Will the US ever follow Canada to where PCGS cannot go?

Zoins

The US followed Canada to:

• bimetallic coins (1996 vs. 2000 - 4 years)
• reverse proof (1998 vs. 2006 - 8 years)
• silver puck coins (1998 vs. 2010 - 12 years)
• palladium coins (2005 vs. 2018 - 13 years)
• curved coins
• colorized coins (2004 vs. 2020 - 16 years)
• privy marked coins (1998 vs. 2020 - 22 years)

but can we take this next step to...

Merry Christmas!

• https://www.moderncoinmart.com/2020-canada-christmas-tree-with-moving-train-3d-sculpture-5-oz-silver-50-coin-gem-proof-sku59807.html
• https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/5-oz.-pure-silver-coin---christmas-train---mintage-1000-2020-prod3580057

Oldhoopster

God help us one and all.

RedStorm

I got one of those in change last time I was in Canada. Talk about a creepy feeling in your pocket...

1northcoin

With regard to Canadian colorized coins, one that I acquired that was pretty unique depicted in spectacular colors the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights.). If the U.S. Mint ever attempts to replicate that one I would certainly be a candidate for its acquisition.

Not sure if this is the same one, but it includes a "glow in the dark" feature as well:

"Canada's Royal Canadian Mint issues a glow-in-the-dark Toonie coin depicting the Aurora Borealis to commemorate the country's 150th birthday.
.....
"The mint became the first to circulate colored coins in 2004. With the release this month of the glow-in-the-dark anniversary coin, the mint can claim another first."

Cameonut

Our us mint has zero creativity. Pretty sad.

pcgscacgold

Now that might actually get me to buy a modern coin. Too bad they are all sold out.

PerryHall

The Canadian mint issues one gimmick after another. Hard pass.

jmlanzaf

I love the Royal Canadian Mint

https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/coin-prod3720015?rcmiid=ban|homepage|carousel|pos1|200272-1ozPureSilverColouredCoinHolidayTree-Mintage20202020&

jmlanzaf

https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pez-gingerbread-man-silver-wafers--dispenser-gift-set---mintage-4000-2020-prod3720016?rcmiid=link|categorypage|PEZ_Gingerbread_Man_Silver_Wafers_Dispenser_Gift_Set_-Mintage_4000_2020|Shop-New_Releases&

jmlanzaf

Love this for the big spender

https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pure-gold-diamond-shaped-coin-–-forevermark-diamond-–-mintage-99-2020-prod3700053?rcmiid=link|categorypage|Pure_Gold_Diamond-Shaped_Coin_Forevermark_Diamond_Mintage_99_2020|Shop-New_Releases_&

ricko

Lots of different 'coins' have been minted, by mints all over the world. The first time I saw a guitar coin I thought it was the most radical coin ever. Well... other mints said "Hold my beer." Cheers, RickO

amwldcoin

That one takes the cake!

@jmlanzaf said:
Love this for the big spender

https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pure-gold-diamond-shaped-coin-–-forevermark-diamond-–-mintage-99-2020-prod3700053?rcmiid=link|categorypage|Pure_Gold_Diamond-Shaped_Coin_Forevermark_Diamond_Mintage_99_2020|Shop-New_Releases_&

jesbroken

Until this post brought up Canada's weird coin productions I had never heard of it, so I googled "glow in dark Canadian coins" and of all things an item came up celebrating a UFO sighting in color. UNREAL
Jim

MetroD

@ricko said:
Lots of different 'coins' have been minted, by mints all over the world. The first time I saw a guitar coin I thought it was the most radical coin ever. Well... other mints said "Hold my beer." Cheers, RickO

Some other "unique" examples: https://www.apmex.com/category/90532/unique-products?_campaign=12092020-category90532-awareness-seminumi-homepagehero

ms70

I heard the U.S. Mint is going to make a drone coin that actually flies!

ricko

@MetroD.... Thanks... Some really interesting pieces there....something for everyone. Cheers, RickO

ms70

@Cameonut said:
Our us mint has zero creativity. Pretty sad.

