Final 2012 America the Beautiful Quarter Designs

The United States Mint revealed the final designs that were chosen by U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner for the upcoming 2012 America the Beautiful Quarters.

Final 2012 America the Beautiful Quarter Designs

The five new designs on the quarters will enter public circulation at different times during the year. They will also be part of several numismatic sets that the United States Mint will offer, and the same designs will appear on the five ounce coins -- the collector America the Beautiful 5 Oz. Ounce Silver Uncirculated Coins and the America the Beautiful 5 Oz. Silver Bullion Coins.

Below are the images and descriptions of the final designs for each site honored during the year. The date the quarters are scheduled to enter circulation via the Federal Reserve Bank System is also listed. The images of the designs may be enlarged by clicking on them.

El Yunque is the only tropical rain forest in the U.S. National Forest system. The quarter's design features the Puerto Rican parrot on a branch and the Coqui tree frog on a nearby leaf. Inscriptions are EL YUNQUE, PUERTO RICO, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

El Yunque National Forest Quarter - Reverse Design

United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Gary Whitley designed it, and United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Michael Gaudioso engraved it.

America the Beautiful Site Location: Puerto Rico
Release Date: January 23

The Chaco design features a part of the architecture of the Chetro Ketl Complex within the canyon of the park. Two elevated kivas are in the center with a wall of the historic complex and the canyon to one side. Inscriptions are CHACO CULTURE, NEW MEXICO, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

2012 Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter - Reverse Design

Designing the reverse was AIP Master Designer Donna Weaver. The sculptor was United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

America the Beautiful Site Location: New Mexico
Release Date: April 2

With 40 miles of ocean shoreline, it makes sense that the reverse of the Acadia quarter features the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse and the rocky coastline. Inscriptions are ACADIA, MAINE, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Acadia National Park Quarter - Reverse Design

It was designed by AIP Associate Designer Barbara Fox and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

America the Beautiful Site Location: Maine
Release Date: June 11

What else but a volcano could be portrayed on the reverse of the Hawaii quarter? The United States Mint reports the depiction is an eruption on the east rift of Kilauea Volcano. The coin's inscriptions are HAWAI'I VOLCANOES, HAWAII, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

2012 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Quarter - Reverse Design

United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles L. Vickers designed and engraved the reverse.

America the Beautiful Site Location: Hawaii
Release Date: August 27

Mount McKinley, located in Denali National Park, is the tallest peak in North America, as it climbs 20,320 feet into the air. Thus it seems fitting that is it on the reverse of the fifth quarter of 2012. In the foreground is a Dall sheep on a rocky slope. Inscriptions are DENALI, ALASKA, 2012 and E PLURIBUS UNUM.

Denali National Park Quarter - Reverse Design

AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble created the design and United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz engraved it.

America the Beautiful Site Location: Alaska
Release Date: November 5

Each obverse, or heads side, will remain the same on the coins in the program. It is the familiar portrait of George Washington, the first President of the United States. John Flanagan is credited for the image. The inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST and QUARTER DOLLAR.

America the Beautiful Quarters launched in 2010. All of the 2011 quarters have been released. Five rotating designs each year will feature a national site in every state, U.S. territory, and the District of Columbia until the final design is released in 2021.

Related posts:

Next Year America the Beautiful Quarter DesignsCCAC to Review 2012 America the Beautiful Quarters, Gold Medal DesignsTagged as: Quarters, United States Mint

View the original article here

US Mint Issues 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set

Tuesday, November 29, 2011, the United States Mint issued the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set. Its price is $9.95, which is identical to last year's release.

United States Mint image of the newly issued 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set

The set of 2011 quarters is the second of its kind in the America the Beautiful Quarters® program. It includes 10 of this year's quarter dollars, two strikes of each design. One of each design is produced at the United States Mint manufacturing facilities located in Philadelphia and Denver. Although the coins are business quality, they have never entered circulation.

