Royal Australian Mint announces sale process changes amid rare $2 coin craze
By
VanessaC
- Replies 5
The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) has been a cornerstone of Australian numismatics for decades, producing coins that are not only legal tender but also coveted collectables.
Recently, the RAM has been at the centre of a coin-collecting craze, sparked by the release of a limited edition set of 35th anniversary $2 coins.
The demand was so high that it led to a significant change in how these collectable coins are sold, marking a new era for coin collectors across the nation.
The 35th Anniversary Two Dollar Coin Set, which was initially sold by RAM for $235, quickly became a hot commodity among collectors and enthusiasts.
The set includes 14 reproductions of iconic commemorative designs that have graced the reverse of the $2 coin throughout its history.
These designs include the 2012 Remembrance Day red poppy design, the 2015 Lest We Forget design, the 2018 Invictus Games design, and the 2020 Firefighters design, among others.
This set was so popular that Aussies queued overnight to get their hands on it, and the RAM's online store repeatedly crashed due to the exceptionally high volume of website traffic.
In the days following the release, the sets began appearing on resale websites for as much as $1500.
Complete sets now sell for between $300 and $600, approximately double their original value.
In response to this overwhelming demand and the subsequent issues, the RAM has announced a significant change to its sales process.
Moving forward, limited edition coins will be sold via a ballot system.
This new system aims to provide a fairer and more efficient way for the Australian community to acquire these coveted collectable coins.
The RAM has partnered with EQL, an e-commerce platform that promises to prevent site crashes, thwart bots and scalpers, and streamline payments.
Collectors can register their interest in a particular item online, and the coins will then be distributed randomly to registered buyers.
This new system aims to level the playing field and ensure that all interested buyers have an equal chance of acquiring these sought-after coins.
The process to enter the RAM ballot is straightforward.
Buyers can register and enter the ballot, going through a multi-step security verification process designed to confirm their human status and slow down bots.
Purchases are limited to one product per person, and buyers will need to provide their payment and address details.
Once the ballot has closed, buyers will be notified of whether they were successful.
If they are, payment will be processed, and the rare coins will be mailed out within seven to 14 business days.
However, it's important to note that not all coins will be sold through the ballot system.
This new system only applies to online orders.
Aussies will still be able to buy coins in person at the mint, over the phone, and through registered agents.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the 35th Anniversary Two Dollar Coin Set will be released by the RAM on Wednesday, January 17, at 8:30 a.m.
Those interested in participating in the ballot are advised to stay tuned for updates through the RAM website or on their Facebook page.
Members, what are your thoughts on these changes? Do you also enjoy collecting rare coins? Share your thoughts (and images of your collection) with us in the comments below!
Recently, the RAM has been at the centre of a coin-collecting craze, sparked by the release of a limited edition set of 35th anniversary $2 coins.
The demand was so high that it led to a significant change in how these collectable coins are sold, marking a new era for coin collectors across the nation.
The 35th Anniversary Two Dollar Coin Set, which was initially sold by RAM for $235, quickly became a hot commodity among collectors and enthusiasts.
The set includes 14 reproductions of iconic commemorative designs that have graced the reverse of the $2 coin throughout its history.
These designs include the 2012 Remembrance Day red poppy design, the 2015 Lest We Forget design, the 2018 Invictus Games design, and the 2020 Firefighters design, among others.
This set was so popular that Aussies queued overnight to get their hands on it, and the RAM's online store repeatedly crashed due to the exceptionally high volume of website traffic.
In the days following the release, the sets began appearing on resale websites for as much as $1500.
Complete sets now sell for between $300 and $600, approximately double their original value.
In response to this overwhelming demand and the subsequent issues, the RAM has announced a significant change to its sales process.
Moving forward, limited edition coins will be sold via a ballot system.
This new system aims to provide a fairer and more efficient way for the Australian community to acquire these coveted collectable coins.
The RAM has partnered with EQL, an e-commerce platform that promises to prevent site crashes, thwart bots and scalpers, and streamline payments.
Collectors can register their interest in a particular item online, and the coins will then be distributed randomly to registered buyers.
This new system aims to level the playing field and ensure that all interested buyers have an equal chance of acquiring these sought-after coins.
The process to enter the RAM ballot is straightforward.
Buyers can register and enter the ballot, going through a multi-step security verification process designed to confirm their human status and slow down bots.
Purchases are limited to one product per person, and buyers will need to provide their payment and address details.
Once the ballot has closed, buyers will be notified of whether they were successful.
If they are, payment will be processed, and the rare coins will be mailed out within seven to 14 business days.
However, it's important to note that not all coins will be sold through the ballot system.
This new system only applies to online orders.
Aussies will still be able to buy coins in person at the mint, over the phone, and through registered agents.
Meanwhile, the remainder of the 35th Anniversary Two Dollar Coin Set will be released by the RAM on Wednesday, January 17, at 8:30 a.m.
Those interested in participating in the ballot are advised to stay tuned for updates through the RAM website or on their Facebook page.
Key Takeaways
- The Royal Australian Mint is implementing a ballot system for selling collectable coins due to high demand and issues with their sales platform.
- Limited edition 35th-anniversary $2 coins set prices soared on resale websites, prompting the Mint to search for a fairer distribution method.
- Collectors can now register their interest online through a partnered platform, EQL, which aims to prevent site crashes and stop bots and scalpers.
- While a ballot system will manage online sales, purchasing collectable coins directly from the Mint, over the phone, or through registered agents remains an option.
- The Mint’s first launch with EQL will be with the remainder of the Two Dollar Coin Set on Wednesday, January 17, at 8:30 a.m.