Coin collecting

You’ll be able to finish your 50-state quarter collection by the end of 2008. The Mint is pleased with the results (bold mine).

The states have been honored in the order they were admitted to the union, starting with Delaware. It was honored with a quarter in 1999. The effort kicked off a collecting craze unlike anything ever seen before in the coin world.

Based on a 2005 survey, Mint officials estimate 147 million people have gotten involved in collecting the quarters with their constantly changing designs.

“The American people have made the 50 state quarters the most successful coins in United States history,” said Mint Director Ed Moy.

The most successful coins in U.S. history? What are we comparing them to? The Susan B. Anthony Dollar? Quarters are a useful coin in abundant circulation. Plus, you can’t avoid getting quarters with the state designs. Calling their design a success is like saying people buy clothing to collect thread. You can’t have one without the other.

147 million people are collecting quarters? Who are these people and where are they hiding? That’s half the U.S. population. If 147 million people collect 50 different state quarters, that’s $1.8 billion out of circulation. Is this really good news?

4 Replies to “Coin collecting”

  1. i’m partial to my twin towers gold dollar collector coin that i bought for $10. yes, that’s a gold dollar collectors item sold for $10 . . . how much is it worth? well, it’s worth a dollar. how much did i pay for it? $10. makes perfect sense.

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