Worthless Royal Mint Commems....

Thanks. I was confused because US collectors don't typically make such a distinction. For example, I have a small collection of classic commemorative half dollars. All are legal tender and most can be found in circulated condition, but they were all issued individually at a premium for collectors. Contrasting this are the state quarters, ostensibly commemoratives, but not issued individually at a premium (except for proof issues). It's not common to refer to such a circulating coin as a commemorative.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

The US Mint caught wind of this not too long ago, too... 2009: $1 coin purchases capped at $1,000 via credit card; 2011: outright ban of $1 coin purchases via credit/debit cards.

Anyway, did this James guy pay 1:1 for these Royal Mint coins? I'm sure that even with a premium, the miles earned would be worth more than the premium cost. If it was a 1:1 + shipping, that'd be even more lucrative.

Kind of reminds me of what banks do - move money and charge interest.

 

A few of the commems, notably the Columbian Expo halves, were released into circulation and I believe that may have happened with a few of the 1926 Sesquicentennial halves also. Most of the time the mint ended up just melting whatever didn't sell. Other "circulation" halves probably were just carried as pocket mementos.

 

Monroe Doctrine Centennial as well......I've more than a few well worn examples.

 

Actually I am looking for one of those now.

 

I'm going to get a high grade example of one of those Monroe Doctrine commemoratives. After reading that its bell design was the basis for the Franklin half's bell, I'm going to get it and compare the two in-person and keep a nice piece of numismatic history.

 

A bell on the Monroe Doctrine half? Where? There is one on the 1926 Sesquicentennial half though.

 

Oh yes, my mistake, I meant the 1926 Sesquicentennial.

 

Same designer for both........John R. Sinnock.

 

Not to discourage you necessarily, but I find the Sesquicentennial half to be one of the least appealing classic commemoratives. The design is fairly boring and low relief, and well struck coins are scarce. By all means, see if you can get a look at one, and bring a nice Franklin to compare the bell to, but you might find your money and efforts better spent elsewhere.

 

Who would want to spend a commemorative coin?

 

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...irmiles-cash-bank-s-refusing-accept-them.html

'I was left with £29,300 of special Royal Mint coins after HSBC refused them despite being legal tender': How a ruse to earn credit card points came unstuck

• James bought commemorative coins in bulk using credit card
• Card purchases allowed him to accrue airline points
• Savvy spender would then cash in coins at bank and pay off card bill
• But Royal Mint crackdown saw bank refuse huge pile of £100 coins
• Coins are 'legal tender' but this does not mean banks must take them

Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/...ank-s-refusing-accept-them.html#ixzz47ihFbBjA
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

 

Sucks to be him...

 

I'm having a hard time working up sympathy for someone who wanted something for nothing.

 

I have seen this story and it blows my mind. I side with him. Do not advertise as legal tender if it is not. I had actually thought of buying some of those coins, cause I was thinking you can't lose. I bet sales dip after this story gets out.

 

Don't try to cheat the system. CC point programs are designed to reward actual purchases.

 

Not exactly a new story. Merged this topic and the one from January.

 

You spend a lot at Starbucks! I spend 3 bucks tops