The five designs of the 2011 coins depict a scene emblematic of Gettysburg National Military Park, Glacier National Park, Olympic National Park, Vicksburg National Military Park, and Chickasaw National Recreation Area.

The coins are mounted on a card that allows easy access. This set provides collectors with an economical opportunity to add each of this year's issues to a collection or coin album without having to break up one of the U.S. Mint's larger or more expensive sets that may contain other coin denominations.

Once available, hobbyists may place an order via the Mint's online store at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or call 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).

For reference, the U.S. Mint press release announcing the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set follows.

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set at noon Eastern Time (ET) on November 29, 2011. The 10-coin set, priced at $9.95, contains the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program coins in circulating quality - one of each quarter from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver.

The packaging allows the coins to be easily removed and placed into the America the Beautiful Quarters Coin Album™ or other storage option. 

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders.

The America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set is also available for purchase through the United States Mint Online Subscription Program. For additional information about this convenient ordering option, visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of November 29, 2011, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.  For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Related posts:

US Mint 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Circulating Coin Set On SaleUS Mint 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set AvailabilityTagged as: Quarters, United States Mint

View the original article here

2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set Availability

The United States Mint will make available the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set on Tuesday, April 19 for a price of $21.95.

America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set

The set includes 10 uncirculated coins. Five are minted in Philadelphia and bear the "P" mint mark and five are produced in Denver and have the "D" mint mark. These are the same coins that are a subset of the annual 28-coin 2011 Mint Set, which was released on February 8 and priced at $31.95.

The America the Beautiful Quarters in the uncirculated coin set are packed within a single folder which includes information about the national parks and site related to the issues, coin specifications and a certificate of authenticity.

For reference, the United States Mint statement on the America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set follows:

2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set™ Available April 19

WASHINGTON - The United States Mint will begin accepting orders for the 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set on April 19 at noon Eastern Time (ET).

The 10-coin set contains uncirculated versions of the 2011 quarters in the America the Beautiful Quarters® Program. The coins were produced at the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver and feature a brilliant uncirculated finish.

Orders will be accepted at http://www.usmint.gov/catalog or at 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may place their orders by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468). A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 will be added to all domestic orders.

The America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set is also available for purchase through the United States Mint's Online Subscription Program. For more information about this convenient ordering method, please visit http://www.usmint.gov/catalog.

The 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set features coins honoring:

Gettysburg National Military Park (Pennsylvania); Glacier National Park (Montana); Olympic National Park (Washington); Vicksburg National Military Park (Mississippi); and Chickasaw National Recreation Area (Oklahoma)

Its packaging includes information about each of the commemorated national sites, which makes it a thoughtful gift option for anyone interested in learning more about our historic national parks and sites. 

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce. The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Note: To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to the official on-sale date and time of April 19, 2011, noon ET shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored. For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

Related posts:

US Mint 2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set Availability2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set AvailabilityTagged as: Quarters, United States Mint

View the original article here

US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion and Prooof Silver Eagles Sell Out

The 2010-dated America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins sold out. Several other items in the latest US Mint product sales figures report jumped out as well. 2010 Proof Silver Eagles sold out also, yet their sales figures were unchanged since the last report.

The Proof Silver Eagles have been listed on the US Mint website as sold out since Tuesday, December 28. The total for Proof Silver Eagles remained at 834,879 for a second week. The US Mint has not yet clarified if the sales figures will rise.

Proof American Gold Buffalo coins surprisingly advanced 1,002. Normally, of late, a few hundred Proof Buffalo coins would sell in a single week.

As for bullion Silver Eagles, their numbers also did not change. December's total remained at 1,772,000, which made it the slowest month for all of 2010. Even September's tally was higher, at 1,880,000. Still, the year-to-date total of 34,662,500 made 2010 the best year for the bullion coins since they debuted in 1986. Final December and 2010 figures should be available in early January.

