DICK JOHNSON REVIEWS THE U.S. MINT'S GIFT CATALOG

• Best Bargain Award in my mind is the 2008 Uncirculated coin set of 28 coins ($13.82 face) for only $9.13 voguish above face (page 5, item UD8). Includes five denominations from two mints with all the State quarters and President dollars issued in the current year. Really! 28 different coins!
• Most Dramatic Award is the illustration for the Saint-Gaudens double eagle in double thickness in double high relief which will be offered in 2009. At double the price of gold? Can't say yet. "Price to be determined." (All precious metal items are not priced, call or visit website.)
• Just Learned The Terms Award goes to Director Edmund C. Moy, who defined the terms "proof" and "uncirculated" for us in his letter shown on page 2. Just learned what these meant, Ed?
• Most Popular Coin Shown Award is Fraser's Indian and bison design which is shown 27 times on pages 6 and 7. In gold.
• Photo Accessory Award goes to the photographer of page 12/13 who shows a Bureau of the Mint bag of 1906 along with a plaster model Andrew Jackson's dollar coin obverse of 1908. Please don't start collecting Mint bags (or ordering this one) -- the Mint is trying to sell 2008 Presidential coins.
• Stretching the Last Possible Profit Award goes to the Mint's sales department for offering State quarters in philatellic-numismatic covers or with statehood stamps, or with mashed dies that struck the quarters in the first place. (Next year's offer: genuine cufflink of the State's Governor with each State quarter.)

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