The Ford Edsel of coins?

My understanding was that it didn't really fit into their marketing scheme. Edsel was designed to be a brand between Ford (their low end) and Mercury (their mid-end) cars...but it wasn't priced right. So, they advertised it in that group but priced it as much or more than a Mercury. So, basically they didn't advertise it in it's price range and thus nobody bought it.

 

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I'm sure what you said is true; however, the fact it was considered ugly didn't help.

 

Among other things, the Edsel was just ugly... The grill looked like someone's puckered mouth after sucking on a lemon (i've heard that is where the term 'lemon' in reference to a problem vehicle comes from, though I don't know if that is true)... It was also a mechanical failure in many ways... So to me I think more of the pennies that I so love... Try and find me a decent strike from after 1983... I can spot a '91 or '98 from across the room from just the light strike or off-center strike, or the planchet showing around the numbers... I would trade you five '91's for a '68, '72, or '82 any day of the week ... I have countless pennies from '90 to 2007 with such poor quality strikes that I just wish they would quit minting the penny and get me some decent looking nickels instead... Not to mention the gov't spends more to make a penny than each is worth... A true EDSEL! ...

B

 

I've got to agree with those that say the Susie B. Anthony

 

My first thought is the 1996 Olympics Commemorative program.
The 1995 program was enough to make folks sick of Comm's.
The mintage was cut in half in 96. What crazy prices today.
I see them as the keys to the set.

 

They are almost like coins as in dependent upon condition and specifics. A pristine (authentically restored) Edsel Citation can go for $60K - $80K. Sometimes more. Edsels are highly collectible these days.

 

Any coin designed by Frank Gasparro? Talk about uninspired design.

 

.....i think some of the blame should be shared by the CCAC and the treasury secretary, YES?

 

Great thread.

Interestingly enough, the very first coin made by the US Mint was an "Edsel" - the Chain Cent, which received very negative public response.

The Chain cents got the last laugh - they are now insanely popular and even more insanely priced. $5,000 buys a very low-end specimen.

 

That's true, and the ugliness was kind of a shock. As part of the marketing campaign, the car was somewhat of a mystery...it was a way to build interest and excitement for the car. Early ads didn't let you get a good look at the car and they were shipped to dealers covered. So, when the public finally got a look at the car I think they were very disappointed. Combine that with it not being priced for the demographic it was advertised for...it was a complete disaster.

 

How about the 40% halves (I know I am biased), which were meant to be used in circulation but were hoarded instead (since they were the last circulating silver coins). What was the mint thinking!? Don't they know Gresham's law?

I know its not an "Edsel" as far as value, but it is regarding filling the purpose of the coin.

 

I think this would be the opposite of an Edsel IMHO. The Edsel was highly publicized and marketed but despite all that, it was very unpopular. The 40% silver halves were the opposite. From what I understand, they weren't really promoted much by the government in the hopes of being used...but instead were very popular and hoarded due to their silver content. You are correct that they failed to do what they were intended to do...but they were very popular with the public.

 

Odd post though. Have you checked the prices of an Edsel lately? Especially a convertible? If your comparing coins, it would have to be a coin that was supposed to be a biggy, failed and is now worth a small fortune. Check ebay. There is one now up to over $17,000.

 

Well, that car is over priced. They aren't worth very much. Compared to cars from that era, they are pretty cheap.

 

i was thinking all kennedy halves. SBA is bad but the kennedys should of stopped getting minted decades ago. even vending machines use the Sacagawea dollar. when i buy a bottle of liquor at this one place if youre ever getting more then 50c change theyll give you one of them halves. if im not spending it right away its going on my dresser with another half dozen till i can buy something with the lot of them.

 

I agree that the half should have been done away with...especially when they stopped releasing them into circulation. They still mint them, but they aren't issued. It seems especially stupid these days.

 

Yes, an ugly and strange looking car. As far as the Edsel coin, closest one to an Edsel is the SBA. JMO :secret:

 

Avanti?

Avanti were "ugly". They still make those in Canada?