The U.S. Mint unveiled two new holiday products today: the 2024 Mighty Minters™ Ornament and the 2024 United States Mint Holiday Ornament. Both ornaments showcase an uncirculated 2024 Kennedy half dollar at their center, offering collectors and gift-givers a unique piece for the holiday season.
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Just released at noon ET, the pair of ornaments are priced at $35 each, matching last year’s versions. This year marks the sixth consecutive release for both ornament series, with a different coin featured each year as part of the collection.
Here is a look at the coins included and the pricing history for previous years:
- 2019: Ornaments featuring uncirculated Kennedy half dollars were introduced at $24.95.
- 2020: Ornaments with uncirculated Jefferson nickels debuted at $27.95 and $29.95.
- 2021: Ornaments featuring uncirculated Washington quarters were initially priced at $27.95 and $29.95.
- 2022: Ornaments with uncirculated Vermont American Innovation $1 coins were released at $27.95 and $29.95.
- 2023: Ornaments featuring uncirculated Native American $1 coins hit the market at $35.
Many of the ornaments from previous years are still available from the Mint, though they are now priced at $35 each. All the coins included in these ornaments were struck at the U.S. Mint’s Philadelphia facility with uncirculated finishes.
2024 United States Mint Holiday Ornament
The 2024 United States Mint Holiday Ornament is featured with a colorful wreath design created with bright red poinsettias and green foliage. The coin at the center is surrounded by the words "UNITED STATES MINT" and "2024."
At the heart of the ornament is the 2024-P Kennedy half dollar with the reverse (tails) side visible. This design depicts the Presidential Coat of Arms, an eagle bearing a shield. Surrounding the eagle is a ring of 50 stars, one for each state. The eagle clutches an olive branch and arrows in its talons, representing peace and war. A ribbon is held by the eagle’s beak bearing the inscription "E PLURIBUS UNUM," the motto of the United States, meaning "out of many, one."
Each ornament is crafted from solid brass and finished with imitation rhodium resulting in some elements showing a silver sheen.
2024 Mighty Minters Ornament
The more kid-centric Mighty Minters Ornament features colorful depictions of three Mighty Minters characters: Lina, Eli, and Timothy. They are illustrated as if delivering gifts, with a sled below the included coin, adding a playful holiday touch.
A red ribbon sits at the top of the ornament, featuring "2024" and "United States Mint" printed on it. Each side of the ribbon is adorned with a snowflake, enhancing the festive design.
Once again, the reverse of the 2024 Kennedy half dollar is featured at the center of the ornament.
Ordering
To purchase holiday ornaments from the U.S. Mint, visit its website page dedicated to Collectible Ornaments.
Product limits are set at 5,000 for each ornament, with no household order limits.
Additionally, as a reminder, the U.S. Mint released the 2024 American Women Quarters Ornaments in August, which are still available.
No wonder they have ornaments from previous years ….what is the tie-in between Kennedy and elves? Oh, brother….
Foxman69,
I understand your question, but the fact is that there is never any connection between the displayed coin and the other design aspects of any of these ornaments.
The question I would ask, although admittedly so tongue in cheek, is why there isn’t a mad rush for these considering they have an extremely limited mintage of 5,000?
Tongue-in-cheek…..I hope so!
Most certainly tongue in cheek, but with a little touch of wry kidding also considering how important low production numbers can be no matter what the product.
Did JFK meet Elfiz
Quite likely, as they were both rock stars in their own way.
Where else but the US Mint will you a find close out sale where the price for the old stuff is increased???
Why weren’t they available in the 30% off sale?
The Kennedy is nothing special – just buy the Uncirculated Set!
Geez guys, if you want to create demand, put an uncirculated S mint Kennedy in there.
No creativity or marketing skills at all from the mint 🙁
Who buys this crap?
Just as it has been said that one man’s floor is another man’s ceiling, I would imagine that it could be maintained that one man’s crap is another man’s treasure.
HEY! What about a Kwanzaa ornament? Or Eid? Or Hanukkah? They are missing the boat.
Let’s not forget to add Sankt Nikolaus (and his partner Krampus) Tag to the list of holidays that a thematically decorated tree ornament would be most appropriate for.
C’mon man, these ornaments are so damn adorable! Just think of these as a joint venture between China and the US, as I’d bet those cute holders are made in China. It’s the season of peace and harmony…all over the world.
Now that, Craig, is what a call a positive outlook, whether or not it was meant seriously.