All 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullions Coins have been sold by the US Mint to its Authorized Purchasers. [Read SilverCoinsToday.com article: AP's order all 2010 ATB Silver Bullion Coins.] The 165,000 bullion coins, split across each of the five coin designs by 33,000, will gradually enter the secondary market in the coming weeks. January 3, 2011, appears to be the date most of the Authorized Purchasers plan on selling the coins directly to the public.

In the numismatic gold market, only two fractional 2010 Proof American Gold Eagles remained available. The individual one-half ounce Gold Eagle sold out last week, but their latest sales figures show the half-ounce gold coins at 10,166 which was only higher by 35. Originally, the US Mint had said the product limit would be 15,000. Still, only the one-quarter ounce proof, the one-tenth ounce proof, and the Four-Coin Set are for sale. Their most recent totals were 8,115, 18,725, and 33,027 respectively.

Items with negative sales were the Mary Lincoln First Spouse gold uncirculated coins, all three Mount Hood quarter bags and rolls options, and both Abraham Lincoln Presidential dollar roll sets. What makes the negative adjustment unusual was the fact that each item was fairly new. The oldest item, the Mount Hood Quarters, launched on November 15.

Sets were not as popular in this round as they had been. The best seller, the 2010 Mint Proof Set, gained 10,481 versus 18,403 previously. The 2010 Silver Proof Set also eased by climbing 7,768 compared to 9,480. And the Uncirculated Set softened. It advanced 4,611 after gaining 8,418 in the last round.

The 2010 Abraham Lincoln Presidential $1 Coin and First Spouse Medal Set debuted with 3,753. The Mint launched it on Thursday, December 23. Its inaugural sales did better than the James Buchanan set, which started at 2,080.

The first three columns of the table below provide weekly US Mint sales increases between the listed time periods, offering a sense of recent trends. The final column provides the latest US Mint sales totals as of Sunday, December 26, 2010. Bullion coin tables are found toward the bottom, with the most recent sales as of Thursday, December 30. (NLA = No Longer Available.)

Unit
Increase
Dec 6-
Dec 12 Unit
Increase
Dec 13-
Dec 19 Unit
Increase
Dec 20-
Dec 26 2010 American Eagle Silver Proof2010 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver DollarLetitia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Julia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Sarah Polk Uncirculated (2009)Zachary Taylor Uncirculated (2009)Abigail Fillmore Uncirculated (2010)Jane Pierce Uncirculated (2010)Buchanan's Liberty Proof (2010) Buchanan's Liberty Uncirculated (2010) Mary Lincoln Uncirculated (2010) 2010 United States Mint Proof Set2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set2009 United States Mint Proof Set2010 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2009 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™2010 America The Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™2009 DC/Territories Quarters Proof SetDC/Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set (6-coin)2010 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2009 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2009 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2010 Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set 2010 QUARTERS CIRCULATING COIN SET 2010 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 3-COIN SET MOUNT HOOD QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSGRAND CANYON QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYOSEMITE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYELLOWSTONE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSHOT SPRINGS QUARTER BAGS & ROLLS2009 JAMES K. POLK $1 COIN ROLLS2009 ZACHARY TAYLOR $1 COIN ROLLS2010 MILLARD FILLMORE $1 COIN ROLLS2010 FRANKLIN PIERCE $1 COIN ROLLS 2010 JAMES BUCHANAN $1 COIN ROLLS2010 ABRAHAM LINCOLN $1 COIN ROLLSPRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN & FIRST SPOUSE MEDAL SETS™2010 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 NATIVE AMERICAN GOLDEN DOLLAR ROLLSAmerica the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins

*Includes 51,000 of the one ounce 2009-dated Gold Eagles sold in January. **Includes 367,500 of the 2009-dated Silver Eagle coins sold in January.

Related posts:

US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins StartUS Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins SlowsTagged as: United States Mint, United States Mint Stats

View the original article here

US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins Slows

Overall, sales were down in the latest US Mint product figures. Silver Eagles and America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins fell compared to the previous week, and so did gold bullion.

