Take part in Braille sellout?

As I was getting ready to go to work today I heard a news story on CBS Radio about the introduction today of the Braille commemorative silver dollar.

Way to go, Mint, in getting such a story on the air.

Mint Director Ed Moy will be in Baltimore, Md., at the headquarters of the National Federation of the Blind to make a ceremonial presentation of the new coin to the organization’s president, Marc Maurer.

While collectors are aware of this kind of publicity, what truly matters to them is what time will the coin become available, and that is noon Eastern Daylight Time, and whether they want to buy the coin at all.

Going into their individual calculations will be matters of taste: Do they like the theme and the design?

They will look at the prices, $37.95 for the proof and $31.95 for the uncirculated – the same as for Lincoln.

They will consider the chances of a sellout, or will it slink away in December as the Bald Eagle coins did with unsold inventory remaining?

Increasing the possibility of a sellout is the mintage. At 400,000 pieces, it is 100,000 fewer than the Lincoln coin. That might be enough to offset the lower level of interest in Louis Braille as compared to Abraham Lincoln.

Ultimately, they will consider whether it is good value for the money, and that requires an evaluation of what might happen on the secondary market, especially on the online auction sites.

I expect a sellout – not a rapid one mind – but a nice comfortable sellout where most everyone who wants one will have more than enough opportunity to buy it directly from the Mint.

What are your purchase plans?