Rick, I was looking at the prices for the Gold Flowing Hair (GFH) on the Bay. Looks like the two Sellers are lowering the starting bid on Auctions. They still have high prices on the Buy It Now listings. I am now thinking this FH coin could go thru the roof. I expect a Sell Out the first day too. What I was thinking the price would be for graded 70’s, I now think OGP will go for those prices. I thot graded 70’s would be $4200-$4500. I think OGP will be going for those prices. So, that’s a game… Read more »
Agree AKBob, and too early for me right now, not knowing any details about the coin!?
One (supposed)OGP sold today for $4500(my guess)…
And a couple of graded ones have(supposedly)sold for $5k and $6k…
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=2024+Gold+Flowing+Hair&_sacat=0&_from=R40&rt=nc&LH_Sold=1&LH_Complete=1
Rick and AKBob,
I have come to realize how much you guys like these gold coins, so please allow me to wish you both the best of luck in acquiring one for your collection.
Kaiser,
Why thank you sir! You are correct about myself, I can’t speak for Rick but I assume he does too!
AKBob,
You are most welcome! I am fully aware that with gold steadily rising in price and with the competition being represented by deep-pocketed resellers it can’t be all that easy to get such a very desirable gold coin for what may be considered a reasonable price. However, we CoinNews.com site enthusiasts are a hardy and resilient lot and as such I trust that you and Rick (if he is indeed also so inclined) will after all is said and done prevail and each secure yourselves a nice shiny 2024 Flowing Hair Gold Coin!
Anyone have any guess’ on the mintage of the Gold Flowing Hair? I’m hearing 10K, 12.5K & even possibly 15K. I personally hope it’s 10K. If it’s 15K, then I won’t be so enthusiastic about this release. I think it was Rick (correct me if I’m wrong) that talked to Ventris personally at a Coin Show and she said, “there’s going to be some surprises this Fall”! That statement is telling me (fingers crossed) that there will be Privy’s on the Gold version just like they did with the Silver Medal. And, the possibility of a mintage of 10K. Remember,… Read more »
I hope that they put the limited privy on the Gold coin at 1794 coins like they did the Silver. Then you have Coins in their own category, with their own mintage!
Or have a surprising limited mintage altogether without a privy? Like 5000 coins.
Looking forward to it all playing out!
In the meantime today I pulled out some coins to enjoy while I’m relaxing for a bit!
Here are 2 that I converted from OGP to slabbed last spring. They look freshened up!
You had me a bit worried there, Rick, as at first I thought I was “seeing things” due to the size difference until I realized it was because they weren’t the same denomination. Regardless, very nice looking coins; thanks for showing them.
Those fractionals are great. I had a chance to buy some and I should have. Hold on to those.
Will do,
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My only two of those, same here–shoulda–coulda…
I had an interesting 08/08/08 set but let it go for something else…
Bam! Crazy nice set Rick. The one that got away.
If only that case had been made of red oak every box would be checked!
I’m surrounded by gold enthusiasts on all sides who know what they want and what they are doing and I meanwhile grasp in the dark for my silver. Yikes!
I don’t know why it took so long for “Light to dawn on [my] Marblehead” but it just occurred to me that the result of mintage limits, especially exceptionally restrictive ones, cannot be other than the equivalent of a zero sum game.
The next time you see a scandalous coin listing on Ebay, you should probably report it. For example, a worn out 1964 business struck Kennedy going for $10,000. Or a 1976-D Kennedy going for $2,500. I have seen so many of these that it makes my head spin. This is so bad for the hobby. The telltale signs are; this coin is from my grandfathers collection, the seller only has a couple of sales, add this very rare coin to your collection, and no returns accepted. So, the next time you see one of these, just click on “Report This… Read more »
E1,
It’s a joke, the way these idiots conduct themselves. One must do their research and due diligence no doubt!
I have reported a couple of jokers a few months back. In those cases they were fraudulent extra “V”‘s. But they just keep coming, same with those Kennedy fraudsters, they feed off of each other too sometimes it seems…
Here’s one for ya below–Super Rare, and in great condition because he conditions his coins with his sweaty palms! You’ll get a kick out of his lie description at the bottom of the page.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/305314884655
E 1,
I don’t peruse feeBay for coins, so I can honestly say I never see these ludicrous coin prices or claims. For the people falling for these coin scams, as P.T.Barnum said ‘there’s a sucker born every minute’. Remember also that the scammers have to eat too…just ask Magic Mike!