Agreed, but be careful what you ask for.....

jmlanzaf

@ms70 said:

@Cameonut said:
Our us mint has zero creativity. Pretty sad.

Agreed, but be careful what you ask for.....

I know people like to hate on the novelty coins. And the Royal Canadian Mint is the Queen of Novelty Coins BUT I think they are a new win for the hobby. They are very interesting to kids and I think it is far easier to get most kids interested in coins if you give him a glow-in-the-dark UFO coin than a F/VF Bust half.

I spent 20 years as coordinator of our local YN club. Some kids - with wealthy parents - had remarkable collections. One kid was actually collecting branch mint gold. But most of the younger kids would get excited by a bent or holed coin and spend half an hour trying to figure out how it got there. They loved the odd shaped coins (guitars, cars, etc.)

The thing I liked most about the YN's is that they got soooo excited over the simplest things. Most of the adults in the clubs yawn at almost anything because they've been staring at their seated dollar collection for 60 years.

jmlanzaf

@amwldcoin said:
That one takes the cake!

@jmlanzaf said:
Love this for the big spender

https://www.mint.ca/store/coins/pure-gold-diamond-shaped-coin-–-forevermark-diamond-–-mintage-99-2020-prod3700053?rcmiid=link|categorypage|Pure_Gold_Diamond-Shaped_Coin_Forevermark_Diamond_Mintage_99_2020|Shop-New_Releases_&

I don't know if it takes the cake, but it definitely takes the wallet. LOL

Cameonut

I see the Canadian piece is C$569 which is about US$450, or $90/troy ounce. Plus it is a limited edition.

Compare that to the ho-hum US super duper proof set which prices out at $73/troy ounce with bazillions made.

I would opt for the Canadian piece if I were to buy something frivolous (I don't plan to buy either).

keets

we followed Canada to the SHQ's and other circulating commemorative coins as well. should we lead instead??

YQQ

As a Canadian citizen, I am seriously disappointed.
The RCM is probably one of the worst legal rip-off placed one can ever imagine.
They come up with crap and call it coins. Even had Canadian currency laws changed a few years back to do it legally.
A perfectly legal rip-off with the legal title NLTC (non legal tender currency). it is only for collectors and even includes $ 8 and $3 "metal disks".
A disgrace to real and solid Canadian currency/coins.

erwindoc

I really like the dinosaur coins and have the set of 4. Here is one.

Hydrant

@Oldhoopster said:
God help us one and all.

You took the words right out of my mouth. No joke.

hammer1

@RedStorm said:
I got one of those in change last time I was in Canada. Talk about a creepy feeling in your pocket...

That feeling could drive you Loonie.

jmlanzaf

Is the Christmas tree struck or cast?

Is the train struck or cast?

Do they cold weld the tree into a hole in the base?

Inquiring minds want to know...

Edited to add:

Partial answer from the RCM website
TWO CAST SILVER ELEMENTS! Cast in sterling silver, the Christmas tree commands attention as it rises up from the engraved design. But the crowning touch isn’t at the top of the tree; instead, look at the base of the tree, where the toy train (also cast in sterling silver) travels along the engraved tracks whenever you tilt the coin.

jmlanzaf

hMMM....they've been doing an entire series of "interactive coins"

ms70

I wish I had more money than I could spend in a lifetime so I could buy all of these and have them melted.

jmlanzaf

@ms70 said:
I wish I had more money than I could spend in a lifetime so I could buy all of these and have them melted.

I suppose you want to take a jackhammer to the David also. LOL.

If purists don't want to think of them as "coins", they are at the very least limited edition sculptures. I don't see any reason to hate them.

Rodin made multiple castings, after all. Should we melt them?

jmlanzaf

By the way, if you look on eBay both the 2018 carousel and the 2020 train/tree are selling above issue price. That ain't true of a lot of traditional Mint products like US proof and mint sets.

blitzdude

Go big or go home. Rgds!

Zoins

@Cameonut said:
Our us mint has zero creativity. Pretty sad.

