The United States Mint this week published images of the upcoming clad, silver and pink gold Breast Cancer Awareness Commemorative Coins.
Launching on March 15 at introductory prices ranging from $25.95 to about $430, the commemoratives are minted in collector qualities of proof and uncirculated with each sharing the same Emily Damstra created designs.
Obverses depict a butterfly, an older woman with her hands on her chest and a relieved expression on her face, and a younger woman wearing a scarf on her head with one hand over her chest and her other hand raised in a fist as if she is ready to fight. Reverses show a Tiger Swallowtail butterfly in flight, a symbol of hope.
As mandated by their authorizing law (Public Law 114-148), surcharges of $35 per gold coin, $10 per silver dollar and $5 per clad half-dollar are included in each price. As long as the coins turn a profit, the collected surcharges will be paid to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (www.bcrfcure.org) to further its efforts in breast cancer research.
Below are larger images of the commemorative coins.
$5 Gold Coins
Pink-hued gold coins are a first for the U.S. Mint. They are composed in 85% gold, 14.8% copper, and 0.2% zinc. 50,000 are authorized across all options.
Silver Dollars
Each silver dollar is minted in 90% silver and 10% copper. The silver dollars are limited to a mintage of 400,000.
Clad Half Dollars
Commemorative clad half-dollars are struck in 8.33% nickel with the remaining balance copper. Up to 750,000 may be sold.
Phebe Hemphill sculpted the obverse design while Renata Gordon sculpted the reverse design.
When released, the coins will be available at catalog.usmint.gov.
While the immeasurably important cause and the charitable intent of these coins is without a doubt absolutely on target, the ultimate numismatic-wise outcome of the Mint’s planned distribution pattern cannot be described as being nearly so wise and/or populist. While the pink gold coin is admittedly unique, it’s paltry 85% precious metal content makes it patently overpriced at $430 and at that high retail cost also puts it quite far out of the reach of collectors constrained by their relatively more limited financial means. The 90% silver dollars and clad half dollars, while sticking to fairly standard pricing practice, are… Read more »
Old collector – I totally agree with you. The coin designs are great / the detail on the butterfly is amazing but the price point is going to limit the sales something fierce. If the US mint wants to have solid sales they need to make product that is 9999 silver – gold. Sad situation as they have produced a wide variety of options for this design, just produced low precious metal content coins and priced them wrong. I wish our mints would have marketing and sales teams that are more knowledgeable and in-tune with the collector / bullion community… Read more »
Mouse, You just brought up the single most crucial and vital point regarding the Mint’s commemorative releases, and not just the particular upcoming one but this variety of release in general. Just why do they have such difficulty missing the primary, and essentially, the whole point regarding the precious metal content of their collector-bound coins? A gold coin should be made of gold and a silver coin of silver, and if they can manage this for their precious metal bullion coins they can just as easily do the same for the numismatic-grade iterations of their coinage. It isn’t anywhere close… Read more »
the pink gold coin will be a quick sellout and easy flip. get your hands on as many as you can
Dan,
Absolutely not in any way to detract from or criticize either your intent or advice, those of us who are in this purely to collect will instead feel only the burn of the price and none of the salve of the resale.
i agree the price is high, and i am also very much a collector. im just saying i think its always nice when a piece you prize for your collection also turns out to be in demand and worth significantly more than you paid for it. I feel the demand for this piece will be similar (maybe not quite that high) to hall of fame gold coin, and im sure there are some of us who wish we scooped up more of those. the uniqueness of this piece being the first (and who knows, maybe only) rose gold piece is… Read more »
Dan, You make some excellent points and provide some truly enlightening observations. I certainly don’t find myself needing to disagree with any of your opinions, and I also thank you for those very helpful illuminations. It’s clear and obvious to me that my own issues with this coin release are admittedly centered more on the practically limited reach of my personal financial resources rather than on any other factors regarding the manner in which others choose to and/or will approach this self-same purchasing situation. I’m far too realistic to think that any changes will be made in the ongoing programs… Read more »
85% gold?????? What stopped them from ..9999 gold????
