RCM Going Too Far?

We've been saying this for the past decade... yet they keep coming back with new ideas... new schemes or gimmicks some may say. But in the end, you decide to buy, or not to buy.

I personally think the quality isn't what it was 10 years ago.

I believe that the US Mint has a better balance than the RCM, although I suppose many might say that they are gradually going down the RCM's path. They have annual standard collectible items such as the Silver Eagles and Gold Buffalo's. They also limit the number of commemoratives they produce annually. I'm also a fan of their America the Beautiful series.

I'd love to see Canada go back to producing an annual design like the Voyageur Dollar that canbe collected every year. Maybe balance that off with a new commemorative silver dollar each year. Keep the collectible sets limited, beautiful... and relevant.

I remember when baseball cards became big (again) in the 1980's and 1990's. Everyone began producing cards with special holograms and in an unlimited number of limited sets. Most of those cards are worthless today, while cards from a simpler time still holding or are increasing in value.

While I'm feeling a tad overwhelmed at the sheer numbers of coins being released, let's play devil's advocate for a bit.

I'm new to coin collecting and do fancy some of the newer coins. Like others have said, they don't need to sell out every single coin. They just need to attract newcomers to the hobby with different coin varieties. I personally know of a few people who have started buying coins because of the new themes introduced. If that keeps the hobby going, maybe it's worth it? While I understand the concerns regarding the depreciating value, will the coin still have value if the mint no longer produces NLCTs?

One of my main complaints is that I do wish they would keep the quality up. In some of the coins I've seen in hand, there have been QC problems. I'd rather less coins, produced at a higher quality where I don't have to scrutinize each coin to see what problems are on them.

I just wish the RCM had approached their releases differently. Instead of doing a "highly anticipated" monthly release, it would have been more beneficial to simply set out an e-catalogue with all of the releases of the year. That way, collectors could budget for the coins they wanted without the feeling of frantically purchasing online. I realize their approach is probably about generating hype, but I for one could do without the hype.

I've expressed similar sentiments to all of the above comments several times on different threads. I can only reiterate what has been said.

From all of the feedback you folks have provided, it appears that there is a lot of dissatisfaction with the quantity and sometimes quality of the RCM's releases in recent years.

I can only hope that the decision makers at the mint will get the message. In the meantime we can help deliver this message by keeping our wallets closed.

I just sold off all of my mint products except one. My Edward VIII Medallion.

The key is to base your decision on what you really like to have in your collection... Even if the RCM release 100 coins per month, if you're not able to choose the one you really want, stop this hobby right now, because you'll be bankrupt sooner... Yes, the RCM release too much coins, but the consumer have the final words... I had the same kind of tought in the beginning of the year for the monthly release, and I now focus on the coins I really want to have and willing to pay for. With this way of thinking, I just kept the same budget... You have to be more disciplined and respect your budget, if the RCM drive the way you buy coins, you have a serious problem... Just like a woman who own a wardrobe of shoes!

Don't give the RCM any ideas. Next thing you know we'll have a series of commemorative coins with the Fonz front and centre