price?
Larry says
I wonder if the mint will do anything in 2018 for the 80th anniversary of the Jefferson nickel?
fmtransmitter says
KML in KY says
DECEMBER 6, 2016 AT 5:07 AM
I need to stay off this blog. You all just made buy a 1964-D Morgan dollar from Moonlight and now you’ve made me buy a French Statue of Liberty silver medal from MCM. Why don’t you give me some money so you can make me buy the gold medal too?
lol
Steve says
Erik says “Non paying bidders is one of my biggest complaints against eBay.”
Erik , how much have you sold on ebay and how often has the buyer not paid?….just curious.
I’ve sold over 850 items, many over $1000 and I’ve never had a buyer not pay…either I’m lucky or
you’re unlucky.
Louis Golino, Author says
I’ve had a couple people cancel their order or cancel their bids (which they should really do themselves), and just got my first return (for bogus reason, but it will easily sell to someone else). In general coin buyers are prompt payers, more so than people who buy other stuff in my experience.
Ben There says
The only problems I had with non-paying bidders were the trolls from China and some other parts of Asia. Once I banned sales to Asia, I had very little problem getting paid. What you should do is check the bidders as the auction is going along. You can see who is bidding so check their star level (I never accept bids from folks with 0 stars) and use the restrictions in the account settings. Anyone who over bids on an item is also suspect. Check to see how much negative feedback a bidder has. Make sure you restrict anyone whose bid you have cancelled too. There are a lot of scammers on ebay but being diligent will help you avoid most of them.
JBK says
Not much eBay will do to a non-paying bidder and just as well. Even if they somehow forced him to pay, he could simply say that the item was not as described and he could return it at your expense. Only buyers can leave negative feedback, not sellers, so you have little recourse there and need to worry about your own rating. I think you can report them as a non-payer so you can get any fees refunded, but then just cancel the sale and block his ID from bidding on your stuff again.
Erik H says
I used to sell around 50 items a year, now maybe just a few things because of their policy changes. I get non-payers a couple times a year. Sometimes the item has sold for more the second time around (this just happened to me a few weeks ago). And sometimes it’s sold for less which sucks (this usually happens selling a “quick flip” item when someone bids on several of the same thing just looking to get the cheapest auction). Even if eBay kicked them off they would just start a new profile and do it again.
I always block non payers immediately after eBay refunds the fees. I guess the alternative is having the item returned for a bogus reason and loose out on your shipping fees. eBay always sides with the buyer no matter how much the seller lies. That’s just one reason owhy I don’t sell much any more.
Louis Golino, Author says
It’s true. EBay is biased towards buyers, but they did once help me out when a buyer who is a jackass tried to leave negative feedback with no justification. They removed it for me.
fmtransmitter says
Which French SOL coin are you all talking about? Whi minted it? Link? Ty in advance.
Ryan says
https://www.moderncoinmart.com/2016-france-1-oz-gold-statue-of-liberty-130th-anniversary-commemorative-medal-ngc-ms70.html
They also had a ms70 silver but it’s sold out, the silver ms69 and ungraded are still available. It was minted by Monnaie De Paris for MCM and its beautiful IMO.
Ryan says
What do you guys think of the polish mint 100 year trans Siberian egg? It looks really interesting.