I don’t think so….. I know what it stands for, But, I don’t like 85% “pure”…
What a shame… A BIG PASS for me….
joe#2,
You’re right about that gold content issue. I suppose it’s a good way to increase the Mint’s profit margin, but not a good move for us collectors.
Dan – I do agree with you that coin will be a first and probably last rose gold coin.Very insightful and has merit, but sadly I feel that those who collect coins will view it (its precious metal content) as a jewelry coin. It would make a great gift. As I do not flip coins, I do not focus my efforts or thought in that manner. We both live in free societies and for those that want to flip coins on an internet site, I wish them the best of luck. The stats don’t lie – majority of collectors are… Read more »
I usually do not purchase the individual $5 gold coins but plan to try to get 1 each of both the Proof and UNC $5 gold this time. Hopefully the HH limit is such that they aren’t scooped up by the flippers and TV resellers. In my opinion the clad half dollar coins are a waste, make them of silver or not at all.
I see the HH limit is 1 but I expect a quick sellout.
thanks for all who responded. always insightful to learn from the many voices in the community. i am a bit unique in that im a fairly young collector (mid 20s), so i probably have a bit more optimism in any gold collecting/investments i make at this point in my life (even when done at the absurd mint premium). I dont want to open that can of worms, suffice to say i think the price of gold will be much much higher at some point in the next 40 years. its always great to hear from those who have more experience… Read more »
Here are my predictions for the Breast Cancer Awareness gold coins. While hope springs eternal with collectors for sell outs and flipability(made that one up), past experience over the last few years dictates reality.
Gold Proof 16-18K
Gold Unc 5.5-6.5K
With a Mintage Limit of 50,000 for both collectively. A sellout is not in the cards.
The best selling gold over the last five Commemorative issues was 2015 Marshals
at 24,916 proof and 6,674 unc.
These last few years the legs seem to be in the MS/PF70s.
Millhouse,
In my seventy years on this earth I’ve obviously had the great but certainly not unusual misfortune to run into more than a few really pesky a-holes like you, but I willingly submit that at this juncture of my life I am exceedingly weary of the typically pointless shenanigans of exactly your sort of unprincipled moron. I know the very last thing allowed by your damaged over-inflated ego would be to do us all a really big favor and just STFU, but one can always hope.
Dan – young or not, you have great insight and outlook into the possible future value of your collection…and you have time on your side. I hope the coin is a success, and in time you make your money back and then some. Its also a beauty and for a good cause. (hope money goes to the cause but it probably wont, per the public law 114-118 above. Now that’s a whole new conversation. I’m sure you already know this but i’m gonna throw it out there anyway. The thing with some flippers / their not about the coin or… Read more »
Old Collector,
Please don’t take this personally but can you say run on sentence? I really can’t read your posts with out running out of breath. Better to be concise and brief.
Just saying
Millhouse and Lonnie, I feel really bad for the both of you. I was under the clearly mistaken impression that for once I had chanced upon a site that didn’t have any of the all too common and usual habitual agitators and annoying loose cannons, but lo and behold, here are two of you appearing as one in all of your sumptuously misbegotten glory. Do you in your oxygen deprived little minds not remember what Thumper’s mother said, to wit, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” By the way, those of us who unlike you… Read more »
millhouse,
i agree with you, amen.
Millhouse and Lonnie – As your comments are totally unrelated to the content of this site and subsequent article stream, I thought I would provide you both some free healthcare related info. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees in nursing, I may have read that we all have the capacity to breath at will. It becomes easier when we do not read aloud. We can read silent and choose to pause or breath freely.
Just saying…and no need to thank me, I save life everyday, it`s just what I do.
Mouse
I will say this, and again it’s nothing personal. Big words and long winded sentences don’t = intelligence. I will leave you to your unconventional sentiments and those who agree with you can follow suit.
Good day.
