I was wondering why the mint doesn't do a little polishing and frosting of dies for circulation coins that would give them a proof-like look. Is there a technical reason not to, or is it an economic decision due to the need for consistency of coins and the extra dies used or the maintenance of them? I thought this would be a good idea, non-collectors could see how nice cameo coins can look and many have never seen a proof... Is there a reason this wouldn't be feasible or did I just think of a genius idea .
be a shame to see proof-like coins in circulation getting destroyed, i can see myself hoarding them.. god forbid i spot one out in the road where i gotta run out an save it!
I think cost would be the main factor. The U.S. Mint's already losing money on several of its coins so making the minting process even more expensive wouldn't be a popular decision. Plus I think striking premium coins for free would inadvertently diminish the collectibility and value of the premium coins the Mint sells directly to collectors. Why buy a Proof set if you can pick up Prooflike coins in circulation?
The logic would be that the more interesting coins would end up as a plus for the mint because people would be opened to varied styles of coins and may then buy a nice proof set instead of their beat up proof-like one out of circulation and while they are at it would pick up an ASE or even a Buffalo gold ounce. With modern technology it can't be that much more expensive for them. As it is now you can barely give away non-silver proof and unc. sets on ebay so I don't see it hurting their collectibility. They are obviously trying to add variety with all the different designs of quarters etc., that cant be cheap, this would probably be a less expensive option than five designs a year or would augment the added designs.
