July is generally one of the summer doldrums months in numismatics as coin collectors often take a break from their hobbies while the U.S. Mint trims its coin releases.
This July is following pattern as the U.S. Mint’s product schedule offers limited options, with the two major ones keyed on coins honoring Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico.
The following very short grid offers the coin releases by date. Summary details of each are provided directly below it. Each of the products will become available at 12:00 Noon (ET) on their day of release. Orders may be placed directly from www.usmint.gov, or at the toll-free number 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468).
July 2012 US Mint Product Schedule
| 7/9/2012 | Chaco Culture National Historical Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin |
| 7/11/2012 | Constantino Brumidi Bronze Medals |
| 7/12/2012 | Circulating Quality 2012-S Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter |
07.09.2012 – Chaco Culture National Historical Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin
Coin Category: National Park 5 oz Silver Coins | Opening Price: $204.95
The second 2012-dated America the Beautiful 5 Oz. Silver Uncirculated Coin — the Chaco Culture National Historical Park 5 Oz Silver Uncirculated Coin — launches on July 9 at a price of $204.95. That is the same price as the first release this year honoring El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. As the name implies, the uncirculated coin is made from five ounces of silver. Like the American Silver Eagle, its purity is 99.9%.
In addition to this year’s two releases, the U.S. Mint continues to offer all five of last year’s 5 oz. coins for the same price.
07.11.2012 – Constantino Brumidi Bronze Medals
Category: Medals | Opening Price: $6.95 & $39.95
A Congressional Gold Medal will get presented posthumously to Constantino Brumidi (1805-1880) on July 12, 2012. On the same day, the United States Mint will begin sales of 1-1/2 inch and 3 inch bronze reproductions of the medal.
Brumidi is widely known for his murals in the U.S. Capitol, including "The Apotheosis of Washington," which is located in the eye of the Capitol dome, and the Frieze of American History, which is around its base. Constantino also made the first tribute to an African American in the U.S. Capitol. His depiction of Crispus Attucks is the focal point of the mural about the Boston Massacre.
07.12.2012 – Bags and Rolls of Circulating Quality Chaco Culture National Historical Park Quarter
Coin Category: America the Beautiful Quarters | Opening Price: $18.95 & $34.95
On July 12, the U.S. Mint will release numismatic Chaco Culture quarters from San Francisco. The San Francisco Mint is best known for its proof coins for collectors, and until this year it had not produced a coin in circulating quality since the early 1980’s.
Circulating quality coins are a quality used by the U.S. Mint for coinage produced for commerce or circulation. But unlike these, the San Francisco quarters will not get released into circulation. They will only be sold by the U.S. Mint in 100-coin bags and 40-coin rolls.
Initial mintage amounts total 1.4 million, although the Mint has said it will produce more of them if collector demand calls for it.
