Final design choices for the 2018 America the Beautiful quarters

(Coin-design images courtesy of the U.S. Mint)

The following is a re-post from Mint News Blog’s sister site, Coin Update.


The U.S. Mint unveiled the reverse designs for the 2018 America the Beautiful quarters on August 1 at the American Numismatics Association’s World’s Fair of Money in Denver.

The national sites to be recognized in 2018 are Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, Cumberland Island National Seashore in Georgia, and Block Island National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island. Each quarter reverse in the series depicts a scenic representation of the park or historic site at the center, framed by a plain, raised, circular border on which the park name (or an abbreviated version of it) appears at the top, the state name and E PLURIBUS UNUM at lower left and lower right, respectively, and the date of issue below.

The design representing Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore depicts a natural structure known as Chapel Rock and the white pine tree that grows atop it. This reverse was designed by Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) designer Paul C. Balan and sculpted by Mint sculptor-engraver Michael Gaudioso. (Scenic photo by Zoe Rudisill)

The design representing Apostle Islands National Lakeshore depicts the sea caves at Devils Island with the lighthouse in the background and a kayaker paddling in the foreground. The reverse is the work of AIP designer Richard Masters and Mint sculptor-engraver Renata Gordon. (Scenic photo by Tim Wilson)

The design representing Voyageurs National Park depicts a common loon swimming to the left with a rock cliff in the background. This reverse was created by AIP designer Patricia Lucas-Morris and Mint sculptor-engraver Joseph Menna. (Scenic photo by jck_photos; inset by Aaron Warren)

Cumberland Island National Seashore’s design depicts a snowy egret perched on a branch on the edge of a salt marsh, its wings raised in preparation for flight. The reverse was designed by AIP designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by Mint sculptor-engraver Don Everhart (who recently retired from the Mint). (Scenic photo by Trish Hartman; inset photo courtesy of Pixabay)

And finally, the design selected for the quarter honoring Block Island National Wildlife Refuge depicts a black-crowned night-heron flying to the left over a view from the beach at Cow Cove looking toward Sandy Point. The North Lighthouse is seen in the background. This reverse is the work of AIP designer Chris Costello and Mint sculptor-engraver Phebe Hemphill.(Scenic photo by David Wilson)

The obverse of the 2018 quarters will continue to feature the 1932 portrait of George Washington by sculptor John Flanagan. Required obverse inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR.

2018 marks the ninth year of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, which was authorized by Public Law 110-456, the America’s Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008. The act directs the Mint to design, mint, and issue quarter-dollar coins emblematic of a national park or other national sites in each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. In accordance with the act, the Mint issues the new quarters at the rate of five per year through 2020 in the order in which each honored site was first established. The final coin will be released in 2021.

This post incorporates content from a press release courtesy of the U.S. Mint.

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Comments

  1. cagcrisp says

    @KCSO, from your APMEX Paladium coin post “Multiples of 100 are packaged in “Monster Boxes.”

    Multiples of 100…

    They must anticipate a High Mintage/High Demand IF they can sell 100 coins at a $1,000 apiece…

  2. says

    Well, I’m in for a few (boxes).., aren’t you?

    If that premium isn’t in the ‘hood of <$40, I'll be taking my marbles and going home

  3. says

    And it is the worse time to buy into Pallidium now at a 36 month high following a climb from $500,

    Financially it is a big mistake at this present time, but buy what you like…

  4. gatortreke says

    The Everglades (FL), Bombay Hook (DE) and now Cumberland Island (GA) are all variations on the same theme. I like such variations when set to music as in Variations on a Theme of Paganini but would have preferred a larger variation in these coin designs.

    The Voyageurs coin would look great in an EU version!!

  5. says

    Off topic but does anyone know the size of the coin capsule for the 2017-S Congratulation set? I’ve tried the standard 40.6 mm for the American Silver Eagle but its to small. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

  6. DBR says

    As mentioned by some, these 2018 ATB quarter dollar designs have a lot of birds in them, but imho all of these designs are easy on the eyes. I like them!

    OT- I think the EU finish on the 2017 S clad set created some coins that are too understated for some, but if the EU finish was too ornate or gimmicky, then we would have heard that the 2017 S EU clad set were circus coins.

  7. Erik H says

    Might get Apostle Islands in 5 oz, I’ll wait to see how the silver proof quarters look before deciding. I like birds but the birds designs are pretty weak & repetitive.

