Poll Question: What’s your opinion on colorized or enhanced U.S. commemorative coins? Why?

Colorizing coins is just another gimmick to sell a few more coins and should be considered an alteration of a coin. I would not buy a colorized or enhanced coin.

Louis Ludiciani, Cumberland, R.I.

Only if the colorized is on target and not off-center, otherwise, they are beautiful.

John Paul Kanich, Address withheld

I think the colorized coins are a joke. The new comic coins are a bigger joke yet. The U.S. Mint has lost its focus on making good coins. Everything they make is overpriced. 

Name and Address withheld

I think the mint should stay with what they do best - make coins without gimmicks. The colorized cartoon characters they're making now, in my opinion, are ridiculous. If I want toys and gimmicks, I'll order from the private mints who thrive on that kind of junk. I'm a Navy veteran who couldn't get a Navy coin because they produced a low mintage of the privy coins, but took their time and talents making toon characters for the masses.

Larry McCoskey, Louisville, Ky.   

It sure keeps a certain company in New Hampshire in business, doesn't it? Not for me, though. Never ever.

JD, Florida

It adds interest, excitement, and is pleasing to the eyes. But only when it’s appropriate, not when honoring people. I even have one from Canada that glows in the dark.

Allan Caplan, Chandler, Ariz.

I believe the U.S. Mint needs to protect itself from joining in with the “fad coins” that are becoming ever more prevalent all over the world. Along with sports cards, Beanie Babies, and collector plates, colorized coins are just another gimmick to squeeze more cash out of the coin-collecting public under the guise that these will be more valuable in the future. Just try getting your investment out of your Cabbage Patch Kids. Colorized coins are right in the same category.

While on the subject, the Mint needs to stop putting out 45 variations of every “commemorative” coin they issue. This is what killed classic commemoratives back in the ‘50s.

Just my 2¢ worth. 

Rick McCormick, Address withheld

I get it. it's pretty and all. other mints do this especially the Perth mint. Personally, I don't like it because it's not a coin. The Canadian mint put out different shapes and actual mini statues and were calling those coins. If I wanted artwork I'll go buy a painting. I only want coins that look like actual coins.

Brian Kaufman, Facebook

I got them because they were the first colorized by the U.S. mint and the mintage was limited. I got the 2 Basketball and the Purple Heart. In general, not a big fan.

Glen Tobias, Facebook

It's ok if it’s colorized by the US Mint, but aftermarket colorization destroys any value (other than face) the coin otherwise might have had.

Kent Hueter, Facebook

Strongly dislike.

David Iwanicki, Facebook