Well, here we go again. The US Mint is hiking the prices of their already overpriced products for 2020. Here are some examples: American Eagle 1 Ounce Silver Proof Coin $55.95 > $64.50 Congratulations Set $56.95 > $65.50 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set $15.95 > $18.50 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program $46.95 > $49.25 3-roll set I guess the Mint decided it just has way too many customers. This price hike ought to do the trick. I know I'll be cutting back on my purchases, significantly.
Fortunately I've already grown accustomed to being a severely reduced mint purchaser. This just solidifies my decision years ago.
I've already cancelled all my enrollments at the US Mint and will not buy directly from them anymore. In a few years, if the trend continues, prices will be lower than the mint's original cost.
The last time I bought anything from the US Mint was 2008. 2008-W Burnished SAE's were $31.95. ~ Chris
I haven't bought anything since the gold Merc severely disappointed me with its level of detail and strike quality.
"In a few years, if the trend continues"? My impression is that nearly all Mint issues become available in the secondary market lower than the issue price. The only exceptions are rarities/high-demand items and bullion products in a rising-price environment. Of course, long-term inflation reduces the buying power of nominal dollars; eventually the "metal value" (in nominal dollars) of today's clad coins and Zincolns will be more than their issue prices.
I can't remember the last time I ordered something strictly for myself -- probably at least 10 years ago. I've bought stuff recently to flip when that play is on the table. In some cases where I could order multiples of an item, the result was I got to keep one of them for free.
I'll buy the few items I still order. As for anything else, let someone else buy it, then they'll sell it and I can buy in my LCS for less that the Mints price.
For me, it was the 2008-W Burnished SAE with the 2007 Reverse, "U" of UNITED. I ordered a bunch of them, but no luck. I still have them. ~ Chris
Only buy birthyear stuff for my kids. Got everything I needed with the 2019-S Reverse Proof Eagle last year. Nothing else will be bought from the mint. It was funny though, last week I got an email from them saying congratulations on getting free shipping for 2020. Only to be followed up by an email that says nope, nevermind you don't qualify. We made a mistake. That last bit sums up my opinion on the mint.
Like buying stamps (not that I ever have) from the USPS.... Flood the market with crap! There's gotta be a new stamp for everyday of the year! Or like buying a car. How much did you just lose by driving it off the lot?
Last time I had to buy stamps for the like 3 letters I send a year, they had Hot Wheels stamps. You better believe I bought those!
Actually you can buy postage stamps from UPS, at the grocery store, Wal-Mart or several other places.