It’s a right Royal Mint rip-off, says top dealer (2024)

  • 16 Jan 2012

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The Royal Mint have issued a statement defending their issues and pricing, but Richard Lobel, managing director of London-based Coincraft, who has been involved in the coin collecting world since the 1950s, told ATG: "Their prices are often four times what they should be. Many of the limited issues are worth considerably less than the ticket price at the point of sale, with absolutely no hope of ever recouping the cost, let alone seeing values rise beyond that."

Mr Lobel, who has emailed fellow members of the trade to let them know about the boycott, told them: "Let the Royal Mint buy back their own material. I am tired of having to tell collectors that, the silver proof £5 they bought from the Royal Mint at £99.50 is only worth £20 in the trade."

He sees the problem as little less than a scandal. "The Royal Mint is either incompetent in setting prices or cynically exploiting non-expert buyers who think they are getting something special."

However, the Royal Mint told ATG: "The Royal Mint commemorative pricing reflects the significant investment of time, skill and thought undertaken in the origination and production of our unparalleled quality standards. Whilst utilising modern production techniques where possible, The Royal Mint remains faithful to its 1000-year history where there is no substitute for the hand crafting by an expert eye."

Private Company

Mr Lobel also accuses the Royal Mint of getting rid of specialist advisers who know how to value such coins in favour of marketing executives.

"People need to understand that the Royal Mint is a private company seeking profits, not a public body. It is a highly trusted brand because of its name, but it is not living up to that expectation of trust."

To support his argument, Mr Lobel quoted numerous examples of limited issues, including expensive gold coins, which he says are ludicrously overpriced.

Referring to a full page advertisem*nt in a national newspaper leading up to Christmas, in which the Royal Mint offered silver sixpences for £19.95 each with a charge of £2.95 for postage, he said: "Coincraft offer the same coins at £4.95 each. What's more, the Royal Mint advertised them as the 'legendary silver sixpence' struck from 1920-1947 that people used to put in Christmas puddings. But they stopped issuing them in 1946 and it was the silver threepence that went into Christmas puddings, so one wonders whose expertise is being used here."

The Royal Mint is now offering the same coins via their website for £30, having added a presentation case.

Other offers Mr Lobel saw as being ridiculously overpriced included:

• A George III half sovereign priced at £1100 (dealer price £350-500);

• A 2012 Paralympic gold proof £5 (melt value £1205) priced at £2880 (dealer price (£1500-1600);

• A King James Bible £2 gold piece of 2011 issue priced at £995 (dealer price £695).

• A Mary Rose £2 gold piece of 2011 issue priced at £995 (dealer price £695).

"I could go on," Mr Lobel told ATG. "On most non-gold numismatic coins you are going to get less than 50 per cent of what you paid for them."

He said mints in the United States, Australia and other countries were selling comparable coins at half the price set by the Royal Mint.

For example, 2011 proof US silver eagles in their original cases are currently being advertised at $65.95, around £42.25. It has around an ounce of pure silver in it, which is about ten per cent more than the 2011 silver proof £5 being offered by the Royal Mint at £99.50.

Mr Lobel also argues that overcharging has had a clear effect on sales of commemorative issue coins over the past 15 years.

"The 1981 silver proof issues for Prince Charles' wedding to Princess Diana sold 218,000 pieces, but by the time we got to 1997 silver proof issues for the Queen's Golden Wedding saw only 33,000 sell.

"Only 13,379 sold for Prince Charles' 50th birthday in 1998 and only 16,000 commemorating the Queen Mother's death in 2002. For Prince Charles' 60th birthday in 2008, the total was down to 10,000.

"The problem is that the Royal Mint are flooding the market in an attempt to cash in and collectors have got wise to it."

The Royal Mint say that the evidence shows otherwise.

"Recent high demand for iconic products such as the 2012 Sovereign, which sold out in a matter of weeks, is testimony to the fact our pricing is in line with the expectations of the majority of Royal Mint customers," they said in a statement sent to ATG. "In order to maintain this expectation we ensure our product and pricing portfolio is regularly reviewed and adjusted accordingly.

"2012 is a great year for Great Britain and an exciting time for the Royal Mint. We are already experiencing strong demand for many of our commemorative issues supporting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and celebrating the Diamond Jubilee. And with products from £2.99 to £100,000 we believe we have something fit for anyone, be they art enthusiast or budding collector."

