If you’ve been collecting coins for any length of time, then chances are you’ve seen certified specimens with labels signed by someone associated with the US Mint. Who are these people? Why would anyone want their signature? What can their signature add to your collection? Today, we’ll take a look at 3 of the most significant US Mint associates who sign labels.
Labels with Edmund C. Moy Signature
et’s begin with Mr. Moy. Edmund C. Moy was the 38th Director of the US Mint. He was appointed by President George W. Bush and held the position from 2006 until his resignation in 2011. Moy is regarded as one of the most successful individuals to have held this position, the US Mint experienced tremendous growth under his guidance. During his time as Director, the US Mint became the world’s largest producer of bullion coins.
While Moy has left the Mint, he’s still involved with bullion and numismatics. Aside from being Director of the US Mint, he is also known for his work as an author. In 2013, Moy published his book American Gold and Platinum Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Bullion Coin Programs.
When you have an Edmund C. Moy signed label, you have the signature of one of the most influential US Mint figures of recent years. Additionally, Moy identifies himself as a lifelong collector, which is something many of us can relate to.
Labels with Elizabeth Jones Signature
Elizabeth Jones was the 11th individual to hold the position of Chief Engraver of the US Mint. She held this title from 1981 to 1991. When Jones was appointed to the position by President Reagan, not only was she relatively young but she was also the first woman to be Chief Engraver. Currently, she is still the only woman to have held this title.
Many of the designs she created were for commemorative coins. Some people are surprised to learn that Jones actually created the designs for the very first coin of the Modern Commemorative program, the 1982 George Washington half dollar. She was also involved with introducing the American Gold Eagle and American Silver Eagle bullion coins. Elizabeth Jones signed labels tend to be scarce compared to other signed labels. Any collector can see the value of owning the signature of a true artist that has designed so many US coins.
Labels with John Mercanti Signature
Mercanti tends to be the most recognizable name on this list. He held the position of Chief Engraver of the US Mint from 2006 to 2010. In 2010 he formally retired. However, most are actually familiar with John Mercanti because of work he did many years before becoming Chief Engraver. His work can be found on the reverse of the American Silver Eagle and on the obverse of the American Platinum Eagle. The Silver Eagle was introduced 20 years before Mercanti became Chief Engraver. In addition to these well-known coins, he also created a number of designs for the 50 State Quarters program and published the book American Silver Eagles: A Guide to the U.S. Bullion Coin Program.
John Mercanti signed labels have become very popular. Let’s say you have an American Silver Eagle with a label signed by John Mercanti. In this case, not only are you holding one of the world’s most popular coins, but also the signature of the man who designed the reverse.
Which Signature Label is the Best to Collect?
While various price guides can and do have different values associated with different signed labels, the one you choose should be the one you like best. All 3 of these US Mint personalities have a different story behind them. You may relate strongly to one of them, or maybe you’re just fascinated by the effect that individual had on the US Mint and our coins. If you stick with the one you like best, you’ll add something to your collection that you’ll appreciate for years to come.
Some may choose to only chase the signature of one of these individuals, but there’s nothing wrong with adding all of them to your collection either. While the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has signed labels as well, the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has a little more variety. The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation has exclusive arrangements with Moy and Jones. NGC also has a number of very special labels that can only be found through ModernCoinMart (MCM).
MCM Exclusive NGC Signature Labels of Historic Figures
MCM offers even more selection through a wide variety of labels with the signatures of Historic American figures! Some of our recent labels show the signatures of famous men such as a Baseball Hall of Fame members, Wyatt Earp, and even Teddy Roosevelt! While these are, of course, facsimile signatures, they are an excellent way to make your U.S. Coins an even finer collectible. With many coins such as the Silver Morgan Dollar or the American Silver Eagle, there is even the potential of assembling a collection of coins with this label.
Whatever you may be looking for, you know your goals and collection better than anyone else. When you’re ready to add something new to your collection, you can count on MCM to have what you want. Whether you’re looking for something with a Moy, Jones, or Mercanti label, or you are looking for something with a figure from America’s past, there’s something at MCM that’s right for you.