Craig, Rick and E 1,
Granted, those outrageous ebay prices are obviously a scam, but when it comes to beating the band for miscreancy no one even comes close to what occurs on etsy. I have seen completely trashed common pennies which had clearly been picked up off the street going for many thousands of dollars on that site. Some folks on ebay are clearly rather boldly disreputable, but it is the sellers on etsy that take the cake for not having even the remotest acquaintance with the concept of shame.
Kaiser,
If I’m hearing you correctly, I should put every penny (cent) I find while walking on the Etsy site to make thousands of dollars? Damn, why didn’t you relay this vital information to me sooner! Mega Yacht, here I come.
Craig,
If you aren’t doing it already, by all means waste no further time getting started. Just think, every time you spot an oily, scratched, dirty, bent, crusty, tar blackened cent that you take the time and effort to pick up and post on Etsy you will be several giant steps closer to standing on your luxuriously outfitted bridge graciously tipping your captain’s cap to the folks on the other yacht passing by.
Craig,
With the outrageous prices they are given to charging I imagine scammers don’t just want to eat like the rest of us but prefer to dine quite extravagantly.
E1, while we’re on the subject… These two pictured coins are real Kennedy coins! Both 1970-D, the Business/Mint Set 40% Silver half–I like these because of their story, and your recommendation! I pulled them out to enjoy today and did notice the differences when side by side. 1) I had the MS67 restored recently. Clean & bright, yet some pesky water spots remain unfortunately. Minimal dings/marks though… 2) The MS66+ looks to be un-altered direct from the set. You can see some natural toning/residue? No spots to really speak of, but the scratches on the neck & near the ‘T’… Read more »
Rick, Back in the day when I made my best effort to acquire the finest 1970 Ds, MS-66 was the top grade. Today, the MS-67s are starting to show up. I wonder if gradeflation is in play here. I also have about 6 or 7 raw 70Ds and one looks like an MS-65 PL. I will try to get you a picture of it later. I also have 4 other coins here waiting to be cracked out and dipped. Two Franklins and two Walkers. I’ve just been very busy and can’t find the time to set up the coin lab.… Read more »
This is one of my old archival boxes that includes all my scrap 70Ds. That PL is probably an MS-64 PL. It’s hard to tell from the photo, but it is very different from the others. The NGC MS-66 above was the best of the bunch. I had a number of them that came back NGC MS-64-65. Those were sold off or used as stocking stuffers. So, anything MS-66 and above without spots is very difficult.
Yes, this is how it was done before the TPGs came along.
Yup, old school. All half dollars.
OMG! Bam!
I hope you lock your doors at night sir…
Rick and E 1,
As soon as I laid eyes on E 1’s stack of Half Dollar cases I had the very same thought. If that is any indication of the likely dimensions of E 1’s entire collection then maximum household security measures are doubtless a major (not “D”) imperative!
Security is not an issue.
Nice carpet & paint bro, lolol !…
I might need to dig out, dust off, and possibly upgrade my security options! hahaha……
Rick,
One of the best types of nostalgia-evoking materials are the invariably peculiar advertisements in the backs of old comic books and the traditionally quaint items displayed in mail-order catalogs of yesteryear, especially since unless you were “there” you have no way of conjuring up those feelings and memories.
Goes to show that the concept of scams pre-dated the likes of ebay, etsy and the Mike Mezacks of today by multiple decades.
E 1,
It appears there was a rather significant response in at least one regard when you announced “Send lawyers, guns, and money!”
That’s one hell-of-a scrap box! It’s only growing in value, nice box for storage! I’m not surprised at all as to how you manage your collection, even the ‘castaways’ are treated with respect…
Gradeflation has happened to you I have no doubt, and on more than one instance. I think it may slow with CACG in the mix now?
Your NGC coin would probably upgrade today.
Thanks for sharing your great coins E1. The coin lab can wait!
I’ve got my eye on this one, just observing, toning and all. It’s a 66, and solid for 66 imo….
Rick,
Maybe it is better to buy those toned. That way the toning covers the water spots. Also, I don’t know what to make of “Biwald.” Not a bad looking coin though.
GC does a great job with their photography.
