I’ve only had to do a return a couple times for quality, but what I do is put a note in the internal packaging of items like single precious metal coins. I had a silver eagle I returned and I pulled out the cardboard that holds the coin in place and put in a note stating this was a returned item so hopefully if anyone else got it and wasn’t happy they might find my hidden note. I’m sure the big boys wouldn’t do that. The other thing I do is look for finger prints on the inside contents to be sure it’s not a return. Of course if you get something right at release I don’t expect those would be returns. It is a good point and question, are we getting the big boy rejects because they can pick them up early??

And, the prices keep rising. What next year’s batch of coins will reveal is possibly cringe worthy. I haven’t read much of what to expect. The cent should be ended (as far as I know) and the half dollar redesigned. I may take a break, except of my few regular purchases, to rethink what I’m going to purchase moving forward. I may only stick with the silver coins (ASE, Morgan and Peace Dollars). The end of an era, me thinks.

In my opinion, quality control, quality assurance and the ability to obtain quality product has gotten worse at the United States Mint. The first issue was with the uncirculated 2025 Peace dollars. Those had what appeared to be unfinished or worn dies affecting the matte finish leaving a glittery looking versus a silky smooth satin type of finish. Next was the 2025 Silver Proof Set, which ended up having premature toning on the dime, as well as three out of 5 quarters with toning beginning and a dark splotch on the reverse of the nickel. Now I’ve received my 2025 American Liberty Proof Silver Medals, one with a great strike, however there’s a large unsightly milk spot the size of a pencil eraser, the other a less than desirable strike that visibly isn’t as nice, crisp or strong as the milk spotted one. WTF!

The shell shock is enough, that I have fear of unboxing the 2025 American Liberty Gold 1 ounce coin I also purchased, fretting what defect or defects I might uncover or discover on that hefty priced chunk of gold.

This has all left a bad taste in my mouth! This has become unduly costly monetarily, as well as having served a major blow to my enjoyment of the hobby, the confidence in the quality of products received or may potentially receive, if continuing to purchase modern numismatic coins from the United States Mint!

Am I wrong to expect a quality product directly from the U.S. Mint? Have we literally gotten to the point, where the “only way” to receive or expect to receive decent U.S. Mint products, is to seek out an even greater exorbitantly overpriced, slabbed, third party graded(TPG) example from the Authorized Bulk Purchase Program Participants(ABPP)?

I believe I now know why we see such large returns, sometimes in the hundreds and not uncommon in the thousands, on U.S. Mint products within the first few weeks of release? Crappy products being delivered to the consumer! Flat out, shit product IMO. Now, I truly wonder if my previous suspicions were correct, that indeed the ABPP members are not only receiving a pick of the litter advantage with the first(?) coins off the presses being set aside for them, but also that they are a big part of the returns, after screening product they’ve also received that are subpar to say the least. I have no doubts that the Mint often turns right around, especially on high demand product and ships them right back out the door after a marginal once over inspection of “packaging”. Literally, just a cursory once over, then back out the door to the next unsuspecting, less discerning customers, knowing “somebody else” won’t likely notice, care or return?

Now, what to do moving forward? Boycott all future purchases from the U.S. Mint or keep rolling the dice, hoping to get lucky? When buying, brand new, numismatic coins, this should not be a matter of “Luck” or a “Game of Chance” IMO. These types of problems with coins, irregularities in a coins finish, premature toning, milk spotting, scratches, dents, dings, finger prints, appearance of what at times looks like spittle from a cough, etc, should not be present with the regularity we’ve come to now expect?

“Holy Ship”, what in the “Frank” is going on at and inside our once prestigious U.S. Mint?

PS I think I’m 98.9% over this coin collecting hobby and do not appreciate the anxiety inducing worries of potential theft during shipping and handling by the USPS, receiving of crap product, FOMO, non-transparency, mixed, clouded, incompetent messaging or labeling of products, nor the associated costs and time involved in repackaging and returning these rejects in a 7-day window. This isn’t exciting, satisfying, nor as much “fun”’ anymore! Just saying…