Did we lead with the signed and numbered COA?

ms70

@jmlanzaf said:
By the way, if you look on eBay both the 2018 carousel and the 2020 train/tree are selling above issue price. That ain't true of a lot of traditional Mint products like US proof and mint sets.

Yes. YES! MELT EVERYTHING!

Batman23

@YQQ said:
As a Canadian citizen, I am seriously disappointed.
The RCM is probably one of the worst legal rip-off placed one can ever imagine.
They come up with crap and call it coins. Even had Canadian currency laws changed a few years back to do it legally.
A perfectly legal rip-off with the legal title NLTC (non legal tender currency). it is only for collectors and even includes $ 8 and $3 "metal disks".
A disgrace to real and solid Canadian currency/coins.

So the face value is not actually tenderable? I can't take the $50 Christmas Tree coin to the bank and exchange it for something that will fit in my wallet? If so they aren't actually coins, they are more like a medal.

daltex

@Batman23 said:

@YQQ said:
As a Canadian citizen, I am seriously disappointed.
The RCM is probably one of the worst legal rip-off placed one can ever imagine.
They come up with crap and call it coins. Even had Canadian currency laws changed a few years back to do it legally.
A perfectly legal rip-off with the legal title NLTC (non legal tender currency). it is only for collectors and even includes $ 8 and $3 "metal disks".
A disgrace to real and solid Canadian currency/coins.

So the face value is not actually tenderable? I can't take the $50 Christmas Tree coin to the bank and exchange it for something that will fit in my wallet? If so they aren't actually coins, they are more like a medal.

As I understand it, you CAN take it to the bank, but not spend it in a grocery store or something and get change. I may be wrong.

MasonG

@Zoins said:
Did we lead with the signed and numbered COA?

Outdoing another mint by producing something that's not a coin? A dubious honor at best.

Zoins

@erwindoc said:
I really like the dinosaur coins and have the set of 4. Here is one.

PCGS likes it too! Here are 5. How many are there in a set?

MasonG

So the face value is not actually tenderable? I can't take the $50 Christmas Tree coin to the bank and exchange it for something that will fit in my wallet? If so they aren't actually coins, they are more like a medal.

From the Royal Canadian Mint website:

Can I redeem a collector coin at a bank or use it as currency to purchase goods or services?

All coins manufactured by the Mint are legal tender. However, unlike Canadian circulation coins, collector coins are non-circulating legal tender (NCLT). As such, these coins are not intended for daily commercial transactions and accepting them as payment or for redemption is at the discretion of businesses and financial institutions.

The Mint has a process in place to reimburse financial institutions the face value of redeemed NCLT coins, once they have accepted them from a customer and returned them to the Mint. In the event a bank branch is unaware of this procedure, customers are advised to contact the Mint with the coordinates of the bank branch, which will take steps to inform the branch of the redemption process.

As collector coins can only be redeemed at face value by businesses and financial institutions willing to accept them, it is recommended that individuals wishing to sell a collector coin first consult with a coin dealer, who is more likely to offer a price above face value.

fathom

That sucker is dangerous.

Batman23

@MasonG said:

So the face value is not actually tenderable? I can't take the $50 Christmas Tree coin to the bank and exchange it for something that will fit in my wallet? If so they aren't actually coins, they are more like a medal.

From the Royal Canadian Mint website:

Can I redeem a collector coin at a bank or use it as currency to purchase goods or services?

All coins manufactured by the Mint are legal tender. However, unlike Canadian circulation coins, collector coins are non-circulating legal tender (NCLT). As such, these coins are not intended for daily commercial transactions and accepting them as payment or for redemption is at the discretion of businesses and financial institutions.

The Mint has a process in place to reimburse financial institutions the face value of redeemed NCLT coins, once they have accepted them from a customer and returned them to the Mint. In the event a bank branch is unaware of this procedure, customers are advised to contact the Mint with the coordinates of the bank branch, which will take steps to inform the branch of the redemption process.

As collector coins can only be redeemed at face value by businesses and financial institutions willing to accept them, it is recommended that individuals wishing to sell a collector coin first consult with a coin dealer, who is more likely to offer a price above face value.

