Canadian Gold Coins $5 And $10, 1912-1914 From RCM

I just ordered a 1914 $5. It isn't too much over spot and it has a very low mintage. Either way I am excited about my first gold coin.

An expensive Christmas at that.

Ya thats a shame that they are melting the rest of them. I bet they aren't even in too bad of shape to be collected.

"Premium Hand-Selected Gold Coins - Canada's First Gold Coins*For the collector who demands nothing but the best, the Mint's 1912-14 $5 and $10 first Canadian gold coins are being offered in Premium Hand-Selected quality. These coins were hand-picked by Mint personnel for maximum eye-appeal and nearly pristine quality. Their luster is without equal, as are the quality of their detail and their virtually unblemished surfaces.

*Disclaimer
As the Royal Canadian Mint does not grade any of its products, the use of the expression "Hand-Selected" and/or "Premium Hand-Selected" as used herein does not imply any form of coin grade, or suggestion thereof, derived from current numismatic grading standards, or other form of grading systems.

Hand-Selected Gold Coins - Canada's First Gold Coins*Hand-selected by Mint staff for a high quality appearance, with minimal evidence of wear caused by handling, storage, or environmental conditions, these Hand-Selected coins are wonderful examples of Canadian numismatic history. They offer the best combination of quality and affordability which gives a wide range of customers the chance to buy a special coin not seen on the market for nearly 100 years."

If it weren't for the disclaimer I'd be complaining for sure about false advertising. It really is the most subjective grading I've ever heard of. What grade do you think these will come out as? EF/XF at most?

I know they're "a piece of history" and all that, but a 20% premium is pretty hard to swallow. Premiums on current mintage mainstream bullion run 6%-7.7% for silver, 2.6%-4% for gold and 4.7%-8.7% for platinum. I can cope with those and it'd be nice to own a real piece of history, but I need to shoot for a higher level of retained value than swallowing a 20% premium.

Since new Canadian Gold Maple Leafs can be had for a 2.6% premium right now, it's curious that RCM is taking a 20% premium on these vintage coins.

Can't treat numismatic coins like bullion and retained value is not all just about melt value. If you think like that then 95% of the people on the ccf and anybody who collects anything but PM are crazy. And, we're not crazy :)