Can someone explain the difference between two mint products?

Discussion in 'US Coins Forum' started by Mr. Coin, Feb 23, 2016.

  1. Mr. Coin

    Mr. Coin Member

    I don't understand the difference between the two products linked below. OK, clearly there is a $7 cost premium for the unc set along with different packaging. What coins do you get with the circulating set? Seems like the circulating coin set would still get you unc coins. It's the same finish as the unc set. I can't fathom that they pay people to pull them out of circulation rather than take unc samples off the conveyor belt. What am I missing?

    http://catalog.usmint.gov/america-t...-NE1.html?cgid=america-the-beautiful-quarters

    http://catalog.usmint.gov/america-t...-NE2.html?cgid=america-the-beautiful-quarters
     
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  3. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Best Answer
    Has to do with the Mint's internal terminology.

    The Mint uses the same words we do, but they don't mean the same thing. Coins that are not proofs but which are intended for collectors sets (Think Mint Sets, regular coins but struck slower and at higher pressure, or the "burnished" ASE's.) they call Uncirculated. Regular business strikes intended to be placed into circulation they call Circulated, even though they have no wear.

    So the $12.95 set uses quarters like those that are found in the mint sets, and the $5.95 set just uses regular coins intended for circulation.
     
    green18 likes this.
  4. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

    Even though the TPG's don't recognize the difference between U.S. Mint unc and circulating coins, there are differences, as the mint clearly states. After comparing them, I can usually tell the difference, the unc is struck with more pressure, producing a better coin or what I'd call an SMS coin. I collect both, as some day the differences may be recognized.
     
    Last edited: Feb 23, 2016
  5. paddyman98

    paddyman98 I'm a professional expert in specializing! Supporter

    One is $12.95 and the other is $5.95.. $7.00 difference
     
  6. thetracer

    thetracer Active Member

    Yes, I have also found it somewhat confusing also.

    If one gets a roll from the mint, they haven't really been circulated yet.

    If one spends them, they become circulated, but, if not, then?

    I guess it is kind of a virgin thing or something. But, if one spent a W Ag Eagle would it still be uncirculated?
     
  7. baseball21

    baseball21 Well-Known Member

    It is a quality designation. The Uncirculated (higher priced) set is supposed to contain coins that are a higher quality than the standard mass produced business strike coins in the other set.

    With the quality control though who knows how good either set would actually be.
     
  8. ken454

    ken454 Well-Known Member

    uncirculated sets are meant for collectors and struck with better quality dies, circulated sets are business strikes meant for circulation but pulled off the line before going into circulation and sold in sets to make the Mint more money...
     
  9. Markus1959

    Markus1959 Well-Known Member

    That's the Government for you - keeps you guessing as they pick your pockets for a few dollars more!!
     
    tommyc03 likes this.
  10. Mr. Coin

    Mr. Coin Member

    There is no stated difference. All the listing says is that coins are "uncirculated" vs. "circulated".

    The satin finish is long gone. I take you at your word that better dies are used, but that's news to me (and also answers my question). so thank you.
     
  11. cpm9ball

    cpm9ball CANNOT RE-MEMBER

    Different packaging - $7.00!

    Chris
     
    Kentucky likes this.
  12. Hommer

    Hommer Curator of Semi Precious Coinage

    I an effort to recoup the money invested in typing the letters un,....................
     
  13. statequarterguy

    statequarterguy Love Pucks

    True, the unc quarter set description says nothing, but, the unc set, which contains the same quarters, does. From the mint:

    "Produced in special presses, these uncirculated coins feature sharp, intricate details. With each 2015 coin from both Philadelphia and Denver mints this coin set is a must-have for your collection."

    If that doesn't indicate the unc coins should be designated SMS, I don't know what does.
     
  14. Collecting Nut

    Collecting Nut Borderline Hoarder

    Only the people that buy both are paying an extra $7.00 for the same thing. It's all in the Mint packaging. :)
     
  15. Hommer

    Hommer Curator of Semi Precious Coinage

    I asked my granddad once, what the difference between a Chevrolet truck and GMC truck was. His reply; "GMC has lock washers."
     
    green18 likes this.
  16. Conder101

    Conder101 Numismatist

    Best Answer
    Has to do with the Mint's internal terminology.

    The Mint uses the same words we do, but they don't mean the same thing. Coins that are not proofs but which are intended for collectors sets (Think Mint Sets, regular coins but struck slower and at higher pressure, or the "burnished" ASE's.) they call Uncirculated. Regular business strikes intended to be placed into circulation they call Circulated, even though they have no wear.

    So the $12.95 set uses quarters like those that are found in the mint sets, and the $5.95 set just uses regular coins intended for circulation.
     
    green18 likes this.
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