2009S Lincoln Proof

[JeanK]

The six sets of Silver Proof coins from the mint arrived yesterday.
Today I have been searching the cases trying to find just one nice set of the new coins. The disappointment at the lack of quality of these coins is almost overwhelming.
I photographed one coin to show all of you an example of the stuff you might be receiving if you ordered the Silver Proof sets. I think there are no coins in these six sets without some sort of scratches, water marks, orange spots, or gouges.
Jean

[1sgret]

Jean Mine were the same way. Quanity $$$$ vs (-) Quality is the Mints new Motto.

I was highly disappointed.

[kloccwork419]

Mine were very nice. I see your issue. That coin looks scratched.

[hasfam]

That's ashame. I still haven't ordered mine yet. I probably should. Hopefully they will look better.
Rock

[jcuve]

I hear you Jean - the Lincolns I ordered in the first proof set look vastly superior to the ones that I found in the silver proof set that arrived this week...they're a mess...

[copper_poisoning]

I'm glad I got this info. I only bought two of the regular proof sets when they came out. All the proofs looked great except some of the pennies in one case were a little off color. I'm not sure if I want to order the silver proof sets now:/ Not sure how much of a hassel it is to return/exchange items to the mint, but that might be an option.

Greg

[JeanK]

New policy at the mint requires return for any reason be within seven days.
I was hoping I could get one really good set out of six, but I think it might be impossible. Not just the Lincolns, but nearly every coin in the set has some sort of scratches, missing plating spots, little and large gouges, spots, rim dings or clouding.
Perhaps it is my fault for using a 10x glass to look at them. Yet, I *if* I should ever want to have one graded I need to know how im/perfect the coin is. In this case I doubt any one coin could command more than an MS65.

As far as I am concerned, the silver proof sets should be the cream of the crop from the mint. Which leads me to wonder, where are the cream of the crop winding up?
Big dealers still getting the first runs? Overseas buyers getting the best?

It is really tough being at the bottom of the totem pole and having to help support those who could care less about quality and more about how much silver is in these sets. Do you ever wonder why?

Sorry everyone, that dad-gummed mint has my hackles up again and I needed to vent.
Jean

[RWBILLER]

Jean:
I have only gotten the 2009 proofs sets in clad. I was quite impressed with there quality. I would send it back with a noce but stern note.
sorry
roger

[eaxtellcoin]

Gene, At the Springfield show last Sunday, I got the oppertunity to look at three silver proofs, No DDR's but the quality of the run looked OK. I'd send them back and ask for a different batch run. They might be better....

[JeanK]

If I return all of them I might not get replacements as I have no idea how many are being produced. I am sorting through the six sets and will try to salvage three sets that are the best. The remainder will be returned on Monday and I will ask for a refund.

Now, another mint problem that nearly cost me my bank account.
I do not know if anyone else has encountered the same problem so I am going to tell you about it so you can be fair warned.
I set up my subscription in May, and used my bank mastercard. At the time the mint had not yet released the cost of the silver proof sets. It wasn't until I checked my bank account balance online that I discovered a very large error in totals. The beginning of June the US Mint put a 'hold' on the total they would be due when they sent the silver proof sets. The problem? They used my mastercard number as a debit card transaction. Yes, it is both, but they managed to secure the total amount nearly six weeks ahead of actual shipment.
If you don't mind, can anyone tell me, did anyone who used a regular credit card get charged six weeks + before they received their shipment?
Jean

[mustbebob]

Jean,
I do not believe they are supposed to charge ANY card until the items are shipped. I think their own policy states that. I was sent an email two weeks before shipping that warned me that they were due to ship on a certain date, and to make sure my cards and info was correct. The card was charged when the items shipped.

[laytonre]

jean if your going to send back do it soon that way you will get credit for return and maybe get the repalcement set....these silver proof sets have in the pass be avail for sever months (in pass years) because of the cost...richard

[chuckster125]

Thanks for the heads up Jean!

My 2 Sets (1 Silver & 1 Silver Clad) have just been shipped. I hope they will be ok, but if they look like your pics of the Lincoln they are going back

Those are nasty scratches and totally unacceptable for the price the Mint is charging for these sets!

Good luck, hope you get satisfaction from them!

FYI- I used a regular CC- they charged my card the actual day they notified me that the items were shipped. 07/28 and 07/29.

[JeanK]

So what I am hearing here is a 'normal' credit card is used they do not put a hold on the available balance like they do when it is a cc/debit card?
The mint never actually notified me they had put a hold on my account. They did not notify me they had charged the 'card'. The transaction just showed up when I checked my account online. This might be a form of discrimination and they should be taken to task for the action.
Guess I better stop for now as my multi-international blood(line) is beginning to boil.
Jean

[BadThad]

My clad proofs set Lincolns look like crap too. The quality is really disappointing. I cancelled my silver proof set for that reason. I decided to just wait until we see them everywhere at coins shows....then I will be able to cherrypick some nice ones. No way I'm playing the send-back game, chances are you'll get crap the second time too.