I did a survey for the Mint and these are the possible changes they may do for the Buffalo gold coin. 1]In 2008 and beyond the U.S. Mint could begin a series of 24-karat gold coins honoring each of the 5 branches of the military. The series would continue for 5 years including coins designed for each of the following: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. One branch would be honored with the 2008 coin (for example, the U.S. Army), another in 2009, and so on. The coins would be available in both Proof and Uncirculated versions, in the following denominations… 2]In 2008 and beyond the U.S. Mint could begin a 5 to 10 year series of 24-karat gold coins depicting classic U.S. Monuments. Each year a new coin design would be introduced in these 24-karat coins, depicting such monuments as the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, (etc.). For example, the Lincoln Memorial might be introduced for the 2008 coin, Washington Monument in 2009, and so on. The coins would be available in both Proof and Uncirculated versions, in the following denominations... 3]In 2008 and beyond the U.S. Mint could begin a 5 to 10 year series of 24-karat gold coins reintroducing some of the classic historic U.S. coin designs. Each year a new coin design would be introduced in these 24-karat coins, including such classics as the Capped Bust, Standing Liberty, Seated Liberty, Morgan Dollar, and Indian Head Penny. For example, the Standing Liberty design might be introduced for the 2008 coin, Morgan Dollar design in 2009, and so on. The coins would be available in both Proof and Uncirculated versions, in the following denominations… 4]In 2008 and beyond the U.S. Mint would continue to use the American Buffalo coin design for its 24-karat gold coins. The coins would be available in both Proof and Uncirculated versions, in the following denominations… Many are probably taking the survey so they can gauge interest in whatever changes they make. I told them to do number 3 as I thought it would be the most interesting. A kind of Modern Classic.
yeah number 3 makes the most sense to me too. Also the buffalo must go for my buffalo coins to be worth anything.
Vote number 3 also. Would also support making the 24 karat gold coins in smaller sizes too, say 1/2, 1/4, and 1/10 oz sizes (as I heard they were once considering to do). Would open the coins up to collectors rather than primarily investors by generating more interest and putting the prices into a more reasonable range.
I should have added this was the way all the coins were said to be sold: The coins would be available in both Proof and Uncirculated versions, in the following denominations… - 1 oz. (about $820 Proof, about $780 Uncirculated) - 1/2 oz. (about $420 Proof, about $400 Uncirculated) - 1/4 oz. (about $220 Proof, about $210 Uncirculated) - 1/10 oz. (about $120 Proof, about $110 Uncirculated) - 4-coin (1 oz., 1/2 oz., 1/4 oz., 1/10 oz.) set - (about $1,500 Proof, about $1,400 Uncirculated)
Well at those prices could probably afford to collect the 1/4 oz. series. Would be a great collection. Especially if they go the classic coin design route, by far my favorite choice, though wouldn't mind the military branch route either. Monuments just don't seem to cut it.
Wow. I just might be able to get some gold. Not bad prices. Thanks for posting them centdime. Phoenix
I think the mint is too busy throwing too much stuff at us collectors, and people could start burning out trying to keep up, especially with 1 oz gold coins not being cheap. I say keep it simple and stick with the Buffalo design for a while.
#3 sounds fantastic. As an avid type collector, I've been pondering for a while how fabulous the Buffalo and Standing Liberty moderns are. They allow the average guy to have top quality PR69 DCAMs of our best designs - the originals are way too spendy, and in most cases can't match the eye-popping quality of modern manufacturing. I've been wondering if the Mint planned on furthering the trend; I hope they do. Don't get me wrong - the originals are the classics, and can never be replaced. But I doubt I'll ever have a real Proof Morgan - now I might have the next best thing, just to admire the artistry.
I thought the purpose of the buffalo bullion gold was to have a 1 oz. US gold coin that was .9999 fine to compete with the Maple leaf, Kugerrand and others. New designs each year would not instill confidence in the coin among bullion investors. Stick with the buffalo so it can take its place among world bullion coins.
Though I seem to be in the minority, I can't stand the Mint reusing old coin designs. It's as if nobody has any original artistic talent! The mint is also releasing WAY too many coin designs (a fault of the Mint and our elected officials). In my opinion, it makes the whole U.S. modern set of regular issue and collector-only coins like watered down mud. Yuck!
If all you want is something that "looks like" a classic design in shiny condition, pick up one of the replica "tribute" pieces (I won't dignify them by calling them coins) that you can find all over EBay. For example:
Yep. I've seen the replica Stellas, 1804 dollars, etc etc etc. Never interested. The ASEs and Buffalos are legit mint products - monetized, legal tender. They aren't replicas or medals. I just like the ASE Walkers and Buffaloes. I don't see how the Mint hurts anyone by making them. Nor would a new design scare off bullion investors. It's .9999 fine gold, and they know it... that's what counts to them.
The bullion investor wants stability of design to make him comfortable, that's fine. Nothing says the mints can't continue the bullion buffalo for the bullion market and these other programs for the collector market. The government probably makes a heck of a lot more money from the collector market than from their bullion sales anyway. As much as I like the old designs, I would NOT want to see them redone on the gold pieces. For one thing I agree with Tcore, don't we have ANYONE that has any orignial artistic talent anymore? Must we PROVE that we have been in total stagnation since 1916. Second I worry about what todays mint "engravers" would do with the old designs. They can't help themselves, they feel that they have to make alterations to put their personal touches on the design. We got lucky with the Silver eagle, they put Liberty on a diet for the gold eagles, the gold buffalo was faithful to the original because the legislation specific ordered it to be, but they screwed up the buffalo dollar something fierce. And look at the First Spouse coin for Jefferson. That is supposed to be the draped bust design from the cent. A superficial resemblance at best. I'm sorry but I don't care to see what the graphics design people that pass for artists at the mint would do to the old classics. The Sistine Chapel by Disney anyone? Mona Lisa by Hanna Barbara?