  8. KML in KY says

    Compared to some of the past designs I like the 2018 designs. Would like to see some other animals besides birds though.

  9. cagcrisp says

    @KCSO, “Well, I’m in for a few (boxes).., aren’t you?”

    I’ve got the funds since I have bought Zero for my personal account from the Mint this entire year. Since the Bullion palladium will not be a direct buy from the Mint even IF I was to purchase it wouldn’t be a Mint purchase.

    I Doubt IF I am In because Way too Much Hype for me which translates into Way too Many Minted…

  10. cagcrisp says

    @KCSO, “If that premium isn’t in the ‘hood of <$40, I'll be taking my marbles and going home."

    At First I was hoping for a $200+ to Spot.

    With the run up in palladium, Now not so Much…

  11. So Krates says

    NCM Collector says
    AUGUST 13, 2017 AT 11:37 AM

    “Other blog mentions double die in the set. Check your sacs.”

    Could you please elaborate or link to other blog? Thanks

  12. Leo S. says

    FS and President Coin Collectors

    Coin News just announced that this is the last year to get the President Coins and any related products including the FS gold. Thank God it is finally over. Better get you last minute ladies soon.

  13. phishfarmer says

    pictured rocks looks really cool, I like that design
    getting tired of the birds though, too many bird coins

  14. NCM Collector says

    So Krates, it was coin forum at collectors universe. The topic: 225th-anniversary-sacagawea-dollar-ddo
    Cheers.

  15. cagcrisp says

    @Leo S. “Coin News just announced that this is the last year to get the President Coins and any related products including the FS gold.”

    I’m Not reading it that way for the FS coins. It Specifically says “This is the last year to purchase presidential $1 coin products”

    It does Not say it’s the last year to purchase the FS coins since they are $10.

    Regarding the FS series it Specifically says “These one-half ounce 24-karat gold coins are still available while supplies last. Visit us online for prior year issues that are still available”…

  16. Just Another Dave In Pa says

    I love the birds! I was hoping for the Piping Plover (Block Island, RI) but the Black-Crowned Night Heron is also really nice. The Lighthouse is a nice touch.

    The loon is amazing (take that 10 Canada!) and the Snowy Egret perched on the branch is awesome.

    I’ll miss this series when it’s done. Nothing else in the mints history come close to this series.

    My eu coins look nice. I think the lettering on the penny is cool and the others are nice, too.

  17. Leo S. says

    @Cagcrisp

    Thanks for bursting my dream. I’ve collected these little monsters for 10 years and I was hoping that it was finally over and I wouldn’t have to see them on the Mint Website ever again. I still can’t believe that this series, which has the lowest mintage that the Mint has ever produced, is loved by no one. Oh well, at least I have lots of 1/2 oz. gold coins that may be worth something if Gold ever goes up.

    Hope your investments have faired better than mine.

  18. sharks2th says

    The last 3 have too much emphasis on the birds and not enough on the Park. I agree with some others, the birds are tired designs. Let’s see more of the rarely seen wildlife if they want to use wildlife on the coins (alligators, bears, moose, wolves, mountain lions/cougars, bobcats, rattlesnakes, gophers, badgers/wolverines, etc.). Personally, I love the 1999 Platinum Eagle with the alligator.

    I’m with you KCSO & Cag on the Palladium. I am not going to buy one when the bullion has peaked and if there is going to be a high mintage. I’ll wait and buy when the prices drop at some point in the future. Some of the run up in the Palladium price is most likely attributable to the large quantity sought by the mint for the new product.

    Off topic, the Post Office has the eclipse stamps in stock. If you hold your finger or thumb over the dark spot, the heat causes the moon to be visible when you remove the finger/thumb. The back of the sheet shows the track across the US next Monday. They are $7.84 for a small sheet of 16. I picked up one, but may go back for a few more. These will be cool to send on birthday cards to friends and family out of town.

  19. cagcrisp says

    In the email sent out Today, the Mint states “Don’t miss your chance to purchase the Presidential dollar coin and First Spouse products before they go off sale at the end of the year. For a limited time enjoy free standard shipping with promo code PRES2017. Offer expires 8/31/17. ”

    SO…Leo S. , You still may get your wish…

  20. Buzz Killington says

    Re: FS going off sale

    Attached is a direct quote from a email from the Mint to me:

    Don’t miss your chance to purchase the Presidential dollar coin and First Spouse products before they go off sale at the end of the year. For a limited time enjoy free standard shipping with promo code PRES2017. Offer expires 8/31/17.