It’s a right Royal Mint rip-off, says top dealer (2024)

FAQs

Can you trust the Royal Mint? ›

When you buy coins and bars from The Royal Mint, you are purchasing from one of the oldest, most trusted organisations in the world. All United Kingdom coins struck by The Royal Mint are rigorously and independently checked for fineness and quality.

Is it worth buying coins from the Royal Mint? ›

From an investment point of view, they're not always great value. Sometimes they appreciate in value, but they often don't. Usually you can buy them on the secondary market for less than they were originally sold by the Royal Mint.

Why is Royal Mint gold more expensive? ›

Bullion products from The Royal Mint incur a margin or 'premium' on top of the cost of the metal. This cost covers the design, craftsmanship, production and management of the products that we sell.

Are sovereigns still legal tender? ›

Since then, it has been struck both as a bullion coin and beginning in 1979 for collectors. Although the sovereign is no longer in circulation, it is still legal tender in the United Kingdom.

Does The Royal Mint make a profit? ›

The Royal Mint has reported its largest profit since becoming a limited company following the success of its three-year business transformation strategy. The Llantrisant-based business reported a pre-tax profit of £18m for year ending 31 March 2022, up from £12.4m in 2020/21.

Can I buy directly from the Royal Canadian Mint? ›

Premium Bullion in special packaging can be purchased directly by the public from the Royal Canadian Mint through our boutiques, call centre, app and online store, or from authorized dealers.

What is the best coin to start collecting? ›

Top Coins to Collect
  • Walking Liberty Half Dollar. ...
  • 50 State Quarters. ...
  • Saint-Gaudens Double Eagle. ...
  • Two-Cent Coin. ...
  • Silver Peace Dollar. ...
  • Rare, Key Date Coins. ...
  • High-Grade Coins. ...
  • Bullion Coins. Another coin that could be a great investment is a bullion coin.
28 Oct 2020

Which 50ps are worth keeping? ›

Top 10 most valuable 50p coins, according to Royal Mint
  • Kew Gardens (2009), 210,000.
  • Olympic Wrestling (2011), 1,129,500.
  • Olympic Football (2011), 1,161,500.
  • Olympic Judo (2011), 1,161,500.
  • Olympic Triathlon (2011), 1,163,500.
  • Peter Rabbit (2018), 1,400,000.
  • Flopsy Bunny (2018), 1,400,000.
  • Olympic Tennis (2011), 1,454,000.
3 Dec 2022

Which coins are worth keeping? ›

9 of the most valuable coins in the world
  • The 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. picture alliance/Getty Images. ...
  • The 1787 Brasher Doubloon. ...
  • The 1787 Fugio cent. ...
  • The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar. ...
  • The 1343 Edward III Florin. ...
  • The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny. ...
  • The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf. ...
  • 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel.
7 days ago

Is it better to buy gold bars or coins? ›

If you're looking for a convenient, flexible addition to your investment portfolio, with capital gains tax benefits, then gold coins could be the best choice for you. If you're looking to make a larger investment and want to avoid paying a higher premium, then gold bars could be your best option.

Is it better to invest in bars or coins? ›

Gold coins are known to have more sentimental value than gold bars both historically and culturally. Simply put, gold coins can be more ideal for you than gold bars if you want to invest in something with a more historical and cultural value. Again, gold coins have more collectible value than gold bars.

Is gold a good investment in 2022? ›

Gold and crypto have been called 'inflation-proof' investments—so far in 2022, neither seems to be a great hedge. Gold and cryptocurrencies are often lumped together as inflation-proof investments, but with prices rising at their fastest pace in decades, neither asset has performed well amid rising inflation in 2022.

Is the 2022 sovereign a good investment? ›

2022 gold sovereigns are a great choice for investors who are interested in capital gains tax-exempt gold bullion. The British sovereign started as a circulation coin in 1817 and continues to be a favourite choice with both investors and coin collectors.

How much is a gold sovereign worth 2022? ›

The Sovereign 2022 Twenty Five Bullion Coin Tube

United States Dollars (USD) prices are estimated based on an exchange rate of £1 = $1.228658.

What can I do with old pound coins 2022? ›

It's much easier here – you can just spend them! They will remain usable for until the end of September 2022. From 1 October 2022 you'll be able to deposit them or swap them in the same way you can now for fivers and tenners.