Mouse – A precious metals/coins tax question for you my Canadian numismatist fellow collector. I have bought coins from auctions in Germany & from 4 foreign Mints directly by mail order & for delivery here in Texas from 1980-86 & after 3 years living in another state again from 1990 till today in Texas & have never had to pay any type of tax or customs duty on the items no matter what their precious metal fineness is or their total value. In my home state of Texas we only pay Texas state sales tax of 8.25% if we purchase… Read more »
You continue to prove my point old collector. Name calling and profanity also don’t = intelligence. I feel sorry for you. I guess you must have been damaged as a youth. I will pray for you.
Good day.
Hi Seth – Most precious metals are exempt from GST / HST Precious metals are defined as bars, ingots, coins or wafers of gold, silver or platinum, refined to a minimum purity of 99.50% in the case of gold and platinum, and 99.9% in the case of silver. Gold, silver and platinum products are exempt from HST/GST. Palladium products are subject to HST/GST. When it comes to customs, there will be duties attached to product shipped from the USA to Canada. Anything less that $20 is exempt…this product is far from less than $20. Unless specifically exempt, the importer must… Read more »
Seth,
Texas no longer taxes precious metals.
Google search: HB78 Sec. 151.336 Texas tax on precious metals
If Texas coin shops are collecting taxes from customers, they shouldn’t be.
Greetings folks,
Just a little added info, the average melt value of the jewelry / rose gold coin: $271.86 US. That leaves a 158.14 dollar premium on top of the coin.
Mouse
Just a general question since this seems to be an active post, how do you all handle grading? You need a membership ($50/year) to submit to the grading services, right? Do you pay that fee each year as an individual collector? Or do you submit through someone who already has a membership (like your local coin shop)?
JohnKT – Thanks! That shows you how long it has been since I made a purchase under $1000 from a Texas coin dealer! I am used to dealing with out of state dealers & foreign coin companies/Mint’s. I guess ICTA got that 2013 law passed here in Texas like they originally did a long time ago to exempt all numismatic items (coins, tokens, medallions, paper money) purchases over $1000 here in TX. I have a local dealer I deal with for ingots, tokens, medallions & coins & paper money for many years but was never charged sales tax & never… Read more »
Joe#2: The 85% gold composition is what gives the coin its pink hue.
Just a general question since this seems to be an active post, how do you all handle grading? You need a membership ($50/year) to submit to the grading services, right? Do you pay that fee each year as an individual collector? Or do you submit through someone who already has a membership (like your local coin shop)?
Mouse,
That is a bit TOO “healthy” of a premium on that rose “gold” coin. It’s a pass for me.
Seth Riesling,
Many thanks for all that very enlightening information regarding the taxation of numismatic items; always much appreciated.
Greetings Dan – PCGS / NGC, have very affordable options for grading services. I would suggest – if you have multiple coins you want graded annually – to submit them yourself. You can also buy coins that are already graded (as you already know) from a reputable dealer / this gives you choice for your collection and budget ie; MS 70 – 69 ect, PR 70 – 69 ect. Some dealers will submit on your behalf, but please make sure you have a solid and trusting relationship before you explore this option. Dealers will submit many coins at one time… Read more »
Seth,
Sure, glad to help out!
Millhouse,
If you had kept your annoying trap shut in the first place none of this would have occurred. STOP YOUR ABUSIVE STALKING IMMEDIATELY!
Regarding grading modern commemorative coins… Here is my take. I have an account with both NGC and PCGS. I won’t submit them because 99/100 you will end up with PF/MS 69s. These do nothing to add to the value of the coin. Actually you just add $10-$15 to the cost of the coin. Raw commemoratives and 69 graded coins have the same value, in my experience, in the secondary market. I usually just scour ebay and dealers for deals on already graded PF/MS 70. They are submitting hundreds of coins at a time. I find the premium I pay for… Read more »
You’re a funny guy Old Collector. It seems you’re the one who can’t let things go. Don’t worry, this is my last comment. You’re truly not worth the time 😉
Good Day!
