I went looking for 2009 D Pennies today. First I called the Mint. They said they were not selling them at the Mint and did not know if they will but I should be able to get them at any bank. I figured I would call rather than drive there. I thought I could get some info in that area but the CSR really had no idea if, or when the Mint would sell direct Called several banks in Denver area. No one had them. The last bank I called said they had an internal memo to tell customers that they could buy them at the Mint and that the bank would not get any, ever. For those in the Denver area, this was First Bank. Stopped by a different bank on the way home to deposit some checks. Wells Fargo. I of course asked for 2009 Cents. After some checking another teller said they will not be carrying any 2009 Lincoln Cents this year and that I should try the mint. She stated that they would not be carrying any 2009 cents. I have noticed that the majority of 2009 Lincoln’s are on Ebay are “P” (unless I missed some “D”). What is interesting is that the Denver Mint reported coining 198 million while Philly coined 96 million. I realize that the coin wrappers (Loomis, etc) are inundated with change due to the economy, but has anybody else heard about what these banks are saying.
My wife works at a bank in the Colorado Springs area, I had her ask about the 09 cents and got the same story; we won't be getting any, and the mint has them. When I told her the Mint didn't have any, she conveyed my message and they told her to go to a certain Wells Fargo. We haven't been there yet but plan to call tomorrow, sounds like it will be a no go.
My understanding is that banks order coins from "suppliers" like Brinks. Even if they're next to the Mint or the Fed or whatever, they still go through places like Brinks. I would find it quite unlikely that you can order coins of a specific date from a place like Brinks. You get what you asked for - pennies (cents for those who can't read the roll wrappers)! So, if as you say, everyone is turning in their old change with the hard times, banks are probably just going to get old change that's been recycled by their closed Brinks facility.
They can and are but if they get them remains, They can and are but if they get them remains to be seen at least in K-Town - one of my contacts at the bank called me to ask if I wanted her to order some and said sure get me 4 boxes but I have not seen them yet. I think that enough customers are requesting them that they will get them at some point like they have for state quarters and dollar coins. But who and when and how many is anybodies guess right now. I have no doubt that they will be available fairly soon. I have at least 12 different sources out looking and I will inform Coin Talk as soon as I have them.
