I absolutely hate the Obama coins exploitation ads

[Christiern]

Those "collector's item" coins that almost appeared before the count was in. The ads are annoying, deceptive exploitations. Unfortunately, they will probably sell tons of these coins.

How do you feel about this sort of thing?

[Chuck Nessa]

Same as you. We watch too much television.

[Big Al]

Thankfully, I've never seen these ads. But then, I don't watch much TV to begin with and didn't watch ANY election night coverage.

Or it could be just because I live in Texas.

[ValerieB]

i'm very thankful that i haven't seen these ads so i haven't gotten nauseous! but like Big Al, i hardly ever watch TV.

i did make an exception, however, and watched James Lipton's anniversary Inside the Actor's Studio on Bravo when he was interviewed by Dave Chappelle. it was incredible! extremely worthwhile watching!

[Jazzmoose]

Manufactured 'collectables' pretty much slide under my radar; my brain shuts off at the first hint of such dreck.

[jazzbo]

I watch plenty of tv but haven't seen these. . . .

I think these sort of coins are like jazz reissues. . . they're made for a handful who are excited about them, and most everyone else just looks at them and shrugs. If there were ads for jazz reissues on tv, those not interested would react about the way we might to these coin ads!

[Claude]

Except that commemoration coins are mostly rip-offs

http://coins.about.com/od/coinbuyingadvice/a/obama_coins.htm

[rockefeller center]

Change

[Alexander]

I haven't seen the ads, but I agree. Tacky, tacky, tacky!

[Tom Storer]

Commemorative coins are not something that have any interest for me. But if you're upset because some dodo might think they'll make a mint by buying hundreds and selling them later because they're "collectable," well, hell... are you suggesting giving a sucker an even break?

[Hot Ptah]

I hate these Obama coins too.

Ever notice that when a commemorative is especially cheesy or trashy, the company selling it has the word "Mint" in its name?

[Big Al]

Commemorative coins are not something that have any interest for me. But if you're upset because some dodo might think they'll make a mint by buying hundreds and selling them later because they're "collectable," well, hell... are you suggesting giving a sucker an even break?

Exactly. You can't cheat an honest man.

[ejp626]

Believe me, this is nothing new. Togo and a few other islands made a regular habit of issuing Elvis stamps and the like. We have the decency to issue our tacky Elvis stamps 10 years after the person dies.

I think what is different is the cheesy ads from the back pages of magazines (collectible thimbles, plates, coins, etc.) have spread to the cable TV, and it is annoying as it is a bit harder to switch off (we don't TiVo or anything). Interesting point is that in the UK, the Daily Mail runs weird collectible stuff about the Royals in the first few pages.

The only one of these that just turned my stomach was the 9-11 Collectible silver plated 10 dollar bill or something (oh that's right it was $20 -- 9 + 11 = 20 -- clever). That was grossly offensive.

I don't really have a problem with the Obama coins. It is tacky, but I've got three Obama t-shirts and will probably get the Obama DVD that the Sun-Times is putting out. So I don't feel I am that much better than the coin collectors; I just have slightly better taste.

Edited November 14, 2008 by ejp626

[ValerieB]

there's a couple in L.A. who have become billionaires with their "mint" issues of all kinds: plates, dolls, coins, etc., etc. the only thing good about it is that they have given big bucks to various charities, have hospital wings in their name, so at least some of the money is circulating.

[catesta]

The only one of these that just turned my stomach was the 9-11 Collectible silver plated 10 dollar bill or something (oh that's right it was $20 -- 9 + 11 = 20 -- clever). That was grossly offensive.

Authorized by the government of Liberia no less.

[Christiern]

there's a couple in L.A. who have become billionaires with their "mint" issues of all kinds: plates, dolls, coins, etc., etc. the only thing good about it is that they have given big bucks to various charities, have hospital wings in their name, so at least some of the money is circulating.

Earmarking a percentage of the proceeds to charity is an old gimmick. If it really benefits a worthy organization, it is usually by default.

[MartyJazz]

My wife and I laughed when we saw the TV ad. But the gullibility of the American consumer can never be underestimated even in these more cost-conscious times.

[catesta]

My wife and I laughed when we saw the TV ad. But the gullibility of the American consumer can never be underestimated even in these more cost-conscious times.

Oh, I'm sure they're selling. Probably will also be a common item in the pawn shops in the not so distant future.

[ejp626]

My wife and I laughed when we saw the TV ad. But the gullibility of the American consumer can never be underestimated even in these more cost-conscious times.

Oh, I'm sure they're selling. Probably will also be a common item in the pawn shops in the not so distant future.

Not sure about that. Pawn shops only take things with some resale value. I'm a big Obama fan, but his face is going to be everywhere on everything for such a long time that I can't see anyone wanting one of these coins after the first initial rush.

[Jazzmoose]

Not sure about that. Pawn shops only take things with some resale value. I'm a big Obama fan, but his face is going to be everywhere on everything for such a long time that I can't see anyone wanting one of these coins after the first initial rush.

I agree. We're talking yard sale at best!

[RDK]

there's a couple in L.A. who have become billionaires with their "mint" issues of all kinds: plates, dolls, coins, etc., etc. the only thing good about it is that they have given big bucks to various charities, have hospital wings in their name, so at least some of the money is circulating.

Earmarking a percentage of the proceeds to charity is an old gimmick. If it really benefits a worthy organization, it is usually by default.

So now even giving money to charity isn't enough?

Haven't seen the ads nor do I know the billionaire couple of whom Valerie speaks, but all that's irrelevant anyhow. It may be tasteless to some, but there's nothing illegal, immoral, or unethical about making a buck selling something to an eager public.

[BruceH]

Horrible! And the coins just LOOK revolting, too!

[Christiern]

RDK: "So now even giving money to charity isn't enough?"

Talk about twisting words!

Motive is important, I think. Besides, there is no indication that the Obama coin exploiters have any charity in mind, other than themselves. Essentially, they are praying upon a gullible public, selling overpriced, esthetically abominable items and making false claims in doing so. There is, indeed, nothing illegal in what they are doing, but it is the funeral director handing out his card at the scene of the accident.

All I said was that I find these commercials to be reprehensible. Notice the very fine print that briefly flashes upon the screen, it disclaims any affiliation with the U.S. Mint. Why is it necessary? Because the presentation is deceptive—it is designed to easily give the impression that there is something official about these trinkets. In other words, this is a legal scam that insults the intelligence of anyone who possesses it.

[Randy Twizzle]

In other words, this is a legal scam that insults the intelligence of anyone who possesses it.

You're assuming that anyone who buys these things has any intelligence left to insult.

[BruceH]

In other words, this is a legal scam that insults the intelligence of anyone who possesses it.

You're assuming that anyone who buys these things has any intelligence left to insult.

Snap!