Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;jaceravone, post: 771724, member: 9474&quot;]The question proposed is an age old question that will always continue to present itself as long as the mint continues to manufacture proof and bullion coinage.&nbsp; I have been wanting to tackle this question for a long time, but never had the time to sit down and complete the answer.&nbsp; I now have a few moments.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>As a collector and non collector alike, it is very easy to overlook the subtle differences that separate a 1oz American Eagle/Buffalo bullion coin from its proof counterpart.&nbsp; </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The most obvious difference is that one is a bullion coin and one is a proof....translation....one is shinny and the other is not.&nbsp; More importantly, more attention is paid to the preparation of the dies and striking of the coins for a proof than a bullion coin.&nbsp; This process in itself translates into higher prices through all the additional hours spent on the manufactuing process.&nbsp; Proof coins are better handled and taken care of then their bullion counterparts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Next is the packaging.&nbsp; Bullion coinage often comes in tubes that hold 20 or so coins or in individually sealed plastic holders.&nbsp; Each proof coin is packaged separately.&nbsp; Like it or not, someone has to pay for this.&nbsp; The mint being a for profit organization certainly is not going to pay for it, so that cost is past onto its customers.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Then comes the distribution aspect of the coins.&nbsp; There are only about a dozen or so certified groups that the mint sends their bullion coins to for distribution.&nbsp; There are tens of thousands of customers that the mint sends their proof coins to.&nbsp; Now, as a customer we pay for these shipping costs, but not entirely if you think about it.&nbsp; There is a cost that is associated with paying the workers to box each and every coin that goes out.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Least we not forget about the marketing aspect of the proof coins.&nbsp; The US Mint does not market the bullion coins because they do not sell the bullion coins to the public.&nbsp; Now, I do not live in an area where there is a lot of marketing for the US Mint, but I understand that in larger cities there is quite a bit.&nbsp; Also, the mints website most likely falls under their marketing budget.&nbsp; </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>These are a few of the components that I understand and accept as contributing to the overall cost of our coins.&nbsp; More work and effort goes into selling a proof coin than a bullion coin and that cost is passed on to the customers and rightly so.&nbsp; As a for profit &quot;company&quot; I would never expect them to eat these costs.&nbsp; Hope this helps.&nbsp; I wanted to get into more detail, but the wife wants to go to Olive Garden and who am I to say no.&nbsp; LOL![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in