Just found out the two coins I submitted to ANACS at the Denver Coin Expo, only two weeks ago, are supposed to be delivered today (now I can't leave my house until they show up lol). I've never had that fast of a turnaround ever. I don't know if they're just that efficient or there's not many things being submitted right now. US Air Force 1 oz. silver medal: MS-70 2005-S Jefferson/American Bison nickel: PF-70 DCAM Can't get better than that. Might attempt pictures once they're actually in my hand.
Thanks. Officially, it's a medal, not a coin. I don't buy much straight from the Mint these days but had to have that one. And I got it cheaper than what they're selling it for now lol. The nickel was nice, but I admit I probably wouldn't have submitted it if doing so wasn't free. But I've always loved the design; among issued for circulation designs since like 2000 I would say it's my favorite. I had a proof one in my 2005 proof set already but wanted a "loose" one too. (I used to save all I found doing nickel roll hunting but stopped when I got too many lol. I decided one good one is enough. Well OK I do have a roll of these in business strike too lol, just for the heck of it.)
I never buy from the mint anymore...to many offerings and too expensive. They do have some nice stuff but I'm not really into going down that path. Bruce
I won't go as far as "never" but it is pretty rare now; the ridiculous premiums they want on things make me not consider it, unless it's a design I really want. I like the design of the Superman medal, for example, but they want almost triple its silver value ($135 for the 1 oz. silver!), and I'm not paying that much for it. I served in the Air Force so the Air Force medal had sentimental value to me; plus at the time they were selling it for only $70 (they sell it for $90 now) which while still on the high side, was within the realm of reason for me, if just barely. They want over $50 for clad half dollar commemoratives these days. There must be some people buying their stuff, or they wouldn't be charging the prices they now are, but I can't imagine it's many.