https://en.mennica.com.pl/coins-and-numismatic-products/catalogue/product-details?product_id=1001029
cagcrisp says
My Guesstimate on the Walking Liberty with a price Decrease and HHL Lifted was between 7-8k…
16XA 2016 WALKING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .5OZ 57,008 + 8,032
16XB 2016 MERCURY DIME 24K GOLD .1OZ 116,096 –
16XC 2016 STANDING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .25OZ 84,048 +1,032
cagcrisp says
My Guesstimate on the Unc NPS was under 100, however, I don’t think it matters…
16CA 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GOLD PROOF 4,609 +100
16CB 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE GOLD UNC 3,699 +243
16CC 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SILVER PROOF 58,876 + 1,721
16CD 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE SILVER UNC 19,907 + 446
16CE 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CLAD PROOF 37,561 + 979
16CF 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CLAD UNC 18,070 + 460
16CG 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE 3-COIN SET 13,921 +302
16CH 2016 MARK TWAIN GOLD PROOF 12,761 +150
16CJ 2016 MARK TWAIN GOLD UNC 5,456 + 40
16CK 2016 MARK TWAIN SILVER PROOF 75,651 + 876
16CL 2016 MARK TWAIN SILVER UNC 25,612 + 419
cagcrisp says
16EA 2016 AM EAGLE SILVER PROOF 1 OZ 491,255 +18,062
16EB 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1 OZ 20,417 + 479
16EC 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ 5,058 +165
16ED 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/4 OZ 7,135 – Gone Gone Gone
16EE 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/10 OZ 20,300 +722
16EF 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 4-COIN SET 14,915 + 295
16EG 2016 AM EAGLE SILVER UNC 1 OZ 134,925 134,925
16EH 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD UNC 1 OZ 6,254 +180
16EJ 2016 AM EAGLE PLATINUM PROOF 1 OZ 9,151 –
16EL 2016 AM BUFFALO GOLD PROOF 1 OZ 21,398 + 410
cagcrisp says
16AK 2016 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – CMBRLND 18,677 + 127
16AL 2016 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – HARP FRY 18,128 + 200
16AM 2016 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – ROOSEVLT 18,917 +259
cagcrisp says
16PA 2016 REAGAN COIN & CHRONICLES SET 37,794 + 848
cagcrisp says
16RC 2016 LIMITED EDITION SILVER PROOF SET 27,082 + 7,816
cagcrisp says
If you want to see how much effect the Decrease in Gold has, look no further than the FS series. IF FS coins get a Bid then you know something in up…
16SA 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – NIXON 2,374 + 43
16SB 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – NIXON 1,429 +40
16SC 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – FORD 2,107 + 47
16SD 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – FORD 1,369 + 40
16SE 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 3,116 +71
16SF 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 1,673 +39
JQ1 2015 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 2,563 + 6
JQ2 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 1,791 +3
JQ4 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – EISENHWR 1,889 + 7
JQ6 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – KENNEDY 6,362 + 18
JQ7 2015 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – JOHNSON 2,582 +9
JQ8 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – JOHNSON 1,697 + 4
JBK says
Does anyone think this is worth watching as a low mintage coin?
16CF 2016 NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CLAD UNC 18,070 + 460
Same question for the Twain unc. dollar, I guess….
cagcrisp says
The Gold Buffalo, 1 oz. Proof, 1 oz. Uncirculated, 1/2 oz. Proof, 1/10 oz. Proof and the 4 coin set ALL had Considerably more sales percentage wise than previous 10 week average…
JSM says
It looks like the Walking Liberties have less than 13,000 coins left. I think they sell out in 2 weeks. Any idea if those numbers include sales through today?
Tinto says
Interesting article, sorry if already posted.
http://www.kitco.com/news/2016-12-05/Investing-in-Gold-Now-Compliant-with-Sharia-Law-Potential-Huge-WGC.html
fmtransmitter says
Hey fellow bloggers, big magnifyer on daily deal on Amazon if you been looking for one…
http://a.co/9o71BQa
fmtransmitter says
I can tell when a dealer is going to hound you to no end. When our server’s at work won’t allow you on their website. I had to search around to see that Fance coin because I could NOT get onto MCM from work. ANY site like that is a red flag to me and I stay away at all costs if I have to.
On my previous comment of FG, I think Mercanti is behind him, but he is still alive and now doing things in the private sector and although learned from FG, can easily use CGI to create his work today. FG is dead, his design is on the PENNY (geez), and was just an all around special nice humble man from what I have read. So even though Mercanti may hold the record, FG taught him and is on wayyyyyyy more coins on a coin by coin basis based on that , well you know, pre 1982 piece of copper that is worth almost a nickle in melt today. Hey, maybe the new Admin. will pass the bill to fianlly let us melt those suckers…Old man on Pawn Stars will be happy. BTW, that was all for show, I slowed down and stopped the camera on those buckets and all the pennies looked brand new clad. He may have some but the whole thing with the car leaning was done for the camera IMHO.