Can I sell silver to Royal Mint? ›

At The Royal Mint we will buy back your gold, silver and platinum bullion coins and bars.

What is the rarest Royal Mint coin? ›

The famous 2009 Kew Gardens 50p remains the most coveted coin in circulation, with a mintage of just 210,000.

Can you sell Royal Mint gold? ›

Selling Back Your Physical Bullion Coins & Bars

If you have gold, silver or platinum bullion coins and bars to sell, The Royal Mint will offer you a competitive buy back rate based on live gold, silver or platinum prices.

Do you pay tax when you sell gold in Canada? ›

If you've recently earned profit from selling an investment, you may be required to pay capital gains tax. In Canada, capital gains or losses are realized only when assets (such as stocks, bonds, precious metals, real estate, or other property) are sold and are subject to capital gains tax.

Is it illegal to pay in coins in Canada? ›

If I'm paying a bill at my bank, can I use pennies? Yes, pennies continue to be legal tender in Canada and banks accept them for cash payments.

What is the best gold to buy? ›

For us, the best type of gold to buy is physical gold bullion. The precious metal has been loved for centuries as a safe haven in which to grow and store wealth and physical bullion best reflects these qualities today. Holding gold as a physical commodity is in many ways fundamental to its appeal.

Which coin has most potential? ›

The 14 Best Cryptos With the Most Potential in 2022
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  • RobotEra (TARO) - New High Potential Project with Staking and ERC-20 Governance Token.
  • IMPT (IMPT) - High Potential Presale in the Carbon Offsetting Industry.
24 Nov 2022

What coin is in high demand? ›

What Precious Coins are in Demand? Silver and gold American Eagles generally take the top spot on the average list of most wanted coins, at least in the English-speaking world. That means, if you happen to have one for sale, you shouldn't have too much of a problem finding a buyer, especially in an online setting.

What is the best coin to buy at the moment? ›

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Is a Paddington Bear 50p coin worth anything? ›

How much are the Paddington Bear 50ps worth? Paddington Bear 50ps have been known to sell for tens of thousands of pounds.

How do you tell if a coin has a minting error? ›

Some coins are manipulated to look like mis-strikes or error coins and sold to unsuspecting buyers. Check the clipped planchet edge of the coin to see if it's genuine by making sure the detail of the design fades away towards the edge rather than suddenly stopping, which would indicate the coin had been cut.

Is the 50p Peter Rabbit rare? ›

How rare are Peter Rabbit 50ps? If a coin is rare, there are not many of them about. According to Change Checker's Mintage figures index, the Peter Rabbit 50p is the second rarest coin going.

What year coins should I keep? ›

All quarters minted before 1965 are worth their silver value. All Standing Liberty quarters have a premium above that value, except for well-worn coins. Among Washington quarters, only the 1932-D and 1932-S have a significant premium over the silver value. The 1955-D also carries a premium.

Should you clean coins before selling? ›

Generally, it is better to leave your antique metal currency alone than it is to try and erase all the grime and grit off of those coins. Cleaning or polishing rare coins devalues them. So, if you're planning on selling them, get an appraisal before attempting to clean your coins.

Which coins will grow in future? ›

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  • Binance Coin (BNB) Market cap: Over $68 billion. ...
  • XRP (XRP) Market cap: Over $37 billion. ...
  • Terra (LUNA) ...
  • Cardano (ADA) ...
  • Solana (SOL)
16 Sept 2022

Will gold go up or down in 2022? ›

The World Bank, in its Commodity Markets Outlook 2022 in October, forecast gold prices to average $1,650/ounce in 2024, declining from $1,700 in 2023 and $1,775 in 2022 as interest rate hikes are likely to continue well into 2023.

What size gold bars are best to buy? ›

400 ounce gold bars and 1kg gold bars offer the best value. That is you'll get more ounces of gold for the same amount of money. That is why the likes of large institutional investors, central banks and exchange traded funds deal in 400 ounce bars.

What is a better investment than gold? ›

4. Silver Is Currently Cheaper than Gold. Per ounce, silver tends to be cheaper than gold, making it more accessible to small retail investors who wish to own the precious metals as physical assets.

How much silver should I own? ›

The affordability of silver makes it possible for anyone to buy small quantities regularly to build a sizeable portfolio over time. As a result, many experts recommend a precious metal portfolio that ideally consists of 75% gold and 25% silver.

