Some thoughts onthe commemorative coin set "My Country Belarus".
The proof set is enclosed into a pretty case, crafted in pleasant mild colors with some embossing and stylized figures of the Belarusian coins. There is an insert in the case, expanding in three pages horizontally. Descriptions of the coin figures are given in English and Belarusian on the first two pages. The print is good and the paper is smooth. The coins are on the third page, enclosed into the sealed round slots with slits in paper to examine the both sides of the coin. Coins are of high quality (brilliant uncirculated, shiny and sparkling). Coin figures description is full and thorough. The coins themselves are the same as the regular Belarusian coins. As of the National Bank of Belarus, these coins can be freely used in circulation. The coins stand out of the page, so you can see their edges as well.
The issue is limited - 35 thousands sets in total. The set price is about seven times higher, than the aggregate nominal price of its coins. The sets are sold only in National Bank offices in 6 cities of Belarus. Today many collectors actively buy the sets because of affordable price, high popularity of the first Belarusian coins. So, theprice of this set will substantially grow in the future, as one can buy them now only in several cities.
Many people buy this set as a gift for friends abroad: you have all the Belarusian coins at once, beautifully decorated, not separate coins, which are cumbersome to store and to show for an amateur.
I would point out the following downsides of the set:
1. Thebookletismadeofpaper, sointhecaseofnegligenceorinfiltration it can be damaged (although the coins as such are sealed well).
2. The coins of the first proof set are equal to the coins being in circulation.Only the high quality (brilliant uncirculated) sets them apart. They could bear any distinctive sign at least, but woe, the don't.
3. Notallthepaperholesforthecoinsfittheparticularcoinwell; soifyougentlypress 5, 10, 20 and 50 kopeckswithyourfinger, theyfitintopaperholesonthethirdpage, butyoucan'tdosowith 1, 2 kopecksand 1, 2 rubles.
Thoughthewholesetlooksbeautifulandpleasant, issplendidtotouch. TherewasnosuchgreatandaffordableBelarusiancoinset before.
Posted 08/02/2016 10:08 am
