US Mint Order - Blech

I was a serious collector of coins and stamps for most of my life. I started collecting in 1948. Recently (around late 20th century) the USPS started making what I call 'wallpaper'. Hundreds of new stamps. If you collect you want one of each. And, the US Mint started making what I call 'ballast'. Too many new coins and stamps and poor quality on top of it. I quit accumulating new coins and stamps. The process is set up for large dealers to benefit. You can't even get a new half dollar unless you get it from a dealer. I'm done with keeping up.

 

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I have been ordering from the mint for years. First time I ever got something I had to return for replacement. The obverse on the proof nickel had some type of black marks on it. The 2019 W proof Cent looked amazing however. None of the "scuff" marks like a lot are getting. I sent the Proof set back in the same package as instructed. With the same floppy block of styrofoam packing. Hope the replacement set is up to standards. Oops, I forgot to return the proof cent.

 

I'm reminded of that old saying . . . "good enough for government work."

 

I think of their stuff as manufactured collectibles, not much different from Franklin Mint products. The US Mint preys on the OCD tendencies of coin collectors to want "one of everything", and they also prey on the ignorance of non-collectors.

Of course, they're not alone. Other major mints around the world are guilty of the same.

 

I got one of those special reverse mint sets last year with dirt inside on the penny I sent it back quick.

 

I bought one separate on eBay, and then a few days later decided to buy the proof set with the 2019 W Lincoln. Since the quality on these coins so far has been less than Stellar, I'm wondering what the quality will be. I will post pictures of both when I receive them in the mail

 

I stopped buying anything direct from the mint about five years ago. I was an accumulator for decades. I finally went back to my collection and started valuing each piece/set. I came to find that maybe once every 10 years something increased in value above issue price.

I was incredibly disappointed with the unlimited mintages and decided right then and there I'd only buy silver issues with sub 50k mintage limits. We all know how many issues I've bought recently

 

Sad

 

I’m now worried about the two proof sets I ordered. They have to ship all the way to Germany. I bet they’re going to be details cents by the time they arrive

 

The quality of coins I’m receiving from the Mint lately has been pathetic. They seem to be taking a hard line and really taking their time with returns. I returned an Apollo Commem the day I received it - called a few times inquiring about it - and just got it returned from the Mint a month later stating I sent it back after the 7 day return window - unbelievable!! They just lost a long time customer...

 

Mine is stranded somewhere near Memphis, the Ox went lame and the wagon lost a wheel...I'll just have to wait it out!

 

The mint is trying to force out the average collector. They are making products that require you to buy rolls and bags of coins to keep a collection up-to-date. I have been buying from the US Mint since 1959 and am weening myself off. You can't get S Mint UNC quarters or Kennedy halves without buying from a dealer. The mint is selling high end packaging with low end coins.

 

No wonder you prefer silver over gold!

 

I am so disappointed in the US Mint. At one time we had the best looking coins in the world. Now, just like the USPS, it is a race to get the most product out and the most money in. What was the West Point Penny? A cheap carnival token in pretense of appreciation.

 

I just got my proof set in the mail. I'll be posting pictures soon

 

It's only been 60 years. These things take time!

 

The spotting is at 10 and 2. If the obverse looks like the reverse there wouldn't be a problem. I'm still waiting on the separate 2019 W Lincoln cent that I ordered to compare the two.

 

Reverse

 

Looks like they sandblasted instead of frost it. Hope mine is in better shape when it arrives.

 

Interesting (in view of the "cent vs. penny" debate) that the US Mint has no qualms about using "penny."

Steve