Why are commemoratives so under-appreciated?

We made it interesting because we knew you were lurking in the shadows Mr. Green. This is a compelling topic.

 

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I just hope I didn't offend you Green since I know you collect both series. I never begrudge any collector anything they wish to collect, especially considering the little ugly bronzes I chase after.

Btw, another thought. Who thinks the topics of the modern commemorative program are also responsible for its decline? I mean, like I said I am a vet and I think there are WAY too many military themed coins. Why aren't we celebrating all of the great things this country have done that don't involve shooting someone else?

Chris

 

Compelling indeed.......

No offence taken Chris. You make some excellent points. My love for the series (both modern and classic) clouds my judgement and opinion at times.....so much so that I find little or no fault with either program. Doug mentioned earlier that "In a nutshell - there are too many investors and too few collectors in the hobby." I'm one of the few. The 'moderns' I've collected for years, but it was the 'classic program' that really intrigued me. When my father gave me my first Red Book, that was the section of the book I visited most. I loved each and every one of those designs, but the price tags for them always stymied me. The eighties saw crazy pricing on these.....just look at an old Red Book and compare to prices today. And you did mention 'cycles' on these Chris. I've found many pieces more affordable today than in past years. Not that I want to encourage any of you guys.....the last thing I need is another competitor on Teletrade or Heritage or someone playing elbow tag with me at a dealers table.......

 

I agree the topics selected for modern commemoratives are very uninspired and bland. Coupled with the fact there is only about $25.00 worth of silver in them, but the least expensive Star-Spangled Banner coin, for example, is $44.95.

I have a number of early commemoratives and I really enjoy them. Included here are: Daniel Boone, Pilgrim, Oregon Trail, Pan-Pacific, Stone Mountain, Columbian Expo and Lexington-Concord. The designs are very appealing.

I have a number of modern commemoriatives, but the last U. S. Mint commemorative I have purchased is the 2008 Bald Eagle. I feel there hasn't been an interesting 1 minted since then, but that is just me. I would much rather take that money and spend it on some really interesting and well-produced offerings from the Perth Mint or Royal Canadian Mint.

It just seems the selection process employed for U. S. commemoratives results in same old, same old uninteresting themes and I don't look for that to change anytime soon. The U. S. Mint and its topic-selection partners would do well to begin a "paradigm shift". That is, unless they don't mind people taking their coin-buying funds and spending them at other world mints.

 

In comment regarding high price for these items, remember folks, a certain portion of the purchase price (usually $10 silver/$35 gold)) is set aside for the purpose of funding the organization/commission that originally applied for the commemorative recognition. My advice to folks who think the release price is too high is to wait until the coin(s) appear in the aftermarket. Many times they are available at a considerable cost reduction. As for the designs on the coins, well, not everyone is going to be pleased....myself included. There are more than a few moderns ( less few classic) that are not top priorities for me design wise.

[Edit] And an aside to Yn's and all who seek to collect this series of coins (classic) with otherwise limited means. Many times at shows you will come across these coins in circulated condition at modest prices. It's a good way to get your feet wet. Heck, I love circulated commem's.....

 

Well I was just commenting on lower and lower overall mintages it appears to me as the modern commemorative program has been in existence. It seems nearly every year there is another military or paramilitary commemorative theme. I also collect Thai coins as a side collection, and they have circulating commemoratives issued every year. Almost none of them involve the military or the police, they celebrate a famous museum, or a hospital, or a UN initiative, etc. Seems to be quite a contrast between their peaceful themed commemoratives and our jingoistic offerings.

I was just postulating how much this military theme was hurting sales. We have so many great things to commemorate, my alma mater Iowa State created the worlds first digital computer, we cured polio, medical advances, Mayo clinic, inventing the internet, man on the moon, the lightbulb, motion pictures, etc etc. These are what is great about this nation, not our ability to defeat other nations.

Just my opinion.

Chris

 

I'm a big fan of the early commemoratives.

Each rich in history with a story to tell.

This is my newest. Was in a PCGS 63 holder and now on its way back from NGC in a 63 PL holder.

 

Here's a few.... :yes:

 

Is it time to open the closet yet?












I might have to make a album of these when I get a few more.
Or just invite you to view in the PCGS Regisrty....http://www.pcgs.com/SetRegistry/publishedset.aspx?s=96489&ac=1

 

Gorgeous coins

 

Nice commems Ikeiwin, I think I bid against you on some of those coins
I will post some of mine this weekend.

 

Several early commems are spectacular to me, but I am hardly ever tempted to pay over double spot.

The modern star spangled banner silver proof is a winner in my book--as are Franklin Scientist, Smithsonian, and John Marshall--and I even like the 1982 Washington. I'm not a fan of all of those Olympic games ones, and although I am very much in love with the USA, most war designs don't turn my crank.

Can the definition of Commemorative be stretched a little? ... I think the State Qs, ATBs (both sizes) and First Spouse gold will be in this realm of collecting, someday. I do think the sheer quantity of designs dilutes the present demand. This may have something to do with the "more investors than collectors" concern.

 

Sorry to say but the Classic comm. faced somewhat the same fate as the moderns you mention. The last issues of the classic series where produced for several years making them common place and losing the feel of being collectible. Over production has hurt both the classic series and is defiantly the case of the modern issues.

 

What kind of sets off an alarm bell for theme's, are the football commemoratives. I don't think private business belongs on a commemorative coin, and professional sports is a private enterpize/business. With the Mint looking for something to offset the lost revenue, before you know it, they will be selling these commemoratives coins for advertising space. It will go to the highest bidder, or largest political contributor, lobbing group, special interest, etc... I'm reaching here, but I hope you get my drift. The olympics doesn't fall into this catagopry. Neither does non-professional sports, or someone from sports like Jackie Robinson, who represented a social issue. But something doesn't set right when privately owned organizations are featured who can achieve personal gains from something like this. It's like free advertising to them. (IMHO) Any idea who or what will get the royalty associated from the sales of these coins?

 

I think that most things created to be a collectable usually never end up being so. JMO
Matt

 

I did a trade for this one today. Not my photos...from a Stacks auction. I hope they're true! PCGS 65.
Lance.

 

That is a very nice coin. I would put that one up there with any other US coin design in beauty and representation of America.

 

Since you mentioned to me that you hail from this neck o' the woods I can't help but to post a FUN find Lance......