RCM Commemorative Silver Dollars "by The Numbers" - March 2018 Update

It amazes me that collectors have not quit buying the new daily special coin already.

Yes.



My spreadsheet comes up with a figure of $3,093.05 for the scenario you describe. However, my sheet tallies the issue price of the BU version of each distinct release vs. the proof (when both were available). As the proof versions were always a bit more expensive, your figure is likely on target.

Just FYI, a collector who purchased each type and variety of SD directly from the RCM (and purchased the various full proof sets to get the SDs that were not sold separately) would have paid $7,800.75 (CAD) to complete a SD set (as of the 2018 releases).

At first glance, that appears to be a big number, but it does represent 133 coins issued over 48 years; the average cost per SD is $58.65. That per-coin average would be reduced by at least $9 to $10 if the SDs available only in sets were purchased individually in the secondary market vs. via the full (and expensive) proof sets from the RCM.



I don't understand this comment and don't believe that it applies to the commemorative SD series.

The modern SD series (1971+) is the RCM's longest-running commemorative series and remains one of its most popular. I think one of its absolute strengths is its longevity. Collectors pursuing the series can build it at their own pace, assemble an impressive collection of attractive and meaningful coins and learn a tremendous amount about Canadian history along the way.

IMO, collecting a long-running series of coins is at the very core of coin collecting. IMO, completing any such series offers a far greater sense of accomplishment than assembling limited-run sets of two to six coins over the course of a year or two. Each approach is certainly valid - we all have to collect they way that works best for us - but I don't agree that long-running series "turn off" collectors (at least not those that view the hobby as a long-term pursuit).

Figured I show my work. Please let know if you see any errors.

edited to add mintage numbers

Noteworthy for sure though likely a function of high mintages and the exceptionally high silver prices back then.

The mint drastically raised their SD price in 1980 to cover the PM value (silver was nearly 50 USD an ounce in early 1979) but then conveniently forgot to adjust prices downward much when spot prices drastically receded. Funny, they did the same in 2011 with just about every silver coin they've sold since.

When silver hit $48.48 US in 2011 people were expecting $100 and beyond. [Hopefully nobody was betting on silver to finance their retirement.]

Like I said back then, there is enough silver available to outlive humanity. Physical demand does not (and will probably never) cause any fundamental supply pressure.

The RCM also needs to recalibrate to today's reality.

@CC-Ottawa: I noticed one thing in your listing:

- You have the "2007 Joseph Bryant - Thayendanegea / Std. Issue Enamel" coin listed with an issue price of $42.95. I believe the enameled Bryant coin was issued at $129.95.

I created a formula in my sheet to only total the coins in your list. Once I adjusted for the enameled Thayendanegea price difference, our number matched exactly.

Thanks commems - had an issue with the vlookup which incorrectly grabbed the standard SD price and mintage for the enameled version.

Here is a corrected list.