Just a few thoughts about 2013 and the
RCM...
Surprise: I was surprised that no standard 2013 Proof Set (i.e., annual commemorative silver dollar plus base metal versions of the circulation coins) was issued. Such a set has been a core acquisition for many modern coin collectors since the
RCM began issuing such sets back in 1981. I think it may point to the fact that the
RCM is focusing more on attracting new short-term customers with tech-novelty coins vs. maintaining a long-term relationship with traditional collectors.
Pleasure: I was very pleased with the Bald Eagle series the
RCM produced. I like coins that depict eagles in natural environments and so this series of coins worked for me. I realize the series was developed at the behest of a US coin dealer, but that doesn't take away my enjoyment of the coins. (BTW: I've never seen a chicken when I've looked at the first coin of the series; a chicken's anatomy is very different!)
Disappointment: I was disappointed that the
RCM continued to play fast and loose with the denominations of their coins. What is the rationale for a gold coin with a denomination of 50 cents? Why release coins of multiple denominations that use the same silver planchet? For example, a silver planchet with a diameter of 27 mm and a weight of 0.25 ounces was used for coins of four different denominations in 2013: $3, $4, $10 and $20. Also, the selling prices of such coins varied from $20 to $49.95!
Appreciation: I appreciated the fact that the
RCM looked for ways to enhance the appearance of its non-coloured/bedazzled coins and released a number of proof coins that employed multiple finishes/levels of frost. This improvement in die production most definitely creates coins with enhanced visual impact. It was certainly welcomed by this collector!
Perplexed: I continued to be perplexed by the delivery delays that many collectors experienced in 2013. The delays are not a big deal to me as I am a collector that rarely looks to resell the coins that I purchase - so I don't have to receive them while they're still "hot" - but multi-month delays in delivering some orders is simply not a good business practice. After the large number of delays the
RCM experienced in 2012, I would have thought they would have better addressed such issues within their production and fulfillment operations in 2013. They may have improved, but they are still far from having the problem solved.
Those are a few of my reflections on 2013, what are some of yours?
Posted 01/04/2014 9:52 pm
