I am kinda frustrated with the distribution of the state quarters. When a new set is released, all I can find is either "P" or "D" but never both in my area. I really hate having to pay a premium for a mintmark I can't get in my area when other areas are getting them at face value. Anybody know what is distributed in Michigan more, "P" or "D"? Also, I rarely see the new 2004 nickels in circulation. Is everybody hoarding them or something? Seriously, I have only seen 4 of these this year...and only "D" mintmark for that matter. David
Four new nickels is more than what I've seen. I've seen plenty for sale, of course, but only one in circulation so far, which I picked up and kept.
Welcome to the forum. The reason for only one mintmark in your area is the distribution from the mint. Philadelphia "P" mint coins are distributed from the federal reserves east of the mississippi river. Denver "D" mint coins are west. The new nickel is the first design change since 1938, so yes everyone is hoarding them. Now a little trick for getting the other mintmark that isn't in your area. Truckstops.
Thanks for the tip...as a matter of fact there is a truckstop down the road from me. I wanted to mention that when I go to my bank and ask for a specific coin roll, they have no idea what I'm talking about. They just kinda look at me funny and look clueless.
I too am in MI and got the same response from a bank teller when I asked if they had the new nickel, "New nickel, what new nickel?"
That's because most bank employees are not even aware we have a new nickel. Neither is most of the rest of the country. What seems like common information to us collectors is like news from Mars to others. What you folks are complaining about - only able to find coins from one mint - is quite common nationwide. It always has been. It only becomes easier to find coins from all mints several years after the date on the coin. This is because it takes that long for the coins to spread through circulation. If you wish to find rolls of the new nickels at your bank try this. Walk in and ask for 50 rolls. If they have them you'll get the 50. Then walk over to the counter where you make out your deposit slips and look for the rolls you want - put those few in your pocket. Walk right back up the teller counter and turn in the rest. Eventually you'll get your rolls. As for getting rolls from the other mint - your best bet would be to find a like minded individual on the opposite side of the country and trade rolls with them. They have the same problem you do. Or go to a dealer and buy them.
I've managed to "hoard" a grand total of 7 here in SE Georgia since they were released for circulation. Only one of these seven is from the Denver mint.
How appropriate would it be to set up a 'swap' forum on here to assist with getting the different mint marks over the river? Someone could post what they're looking for and contacts could be made to send them one in return for one that is needed on the other end. ???? Just a suggestion from one who is also tired of having to pay a premium at the coin shop for something that I can't find in circulation. Obviously there would have to be some restrictions on this...maybe limit it to newly circulated coins like the quarters and nickels....anyway...just an idea. Thanks to all for the great discussions and tips on this list!
The answer is posted in the Suggestion Forum as well. There already is a place on Coin Talk for things like this - the Open Forum. Anyone who has made 10 posts or more can make 1 post per week in the Open Forum. This post can be to find a swap partner - to sell a coin - to ask if anyone has a particular coin that you want to buy - just about anything. This allows the original poster to get his/her message in front of the entire membership. After that - you should use the Private Message function to communicate to each other. Hope this helps