Mike the Greek says
I bought a Belomo magnifier and I just love it!
https://www.amazon.com/BelOMO-Triplet-Loupe-Folding-Magnifier/dp/B00EXPWU8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=office-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1481063877&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=belomo+10x+triplet+loupe&psc=1&smid=A1B7M9EQGNCLQA
cagcrisp says
@Mike the Greek, I’ve had that same magnifier for years and I love mine. I bought a few that I gave away to families that I give coins to…
Mike the Greek says
@cagcrisp: good to know others have found these fabulous Russian loupes. They are true triplets, which means the lenses are excellent. Also, they are optically coated. Hard to find such good quality for such a low price. The Bausch and Lombe are supposedly really good too, but I’ve never used one.
Dustyroads says
The Mint used to end sales of their commemorative coins on Dec. 17. As of 2013, the Mint has been continuing sales to the end of Dec.
Dustyroads says
Thanks for the heads up on the BelOMO. Looks like a good time to step up and out of my plastic set.
Dustyroads says
fmt, Thanks for the share.
Mike the Greek says
@Dustyroads: of course you’re welcome. I am learning so much from all of you, so thank-you.
Sherril Matney says
I think the mint should offer some less expensive items to honor these specials years so people who can’t afford the gold items could afford to get something to help celebrate the anniversarys and stuff…………
So Krates says
Glad to hear the BelOMO (made in Belarus) getting good reviews here. I had a cheap (under $10) loupe for way too long and finally upgraded this summer to a Zeiss (6x). Probably overshot and would’ve been just fine with the BelOMO or the Bausch & Lomb. At almost triple the price, the minor improvement found in the $100 tier (Nikon, Zeiss, etc.) is disappointingly slight.
More importantly though, no matter which brand you decide on, consider a lower magnification (than the 10x loupe linked above) if your main use will be grading coins. I’ve heard it said, “Anything over 5x isn’t being fair to the coin.” That is, too close an examination reveals more than is necessary. 4x-7x seems best for evaluating coins. A higher power loupe (10x-20x) is great for error identification, varieties, etc., but is generally too strong for optimal general coin viewing.
cagcrisp says
Cumberland “P” puck…
20 in stock…Not a Buyer. Just passing on information…
So Krates says
Good article, Tinto.
Seems like Allah is down with GLD but you’ll miss out on your 72 virgins if you buy Comex futures. 🙂
Qui Transtulit Sustinet says
@cagcrisp says, “Those that are inclined to purchase Either the Gold or Silver Medal from France that are limited mintage of 200 or 400, Probably shouldn’t Ever read any of my post.
100% against everything I believe. not 99%. 100%…”.
No worry, we are gifting the Oscar Roty designed Monnaie de Paris medals to ourselves, so it is okay.
I received another “way over spot price” purchase today that won’t provide a quick flip profit–the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service (John Muir/Teddy Roosevelt) gold proof.
The coin was completely out of the capsule when I opened the case and both sides of the coin and the interior of both sides of the capsule are now covered with tiny black felt threads.
There may also be two tiny scratches on the obverse, although with all the felt detritus, it is hard to tell.
The small amount of crumpled paper in the shipping box did not keep the product box from bouncing around, that is for certain.
I also seriously doubt the coin capsule was securely closed when it was shipped.
I find the U. S Mint’s dismal packing/shipping procedures much more disturbing than than their admittedly high prices.
Another reason for more purchases from private sector vendors who actually care about your purchase arriving in the same condition it left their facility, unlike the U. S. Mint.
What should have been a joy (opening a beautiful gold coin purchase) became a painful experience.
If you have an opinion on sending the coin back or not (I do want one) I would appreciate hearing it.
Mike the Greek says
@Qui Transtulit Sustinet: Of course you should return it!! That’s despicable shipping practices! And complain to a super.
a Bob says
I am glad the unveiling is coming before the inauguration. A little credit for the administration responsible for what I think will be a successful program.