Mouse – Thanks greatly for the explanation of my precious metals Canada taxation/import questions. Very interesting indeed! I suppose NAFTA probably plays a role on such imports to Canada. Just as a side note, here in the U.S. any item of any kind 100 years old or older is given a special lower customs duty when entering the USA from any other nation with the exception of contraband (most ivory, endangered animal fur/pelts etc.) as it is considered by U.S. Federal law to be an “antique”. Taxation is an often strange, complicated subject & is why the U.S. tax code… Read more »
Seth – not a problem with the import information. You have provided me with many great pieces of info along the way as well. When it comes to importing precious metals and international numismatic gems, I consistently import from the United States. In the precious metals game (as you already know) its all about volume. Even with the conversion of the dollar and occasional import fees lol (things do get missed from time to time) I come out ahead. I still purchase 100 oz silver RCM bars from my favorite Canadian dealer when they are over stocked (have had a… Read more »
Millhouse,
Your likeness belongs on a coin. You might even know what that means.
The 2 ass!hole*s! of *gods*world, the 1 who wants their ass kiss*ed, and the 1- who kisses ass. They are the 1,s with mind of there own. *GOD*+* is the *master* of the *mind* when you pray*+* ask, be real* for the*+*MASTER*MIND**+* to be the master* of your*mind*, lonnie! u kiss!ass!—-amen—- u—-say—-to!who!—Millhouse!- he will kiss!-his!-own!-ASS!!!!!!GOOD!BY!CHUMPS! *+*for the *bible tells us so*peace*+*AMEN*+*.
Joe Brown,
You call ’em as you see ’em, that’s why your thoughts and words are so impactful. Said Millhouse and his yesman Lonnie came out of nowhere but a cradle of critical prejudice and prejudicial criticism and are totally unrestricted from sliding back into their cave or under their rock, matters not a farthing which to anyone at this point.
just a joker, of the fool on the hill*+*, who says! to please*+*, all fools! that he nuts*+*, that we all can read from the *fools*+* book*+* of *LOVE*, i* say what i* please thew*+*him*+*, from the coins* of *bible*world* to come together*+*,PRAY*+* at night* to save*the day*of*star*mans*+*light*of*day*from fighting in *gods*+*streets*this*stray*brown*cat*works*at*night*to*sing*the *+*star*mans*blues*. Lets*get*it*together*coin*world*people*and*sing*star*mans*true*blue*words*every night & day*and walk his talk his way*, for all the -fools- to turn*around*to*star*mans*+*spin*of* his*dads*+*world*to*walk star*mans *talk*there -no- other way*to be saved*+*. DON*T,*B*A*pussycat-*I*MA STRAY*BROWN*CAT*THAT*PART*OF*HIS*BAG*OF*+*NUTS*TO*STOP*FOOLS! ALL!-fools-fighting*in*the*KING*+* & *QUEENS*+******STREETS OF *+*GODS*WORLD*, the *+*best*things*in*life*are*+*FREE*you all can B*NUTS*like*the*true*bud*i*am*to*stay*free*2*live*for*+*ever*i*ll, be part of that # for when the *+*saints*come*marching*in*, for the *+*greatest*gift*free*gift*of*all*to*walk*up*that*starway*to*my*+*home*in*7*th*+*HEAVEN*+*>>>>>>i*say*peace*amen*to*that*to*i*pass*gods*earth*to a**+*life*that*never*ends*+*.… Read more »
?*Wise*Old*Collector* = are *u with me* so*far! time for the *+*master of *my mind**mind/me*to*dream*on his*+*carpet*ride*smile*+*.
I wonder if PGS or PCGS will design an new label for one or all of these coins? I know we buy the coin and not the label, but will be interesting if they do a specific / unique label design for these coins. I am sure that the executives (final decision makers) of these companies have felt a loss associated to Breast Cancer and support women’s health as do we all / perhaps want to provide a supportive label to show case the cause.
I hope so, will show acceptance / awareness and support.
