U. S. Mint Commemorative Coins for 2016 Honor National Park Service Centennial & Mark Twain

In keeping with recent practice, the United States Mint will issue two commemorative coin series in 2016.  

Six coins will be released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service:

• Two $5 gold coins: one in proof and one in uncirculated finish to a maximum of 100,000 coins across all options.
• Two $1 silver coins: one in proof and one in uncirculated finish to a maximum of 500,000 coins across all options.
• Two half-dollar cupronickel clad coins:  one in proof and on in uncirculated finish to a maximum of 750,000 coins across all options.

Four coins will be released to commemorate the life and legacy of Mark Twain:

• Two $5 gold coins:  one in proof and one in uncirculated finish to a maximum of 100,000 coins across all options.
• Two $1 silver coins:  one in proof and one in uncirculated finish to a maximum of 350,000 coins across all options.

In addition to these two series, the Mint recently announced another series of gold coins to commemorate the 100th anniversary of three “Liberty” designs introduced in 1916:  the Winged Liberty Head Dime (aka, “Mercury Dime”), the Standing Liberty Quarter, and the Walking Liberty Half Dollar coins.  We covered these coins in an earlier post.

For those interested in more details, language from the authorizing legislation for the NPS and Mark Twain coins appears below:

NPS Commemorative

SEC. 3055. COIN TO COMMEMORATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE.

(a) COIN SPECIFICATIONS.—

(1) DENOMINATIONS.—The Secretary of the Treasury (in

this section referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue the following coins:

(A) $5 GOLD COINS.—Not more than 100,000 $5 coins, which shall—

(i) weigh 8.359 grams;

(ii) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and

(iii) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.

(B) $1 SILVER COINS.—Not more than 500,000 $1 coins, which shall—

(i) weigh 26.73 grams;

(ii) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and

(iii) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent

copper.

(C) HALF DOLLAR CLAD COINS.—Not more than 750,000 half dollar coins, which shall—

(i) weigh 11.34 grams;

(ii) have a diameter of 1.205 inches; and

(iii) be minted to the specifications for half dollar

coins, contained in section 5112(b) of title 31, United

States Code.

(2) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted under this section

shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.

H. R. 3979—518

(3) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of sections 5134 and 5136 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this section shall be considered to be numismatic items.

(b) DESIGN OF COINS.—

(1) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins minted under

this section shall be emblematic of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service.

(B) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On each coin minted under this section there shall be—

(i) a designation of the face value of the coin; (ii) an inscription of the year ‘‘2016’’; and

(iii) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God

We Trust’’, ‘‘United States of America’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus

Unum’’.

(2) SELECTION.—The design for the coins minted under

this section shall be—

(A) selected by the Secretary after consultation with—

(i) the National Park Service;

(ii) the National Park Foundation; and (iii) the Commission of Fine Arts; and

(B) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

(c) ISSUANCE OF COINS.—

(1) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under this section

shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.

(2) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary may issue coins minted under this section only during the period beginning

on January 1, 2016, and ending on December 31, 2016. (d) SALE OF COINS.—

(1) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under this section shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of—

(A) the face value of the coins;

(B) the surcharge provided in subsection (e)(1) with respect to the coins; and

(C) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, over- head expenses, marketing, and shipping).

(2) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of

the coins issued under this section at a reasonable discount. (3) PREPAID ORDERS.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this section before the issuance of such coins.

(B) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under subparagraph (A) shall be at a reasonable discount.

(e) SURCHARGES.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins minted under this sec-

tion shall include a surcharge as follows:

(A) A surcharge of $35 per coin for the $5 coin.

(B) A surcharge of $10 per coin for the $1 coin.

(C) A surcharge of $5 per coin for the half dollar

coin.

(2) DISTRIBUTION.—

(A) IN GENERAL.—Subject to section 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code, all surcharges which are received

H. R. 3979—519

by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this section shall be promptly paid by the Secretary to the National Park Foundation for projects and programs that help preserve and protect resources under the stewardship of the National Park Service and promote public enjoyment and appreciation of those resources.

(B) PROHIBITION ON LAND ACQUISITION.—Surcharges paid to the National Park Foundation pursuant to subpara- graph (A) may not be used for land acquisition.

(3) AUDITS.—The National Park Foundation shall be subject

to the audit requirements of section 5134(f)(2) of title 31, United States Code, with regard to the amounts received by the Foundation under paragraph (2).

(4) LIMITATIONS.—Notwithstanding paragraph (1), no sur- charge may be included with respect to the issuance under this section of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemorative coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this paragraph.

(f) FINANCIAL ASSURANCES.—The Secretary shall take such

actions as may be necessary to ensure that—

(1) minting and issuing coins under this section will not

result in any net cost to the United States Government; and (2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, shall be dis- bursed to any recipient designated in subsection (e) until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by this section (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with sec-

tions 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.