Ridgerunner says
@Qui Transtulit Sustinet: If you want one, send it back before the seven days are up. Call them (US MINT) and tell them about the coin and packaging and you would like them to pay the return shipping, also fill out the return packing that came with it so that they know you want a replacement. The Mint will email you a shipping label but it could take some time for them to receive it.
To the ones on here that sell on the Bay, eBay automatically files a non-paying customer complaint on my account after four days, but then eBay wants you to wait 7 days before anything else happens to give the buyer time to pay. I have been on the Bay since 99 and this is it for me, I’m tired of getting screwed with not much of a recourse. There was a time when you could leave negative feedback for buyer or seller, now it’s all about the buyer unless you are a big time seller.
James Smith says
The Mint has high prices so they can help cover the loss of making 7 billion pennies a year, each and every one at a loss, This is done so they can return money to the Treasury and show they are contributing. 2016 cutting the prices of sets by one dollar for only having 3 Prez dollars in each set instead of four. In 2017, with no Prez dollars in the sets at all the Prez dollar sets will probably be $8 per set.
For Ebay in a year with almost 1,600 stars given for purchases, I had over 20 tracked to my hundred unit apt complex only, and zero to my apt., not arrive with a loss to me of almost $800. And since the USPS tracked the purchases to my 100 unit complex that mean I received them according to Ebay and the USPS.
So Krates says
WRT the French gold medal…Let’s all take a lesson from Ryan’s experience
It would stand to reason that if a dealer can cut $2300 (50%) off a 1 oz. gold piece on a whim, then it was marked up way too much to start with. If you really like a similarly overpriced item (3x Au spot), it would seem worthwhile to pick up the phone and make an offer instead of just obediently paying whatever arbitrary inflated price they choose to post online that day.
So Krates says
@ Ryan – While I kinda like the Niue spherical “coin”, the Polish Mint’s silver chicken egg just seems over the line. But I’d buy one at spot 🙂
Ryan says
@So Krates
I’m sure in the MCM situation that they have huge margin in that product but, they set the market. If you think about it if you’re MCM or the Canadian mint or any other group that makes or has a company make a “limited edition” very low mintage coin, you can charge whatever you want for it. You really have the ability to set your own market, the problem is that if you set the price too high then you may not sell any of the medals or coins. Obviously I thought that the design of the coin was good enough to pay a very high price but not enough other people were willing to do they had to drop the price. If they had that price and only made 10 it maybe would have worked because you only need to find 10 people to buy. It’s really not the mark up percentage that people don’t like, it’s the overall price. Remember they sold out the ms70 silver medal for $149. That’s actually a much larger mark up above spot than the gold coin but less people have +4k sitting around to spend on a coin. It’s all what your willing to pay, I think people would be willing to pay if they had the money but most people don’t have enough money. If you take the only pay spot logic then every painting ever made should go for the price of a canvas and paint! The price on fine art can go higher than coins because there’s only one, you only need to find one buyer not 200-400. So my point is if MCM would have been patient and sat on the coins longer they could have made their own market or they should have had less minted, either way the design is stunning.
Ryan says
In regards to the egg……I guess one mans Faberge is another mans chicken egg lol
So Krates says
@ Ryan – I think you missed my point. I was suggesting on items significantly above spot it is always worthwhile to try to negotiate the price down. It doesn’t hurt to ask and often saves you lots. Don’t accept the posted price as gospel. ‘Make an offer” works just fine on eBay or at the coin show. Why not use it on a French medal listed on the MCM site? Most sheep are trained to find this rude, insulting or unorthodox.
When I first started buying my own footwear as a young man with my own hard earned money (instead of my parents’), I had heard about this concept of asking for a discount even in places where it would seem silly. Decades later, I still remember the first time I tried this. It was on a pair of Reeboks with the velcro ankle closures. 🙂 I walked into Sears and after trying them on and picking a pair, I asked to speak to the shoe dept. manager. I politely told him I liked the sneakers and wanted to buy them right then but was wondering if they could do any better on price. There was no sale going on and this was the department store behemoth, Sears. The manger promptly offered a price reduction. I think they went from $32 to $25.
