Community Voice Responses (10/28/14)

From the Oct. 3 Numismatic News E-Newsletter:

Would you support the proposed art medal program by buying one from the U.S. Mint?

Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor Dave Harper.

I believe the Mint produces too many different coins, period. Aside from many coins not having value, there are too many to bother keeping up with.

Collectors’ purchasing power has to have been diluted. I don’t purchase as many coins now as I did four years ago. I do purchase the same bullion coin issues that I have for many years to keep those sets current, however I have not added any new issues in a long time and have no plans to do so.

Tom Brown
Wichita, Kan.

No medals.

Robert Taylor
Hibbing, Minn.

No, the Mint already has too many programs.

John Ormando
Address withheld

No, I wouldn’t spend my money on any art medals. I think this is sorta silly to even think about it, and therefore have no interest.

Coins have a purpose, and therefore a history with that of the country. Medals, except those earned for something, have no purpose.

Griff Carnes
Kerrville, Texas

I would support by buying a medal. Depending on the topic, of course.

It would be great to replace some of the plethora of commemorative “coins.”

James E. Bridges
Austin, Texas

I would support the proposed art medal program assuming the Mint creates a high quality product at a fair price.

Art medals can provide a great medium for artistic expression. I would definitely have an interest in high relief medals with compelling new designs, especially in larger sizes. They would be free from the legal constraints of the required verbiage on our coins.

I think this proposal is a good example of thinking outside the box of the mint’s current line of products. Count me in if these medals are available.

Charlie Ludvik
Moraga, Calif.

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