Authorized Purchasers picked up another 67,000 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins, but it was not enough to sell out. 23,000 of the five ounce coins remained. 75,000 were purchased previously. Not all of the Authorized Purchasers decided to buy the .999 fine silver coins. The remaining five ounce coins will be allocated to those who did.

The Mint has not yet announced when the five 2011 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins will be available.

Bullion Silver Eagles advanced another 350,000 during the past week to move December's total to 1,772,000. In the prior round, the Silver Eagles surged more than one million. The slowdown might prevent December from ranking in the top half of the best selling months for 2010. In fact it is still in last place with one week left. November was the best month ever -- dating back the series launch in 1986.

Only 13,000 one ounce American Gold Bullion Eagles were bought in this period versus 38,000 before. Authorized Purchasers did order two fractional Eagles, on the other hand. 1,000 one-half ounce coins and 2,000 one-quarter ounce coins sold.

In the numismatic market, the 2010 Proof American Gold Eagles made the most news. As of Sunday, the total for the one-half ounce Gold Eagles was 10,131 but the remaining 4,869 had sold by Wednesday, December 22. The US Mint posted the sold out sign on its web site. The next product closest to a sellout is the Four-Coin Set. Its total was 31,846 so only 7,154 remained.

2010 Proof Silver Eagles gained 38,066 in their fourth week. Their tally hit 834,879 which is the fourth highest total in its series.

As for sets, the 2010 Mint Proof Set rose 18,403 versus 22,086 previously, and the 2010 Silver Proof Set climbed 9,480 compared to 11,475. Even the Uncirculated Set dropped back from 13,244 to 8,418 in this round.

The first three columns of the table below provide weekly US Mint sales increases between the listed time periods, offering a sense of recent trends. The first unit increase column is for a two-week period. The final column provides the latest US Mint sales totals as of Sunday, December 19, 2010. Bullion coin tables are found toward the bottom, with the most recent sales as of Thursday, December 23. (NLA = No Longer Available.)

Unit
Increase
Nov 22-
Dec 5Unit
Increase
Dec 6-
Dec 12Unit
Increase
Dec 13-
Dec 192010 American Eagle Silver Proof2010 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Eagle Platinum Proof2009 American Buffalo Gold Proof2010 American Eagle Gold Proof Coins2010 American Veterans Disabled for Life Silver Dollar2010 Boy Scouts of America Centennial Silver DollarLetitia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Julia Tyler Uncirculated (2009)Sarah Polk Uncirculated (2009)Zachary Taylor Uncirculated (2009)Abigail Fillmore Uncirculated (2010)Jane Pierce Uncirculated (2010)Buchanan's Liberty Proof (2010) Buchanan's Liberty Uncirculated (2010) Mary Lincoln Uncirculated (2010) 2010 United States Mint Proof Set2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Proof Set2009 United States Mint Proof Set2010 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2009 U.S. Mint Silver Proof Set™ (18-coin)2010 Presidential $1 Coin Proof Set™2010 America The Beautiful Quarters Silver Proof Set™2009 DC/Territories Quarters Proof SetDC/Territories Quarters Silver Proof Set (6-coin)2010 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2010 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2009 United States Mint Uncirculated Set2009 Presidential Uncirculated Dollar Coin Set™ (P&D)2010 Quarters Uncirculated Coin Set 2010 QUARTERS CIRCULATING COIN SET 2010 AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL 3-COIN SET MOUNT HOOD QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSGRAND CANYON QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYOSEMITE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSYELLOWSTONE QUARTER QUARTER BAGS & ROLLSHOT SPRINGS QUARTER BAGS & ROLLS2009 JAMES K. POLK $1 COIN ROLLS2009 ZACHARY TAYLOR $1 COIN ROLLS2010 MILLARD FILLMORE $1 COIN ROLLS2010 FRANKLIN PIERCE $1 COIN ROLLS 2010 JAMES BUCHANAN $1 COIN ROLLS2010 ABRAHAM LINCOLN $1 COIN ROLLSPRESIDENTIAL $1 COIN & FIRST SPOUSE MEDAL SETS™2010 KENNEDY HALF-DOLLAR BAGS & ROLLS2010 NATIVE AMERICAN GOLDEN DOLLAR ROLLSAmerica the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins

*Includes 51,000 of the one ounce 2009-dated Gold Eagles sold in January. **Includes 367,500 of the 2009-dated Silver Eagle coins sold in January.