Which is better physical gold or digital gold? ›

"Physical gold and digital gold both are good options depending upon the requirements of an investor. Jewellery consumption will always be in physical form whereas, for financial purposes, it's better to go for digital gold.

What will gold be in 5 years? ›

Gold is likely headed towards $7,500 over the next 4-5 years.

Is it smart to buy gold right now? ›

Gold is traditionally considered a hedge against inflation as its value tends to rise in an uneven economy. If you're wondering if now's the right time to buy gold, or if you're considering investing in the future, then act now.

Should I buy gold or silver now? ›

Here's what you should do if you want to invest a small amount of money in silver. Silver has more upside potential because it is used in industrial applications. However, if you want to invest a larger sum of money, invest in gold. Gold is scarcer than silver, so there is more potential for gain.

Is the Royal Mint official? ›

The Royal Mint is the United Kingdom's oldest company and the official maker of British coins.

Is the Royal Mint run by the Government? ›

Over the centuries, The Royal Mint has evolved to become a sophisticated manufacturer which operates today as a government-owned company.

Is the Royal Canadian Mint good? ›

Canadian coinage is respected as some of the best in the world for design and quality of engraving. For both aesthetic and technical quality, investors have been talking about them ever since the first commemorative coin was put on the market.

Where does the money from the Royal Mint go? ›

The Royal Mint issues new coins to a small number of cash centres which are operated on behalf of the major banks and post offices. These cash centres, in turn, distribute coins to local branches of banks and post offices in order to satisfy demand from business customers and members of the public.

Where is the best place to sell coins UK? ›

Many collectors choose to sell through eBay or similar online auction sites operating today. It is definitely a better choice than going through a pawnbroker, but getting a reasonable price for even rare 2 pound coin or even a collectable 50p coin requires a great deal of right timing and even a bit of luck.

Is it smart to invest in gold? ›

Although the price of gold can be volatile in the short term, it has always maintained its value over the long term. Through the years, it has served as a hedge against inflation and the erosion of major currencies, and thus is an investment well worth considering.

Who owns the money mint? ›

The United States Mint is a bureau of the Department of the Treasury responsible for producing coinage for the United States to conduct its trade and commerce, as well as controlling the movement of bullion.
...
United States Mint.
Agency overview
Parent agencyDepartment of the Treasury
Websitewww.usmint.gov
7 more rows

Did someone rob The Royal Mint? ›

The Royal Mint of Spain has never been robbed. However, during the civil war, the gold reserves of the Bank of Spain had allegedly been moved to the URSS for protection which has not been returned to date.

How much money was stolen from The Royal Mint? ›

Of course, even with all of the Professor's many contingencies, things didn't quite go according to plan. After digging the escape tunnel took less time than expected and the police began closing in, the gang ultimately left after just six days, having printed €984 million ($1.1 billion).

Is it worth buying uncirculated coins? ›

Usually uncirculated coins are almost entirely blemish free, although this isn't always the case. The main attraction of buying uncirculated coins is usually for collectors, as they will often increase significantly in value over time and be worth more than their circulated counterparts.

Do silver coins hold value? ›

As a physical asset, it has intrinsic worth, unlike the dollar or other currencies. Silver holds its value long term and fares well when interest rates are low — and fixed-income investments aren't earning much. In these ways, silver functions like gold as an investment, serving a similar "safe haven" role.

What is the best mint to buy gold from? ›

#1 The Royal Canadian Mint

Plus it has bullion DNA technology making it the most verifiable and secure bullion coins and bars on the market. This mint also created the largest coin in the world. A 100kg 99.999% pure $1 million gold bullion coin.

Can you sell coins back to the Royal Mint? ›

At The Royal Mint we will buy back your gold, silver and platinum bullion coins and bars. Including coins that were not produced at The Royal Mint.

Can you buy bags of coins from the bank? ›

Some of the largest banks in America are in direct contact with the Federal Reserve, which makes it easier for them to special-order rolls of coins for repeat coin-collecting customers. A lot of people don't even know that this is an option. But the truth is that almost all banks are capable of selling rolls of coins.

How do I withdraw money from Royal Mint? ›

To withdraw any available funds from your Bullion account, log into your account and submit a withdrawal request.

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