Yes, some sort of pedigree(Biwald Collection). Enough so to secure special labels from PCGS. Possibly with the help from GC as they are tight with them, as well as CAC when they consign collections…
Biwald looks to be a 1C guy mostly…Killer high grade Lincolns, etc…
Current Biwald auctions below….
https://www.greatcollections.com/search.php?fromyear=&toyear=2024&grade_range_1=1&grade_range_2=70&ungraded=0&ungraded=1&fromprice=&toprice=&mode=product&sort=01&series=0&q=Biwald+Collection&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-13&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-20&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-27&listing_type=1&frombid=0&tobid=500
And completed sales from the last few months below…
Check out some of his high $$1C Gems–Wow..
https://www.greatcollections.com/search.php?fromyear=&toyear=2024&grade_range_1=1&grade_range_2=70&ungraded=0&ungraded=1&fromprice=0.00&toprice=0.00&mode=product&sort=02&series=0&q=Biwald+Collection&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-13&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-20&enddate%5B%5D=2024-10-27&listing_type=4&frombid=0&tobid=500
Rick and E 1,
The “Whispering Pines – Biwald Collection”? For my money the Biwald “mystery”, if indeed such a thing even exists, deepens further with the appearance of this hyphenated name. perhaps it’s time to put the CoinNews coin detectives on the case! Regardless, that collector does have some very sharp-looking Lincoln Cents.
Those are some nice Lincolns & Indians. No doubt – Wow ! I would like to see the rest of his stash. I see the name “Shapiro” added to some of them too.
E 1 and Rick,
The idea of a there bring a collection by the name of Biwald had occurred to me but lo and behold clearly Rick has already covered that territory in a far more than adequate and exceedingly thorough manner.
NOTE: The above comment for some reason didn’t erase like it was supposed to. I wrote it prior to seeing all the further comments by Rick and E 1 and is now redundant and meaningless.
“a there bring”, some odd sort of banana brain short-out lingo, should clearly have read “there being” instead. Back in order.
Yet two more solid beauties, Rick. I like the fact that if you’ve got ’em you show ’em!
Thanks Kaiser, Speaking of ‘showing’…Last night my wife said she talked to my neighbor about me liking coins. I said uh-oh, but she only mentioned my 1C occasional copper hunting she insisted. Ok I said, but mums the word! She doesn’t know the half of what I have for the reason above…I had the coin pictured below out and I explained the TPG concept to her. I showed her how to check out the coin specifics online, punch in the cert #, and it shocked her!..I just said “I have more and their yours later”, and mums the word regarding… Read more »
You’re very welcome, Rick; you certainly do post some “pretty pictures”!
I got a big kick out of your description of the “secret coins and loose-lipped neighbors” episode, and by that I mean all the various parts and aspects of it. Clearly not everyone gets the idea of keeping certain things on the QT, but I would expect the onus to in fact be on us to tell them what’s what in that regard to prevent exactly this sort of accidental slip-up from occurring. Fortunately, all’s well that ends well.
It will work out…
A family meeting is upcoming, as well as some basic estate talk…
In the meantime they’ll learn the basics of the TPG verification, consignment, and the “hang on to it!” options….
Rick,
I do believe you are on the right track having that sort of a family gathering to divulge and explain all that needs to be elucidated. Ideally I would be engaging in a similar exercise; however, for reasons I prefer to keep obscure I feel this kind of occasion is rather unlikely to become a possibility for me.
E1,
To crack, or to not crack, that is the question?!
Here we have a simple, basic 2023 Shield 1C graded MS65RD…
Or do we?
And the other side of the slab. The Obverse…
Let’s have a closer look, shall we? Yes, it’s an Extra “V” 1C. Verified by me in hand with all 5 unique “V” die markers on full display. No, it was not “Variety Attributed” when sent in for grading(by the seller of the coin). He flat-out told me that he didn’t want to pay the $20 attribution fee, as I was negotiating the sale with him(last winter)… This coin is on my reholdering list along with some other slabs with damage, etc… Reholder to attribute & keep 65? Or crack, regrade, & attribute raw with a possible upgrade? I’m tempted… Read more »
Rick,
There is a hint of something after the VDB. If it is an “Extra V”, then I think it is a partial “V” that did not meet the full “V” requirement. I need a better picture of the “V” to make a call on this one.
E1,
Sorry to throw you off/delay my 3rd photo and story!. It does meet all requirements. This coin does show, as it does with others that the V is not perfect and/or uniform. Revealing its semi-crude nature that certain day in Philly…
Here’s another interesting shot, same coin. The light/angle catches all 4 “V” markers. Even the 2 disturbing “spike-thru-the-neck markers that all V’s carry to some degree…
Rick,
Yes, it is an “Extra V” for sure. Good luck getting those spots out. I’ve used Linders, IPA, and Windex on the new pennies that I pulled out of circulation from the grocery store. I’ve even tried a polishing cloth. Nothing gets those water spots out on these new pennies. If you have a number of these, I would send them back to PCGS “as is” for their Error Service and request the obverse to face forward as you stated. Also, have them reference the certification date and see if they are FS eligible.
