But I just now noticed. Apparently the Mint is planning on issuing the Comic Art medals in copper/nickel clad, in sets that have all 3 of a given year's medals. This August they're releasing as a set the copper/nickel versions of 2025's medals (Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). I'm hoping they're not too overpriced (but not holding my breath) but part of my collector brain will probably make me get these unless the prices are completely insane. If they're only somewhat eccentric lol will probably have to get them. I certainly can't justify getting the full collection of these in silver or gold. I got the 1 oz silver Superman before they jacked up the prices, but that's probably the only one I'll be getting in silver. I know a lot of people here are not huge fans of these, or the modern Mint in general, but thought I'd mention it just in case someone here might care.
I honestly don't think it's a bad thing the Mint is expanding its horizons, and I think pop culture is an important part of US history too. Perhaps not a popular opinion around here. But hey, buy what you like, don't buy what you don't like. My main complaint with the Mint these days isn't what they're making, but how much they're charging for it. I can understand gold and silver being more expensive but they've seriously jacked up the prices on everything else too.
We'll see whether they start bringing out novelty coin shapes as well. I wouldn't be completely surprised to see a T-shaped planchet.
Yes, they did learn a thing or two from Cook Island and other mints: People will pay ridiculously high prices for what strikes their fancy. No, I have no interest in such, but I have no criticism for those who do, and if the mint charges too much, people will stop buying. It's simple economics. Circulation coinage supplies an economic need, as does, to some extent, bullion. Everything else they make--proofs, mint sets, commemoratives, medals, etc.--is just merchandise they make for a profit, just like Disney or sports teams. They sell it to those who want it (or think they can re-sell it) for the maximum they think they can get. Their cost is low, their margin in high. Not bad, really for a government agency. Few other parts of the federal government run on their own profits instead of taxes.