(g) BUDGET COMPLIANCE.—The budgetary effects of this section, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation’’ for this section, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget of the House of Representatives, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Mark Twain Commemorative

31 USC 5112 note.

SEC. 3. COIN SPECIFICATIONS.

(a) DENOMINATIONS.—The Secretary of the Treasury (hereafter in this Act referred to as the ‘‘Secretary’’) shall mint and issue the following coins:

(1) $5 GOLD COINS.—Not more than 100,000 $5 coins, which shall—

(A) weigh 8.359 grams;

(B) have a diameter of 0.850 inches; and

(C) contain 90 percent gold and 10 percent alloy.

(2) $1 SILVER COINS.—Not more than 350,000 $1 coins, which shall—

(A) weigh 26.73 grams;

(B) have a diameter of 1.500 inches; and

(C) contain 90 percent silver and 10 percent copper.

(b) LEGAL TENDER.—The coins minted under this Act shall be legal tender, as provided in section 5103 of title 31, United States Code.

(c) NUMISMATIC ITEMS.—For purposes of section 5134 of title 31, United States Code, all coins minted under this Act shall be considered to be numismatic items.

SEC. 4. DESIGN OF COINS.

(a) DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The design of the coins minted under

this Act shall be emblematic of the life and legacy of Mark Twain.

(2) DESIGNATION AND INSCRIPTIONS.—On each coin minted under this Act there shall be—

(A) a designation of the value of the coin;

(B) an inscription of the year ‘‘2016’’; and

(C) inscriptions of the words ‘‘Liberty’’, ‘‘In God We

Trust’’, ‘‘United States of America’’, and ‘‘E Pluribus

Unum’’.

(b) SELECTION.—The design for the coins minted under this

Act shall be—

(1) selected by the Secretary after consultation with the

Commission of Fine Arts and the Board of the Mark Twain House and Museum; and

(2) reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

SEC. 5. ISSUANCE OF COINS.

(a) QUALITY OF COINS.—Coins minted under this Act shall be issued in uncirculated and proof qualities.

(b) MINT FACILITY.—Only 1 facility of the United States Mint may be used to strike any particular quality of the coins minted under this Act.

(c) PERIOD FOR ISSUANCE.—The Secretary may issue coins minted under this Act only during the 1-year period beginning on January 1, 2016.

SEC. 6. SALE OF COINS.

(a) SALE PRICE.—The coins issued under this Act shall be sold by the Secretary at a price equal to the sum of—

(1) the face value of the coins;

(2) the surcharge provided in section 7(a) with respect to such coins; and

31 USC 5112 note.

31 USC 5112 note.

31 USC 5112 note.

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PUBLIC LAW 112–201—DEC. 4, 2012 126 STAT. 1481

(3) the cost of designing and issuing the coins (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping).

(b) BULK SALES.—The Secretary shall make bulk sales of the

coins issued under this Act at a reasonable discount. (c) PREPAID ORDERS.—

(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall accept prepaid orders for the coins minted under this Act before the issuance of such coins.

(2) DISCOUNT.—Sale prices with respect to prepaid orders under paragraph (1) shall be at a reasonable discount.

SEC. 7. SURCHARGES.

(a) IN GENERAL.—All sales of coins issued under this Act shall include a surcharge of—

(1) $35 per coin for the $5 coin; and

(2) $10 per coin for the $1 coin.

(b) DISTRIBUTION.—Subject to section 5134(f)(1) of title 31,

United States Code, all surcharges received by the Secretary from the sale of coins issued under this Act shall be promptly paid by the Secretary as follows:

(1) One-quarter of the surcharges, to the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Connecticut, to support the continued restoration of the Mark Twain house and grounds, and ensure continuing growth and innovation in museum programming to research, promote and educate on the legacy of Mark Twain.

(2) One-quarter of the surcharges, to the University of California, Berkeley, California, for the benefit of the Mark Twain Project at the Bancroft Library to support programs to study and promote the legacy of Mark Twain.

(3) One-quarter of the surcharges, to Elmira College, New York, to be used for research and education purposes.

(4) One-quarter of the surcharges, to the Mark Twain Boy- hood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri, to preserve historical sites related to Mark Twain and help support pro- grams to study and promote his legacy.

(c) AUDITS.—The Comptroller General of the United States

shall have the right to examine such books, records, documents, and other data of each of the organizations referred to in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b) as may be related to the expenditures of amounts paid under such subsection.

(d) LIMITATION.—Notwithstanding subsection (a), no surcharge may be included with respect to the issuance under this Act of any coin during a calendar year if, as of the time of such issuance, the issuance of such coin would result in the number of commemora- tive coin programs issued during such year to exceed the annual 2 commemorative coin program issuance limitation under section 5112(m)(1) of title 31, United States Code (as in effect on the date of the enactment of this Act). The Secretary of the Treasury may issue guidance to carry out this subsection.

