Sports Media Report
Two decades ago, the U.S. Mint began issuing quarters with reverse designs celebrating each of the 50 states. The program was a huge hit, renewing interest in coin collecting and inspiring a series Presidential dollar coins that was not quite as successful but did boost interest in the hobby.
Perhaps with the popularity of those programs in mind—and adding in the twist of the “blind chase” that opening a sealed pack of cards provides, official MLB and MLBPA licensee Baseball Treasure last week announced a set of coins featuring stars of all 30 teams in copper, silver and gold. They were designed by Todd Radom, an independent graphic designer specializing in branding for professional sports franchises and events. His work includes the official logos for Super Bowl XXXVIII and the 2009 NBA All Star Game, as well as the graphic identity for Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Angels.
For the first time ever, a star from every Major League team has been minted in a one-ounce copper coin presented in a full color cardboard mount. Each coin displays the player’s name, position, and etched portrait on the front (or heads), and an action image with a few 2017 stats or accomplishments on the back (or tails). The packs, which are the same size as standard trading cards, retail at $6.95 each.
In addition to the 30-coin copper base set for 2018 Baseball Treasure MLB Coins, collectors can also hope for the rare chase coins. The odds of obtaining a .999 fine Silver version (a $50 retail value) is one in 432, while the chances of getting a gold coin (a $2,000 retail value) is one in 21,600.
“Baseball Treasure offers the thrill of the chase’,” said co-founder Rick Canale. “With Baseball Treasure, we have added the excitement of including the gold and silver coins. You never know who or what coin you might get.”
Players represented include:
Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles
Paul Goldschmidt, Arizona Diamondbacks
Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves
Francisco Lindor, Cleveland Indians
Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Yoan Moncada, Chicago White Sox
José Altuve, Houston Astros
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Salvador Pérez, Kansas City Royals
Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers
Travis Shaw, Milwaukee Brewers
Justin Bour, Miami Marlins
Joe Mauer, Minnesota Twins
Michael Conforto, New York Mets
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Rhys Hoskins, Philadelphia Phillies
Khris Davis, Oakland Athletics
Josh Bell, Pittsburgh Pirates
Robinson Canó, Seattle Mariners
Wil Myers, San Diego Padres
Corey Dickerson, Tampa Bay Rays
Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants
Adrián Beltré, Texas Rangers
Yadier Molina, St. Louis Cardinals
Marcus Stroman, Toronto Blue Jays
Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
