Collectors are still driven wild by the new 2009 Lincoln cents and this excitement may have contributed to Mint telephone problems June 24.
The phone problem began within hours of the posting on the U.S. Mint’s Web site of news of the availability through its subscription program of two-roll sets of Lincoln cents for the third and fourth issues coming later this year.
“If you are calling with regard to the United States Mint 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial One Cent Coin Online Subscription Program, we are currently experiencing technical difficulties,” a written Mint statement said, even as the automated phone operator said, “please try again later.”
The written message continued, “As a result, we will be unable to accept subscription orders until later today. Please accept our apologies for this inconvenience. We appreciate your interest in United States Mint numismatic programs.”
Prices for each of the rolls sets of the next two designs ordered through the subscription program will be the same $8.95 plus $4.95 shipping and handling that has applied to the first two designs.
There will be a maximum of five sets per household and any multiple subscription requests that exceed that number will be canceled, according to the Mint.
A two-roll set consists of rolls of 50 cents from the Philadelphia and Denver Mints.
The next two designs will honor Abraham Lincoln as a professional in Springfield, Ill., and as President of the United States. The first of these will be available starting Aug. 13 and the second some time in November.
The Mint order number is 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
The subscription service can be canceled at any time.