The extra money in my light wallet was great but the LESSON I taught myself that day was that almost everything is negotiable, even when it looks like it’s not – just ask.
cagcrisp says
Bought some Old Gold coins and some GLD today…
So Krates says
In case you were concerned cagcrisp, Mohammed says that’s cool. You can breath easy now.
So Krates says
breathe, that is
So Krates says
Funny how little most of us here care about the consequences of not obeying Allah, Odin and Poseidon!
I throw these all into the mass grave called Mythology. There’s no good reason to resist tossing in the rest.
Ryan says
@ so krates
I hear you on the asking for a lower price, I just don’t like it. I think the “sale” mentality of department stores where the tag says $150 but today it’s 90% off is the primary reason for our economy’s fight with inflation. Technology companies and department stores have trained people to never pay asking price and that things always get cheaper. With technology that’s just the nature of the beast, the iPhone 7 is hot today but in 5 years it’s in the 50 cent bin at goodwill. I like to be able to into a store, buy what I want and know that I’m paying a reasonable price not 90% above tomorrow’s price! That kind of tactic makes me not want to buy anything because I don’t want to spend half of my free time reaserching how much I should pay for a bag of socks, a zip up windbreaker and 5 cans of chicken noodle soup!
KEITHSTER says
So what does anyone think about the last 15 Cumberland Gap P pucks is this it? Or is this the oops we found a 100 more thing they have been doing lately? Got caught on that once but got over it. Looks like We’ll see soon enough Well Good Luck All :>”>
Buzz Killington says
@SK —
Little-known writer Peter Devries wrote that people used to be polytheistic (believing in many, many, many gods). Then they decided to narrow it down to one. So this is progress of a sort, because we’re getting nearer to the true figure all the time.
data dave says
@Keithster – The extra 100 came form the first batch of returns. This was true because the TR puck had only been out a short while. The returns normally go back in stock about 5 weeks from the initial release. So since Cumberland has been out a lot longer, it will be gone for good.
HB Guy says
I am not looking forward to the release of the 2017 Liberty gold coin, and fail to see the point of what may be an endless number of variations on a theme that no one is that interested in. I did purchase the 2009 UHR St Gaudens commemorative, and the 2015 Gold Liberty. My interest ended at that point, regardless of how or whom Liberty is depicted. That said, I found the design of the 2017 Liberty coin very unappealing.
Regarding the Mint’s 225th anniversary, is it really a big enough deal to celebrate with a coin or other commemoratives? Or is it just another opportunity to part collectors from their hard-earned money? The 200th anniversary and 250th anniversary was/will be a big occasion, but help me understand why 225 is any more or less special than 224 or 223 or…
.John Q. Coinage says
Back to eBay it does not really like buyers OR sellers (less your a big un) just your money or a cut of the action…like the MOB 1st I sell & buy, deadbeat coin & stamp buyers are rare, I have had 7 or so, in 15++ YEARS! Now, ebay has an option for sellers to require bidders to have a LINKED PPl acct. = instant payment. Sorry Charlie, I had that as to buying & it stinks. It makes you loose control of YOUR accounts & is really f’d up. You have to have paypal to bid, period. Linked what’s next, I need to make a deposit to bid….I sell too but really? wtf I want to sell for the most $ I still take checks even (alot of collectors are ‘old school’ my friends…) just wait…& wait…….. the linked option (don’t get me started on seller I tell about this & they go…duhh it must be you…how about those Browns…!) prevents bidding & $ – and if they don’t follow-up all you do is offer it to the next highest bidder… When I see the linked requirment I think of the annoying 800KARS4KIDS ad….I want to barf….
earthling says
In my experience ebay is a way for scammers to reach out and rip off people, both buyers and sellers – all over the world. Haven’t sold anything in 14 years but from what I’ve read , ebay itself has become a big ripoff machine.
These days everyone everywhere is suspect. Everyone is a potential rippoff artist. Trust no one.
earthling says
Merry Christmas Moonlight Mint Fans.
I just ordered a couple 1964-D Morgan ” overstrikes” with a proof-like finish from die pair 2. Cost was $135.00 each.
This could be a great gift for someone or even to yourself.
Tony says
Those coins are excellent, a Morgan with no bag marks!