Something just dawned on me and I might try it soon. I used “CLR” to clean my shower head the other day and it works miracles on calcium and lime. It might work well on coins with water spots. To be continued….I’ll keep you posted.
Rick,
Yes, there is some kind of delay in the posting. Something with the system.
E1, As you’ve mentioned before, there’s something off when the Mint washes/rinses their coins. It’s like they rinse without a rinse aid, if you will lol. CLR, yes! I think I still have some and it’s worth a shot, perhaps on a test coin first! PCGS is weird when it comes to face up on 1C as we’ve covered before, I doubt that they’ll reholder the V’s face-up for free? Similarly bothersome is the PCGS 2019-W 1C. NGC and ANACS both holder the ’19-W correctly while PCGS does not. You need to flip the coin backwards to enjoy the President… Read more »
Rick,
I think they call that “Thinking Backwards.”
“Non Thinking” might be better.
However, that’s a nice “Money Coin” there Rick.
My 1/10th ounce Proof AGE arrived today. It has a spot at 10:O clock. Its a stocking stuffer though. I buy one every year for my daughter and her family. I don’t think they will notice. But I did.
Bummer on the spot, the coin could’ve been a return, been there, done that. Regardless, it’s a great gift! The coin lab is filling up I see! The PF ANA Franklin still has me piqued, along with the other halves of course! The CLR test is underway, they’re soaking as I type & thanks for the idea. So far, after about 1 hr. not much going on. No pink solution, so we know that the CLR is not like Speed Dip cleaners?..Now I’ll keep you posted! PS: A blank zinc, a copper 1959-D, a 2009-D, and a 2003-D are the… Read more »
Cool. Keep me posted.
Yeah, that $56 proof Franklin might be pay dirt. I have a 1960 PR-68 Cameo that I can make a comparison with.
A 2 hr CLR soak, some Qtip agitation, rinse & dry…. The CLR works to clean up the coin(s) much like the dips used for silver. Bright & shiny no doubt, but less harsh of a cleaner imo. No pink in the liquid, but light caramel color yes from dirt.The Qtip was dark after use. There were water spots on the ’09 & 23, carbon spots on the ’59 and dirt & stains on the blank. 1) All of the dirt, grime, and toning is gone from all coins. The stain on the blank is reduced. 2) The carbon spots… Read more »
And now for the unattributed “V” coin.
There is no turning back!
It got a 10 min soak, a slight Qtip touch, rinse & dry.
Off it will go!
Wish it luck!….
Rick,
I’d be careful with that one.
I’m still digging.
I would use a test coin first.
White Vinegar
Baking Soda and White Vinegar
Hydrogen Peroxide
Coca Cola
https://www.kramerindustriesonline.com/product/liquid-finishing-compounds/
All planchets used by the US Mint are provided by outside vendors.
Too late! It’s been CLR’d..
It’s going to PCGS raw, I’ll keep you posted…
CLR is 100% water soluble. Make sure to soak the coin afterwards with distilled water.
Hummm. The blank planchets might be water spotted and then struck. Thus, embedding “Whatever that substance is” deeper into the coin. It does look like calcium or lime. If we could find a cure for this, we would be……… My cousin is a ChemE. I will have to give him a call. I am sure there is an answer. Last time he recommended 90% acetone and it did not work on my 2014 P&D Unc Kennedys. It just gave me a nasty headache. Ultrasonics with CLR for a long period of time maybe the answer. Maybe it needs some heat… Read more »
Thanks, yes water spots–if only?…
I recently used acetone on an old Gold coin with pvc residue, with an almost verdigris look as well—Gone!
My 2014-P Unc Set Kennedy has just completed its long journey from being a simple reholdering label gone bad, to being restored & reholdered again…
The coin had some cosmetic issues similar to my 2014 Unc-D coin, but not anymore…Original purchase pic below(scratched holder)..Story later….
Ok, I guess there’s no stopping this train.
I have some things that I am gonna try too.
Ok Rick,
I have my two test coins. Now I just need to find some disposable glassware.
I’ll keep you posted.
Great spotty candidates.
The coin lab is back!
Rick,
I’ll set it up tomorrow. We’re having another heat wave here. So, no yard work. Just coins.
Later
Rick,
You’re in the midst of a heat wave and we’re wondering how much snow we’re going to get this winter. What a diverse country!