  21. cagcrisp says

    The Clubhouse leaders in the Low Mintage Wonders for the FS series:

    2014 Roosevelt Uncirculated 1,886
    2014 Coolidge Proof 2,315

    Here are the sales numbers for w/e 08/06/17:

    JQ1 2015 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 2,689
    JQ2 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 1,885
    JQ4 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – EISENHWR 2,030
    JQ6 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – KENNEDY 6,733
    JQ8 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – JOHNSON 1,808

    16SA 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – NIXON 2,557
    16SB 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – NIXON 1,642
    16SC 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – FORD 2,377
    16SD 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – FORD 1,633
    16SE 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 3,388
    16SF 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 1,895

    SO…You can see that if the Mint ends the FS reign at year end there isn’t a realistic chance that a New Low Mintage Wonder Uncirculated Gold will displace the clubhouse leader in the 2014 Roosevelt.

    Just Too Many of you guys that Chase Low Mintage Wonders for that to happen.

    IF it comes down to the last week there will be many that play the buy/hold/wait and return game if need be…

  22. Mint News Blog says

    By the way, So Krates and others, if you ever have multiple links to share and they’re extremely time sensitive, you can avoid having them get stuck in moderation by posting them one at a time. Obviously it’s fine to paste as many links in a given comment as you like — I just want to make sure no one misses a good deal or a hot topic because I didn’t approve the comment in time. 🙂

  23. earthling says

    Any chance we can get some sort of Coin with Black Niobium in 2021? I’m thinking of a semi covert acknowledgement to an important anniversary involving Seal Team 6. This Coin would be cool if it were just a standard ASE with a small privy mark and Black Niobium Coating. This isn’t color. Next years Breast Cancer Coin would qualify as a Coin with “color”.

  24. earthling says

    If the price of the Seal Team Six Tribute Coin needed to go up, an AGE could be used instead of the SAE.

  25. KCSO says

    sharks2th – many thanks for the heads-up on the eclipse stamps, that’s awesome, I’m on those and will have butt parked adjacent to I-95 west of Charleston come Monday.

    Earthing – Seal Team 6 doesn’t exist.., well, not until Obama said it did. They don’t won’t an anniversary and would appreciate if everyone rememebered that they really don’t exist. 😉

    To dovetail into Cag’s last – chasing lows is a risky, risky game, do your homework on the $5 UNC NPS with respect to the critical influence of demand. Anyone that says the $5 UNC NPS was a good flip or a very short investment, was either one that sold one of the dozen PCGS 70 FS’s sold on ebay, or has low flip standards.

  26. Dave swfl says

    Looked at the enhanced set today and was totally underwhelmed! I think the silver proof set is much more attractive. Seems the only unique enhancement is the proofing of the lettering and the water. Almost looks like they used the same treatment as the pucks and vapor blasted everything.
    I suppose if they follow suit with other clad sets, I might pick em up down the road a few bucks over face. If not, no great loss.
    It is disappointing that they seem so bland after what has been done with ASE & Sacs.😞

  27. earthling says

    KCSO

    Sorry but Seal Team 6 recently got publicity like a big pair of soiled bloomers flapping in the breeze. That bit of embarrassment that involved that pig with lipstick proudly claiming to be a former team man. I really don’t even care about the ones that did the deed. I’m more impressed with the deed they did. It was a big one and everyone knows about it. The USA was very proud of the deed. Nothing about it is classified.

    The Team 6 remains about as classified as the 160th Task Force. Or the 1st SOW. Nothing really secret about that.

  28. Larry says

    @Dave – I totally agree. This EU set is bland at best. It seems in the previous EU coins there were three distinct kinds of surfaces. These look like only two. The previous EU Kennedy was almost proof like. This one, like you said, looks vapor blasted. The quarters are ok, but also like you said the silver proofs look much better. Seems the mint could have done a bit better.

  29. Brad says

    Maybe the “year” the Mint refers to is actually their own fiscal year which ends on 9/30/17. Maybe they will pull the plug on those Presidential Dollar products then and stop the bleeding.

    If you’re considering buying some of these products, maybe you’d better place your order by 9/30 just in case. First Spouse coins have had the plug pulled on them in September in years past. It could have something to do with the fiscal year. Just a thought.

