I posted this thread under "what's it worth" and it was suggested that I post this under bullion. Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum, this is my first posting. I was looking for some opinions and expertise about the America the Beautiful 5oz. bullion coins. What do you all think about the future collectability an demand for these coins? I received an "ATB Vicksburg" back in March as a gift. The coins are selling at the US Mint's website for just about $205, with around a $150 scrap value in silver. Early release have lower mintages in the 10's of thousands with newer releases being in the 100's of thousands. All that aside is there a big collecting demand for them now and do you guys think they will become more desirable in the coming decades. The coins size and weight makes it unique, but I don't know if that will make people want it more or if it will just be an oddity. ~I work for a living and live for coins~
Here we go...you're going to hear two distinctly different schools of thought on this question. First: the five ounce hocky puck is junk silver and is not worth more than melt value. Second, some of the coins in this series are very rare, with mintages in the 27,000 to 33000 range, and therefore should command a substantial premium over spot. 18 months ago, most people signed on to the "it is a low volume rarity" school, but the majority today will tell you it's junk. Five years from now is anyone’s guess.
I didn't suggest you post another thread here. I suggested that you had originally posted in the wrong forum. Two or more threads on the same subject is against the rules. Maybe a mod can combine them into one thread in this forum?
I have a question about the term "junk" silver, i don't understand that meaning. the coin is marked 99% pure. I've been under the impression that "junk" meant low percentage by weight. Am I mistaken about that. I'm pretty new to the coin world and any information would be helpful.
"Junk" is used to describe circulating coins that wore to a point where there is no value but silver. this is most often US coins. This is how I understand the term.
On a related note. I'd like to have the atb circulated coins. I was thinking I'd wait until the set was complete and later buy them all say off the bay, like I did with the state quarters. However I have noticed atbs aren't in circulation much, what are the chances of actually getting a complete set on the 'bay after all is said and done?
I bought the Yellowstone for spot + $1.25. If I come across any more for that low premium, I would be a buyer. I passed on one that my LCS had for $225 a while back. A little to much per oz for my bullion buying budget. If silver gets to $45 and that $225 is spot value, it would be a moot point for me. I won't be a buyer of bullion at that price. A bit of a premium I can stomach. If it gets to where a dealer is asking double and triple spot, then I'll be buying ASEs.
I've got all the pucks from the mint except the Acadia, which I will require upon my return to the states. I think that the mint has done a terrific job with the quality of these giants. I can barely find a flaw on their huge surfaces. I'm giving them a thumbs up. I don't care if they increase in value or not, I like them for the big boys they are.
I think they will have ups and downs and ultimately a good buy...for the.p versions. On the bullion, I just don't have a feel for it. Even the designs which lend to gorgeous effect in shiny, it could be they may always be an afterthought. Still, I do like the monster size and theme of the series as well as the aforementioned great QC.
With the price of silver at nearly $35/ounze, the collector's versions are becoming a pretty good deal at $204.95 plus $4.95 shipping.