+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 As I was sitting here bored with no coins to buy, so I started to surf the coin websites for updates, new coins, etc. I noticed that a few sites are claiming to be "Official Geocoin Maker". My question is: Is there a Official? Did one of these sites get rights to be called that or can they just say it? Does that I mean I can be a Official Coin Maker (if I wanted)? I figured why not ask...we need something new to talk about.... Quote Link to comment
+frivlas Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I was wondering that, and I just assumed that any of the companies mentioned in the Pinned Topic would qualify. Frivlas Quote Link to comment
+bikinibottomfeeders Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 (edited) second to post I "officially" made my coin so I guess I'm official Edited December 19, 2005 by bikinibottomfeeders Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 I know coinsandpins had that on their website first. I assumed they made a deal with geocaching.com to be the "official" maker. Just wondering...one of those things that boogle the mind I guess. Quote Link to comment
Rupert2 Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. You are right! It says: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com Oak Coins website says: Official Geocoin Maker Quote Link to comment
+frivlas Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. You are right! It says: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com Oak Coins website says: Official Geocoin Maker So, does that make one more or less official than the other? Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 I think this may become a "What came first" (the chicken or the egg). I am sure that coinsandpins would be more "Official" than any others. They will be the "Official" maker of the GW4 coins, I know that! Quote Link to comment
+Big JohnP Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I'll take 2 of each metal................ Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 I'll take 2 of each metal................ {there will be three types} shhhhhhh Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. You are right! It says: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com Oak Coins website says: Official Geocoin Maker So, does that make one more or less official than the other? The one that has permission to say who declared them official seems more official to me. Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. You are right! It says: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com Oak Coins website says: Official Geocoin Maker So, does that make one more or less official than the other? The one that has permission to say who declared them official seems more official to me. But who has permission? Quote Link to comment
+frivlas Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". It is actually a little less vague than that. From the http://www.coinsandpins.com site: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com TravelerTags.com Note that geocoin wasn't used, and "The" was not used. You are right! It says: We are official coin/pin makers for: Geocaching.com Oak Coins website says: Official Geocoin Maker So, does that make one more or less official than the other? The one that has permission to say who declared them official seems more official to me. But who has permission? Would they be listed in the thread I linked to earlier if they didn't have permission? I took it to mean all the ones listed had permission. I could be wrong though. Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 A commercial site that lists another commercial site as having declared them official (which Oak Coins has not done), darn well better have permission to say so! Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 A commercial site that lists another commercial site as having declared them official (which Oak Coins has not done), darn well better have permission to say so! I just now seen your guy as a hat on! Awesome! Quote Link to comment
+SeventhSon Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 Does this mean in order for a State geocoin to be an official State geocoin it has to be minted by an official geocoin minter? Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 Does this mean in order for a State geocoin to be an official State geocoin it has to be minted by an official geocoin minter? OOO see.....now we have something..... (this thread is entertaining me today let me tell you) (I am easily entertained) (I need to find something else to do today) Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 A commercial site that lists another commercial site as having declared them official (which Oak Coins has not done), darn well better have permission to say so! I just now seen your guy as a hat on! Awesome! Thanks - I was beginning to think nobody would notice Quote Link to comment
+nielsenc Posted December 19, 2005 Share Posted December 19, 2005 putting my oakcoins hat on. We asked Groundspeak if we could use their logo and put 'Official Geocoin Maker' for Groundspeak. What that means is, we will interface with Groundspeak for you to get your design approved for tracking and logo use. Hope that helps . nielsenc/Christian Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 19, 2005 Author Share Posted December 19, 2005 putting my oakcoins hat on. We asked Groundspeak if we could use their logo and put 'Official Geocoin Maker' for Groundspeak. What that means is, we will interface with Groundspeak for you to get your design approved for tracking and logo use. Hope that helps . nielsenc/Christian So that is what coinsandpins does too......So there is two of you so far that is "official". Thanks for the info!! Quote Link to comment
+Hula Bum Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I'm pretty sure coins and pins has been around longer and working with geocaching/cachers longer if that makes a difference. Quote Link to comment
