As 2006 comes to a close, we can reflect on what is coming with new US Mint issues. Even with the customer service issues of the last few months because of manufacturing and shipping issues of the San Francisco commemorative and 20th Anniversary American Eagle programs, the Mint is about to launch new programs. These new programs look exciting and I am looking forward to their successes. Here is what we can expect in 2007:
Circulating Currency
Jefferson Nickel will continue using its current design with the end of the Westward Journey Nickel Series.
The 50 State Quarters® Program is entering its second to last year. In 2007, the last five states that entered the union in the 19th Century will be honored: Montana, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah. Designs for these coins are available as line-art drawings on the US Mint’s website.
The Presidential $1 Coin Program will begin in 2007 with circulating coins honoring our first four presidents: George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. These coins will be made of the same composition as the Sacagawea dollar but include edge lettering, which has not been used since early in the 20th Century. The Sacagawea dollar will continue to be minted, as required by law.
With the addition of the Presidential $1 Coin Program, uncirculated mint and proof sets will be expanded to include the new coins. Although unannounced, it is being projected that the Mint will add additional collectibles surrounding the Presidential $1 Coin Program, like First Day Covers.
For currency collectors, notes are being issued with the signature of Secretary of the Treasury, Henry M. Paulson, Jr. More federal reserve notes will appear with Paulson and Treasurer Anna Escobedo Cabral’s signatures.
Commemorative Coins
As a companion to the Presidential $1 Coin program will begin a First Spouse coin to honor the spouses of presidents in half-ounce 24-karat gold coins. Presidents who served without spouses, will have a commemorative emblematic of the president will be created. The Mint will also produce bronze medals of the coins for collectors.
Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Jamestown settlement, the Mint will issue a gold and silver commemorative coins in celebration. Surcharges from the program will go to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation of Virginia to support anniversary-related eduction programs and other supporting services, including improving the infrastructure.
Bullion
The American Eagle program continues without interruption. For 2007, the reverse of the American Eagle Platinum Proof coin will be redesigned to honor the Executive Branch of government after 2006 honored the Legislative Branch. After the introduction of burnished uncirculated coins and reverse proof for the gold and silver program’s 20th anniversary, there is no word from the Mint whether they will mint these coins in 2007.
The Mint reported that the most successful program was the American Buffalo Bullion Coin Program. The one-ounce 24-karat gold $50 coin uses the James Earle Fraser Type 1 Buffalo Nickel design to create a beautiful coin. Both collectors and investors made the program a success at the expense of the American Gold Eagle program. These coins will be produced in 2007 with the Mint asking congress to authorize one-half, quarter, and one-tenth ounce issues. If that can be accomplished early in the session of the 110th Congress, the Mint may be able to issue fractional pieces in 2007.
Collects have a lot to look forward to from the Mint. It should be a good numismatic year.
I would like to wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and prosperous New Year!