  30. MarkInFlorida says

    APMEX sells gold 1 oz at about $65 over spot, and platinum 1 oz at about $170 over spot. The palladium will probably be closer to the platinum. But competition from multiple dealers might keep it down in the beginning. I was looking forward to it, but with the price at a recent record high, I may pass and wait for the next dip. As a bullion coin it should follow spot.

  31. So Krates says

    sharks2th says, “…the birds are tired designs. Let’s see more of the rarely seen wildlife if they want to use wildlife on the coins (alligators, bears, moose, wolves, mountain lions/cougars, bobcats, rattlesnakes, gophers, badgers/wolverines, etc.).”

    You forgot the TURTLE!

    http://www.coinnews.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Cumberland-Island-Design-Candidate-GA-03.jpg

    At the CCAC meeting last summer the committee voted on the 2018 ATB designs and overwhelmingly chose the diving sea turtle (GA-03) for Cumberland Island. Loggerhead sea turtles were in three different sketches. The vote total for the diving turtle design was a landslide and had the largest consensus of any of the 2018 proposals. Steve Roach embraced the Turtle as a bridge to young collectors, etc., and the positive comments among members were abundant. I think the locals were on board with it too as these creatures are a main feature of the park. What happened?

    https://www.nps.gov/cuis/learn/nature/sea-turtles.htm

  32. So Krates says

    “Spot Precious Metals…

    Live by the Sword, die by the Sword…”

    Or…

    just buy and hold and forget about all the short term noise.

    The best cure for insomnia is a big stack.

  33. data dave says

    The nightmare continues for the 2017 Congrats Set. OGP version still going for $125 on the bay. People that avoided that purchase are still waiting for the market to collapse on this one.

  34. John Q. Coinage says

    Looks like 1st spouse shots @ lowest are Betty Ford & Pat Nixon…until the “end.” As to that rag- Bess Truman she was a real POS bytch & I would not let her in MY house even on a coin that make her look like a permed buzzard…..if you get my drift

    EU set is barely EU, could the mint have enhanced the mounds, the rifles or something seems like they just did 2 of the 5 & called it a day….

  35. data dave says

    I think both Nixon and Ford FS UNCs will end up with a lower sales total than Roosevelt. Anyone caught chasing these as low mintage wonders will find no one willing to buy them later. With about 20 weeks left, they would have to average 12 per week and they have only averaged about 3-4 per week.

    But maybe some people don’t realize that low mintage is only one part of the supply/demand curve.

  36. Scott says

    I agree with KCSO, now is the worst time to buy into Pallidium at a 36 month high following a climb from $500. There’s not much upside potential for palladium when it’s almost as high as platinum.

  37. cagcrisp says

    17XA 2017 AM LIBERTY 24K GOLD 1 OZ 24,140 + 109
    17XB 2017 AM LIBERTY SILVER MEDAL (P) 41,933 +629

  38. cagcrisp says

    16AN 2016 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – FT MLTR 17,410 + 22
    17AJ 2017 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – EFF MNDS 15,639 + 47
    17AK 2017 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – DOUGLASS 15,415 + 77
    17AL 2017 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – OZARK 13,941 (1,018)

  39. cagcrisp says

    16EA 2016 AM EAGLE SILVER PROOF 1 OZ 568,087 + 1,259

    16EB 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1 OZ 23,700 +7
    16EC 2016 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ 5,723 +4

    16EG 2016 AM EAGLE SILVER UNC 1 OZ 202,330 + 18

  40. cagcrisp says

    Somebody wanted some BT Silver Proofs…

    17CA 2017 BOYS TOWN GOLD PROOF 1,388 +2
    17CB 2017 BOYS TOWN GOLD UNC 1,920 + 11
    17CC 2017 BOYS TOWN SILVER PROOF 22,697 +502
    17CD 2017 BOYS TOWN SILVER UNC 9,556 +24
    17CE 2017 BOYS TOWN CLAD PROOF 15,929 +52
    17CF 2017 BOYS TOWN CLAD UNC 13,950 +18
    17CG 2017 BOYS TOWN 3-COIN SET 4,996 +13