Related posts:

US Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins StartUS Mint Sales: America the Beautiful Silver Bullion and Prooof Silver Eagles Sell OutTagged as: United States Mint, United States Mint Stats

View the original article here

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins Relaunch with Price Controls

After putting the program on hold earlier this week, today the United States Mint has relaunched the eagerly awaited America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins. If primary distributors wish to purchase the coins from the Mint, they must agree to a new set of terms and conditions, which includes price caps and very specific guidelines for distribution.

Despite extremely limited mintages of only 33,000 coins per design, the coins technically represent a bullion series. By law, the coins must be distributed through the United States Mint's authorized purchaser network. A small group of 11 primary distributors are able to purchase the coins directly from the Mint based on the market price of silver plus a mark up of $9.75 per coin.

When one of the distributors started charging considerably more than their cost, customer complaints prompted the US Mint to put the program on hold.

The series has relaunched today with a new set of terms and conditions for authorized purchasers.

1.  Authorized Purchasers shall make available for sale to the public all 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins that they acquire.  The intention of this condition is to ensure that all 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins minted and issued by the United States Mint are sold to the public.

2.  Authorized Purchasers may charge to their customers a price no higher than ten percent above the price at which the Authorized Purchasers acquire 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins from the United States Mint.  Authorized Purchasers may charge their customers a reasonable shipping and handling fee; however, Authorized Purchasers may not charge any other fee, premium, or other expense to their customers to circumvent this ten-percent markup limitation.  The intention of this condition is to ensure that members of the public can obtain these coins at a reasonable and affordable purchase price.

3.  Authorized Purchasers must establish and enforce an order limit of one coin of each design for each household.  A household is defined as all persons of a family, or living as a family, at a single mailing address.  The intention of this condition is to ensure the broadest and fairest public accessibility to 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins, which are limited-mintage United States Mint products.

4.  Authorized Purchasers may not sell, either directly or indirectly, 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins to their officers or employees.  The intention of this condition is to ensure that 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins are available to the public and that Authorized Purchaser officers and employees do not have an unfair advantage over members of the public.

Although there was definitely a problem with the distribution system in this particular situation, by imposing price controls, the US Mint is treading into dangerous waters. There may be future implications for the authorized purchaser system and average consumers seeking to invest in gold or silver bullion.

Back in late 2008, the price of silver had plummeted to less than $10 per ounce. The rush to buy physical silver resulted in supply shortages, which pushed premiums to around 50% even for typically low premium products like 100 oz. silver bars. The United States Mint's American Silver Eagle bullion coins were typically sold for a $4.50 per coin premium or more.

This represented a mark up greater than 10% above the cost to the primary distributors who, at the time, were able to buy the coins directly from the Mint at a $1.40 per coin premium. There weren't many complaints to the Mint, presumably because all silver bullion products were priced at similar premiums.

The next time there is a silver supply shortage and premiums start to rise, will the US Mint seek to impose price controls for Silver Eagle bullion coins? How do you think that will work out?

View the original article here

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins on Hold

The America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins should have been released on December 6, 2010, but instead the program has been delayed by the United States Mint. The delay was prompted by widespread complaints about secondary market prices, which had risen to more than two times the value of the 5 ounces of silver content.

As a bullion product, the coins were to be distributed through the US Mint's network of authorized purchasers. A small group of primary distributors would be allowed to purchase the coins directly from the Mint at a price based on the market value of the silver content plus a premium of $9.75 per coin. Because of the expected high demand for the coins and the limited mintage available, the Mint urged the primary distributors to keep prices reasonable.