Mouse
Haikus for Breast Cancer Awareness
The fear that comes with
affliction is lessened by
the comfort of friends.
Other’s hands held so
tightly, a brave soul grows in
the resolve to live.
Not to be alone
walking this rocky path,
following footsteps.
Scarves waving in wind,
banners of defiance proudly
shown that all may see.
Mouse – PCGS made a special pink ribbon label way back in 2010 for Breast Cancer Awareness Day in the U.S. as an exclusive label for a big California bullion coin dealership which gave a donation to charity for each slab with the label sold. NGC had a contest in 2016 for a similar pink ribbon-type special label for Breast Cancer Awareness in 2016 as a contest & gave $10,000 to the winner & a donation to a breast cancer charity. They will probably revive these pink ribbon labels for this pink gold coin & I hope they donate a… Read more »
NumisdudeTX, I sincerely hope your wish comes true. As I see it, the caught between a rock and a hard place problem here might just be that if the Mint underproduces the charity gets shorted via the missed proceeds from not having satisfied total demand, but if the Mint overproduces the charity loses out entirely due to not having reached the required minimum percentage of available coins sold. Just one of those unfortunate examples of “you can’t win for losing.” Let’s just cross our fingers and hope neither of these – the latter being the exceedingly far more likely than… Read more »
I do not see a sellout of 50k gold coins. A great cause but not really designed for the collector market per se, women….charity, cancer….overpriced It is NOT like the HOF coins, which have seen their leg$ weaken quite bit in the after market…there are alot of baseball fans, no one ‘likes’ B cancer but to plop $430 down for it is not for ME….. look @ the past few charity issues, not too good, boys & gurl scouts, Lions, BT, etc. all weak sellers….. material to buy around spot I got the girl scout BU for $29 on ebay…..about… Read more »
i* say! for this coin, for those label* grading company*s. they could! but it’s prawbully a done deal! that butter fly*! would be a really nice label*! they should all have a contest, for the best label drawing*! all the new libel drawing*s with a lot of colors*, on there new labels*! that we can vote on line here! and the winner* gets a nice trophy* award*, and all* the other, label*coin*grading co* can donate something* to the butter*fly fund*, i’m sure they do already*, but all the more the merry*, of’coor*s ,no extra charge to us *U*S*Mint! buyers to… Read more »
Seth!*dude – my* add- got the best of me, no *evenlynn*wood here!i* plus it slip* my mind! i* do ”think” with my mind* just like with everybody! who*s out there*smile*, i remember-that label, was it not! hand singed* by some one* nice? Well! what i say could even be better* $*& we all could a little fun* for the best* of the many good crossis*+* out there*, for grins* anyway.
Joe Brown –
Good idea about a special butterfly label! Maybe with a pretty pink butterfly & of course a pink ribbon that is a symbol of breast cancer awareness & charities that raise money for such a great cause. I just hope the grading services make another big donation to the cause & even though I don’t usually pay any extra for a “special” label, I certainly would in this case!
Happy collecting Joe Brown!
-NumisdudeTX
inO*YAH! main ingredint with rest of the rainbow* & like i said no-extra charge$, same as the basic label! for-first*release, first*strikes,first*5000. sky limit* & maybe some spacial* nurse*doctor, who help* with the butterfly*girls*. They can handle*it, i, would hope* they would sellout* in a few or some more months*, o’well!>but pink* the them*collar*s, one of my zodac*collars! i* mean i been this site for some years now! when i first stared using this busted up machine! i got the basic down! anyhow, would be nice for a change maybe.
I am in full agreement with you all. If the grading companies were willing to produce a butterfly label with proceeds going to this charity / and I mean actually going to this charity and not administration fees, I would buy it in a heat beat. Its not anything close to an investment coin but beautiful design, beautiful cause, label that would help the cause = all good and a great buy in my books.
Cheers,
Mouse
butterfly*nurse*or doctor* hand sign some! +++++*the ones who suffer the cancer to victory*, and some day always* to lymaeight* it out of here for good*.