The editors of Coin World have reported that the U.S. mint, as of April 23, has ceased minting 2009 nickel and dime issues. The mint has claimed that a precipitous drop in demand from the Federal Reserve for circulating coinage was the primary reason to cease production. Both the Denver and Philadelphia mints will continue to produce Territory Quarters, Dollar coins, and the remaining Lincoln Commemorative cents but at a reduced production rate.
Based on the dramatic drop in overall mintages, 2009 is shaping up to be a key or semi-key year for all denominations. For collectors, this will add a little excitement to issues targeted for circulation as they keep an eye out for BU coins from banks or in pocket change.
From an economy health view this is not a pretty picture. A lack of coinage demand (especially dimes) is a reflection of people turning in coins to banks at a much higher rate, thus keeping more than enough coins available for business transactions. The economy is fragile enough where people are no longer taking loose change for granted. If this is any kind of early indicator then it may be more than a year before things start looking up.
