I was looking at some of the world coins and noticed how they have larger sized bullion coins, so it made me think, would people like to buy a larger sized ASE? I think that would be pretty interesting. So do you think that the mint would ever go in that direction?
I voted "No". It would only be a gimmick for the Mint to squeeze more money from the collector. Besides, 28 years have passed since the introduction of the SAE. It would be rather foolish to start now. Chris
Isn't it always about money, I think the mint would do it for the collectors if enough interest was shown. I am curious to see how many stackers would be interested in this...
I disagree! Yes, it is about the money. All you have to do is look at the grading and price guides for the ATB 5oz. Quarters. First, if you look at the NGC Census figures (for example), there is not one ATB that has graded MS70. Do you expect this to be any different for a 5oz. SAE? They are too darn big which makes it so easy to get a nick or ding that would knock them down to MS68/69. Sure, there will be those who think they might get lucky and get one graded MS70, but you can bet your sweet bippy that they will flip it immediately for a huge profit. Do you really think they will be foolish enough to hang onto it for its numismatic importance and run the risk of others being graded MS70, thereby reducing the value? About the best that most collectors can expect to get would be MS69. Again, the NGC Census indicates that 69% of the ATB 5oz. quarters have been graded MS69 (41,708 out of 60,405.) The Mint is charging $154.95 for these, and when you factor in the grading fees, the total cost to the collector is more than $200. If you look at the Numismedia price guide (keep in mind that this is closer to retail) there are only two of the ATB 5oz. quarters that would make it worthwhile to grade (Yosemite - $375 & Grand Canyon - $775) and that would be ONLY if they graded MS69 DPL. All of the rest would be a losing proposition. So, in my opinion. whether you are a collector hoping to get the unlikely MS70 or the bullion hoarder hoping that silver will rise well above $35 an ounce, the odds are stacked against you. Chris
Yeah, its about the money. However, it doesn't mean there aren't collectors who would like this. What will the mint do when the ATB series is over? Never produce another 5 ouncer again? I would have no issue with it, but would hope they wouldn't be cheesy and reuse historical designs. China has different designs of pandas every year, I don't know why we couldn't have different eagle designs on the coin every year. As for the ability of thie mint to make a MS70 in larger sizes, personally I could give a rip. Who the heck made NGC and PCGS the arbiters of mint quality? I look at a 68 or a 69 slab and see a very nice looking coin. I do not care what the slabbers say, especially since we were promised when slabbing started they would NEVER slab a post 64 coin. See where we are now.
Chris - just wanted to specify that there have been SP70 5 oz ATB graded (I own 3.) I buy them because I really enjoy the designs. If the larger sized bullion coins had cool designs, I'd try to figure out a way to buy them. If they were just bigger ASE...I don't think I'd be all that interested...
I don't really care if larger coins make SP70 (though they do, actually, you can buy them easily in SP70 slabs). When I buy a slabbed ATB, I crack it out. I really like the larger coins, personally. The Perth Mint 2oz, 5oz, and 10oz coins are very nice.
Seeing the prices on some of these larger coins I know that I probably wouldn't be able to afford them. Or instead of a Kilo coin I probably would buy gold instead.
I'm not into dinner plate sized coins. However, if they struck them like china and mexico do, by retaining the same diameter but increasing thickness, I think I might be persuaded, as would others. Look at how horribly the hockey puck bullion coins performed....that says it all.
I already buy the numismatic versions of the ATB quarters. They are, of course, five ounces and quite beautiful and complimentary to the silver and clad issues. These offerings seem to be sufficient for the marketplace and my collecting budget.
I have a few of the Washington mint 8 & 12oz "silver eagles". I like those for a large coin. if the US mint started doing it they would just cost too much.