+MO Outdoorfamily Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 putting my oakcoins hat on. We asked Groundspeak if we could use their logo and put 'Official Geocoin Maker' for Groundspeak. What that means is, we will interface with Groundspeak for you to get your design approved for tracking and logo use. Hope that helps . nielsenc/Christian So that is what coinsandpins does too......So there is two of you so far that is "official". Thanks for the info!! I took it to mean that Coins and Pins mints the USA Geocoins (and possible TB tags) sold by Groundspeak/geocaching.com and tags sold by travlertags.com. But I could be wrong on this. Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 putting my oakcoins hat on. We asked Groundspeak if we could use their logo and put 'Official Geocoin Maker' for Groundspeak. What that means is, we will interface with Groundspeak for you to get your design approved for tracking and logo use. Hope that helps . nielsenc/Christian So that is what coinsandpins does too......So there is two of you so far that is "official". Thanks for the info!! I took it to mean that Coins and Pins mints the USA Geocoins (and possible TB tags) sold by Groundspeak/geocaching.com and tags sold by travlertags.com. But I could be wrong on this. I seriously doubt that either of those things are true. What coins and pins does do, is wholesale the tracking numbers for PC prefixes. I didn't realize that Oak Coins had the gc logo along with the phrase posted. Cool! Quote Link to comment
+ShowStop Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 As I was sitting here bored with no coins to buy, so I started to surf the coin websites for updates, new coins, etc. I noticed that a few sites are claiming to be "Official Geocoin Maker". My question is: Is there a Official? Did one of these sites get rights to be called that or can they just say it? Does that I mean I can be a Official Coin Maker (if I wanted)? I figured why not ask...we need something new to talk about.... Its about as official as Geocaching.com being the "The Official Global GPS Cache Hunt Site" Quote Link to comment
+BackBrakeBilly Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 www.CoinsAndPins.com is official in my book! But that is only in my book for what it matters. They made my personal BBB coin and are working with me on several other projects including the new Tennessee Micro Geocoin which will be the smallest trackable geocoin out there! Tess and Aaron are great to work with! Quote Link to comment
+Squealy Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 Why doesn't Groundspeak officially chime in? Quote Link to comment
+GeoHills Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 I want an "Official Geocoin Maker" coin. Make it 2. Quote Link to comment
+Rusty & Libby Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 What nielsenc said above is correct. I believe there are 4 of us now that are "official" and have agreed to Groundspeaks guidelines for the usage of their logo and bug numbers. If you look at the recently released geocoin policy there are four links to places to have coins made. I have never heard anything about the term "geocoin" being copyrighted and with it's ubiquitous usage I don't think that is likely. Quote Link to comment
+welch Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 Is there a Official? Did one of these sites get rights to be called that or can they just say it? Does that I mean I can be a Official Coin Maker (if I wanted)? No. But there are some sites that know of and apperently agreed to the Groundspeak rules for making gc.com trackable coins. See this list. I doubt it. Yes, since 'offical' tends to means nothing espeically in geocaching. If you want to find the offica coin maker, figure which one everyone uses and thats the one . Quote Link to comment
+Albatross1901 Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 All Coinmakers are equal but some are more equal than others ! George Orwell Geocoin Farming Quote Link to comment
Rupert2 Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 If we really wanted to have some fun, we can always take this thread to the next "technical" level of the reality abyss... Of all of the "Official Geocoin Makers" out there, how many have of the them have actually EVER made a geocoin? I would wager that the "true" "official geocoin makers" have names that us westerners cannot even begin to pronounce let alone type out on a keyboard. Quote Link to comment
+9Key Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 QUOTE (pdxmarathonman @ Dec 19 2005, 02:36 PM) A commercial site that lists another commercial site as having declared them official (which Oak Coins has not done), darn well better have permission to say so! I just now seen your guy as a hat on! Awesome! I need a hat for my hippo! Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 QUOTE (pdxmarathonman @ Dec 19 2005, 02:36 PM) A commercial site that lists another commercial site as having declared them official (which Oak Coins has not done), darn well better have permission to say so! I just now seen your guy as a hat on! Awesome! I need a hat for my hippo! Yes, you do! Quote Link to comment
+Right Wing Wacko Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 (edited) I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". A quick search of he US Governments Trademark Site shows: Word Mark GEOCOIN Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 006. US 002 012 013 014 023 025 050. G & S: Medallions for collecting, trading, and leaving in a geocache. Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Design Search Code Serial Number 78113951 Filing Date March 11, 2002 Current Filing Basis 1B Original Filing Basis 1B Owner (APPLICANT) (Personal Info Removed Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator DEAD Abandonment Date February 10, 2003 I do not know why the attempted registration was abandoned. As far as I'm concerned, the person entitled to a trademark on the term would be Moun10Bike, since he's the one that started this madness. Edited December 21, 2005 by Right Wing Wacko Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 20, 2005 Share Posted December 20, 2005 It's too late now. The term has been in common usage for too long. I was wondering why it was abandoned too, maybe because even then it was in common usage. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Does this mean in order for a State geocoin to be an official State geocoin it has to be minted by an official geocoin minter? The state org can designate whoever they wish to be official. Making a coin by itself doesn't do it. Mostly its sales puffery. Quote Link to comment
+Renegade Knight Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Come to think of it. Who is the maker of the coin? The middle man like OakCoins and Coins and Pins, the Factory over in China, or The person with the idea? Quote Link to comment