    17CH 2017 LIONS CLUBS SILVER PROOF 64,592 +84
    17CJ 2017 LIONS CLUBS SILVER UNC 16,203 + 21

  41. cagcrisp says

    I Hope they pull these at year end…(Or Before)…

    16XA 2016 WALKING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .5OZ 64,067 + 42
    16XC 2016 STANDING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .25OZ 89,890 +41

  42. cagcrisp says

    The Returns of the APE…

    17EA 2017 AM EAGLE SILVER PROOF 1 OZ 297,353 + 2,238

    17EB 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1 OZ 5,984 +45
    17EC 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ 1,390 +27
    17ED 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/4 OZ 2,185 +29
    17EE 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 1/10 OZ 9,132 +144
    17EF 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD PROOF 4-COIN SET 8,051 +82

    17EG 2017 AM EAGLE SILVER UNC 1 OZ 119,694 +1,257

    17EH 2017 AM EAGLE GOLD UNC 1 OZ 2,845 +49

    17EJ 2017 AM EAGLE PLATINUM PROOF 1 OZ 9,017 (209)

    17EL 2017 AM BUFFALO GOLD PROOF 1 OZ 12,381 +221

  43. cagcrisp says

    JQ1 2015 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 2,691 +2
    JQ2 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – TRUMAN 1,890 +5
    JQ4 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – EISENHWR 2,034 + 4
    JQ6 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – KENNEDY 6,739 + 6
    JQ8 2015 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – JOHNSON 1,820 + 12

    16SA 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – NIXON 2,566 +9
    16SB 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – NIXON 1,650 +8
    16SC 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – FORD 2,386 +9
    16SD 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – FORD 1,643 +10
    16SE 2016 FS GOLD PROOF 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 3,401 +13
    16SF 2016 FS GOLD UNC 1/2 OZ – REAGAN 1,904 +9

  44. John Q. Coinage says

    Uh, the EU “sellout” is off again, sets @ the MINT back up!! Surprise & over 100 now, bet they have some liquid/oil skid marks in the holders. Enhanced kind of like the mint’s “Image”…ha ha

  45. So Krates says

    @ CF – I don’t purchase capsules-just take them as they come, but If you have an ASE sized capsule and it is too small for an ASE, than either the coin is oversized or the capsule is mismarked or defective. Not sure if the one you have is the direct fit type but perhaps the ASE sized air-tite with the gasket inside would help. The outer plastic is larger enough for any slight overage and the gasket has a little give to accommodate a slightly out of spec. coin. If necessary you can trim the gasket. There are others here more experienced with storage solutions than I. Let us know how you make out. Howd’ya wind up with a loose congrats eagle anyway?

  46. cagcrisp says

    Launch Week Sales for 2017 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – OZARK = 13,740

    4 weeks later…

    2017 ATB SILVER UNC 5 OZ – OZARK = 13,941

    Net…201 In 4 weeks…

  47. cagcrisp says

    After being on Sale for a Little over a month, just How bad are sales of the “P” Ozark puck?

    Current sales for the Ozark “P” is Lower than 22 of the previous 23 pucks Launch Weeks Sales.

    Launch Week Sales for the previous 17 “P” pucks Averaged 16,582

    Current Sales After a Little over a month for the “P” Ozark = 13,941…

  48. earthling says

    I sort of like the numbers on the 2017 EU – S Lincoln. It definitely beats the 1909 VDB – S as the Low Mintage leader. But in the future will anyone care? Most definitely. Stockpile 1,000 EU Sets and at some point the plastic cases will have some value as a fuel source. Yeah someone could burn those plastic cases to keep warm.😮

  49. Donnie says

    @ John Q. Coinage,

    It’s interesting that you mentioned the liquid spotting in the lens of the EU sets. Both of my sets have this on the obverse side of the quarters lens. The spots are, thankfully, not over the coins but in the black area between them. A couple are fairly large. Unless I missed some posts, I didn’t see anyone else commenting on this problem. Have any more of you received sets with liquid spots inside the lens?

  50. says

    Thanks Cag for the analysis and #’s..,
    I so cannot wait to see the ‘pop’ in FS sales next week from the low wonder chasers.

    The 225th EU set is once again,
    back in stock,
    for the long term,
    as a result of collectors being grossly underwhelmed by the lack of Enhanced finished.., IMO.

  51. John Moore says

    @Donnie I believe most of the sets have this problem.
    My two sets have them also.I have seen other comments on coin news about these spots.

  52. Jim says

    I also have that liquid whatever it is on my EU. Appears plastic was washed and not completely dried prior to assy.

