Community Voice Responses (12/27/2011)

From the Dec. 9 Numismatic News E-Newsletter: Are you collecting the U.S. Mint platinum proof coins? Here are some answers sent from our e-newsletter readers to Editor, Dave Harper.

I used to collect the platinum proofs until the Mint did away with the fractional coins. The 1/10 ounce was all I wanted. The small guys just cannot afford 1 ounce coins. I think most collectors could live without the 1/4 and 1/2 ounce, but please start minting the 1/10 ounce again.
Bobby Bange St Simons Island, Ga.
I am collecting the series. They are of changing reverses, and they are coming in very few. They are very pretty also. Platinum has not been below the price of gold for long. I see a great upside price potential.
Renato Schindler, Brazil, Sao Paulo.

I bought a 1997 1/4 ounce for a type coin. Just because they aren’t making fractionals and the fact that I can’t afford the 1 ounce doesn’t make me want the Mint to stop making them. I still can’t understand collectors or dealers that want programs ended. I still don’t know why one of Numismatic News’ questions recently asked about discontinuing the First Spouse series.
Donald Cantrell Address withheld

I am not collecting the American Eagle platinum proof coin, nor the uncirculated either and here’s why. Unless some rich philanthropist who is also the richest person in the world, who has more money then Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Lawrence Ellison and Christy Walton combined, such as Carlos Slim and family in Mexico, likes my name enough to buy me a full set, I am not considering owning the American Eagle platinum proof coin and set. I collect coins on a shoestring budget only, and platinum and gold is way out of my league. I have second thoughts that these rich philanthropists will read this. But one never knows.
Chuck Schroeder St. Petersburg, Fla.

I’ve been collecting the platinum proofs since they came out in 1997, but this year (2011) I decided not to buy the coin because it is ugly. Also, I have never liked the new holder format, too much bulk. It also doesn’t seem that there will ever be a significant collector following despite the very limited mintage. Try to sell one today and you’re lucky to get spot platinum pricing, especially since platinum prices have fallen below gold.
Bill Chomko McMinnville, Ore.

I can’t afford silver rounds, let alone platinum or gold.
Bill Tuttle Cleveland, Ohio