Thanks, that makes some sense. They are but aren't. Anyone want to cash in a tree? I have about $45 USD for your $50 CDN...

YQQ

unless you have "clout" at the bank...meaning a very large account, they will not accept this garbage.
AND if the teller person is smart they will accept it for FACE value only and then replace it in the till with real money, making a profit. Notice, the RCM will only reimburse at FV. However, they originally sold it at many times of FV. A legal rip-off.
There was a time not that long ago when the RCM did accept these as a returned item and issue certificates for FV only towards credit to buy some other of their garbage. But this might have changed by now. Think about it, they sold a $10, 20 and I believe also a $50 piece of silver for the respective FV via mail order, dealers, and the Government-owned Post office and indirectly suggested it would be a good buy. Silver content??? a few grams.!!!

daltex

@YQQ said:
unless you have "clout" at the bank...meaning a very large account, they will not accept this garbage.
AND if the teller person is smart they will accept it for FACE value only and then replace it in the till with real money, making a profit. Notice, the RCM will only reimburse at FV. However, they originally sold it at many times of FV. A legal rip-off.

OK,but how much do you suppose a U.S. bank will give you for your silver eagle, or Jackie Robinson $5 gold, fr that matter?

Namvet69

Man, be careful where you set that thing down. I don't want to sit on it! Too crazy for me. Happy holidays and be safe. Peace Roy

MasonG

@YQQ said:
Notice, the RCM will only reimburse at FV. However, they originally sold it at many times of FV. A legal rip-off.

Which mints are different? The US mint? Hardly. If you don't like the terms, don't buy the coins.

jmlanzaf

@YQQ said:
unless you have "clout" at the bank...meaning a very large account, they will not accept this garbage.
AND if the teller person is smart they will accept it for FACE value only and then replace it in the till with real money, making a profit. Notice, the RCM will only reimburse at FV. However, they originally sold it at many times of FV. A legal rip-off.
There was a time not that long ago when the RCM did accept these as a returned item and issue certificates for FV only towards credit to buy some other of their garbage. But this might have changed by now. Think about it, they sold a $10, 20 and I believe also a $50 piece of silver for the respective FV via mail order, dealers, and the Government-owned Post office and indirectly suggested it would be a good buy. Silver content??? a few grams.!!!

To be fair, the legal tender value of an AGE is $50 and the Mint sold them for many times FV

jmlanzaf

@MasonG said:

@YQQ said:
Notice, the RCM will only reimburse at FV. However, they originally sold it at many times of FV. A legal rip-off.

Which mints are different? The US mint? Hardly. If you don't like the terms, don't buy the coins.

Agreed.

It's actually not a rip-off. It is to protect the bullion value of the coin. If you put $1000 FV on a coin that has $100 in bullion, when the bullion value drops to $950, people start spending them to get the extra $50.

Zoins

Sold out mintage of 1000.

Issue price of C $579.95, but now selling for almost 4 times more C $2,034.79!

In US dollar terms, now selling for $1,591.31 on an issue price of $453.55.

MasonG

@Zoins said:
Sold out mintage of 1000.

Issue price of C $579.95, but now selling for almost 4 times more C $2,034.79!

In US dollar terms, now selling for $1,591.31 on an issue price of $453.55.

Those poor people who bought from the mint! Look how they were ripped off.

jabba

I want one but I’m not paying $2000 moose bucks for it

YQQ

open your eyes guys!!!
go and see what you can buy it for 2 years from now.
every once in a while the RCM issues a "limited" mintage item.... which will be in demand.... for a while.
other stuff is also limited... to high numbers.
for those of you who are willing to buy that crap, I have to say this: it is your money...
Does anyone of you have the Charlton NCLT catalogue? It is bigger than the regular catalogue which contains all normally issued** circulation** coins from 1858 to now..
some of you obviously do not see it. ok with me.
I simply hope that your GM or son does NOT invest in Canadian NCLT junk with the intention of making money...
do you wish to make 50K???? Invest 100 K in Canadian NCLT from RCM and wait 1-2 years.

CaptHenway

I've seen a Twonie but never a Trainie!