At least one primary distributor began offering the coins for sale at a premium of around $130 per coin over the market value of the silver content. Other bullion and coin dealers further down the distribution chain began offering the coins for even higher prices. The situation ultimately led to a flood of complaints, which caused the US Mint to halt deliveries to primary distributors while they determined the best course of action.

Based on a statement provided by the US Mint, they are currently, "evaluating these reports and collecting information in order to assess the appropriate course of action to make certain that our customers are best served in the distribution of the coins, and to ensure the widest possible availability, accessibility and affordability of these coins."

The situation stems from the fact that each of the five 2010 America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins will have production of only 33,000 units each. The low mintage and high demand for the coins make them more akin to modern rarities than bullion coins. The other bullion coins distributed through authorized purchasers are produced in large quantities to ensure that they are priced and treated like commodities.

In order to accomplish their goals of "availability, accessibility, and affordability," the natural course of action for the US Mint would be to distribute the coins directly to the public. The US Mint has sold low mintage numismatic products to the public in the past. They have imposed ordering limits or other procedures deemed necessary to achieve fair and widespread distribution.

Unfortunately, this option does not seem to be allowed under the law authorizing the bullion series, which calls for the coins to be distributed through the authorized purchaser network.

Other seemingly logical options such as selling the 2010 releases into the following year or completely scrapping the program for 2010 are also not possible under law. The Mint is required to strike and make the coins available for sale. The bullion coins may only be available for sale during the year in which the corresponding circulating quarter dollars are issued.

Keeping in mind the legal requirements, what options does the US Mint really have for the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins?

Distribute existing production through AP's and require them to keep prices at a "reasonable" level set by the US Mint. The problem with this option is that the US Mint can only impose such pricing requirements at the primary distributor level. Most primary distributors don't sell directly to the public, but resell to other bullion dealers. The retail prices would simply be marked up at the next level before reaching the consumer.Distribute the existing production through the National Park Service. The authorizing legislation allows the NPS to purchase the bullion coins directly from the Mint for resale to the public. Currently the NPS uses partner organizations or concessioners operating under contract to sell products at National Parks. Potentially, the NPS could create pricing and distribution guidelines for their concessioners to follow when offering the coins for sale. The US Mint could assist the NPS in formulating these guidelines.Increase the premiums charged to primary distributors to a higher level. It seems possible that the US Mint may have underestimated the costs of production anyway. One long time coin dealer stated that their calculations were likely based on much higher production levels, which would have allocated fixed costs over a greater number of units. The US Mint could recalculate the premium charged to primary distributors based on the actual limited production. This would prevent primary distributors from absorbing additional premiums, which were really just attributable to misallocated costs borne by the Mint.Increase the number of 2010 ATB Silver Bullion Coin minted to a level appropriate for a bullion product. The Secretary of the Treasury has discretion to establish the number of bullion coins available, so the number authorized could certainly be increased. However, with a complicated manufacturing process and less than one month to go, additional production is probably not be possible. Presumably, the low production level announced was the maximum number that the US Mint could reasonably produce before year end.Seek a change to the legal requirements for the coins. This would require some very prompt action from Congress, which seems unlikely. At mid year or earlier, the US Mint had asked for modifications to some of the more troublesome specifications for the 5 ounce bullion series. The bill containing these fixes (and a questionable modification to the Gold and Silver Eagle laws) was only recently passed in the House and Senate.

When the US Mint announced the halt of the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coin Program, I hope they realized that an easy solution was not apparent. Whatever choice they make to address the issues created by this year's coins will likely upset someone. Even though they haven't been issued yet, the coins have already been sold and resold on the secondary market based on a certain production and rarity perception.

View the original article here

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins on Sale December 6

The United States Mint is pleased to announce the release of its new America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins on December 6.

The United States Mint will begin selling up to 165,000 of the 2010-dated America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins on Monday, December 6, 2010. A total of 33,000 have been authorized for each of the five 2010 bullion issues. The United States Mint will also make numismatic versions available during the first quarter of 2010. These collector coins will be uncirculated strikes with the five 2010 issues having an upper combined maximum mintage of 135,000.

