Proposed RCM Resolutions For 2013

Yeah! Thanks. Thats what I am doing now, buying mostly Canadian circulation coinage, some silver bullion here and there, and occasionally some RCM products; I only bought some 20 for 20 coins and two 1/2 coins. :)

Quality control would be my concern.
Check out the red line/mark running across the new coin.

Commons, great post as always.

I would be more aggressive in terms of the silly secrecy that surrounds each release of new coins which IMO should be public domain from day 1. There is something deeply troubling about the whole release process that typically favors coin flippers and such.

It is one thing to set aside some coins for the MC elite but denying general public, beginners, or younger collectors from buying is unacceptable - period. The notion of first come first serve should apply in favor of the collectors Vs dealers.

Shipping delay is also a major problem. I think this is because they produce too many different varieties. The RCM has lost focus.

Next thing for me is, quality. I feel like I'm the only one complaining about the ridiculously heavy frost which destroys (hides) all fine details of the coin.

NCLT should be subtle... as a refresher, see the below comparison:

Very well said and this is an excellent thread for the RCM...
and I too hope someone will see this and hopefully heed the productive feedback.

I have my next order for the RCM created as a draft but I am still on the fence as I am not sure I will purchase anymore NCLT's in the next lil while just because of their last years performance.

@canadian_coins: Terrific images â€" they illustrate your point exceptionally well!

It's truly a shame that the production methods currently in use by the RCM are detracting from what are often very attractive designs. I'm not sure why the current methods were put in place, but my guess would be that it had more to do with trying to create coins that generate a favorable first (superficial) impression via a high contrast appearance rather than creating coins with detailed aesthetics that merit an enduring appreciation.

Production economics may be another factor driving the change.

Excellent info! Thanks much for making me aware of it!

Am I correct in thinking that this laser frosting technology is behind the multi-textured proof coins that have been issued recently? For example, the 2012 Calgary Stampede dollar featured multiple finishes on the reverse's cowboy and bucking bronco that almost gave the appearance of slight color variations. It was impressive to see on a traditional (i.e., non-bedazzled) silver coin. I think it is a terrific technique and hope the RCM continues to perfect it.

That said, I also hope that the use of such a wonderful new technology does not take precedence over retaining strong design details on future releases.

I agree with most of your points, especailly the points on delays and pre-release sellouts.

NO coin should have less than half its total mintage reserved for release day general sales.

I would like to add that the Mint needs to take ownership of the "milk spot" problem, and correct it.