RCM New Releases: 2017 Pure Silver Coin - Endangered Animal Cutout: Woodland Caribou

Video added to original post.

Excellent point commems. Given that 54mm 2oz AG coins generally sell for the same $189.95, perhaps the Mint could have donated the 30% of an oz of silver they cut out; roughly $7.

Added: Just noticed that someone asked that question on the product page and I have to say, the answer is less than stellar.

"Q. Usually when 189.95 the coin contains 2 oz. of silver. Although this coin comes close to 2 oz what is the justification for not changing the price to reflect that? If anything it should be cheaper because the amount of silver has been lessened.
Asked on 2/8/2017 by DD from ONTARIO, CA

A. A: Hi DD, You are right, the price should be slightly cheaper if we only consider the amount of silver the coin contains. However, unfortunately the advanced cutting process and the labour associated with the technology did not come cheap; keeping the price helped us cover these costs. Thank you.
Answered on 2/9/2017 by Yudi (Product Team) from Ottawa"

Then I looked at other non special finish 2oz coins. For example, the 2017 150 Maple or 2016 Pop Art Goose were roughly the same, no real special finish similar mintage but they were just $169.95.

So the Mint would have us believe that the labour to cut out an image cost them $20 more plus $7 in recovered silver.

Notwithstanding the price, I do like the concept and the coin design just not enough to buy it.

As they did with the 4 piece set of 1/4 ounce coins that weighed in total more than an ounce. (47.72gm total, but each coin was engraved with 1/4 ounce)http://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pure....WKIplDsrLIU

An ounce is and ounce is an ounce....if the Mint can't stick to some standards what good is it.

It was most likely drilled before doing edge cutting. You have to dig into the coin somehow. When I used to do machining we had to drill it first. Your animal cut out would've been just shavings of silver. Back into their melting pot. $$$