+LaPaglia Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I don't believe that the term "geocoin" is a trademarked term owned by Groundspeak. If I am wrong about, there are alot of us out there that could be financially liable. My guess is that anyone could potentially be "official". A quick search of he US Governments Trademark Site shows: Word Mark GEOCOIN Goods and Services (ABANDONED) IC 006. US 002 012 013 014 023 025 050. G & S: Medallions for collecting, trading, and leaving in a geocache. Mark Drawing Code (1) TYPED DRAWING Design Search Code Serial Number 78113951 Filing Date March 11, 2002 Current Filing Basis 1B Original Filing Basis 1B Type of Mark TRADEMARK Register PRINCIPAL Live/Dead Indicator DEAD Abandonment Date February 10, 2003 I do not know why the attempted registration was abandoned. As far as I'm concerned, the person entitled to a trademark on the term would be Moun10Bike, since he's the one that started this madness. Abandonment - Failure To Respond Or Late Response thats what the file says is the reason. Quote Link to comment
+Ladycacher Posted December 21, 2005 Author Share Posted December 21, 2005 My coin wizard!!! {In my book, your official} Quote Link to comment
+Eartha Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Also, from the pinned thread: 2. There is a 1,000 number minimum purchase required for Organizations and a 500 number minimum purchase required for Personal Geocoins. (Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of numbers for resale in smaller quantities). These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. 5. The following coin manufacturers are familiar with our geocoin policies and can assist you with other details. If you contact them, they can provide you with pricing and art samples. coinsandpins.com coinsforanything.com personalgeocoins.com www.oakcoins.com www.thecachingplace.com Perhaps the official ones are the ones who bought blocks of numbers? Quote Link to comment
+SeventhSon Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Now that personal coins can have their own icon, can these also be purchased in smaller quantities, or will one have to purchase 500 to get a special icon? Quote Link to comment
+Eartha Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 (edited) Now that personal coins can have their own icon, can these also be purchased in smaller quantities, or will one have to purchase 500 to get a special icon? 2. There is a 1,000 number minimum purchase required for Organizations and a 500 number minimum purchase required for Personal Geocoins. (Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of numbers for resale in smaller quantities). These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. Edited December 21, 2005 by Eartha Quote Link to comment
+SeventhSon Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 (edited) Now that personal coins can have their own icon, can these also be purchased in smaller quantities, or will one have to purchase 500 to get a special icon? 2. There is a 1,000 number minimum purchase required for Organizations and a 500 number minimum purchase required for Personal Geocoins. (Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of numbers for resale in smaller quantities). These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. Is that a yes or a no? Before the change, I could buy 250 numbers thru coinsandpins and have the PCent icon. Can I now buy 250 and get a custom icon? Edited December 21, 2005 by SeventhSon Quote Link to comment
+pdxmarathonman Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Now that personal coins can have their own icon, can these also be purchased in smaller quantities, or will one have to purchase 500 to get a special icon? 2. There is a 1,000 number minimum purchase required for Organizations and a 500 number minimum purchase required for Personal Geocoins. (Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of numbers for resale in smaller quantities). These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. I was also wondering how the custom icon would be assigned/approved in this situation, which isn't answered in Eartha's prior post. Quote Link to comment
+frivlas Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I was curious about this and asked my coin maker. If I understood him correctly, if you have a run of 500 or more GC trackable coins, you can apply for your own personal icon at cost of $150. The icon and request still have to be emailed in and approved. I believe I have that correct, Eartha, please correct me if I am wrong. Friv Quote Link to comment
+Marky Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 I like Official Geocoin Makers. I like them a lot. --Marky Quote Link to comment
+Eartha Posted December 21, 2005 Share Posted December 21, 2005 Sorry, I mis-read the question. I thought they wanted to know if they could buy smaller quantities. From the pinned thread: Custom Coin Icons: 1. Available for Geocaching organizations, associations, commercial coin groups and, now, Personal Coins. 2. The cost for a custom icon to be associated with your coins is a one time fee of $150. The icon design will need to be supplied to us in the following pixel sizes: 16x16 and 32x32 (Moderator note: it doesn't mention the number of coins here) then it says: Cost and Details: 1. The cost per tracking number is US $1.50 and can be paid via paypal or credit card. 2. There is a 1,000 number minimum purchase required for Organizations and a 500 number minimum purchase required for Personal Geocoins. (Note that some of the coin manufacturers listed below have purchased blocks of numbers for resale in smaller quantities). These numbers may be split between coins but each individual coin design must be approved prior to production. So the way I understand it you have to buy 500 coins (of the personal variety) from Groundspeak if you want tracking numbers. You can order smaller quantities from the manufacturer, but I'll have to look into whether or not someone can get an icon for a smaller quantity. If you want to buy the icon it's another $150.00 on top of the coin purchase. I'll get back to you on this as soon as I can. With the holidays coming up, it might take a few days. As Jeremy says "I'm working on it" Quote Link to comment
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