SEC. 8. NO NET COST.

The Secretary shall take such actions as may be necessary to ensure that—

(1) minting and issuing coins under this Act will not result in any net cost to the United States Government; and

31 USC 5112 note.

31 USC 5112 note.

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126 STAT. 1482

PUBLIC LAW 112–201—DEC. 4, 2012

(2) no funds, including applicable surcharges, are disbursed to any recipient designated in section 7 until the total cost of designing and issuing all of the coins authorized by this Act (including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, marketing, and shipping) is recovered by the United States Treasury, consistent with sections 5112(m) and 5134(f) of title 31, United States Code.

United States Mint Announces Three New 2016 Commemorative Gold Coins

Reprinted from United States Mint Press Release & Other Documents - Photos Courtesy of United States Mint:

The United States Mint has announced plans to issue gold versions of three classic 1916 coins in honor of their upcoming centennial in 2016. The commemorated coins will include the Winged Liberty dime, the Standing Liberty quarter, and the Walking Liberty half dollar.

The new .9999 24-karat gold coins will be issued in sizes that approximate those of the original issues. The Winged Liberty dime will come as a 1/10 oz. piece, the Standing Liberty quarter will be 1/4 oz., and the Walking Liberty half dollar will weigh 1/2 oz.

The Winged Liberty dime was designed by Adolph A. Weinmen. It’s obverse features an image of Liberty facing left and wearing a winged cap. Inscribed along the rim are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the mint mark, and the year of issue. The Mint’s press release points out that this design became known as the Mercury dime because of Liberty’s resemblance to the Roman god, Mercury.

The coin’s reverse bears an illustration of a Roman fasces with an olive branch, along with the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and ONE DIME. The gold issue of this coin will add the inscriptions AU, 24K, and 1/10 OZ to the reverse.

The Standing Liberty design was created by Herman A. MacNeil. The obverse image features Liberty standing with a shield and an olive branch before a wall marked with 13 stars.

The reverse design bears the image of an eagle in flight with 13 stars placed along the rim; the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and QUARTER DOLLAR occupy the field around the eagle. This reverse will also feature the updated inscriptions AU, 24 K, and 1/4 OZ.

Adolph A. Weinman also designed the Walking Liberty half dollar. The obverse design features Liberty walking to the left, moving toward sunrise while bearing branches of laurel and oak, which symbolize civil and military glory, according to the release. The American flag unfurls behind her. Inscribed on the obverse are LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, the mint mark, and the year of issue.

The reverse bears the image of an eagle rising toward flight, surrounded by the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, and HALF-DOLLAR. As with the other commemorative issues, this coin will feature the additional inscriptions AU, 24 K, and 1/2 OZ.

The Mint’s press release notes that mintage levels, sale dates, and pricing have yet to be determined and will be announced some time next year.

U. S. Mint Sales Results - Week Ending November 2, 2015

American Liberty 2015 High Relief 99.99% Pure Gold Coin

Sales for the American Liberty 2015 HIgh Relief Gold coin were down substantially from the prior week to 578, vs.1,923 during the week ending 10/25/15.  Total sales now stand at 45,421 - or approximately 91% of the total authorized mintage of 50,000.

Update - November 7, 2015:  This coin was designated, “Unavailable”, by the Mint on November 3rd.  As of 11/07/2015, the coin is once again “Available” and the household limit (number of coins permitted) has been removed.  We’ll be watching this coin carefully for a sold-out announcement within the next few weeks.  

2015 America the Beautiful 5 oz. Silver Specimen Coins

Bombay Hook

Sales were a surprising negative 696 for the week ending November 2nd, totally wiping out the   gain of 559 coins sold reported in the prior week, and eating into the very robust sales of 938 coins reported sold during the week ending October 18th.  Total sales have now fallen to 15,234, or approximately 76% of the authorized mintage of 20,000 coins.  This large reversal suggests a great many coins returned to the Mint from prior weeks sales.

Blue Ridge Parkway

This coin is no longer available from the Mint.  Only minor adjustments in total sales reported are expected.  An increase of 34 coins sold overall was reported for the week ending November 2nd.  Total sales now stand at 17,488 - a bit over 87% of the originally announced authorized mintage of 20,000 coins.

Kisatchie

Total sales now stand at 18,383 - 61% of the authorized mintage of 30,000 coins.  Sales in the week ending November 2nd were 105 coins, down slightly from 126 sold in the prior week.

Homestead

Total sales now stand at 19,882 coins - just over 66% of the total authorized mintage of 30,000 coins.  In the week ending November 2nd, the Mint a negative 5 coins sold, reflecting the return of coins sold in prior weeks.