The three-inch, five-ounce silver coins-the first of their kind produced by the United States Mint-are investment-grade coins with weight, content and purity guaranteed by the U.S. government.  The coins are struck in .999 fine silver.

The United States Mint America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins will be available through an established network of Authorized Purchasers that will in turn make them available on the secondary market.  To find a bullion retailer, visit http://www.usmint.gov/bullionretailer or call 1-800-USA-GOLD (872-4653).  The cost of the coins will be determined by the current market price of silver plus a moderate premium to cover minting, distribution and marketing costs.

The maximum first year mintage for the America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins is 165,000 units--33,000 units for each of the five coins issued in 2010 in honor of Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas), Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Yosemite National Park (California), Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona) and Mount Hood National Forest (Oregon).  Maximum mintage levels for the 2011 and future bullion coins have not yet been determined.

A numismatic version of the three-inch, five-ounce silver coins, also minted in .999 silver, will be available for purchase directly from the United States Mint during the first quarter of 2011.  The maximum mintage for these collector versions is set at 135,000 units-27,000 units for each of the five 2010 coins.  The United States Mint will strike all 2010-dated numismatic coins by the end of the year, as required by law.  Additional information about the release date and pricing for the America the Beautiful Five Ounce Uncirculated Coins will be available at a future date.

Both the bullion and numismatic versions of these coins are legal tender and bear designs that are exact duplicates of those featured on coins released through the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters® Program.  The fineness and weight are incused on the coins' edges.  The bullion version, like its American Eagle Bullion Coin counterparts, will bear no mint mark.  The numismatic version will bear the "P" mint mark of the United States Mint at Philadelphia.

Public Law 110-456, Title II-the "America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008"-authorizes the United States Mint to mint and issue .999 fine silver bullion coins replicating each of the designs featured on the America the Beautiful Quarters in quantities the Secretary of the Treasury deems appropriate.  The numismatic coins are being produced under authority 31 U.S.C. §5111(a) (3), which provides the Secretary of the Treasury with broad authority to design, produce and sell numismatic items.

About United States Mint

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage and is responsible for producing an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For additional information on the series, visit sister site America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins.]

Related posts:

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins AvailableDetails Sharper in 5-ounce America the Beautiful Silver CoinsTagged as: Silver Coins, United States Mint

View the original article here

America the Beautiful Quarters Collector's Folder 2010-2021

Beginning in 2010, the United States Mint will issue newly designed quarters featuring a national park or other site approximately every ten weeks—and this compact folder is the perfect place for collectors to store each new coin. Complete with historical information and details of the Congressional Act that initiated this special program, the folder will keep this commemorative series organized, accessible, and easy to show off.

The noteworthy sites will come from all 50 states, as well as Washington, D.C., and five U.S. territories: Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Price: $6.95

Click here to buy from Amazon

CCAC to Review 2012 America the Beautiful Quarters, Gold Medal Designs

Pursuant to United States Code, Title 31, section 5135(b)(8)(C), the United States Mint announces the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) public meeting scheduled for October 26, 2010.

The meeting will review and discuss reverse candidate designs for the 2012 America the Beautiful Quarter-Dollar Coins, designs for the Arnold Palmer Congressional Gold Medal, and designs for the New Frontier Congressional Gold Medal.

Meeting Location and Time:

Date: October 26, 2010.
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: 2nd Floor Conference Center (Room A), United States Mint,
801 9th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220.

Interested persons should call 202-354-6700 for the latest update on meeting time and room location. Any member of the public interested in submitting matters for the CCAC's consideration is invited to submit them by fax to the following number: 202-756-6830.

About CCAC

In accordance with 31 U.S.C. 5135, the CCAC:

Advises the Secretary of the Treasury on any theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and national and other medals.Advises the Secretary of the Treasury with regard to the events, persons, or places to be commemorated by the issuance of commemorative coins in each of the five calendar years succeeding the year in which a commemorative coin designation is made.Makes recommendations with respect to the mintage level for any commemorative coin recommended.