  53. Donnie says

    I’m not so sure these are water spots inside the EU lens. When I press down on the lens directly over the larger spot a small oil-like slick appears. At the very least, these spot distract from the overall appearance of the set.
    Is it possible the lens were cleaned with some type of solution and were not dry before being sealed?

  54. Donnie says

    Jim,
    I agree with you. It appears the lens were not properly dried. I would assume these spots will always remain since they are sealed in and evaporation cannot take place.

  55. Ridgerunner says

    Got my two EU sets today and both sets have some of the liquid spots but not that I can see on the coins. The one thing I did notice is that the $1 coin is not Enhanced like the $1 CC sets of 2014-2016.

  56. says

    cagcrisp says – I Hope they pull these at year end…(Or Before)…

    16XA 2016 WALKING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .5OZ 64,067 + 42
    16XC 2016 STANDING LIBERTY 24K GOLD .25OZ 89,890 +41

    Let’s contemplate something for a moment..,

    How often does the mint offer free shipping to move product?

    Seriously, how often?

    In my 7 years of posting to this blog and 9 years of reading it almost daily.., Not Often.

    For the U.S.Mint to offer FREE SHIPPING on an entire series of PRODUCT (Presidential & FS), absent of a HOLIDAY, in my recollection, is PROFOUND.

    Very Profound.

    Now, before a few of you wizbangers pipe up to dispel KCSO’s recollection.., you may want to pause and think this one through..,

    This is a first, and a first of its nature.., in a long, long time..,

    If the mint gets the desired result it seeks.., it may not be the last attempt..,

    And I’d be Okay with that! 😃

    Personally, I think the USM desire a clean slate.., a very clean slate.., for anymore Liberty Product it rolls out, this year or next.

  57. Erik H says

    The water spots on the EU sets aren’t water spots. I’ve seen the same problem on NGC holders and US mint proof sets. It’s just the lenses making contact with the inner part that holds the coin. Donnie could be right about the “oil slick”, might be some type of residue from manufacturing the cases.

  58. John Q. Coinage says

    I have been getting mint proof sets, etc., since 1968 and the spotting on the EU holders is one of the 1st instances I have seen of a widespread problem. Will this cause toning, nice toning, evil toning, or ? to the coins? I don’t know. But, it seems odd with the apparent virus like spread of the ‘spots” that the mint did nothing about it, could these be dealer returns? I got 9 sets, only 2 are clean, the rest have been infected with “The Strain” for lack of better…..

  59. ats0208 says

    Is there nothing beautiful about these parks? Why do we need to have a bird (or even a kayaker) as the centerpiece of the design. That said… I do love loons and can’t wait to see the Voyageurs National Park.

  60. Donnie says

    John Q.,
    It’s a good thing that the spotting residue hasn’t shown up in lens containing silver coins; toning would likely be the eventual outcome. The clad coins in the EU set are probably more resistant to toning.
    Does anyone know if it’s possible to pry open the EU lens to allow them to dry before snapping the halves together again?

  61. Mint News Blog says

    My EU sets have these spots, too — they’re like little rainbow patches with wavy agate edges, most visible from an angle. I noticed that the plastic in general, like many plastics, has a rainbow hue in certain light, and that it angles toward the dot on one short edge that (I assume) has to do with the molding process. When pressed, this general rainbow sheen bends around the pressed area.

    I wondered if maybe the smaller, stronger patches that look like water or grease might actually have to do with stress along the edges rather than contamination. I used a razor blade to ease a couple of the lenses apart without fully opening them, then pressed them closed again (touching the edges only). In both instances, the spots disappeared. I’ll be curious to see whether they come back, but I hope that shifting the pressure along the edges of the lens fixed the problem for good.

    Diana

  62. Donnie says

    Diana,

    Thanks for offering the technique of prying open the lens with a razor blade. I did what you suggested and, I’m glad to report, my spots also disappeared. Let’s see if the results are long lasting. For the time being I’m very happy that the sets are now more visually appealing.

  63. Mint News Blog says

    I’m delighted it worked for you the same way it did for me — I was certain it would be a fluke that would never work again. Thanks for the update!

  64. Donnie says

    Diana,
    Please consider re-posting your comment/ technique in the new thread just to be sure that it is not missed by the readers of MNB. Apparently this issue has been widespread with the EU sets.

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