Total Program Sales

The Mint’s combined total sales for the four America the Beautiful 5 oz. Silver Specimen coins released thus far in 2015 was a negative 562, largely the result of the remarkable negative for the Bombay Hook coin.

U.S. Mint Sales Results - Week Ending 10/25/15

American Liberty 2015 High Relief 99.99% Pure Gold Coin

Sales for the American Liberty 2015 HIgh Relief Gold coin more than quadrupled over the prior week to 1,923 - up from 450 during the week ending 10/18/15.  Total sales now stand at 44,843, nearly 90% of the total authorized mintage of 50,000.  We anticipate that this coin will sell-out by year end.

2015 America the Beautiful 5 oz. Silver Specimen Coins

Bombay Hook NWR 5 oz. Silver Specimen Coin

Bombay Hook

Sales continued strong at 559 coins, but were off significantly from the prior week total of 938 coins.  Total sales now stand at 15,930, or approximately 80% of the authorized mintage of 20,000 coins. If this coin follows the sales pattern of the Blue Ridge Parkway coin, it is now within 1,500 - 1,600 coins of sell-out.

Blue Ridge Parkway

After selling out earlier, total sales showed a decline of 59 - apparently reflecting previously sold coins returned to the Mint.  Considering the premium over the Mint’s price now being realized in the secondary market, it may be that any returned coins had significant issues.  Total sales now stand at 17,454 - or just over 87% of the originally announced authorized mintage of 20,000 coins.

Kisatchie

Total sales now stand at 18,278 - 61% of the authorized mintage of 30,000 coins.  Sales in the week ending 10/18/15 were 126 coins, up from 75 sold in the prior week.

Homestead

Total sales now stand at 19,887 coins - just over 66% of the total authorized mintage of 30,000 coins.  In the week ending 10/25/15, the Mint sold 216 coins, nearly quadrupling the only 55 coins sold in the prior week.

Total Program Sales

The Mint’s combined total sales for the four America the Beautiful 5 oz. Silver Specimen coins released thus far in 2015 totaled 842 for the week ending 10/25/15, down 33% from the 1,260 ABT 5 oz 2015 coins sold in the week ending 10/18/15, which included 938 Bombay Hook coins - reflecting continuing demand following this coin’s initial release in the week ending 10/11/15.

Silver U.S. Quarters for 2013

Lewisville, Texas – Most Americans believe that the U.S. Mint stopped minting silver quarters after 1964.  However, they would only be partially correct.  While not minted for circulation, silver quarters are still being minted each year by the United States Mint at San Francisco.  All of the silver quarters minted are “proof” strikes.  Proof strikes are minted using carefully prepared blanks and special high-pressure coin presses.  The fields (flat areas) on proof coins are polished mirror bright, while the devices (portraits and other design elements) have a frosted finish.  These special processes result in the beautiful cameo (or “deep cameo”) appearance found on proof coins. 

 

The number of silver quarters is tiny when compared to the cupronickel clad quarters minted for circulation.  Using 2011 as an example, the Denver and Philadelphia United States Mint locations together minted approximately 348 million coins for each of the five America the Beautiful Quarter designs issued that year.  At the same time, the San Francisco Mint location minted only 626 thousand silver quarters for each design.  The three factors of silver content, proof strike, and the small number minted result in strong collector and investor demand for silver quarters, and premium pricing.

 

The San Francisco Mint location also mints proof strikes of cupronickel clad quarters.  These are also beautiful and highly collectible coins.  However, the difference in appearance of clad and silver quarters is dramatic.  When compared side by side, the silver proofs are obviously brighter, whiter, and more breathtakingly beautiful than clad proofs.

 

Collectors will want examples of both clad and silver proofs in their collection.  Investors, however, gravitate toward the silver proofs.  The San Francisco Mint location minted approximately 1 million clad proof quarters for each of the five 2011 designs, still a very small number when compared to circulation strikes (also known as, “business” strikes).  The value of the highest quality silver proofs may surprise you.  Those graded PR70DCAM by PCGS (the largest and most respected third party authentication, grading and certification service in the world) may command prices from $50 to $100 each, even for very recent issues. (PR70DCAM is the highest possible grade for any proof coin.  It stands for, Proof 70 Deep Cameo.  Coins are uniformly graded on a scale from 1 to 70.)

 

OK Ranch offers silver proof quarters both “raw” (ungraded) and PCGS graded & certified.  Visit Coins Jewelry & More at www.coinsjewelrymore.com or OK Ranch on ebay at www.okranchcoins.com to see the hundreds of silver proofs offered by OK Ranch Land and Cattle Company.  Or contact OK Ranch by email to shop@coinsjewelrymore.com for more information.