Related posts:

2011 America the Beautiful Quarters Designs Review by CCAC on Jan. 26CCAC Meets July 27 to Review 2011 First Spouse & 2012 Presidential $1 CoinsTagged as: CCAC, Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee, Quarters, United States Mint

View the original article here

Details Sharper in 5-ounce America the Beautiful Silver Coins

The United States Mint has released images of the new America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Coins [background] and they clearly show sharper, more detailed scenes than those depicted on circulating America the Beautiful Quarters™ which share the same designs.

5-ounce America the Beautiful Silver Coins - Edge View

The U.S. Mint began producing the bullion silver coins in September, and expects to strike 100,000 of each of the five 2010 designs for a total mintage of 500,000. They will have greater detail due to their specifications and the employed manufacturing process. U.S. Mint spokesman Michael White explains...

Full Article: America the Beautiful Coins More Detailed Than Quarters - CoinNews.net

Related posts:

America the Beautiful Silver Bullion Quarter Coin Expected 2010 MintagesAmerica the Beautiful Silver Coins Program InformationTagged as: CoinNews, Silver Coins, United States Mint

View the original article here

New America the Beautiful Quarters Sets Arrive in November

Mid-November will mark the debut of three new collectible sets containing quarter-dollar coins issued under the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

The new sets will feature the first five coins in the program, honoring Hot Springs National Park (Arkansas), Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming), Yosemite National Park (California), Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona), and Mount Hood National Forest (Oregon).  Here's what collectors can expect:

This set contains two uncirculated quality Hot Springs National Park quarters-one each from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver-and one proof quality coin from the United States Mint at San Francisco.  The coins are mounted on a durable plastic card and include a brief description of the site and the coin design, as well as a Certificate of Authenticity on the back.  The set is priced at $13.95 and will be available for purchase November 17.  The remaining 2010 issues of the 2010 America the Beautiful Quarters Three-Coin Sets will be released in 2011.

This ten-coin set contains the first five America the Beautiful Quarters® coins in circulating quality-one of each quarter from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver.  The packaging allows the coins to be easily removed and placed into albums or other numismatic accessories.  The set is priced at $9.95 and will be available for purchase November 19.

This ten-coin set contains the first five America the Beautiful Quarters® coins in uncirculated quality-one of each quarter from the United States Mint facilities at Philadelphia and Denver.  Each set is priced at $21.95 and will be available for purchase November 23.

Collectors may begin ordering these products at noon Eastern Time (ET) on the dates specified via the United States Mint's secure Web site, http://www.usmint.gov/catalog, or at the toll-free number, 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).  Hearing- and speech-impaired customers may order by calling 1-888-321-MINT (6468).  A shipping and handling fee of $4.95 per order will be added to all domestic orders.

These products are also available by subscription, in which customers can sign up to receive each new set automatically as it is released.  For additional information about this convenient ordering option or the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program, visit http://www.usmint.gov/mint_programs/atb/.

The United States Mint, created by Congress in 1792, is the Nation's sole manufacturer of legal tender coinage.  Its primary mission is to produce an adequate volume of circulating coinage for the Nation to conduct its trade and commerce.  The United States Mint also produces proof, uncirculated and commemorative coins; Congressional Gold Medals; and silver, gold and platinum bullion coins.

Note:  To ensure that all members of the public have fair and equal access to United States Mint products, orders placed prior to noon ET on the official on-sale date shall not be deemed accepted by the United States Mint and will not be honored.  For more information, please review the United States Mint's Frequently Asked Questions, Answer ID #175.

[Coin Collecting News editor: For more information on the new quarter-dollar series, also check out sister site America the Beautiful Quarters.]

Related posts:

New US Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Sets Available With SubscriptionUS Mint 2010 Release Schedule for America the Beautiful Quarters ProductsTagged as: Quarters, United States Mint

View the original article here