From RAM's website...
QuoteWednesday 11 March 2015
Unique production pieces from the manufacturing process at the Royal Australian Mint (the Mint) will be made available for the public to own through an official auction held by Downies Australian Coin Auctions in Melbourne from 26 to 28 May 2015.
In its 50th year, the Mint has re-evaluated its inventory policy and adopted a leaner approach to the retention of equipment and inventory after the production run is completed.
Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said a regular review and audit of processes is vital to ensure items are not retained unnecessarily.
"In the same way that we reviewed our circulating coin supply stock a number of years ago, we've also done the same with our production process," said Mr MacDiarmid.
"The coins that we are making available to the public are the production standard that our quality and production teams have used to ensure a high standard was maintained and in many cases exceeded across the entirety of production run for a particular coin."
"In effect, these coins are absolutely unique and were produced outside the official mintage of each release. They were not produced for sale, rather they were produced as a quality standard to inform the level of production. They are the greatest amongst their equals."
"Importantly, in our 50th year, it is the ideal time to make these special items available to those who will most value them. We anticipate that collectors will welcome the chance to take home some truly unique Australian coins."
Downies Australian Coin Auctions, Australia's oldest and most respected numismatic auction house based in Melbourne, will be hosting the auction.
Downies' Managing Director Ken Downie said that they have never held an auction like this before and welcomes the opportunity.
"We look forward to working with the Royal Australian Mint in hosting such an historic event, one which showcases some truly unique pieces that will be of great interest to collectors of Australian numismatics," said Mr Downie.
Ranging from circulating coinage to collectable pieces from as early as 1984, each coin will be accompanied by a personally signed Certificate of Authenticity by Ross MacDiarmid. In addition, an online register of each coin sold including a photo will be maintained on both the Royal Australian Mint and Downies websites.
Almost 500 bidders are expected to attend Downies Australian Coin Auctions sale 319 from 26 to 28 May 2015. The sale will be held at the Box Hill Town Hall in Melbourne's East. The auction catalogue is due for release in early May 2015.
Mmmm interesting he goes on about the high standard when it's hard to get PCGS to grade our coins highly because they have to be immaculate to get a decent grade. The full sale of the mint sounds closer and closer every day.
I'll suss it out but doubt I'll get any because I don't have the money they'll be asking and every man and his dog will want something "special" but surprised they don't go straight to the retail side of downies.
"In effect, these coins are absolutely unique and were produced outside the official mintage of each release. They were not produced for sale, rather they were produced as a quality standard to inform the level of production. They are the greatest amongst their equals."
sort of like the original proof and patterns?? before they worked out there was a big collectors market in 1955.
Downies doesn't seem to have online auctions??? WTF.
http://www.downies.com/aca/pages/upcoming.asp
there's a link but not sure if it will be on line so that will piss a lot of people off or they'll have to have a trip to melbourne :dash1:
Either way I'm out :(
Mint CEO Ross MacDiarmid said a regular review and audit of processes is vital to ensure items are not retained unnecessarily.
My opinion is RAM is top heavy and management should be audited to ensure they are not retained unnecessarily
Management of any large enterprise is top heavy. There are a lot of folks feeding at the trough.
Quote from: 'robbiegal' pid='68827' dateline='1426155060'"In effect, these coins are absolutely unique and were produced outside the official mintage of each release. They were not produced for sale, rather they were produced as a quality standard to inform the level of production. They are the greatest amongst their equals."
As the Australian public STILL own the Mint these coins should NOT be sold.
They should be held in an Australian Museum so that ALL Australians can enjoy them.
Good point trout :i_agree:
They should continue to be owned by the people rather than sold to the highest bidder imo. :dodgy:
No doubt many of these coins will head off to the slabbers in the hope of a MS70, and therefore take the running in the race for top of the pops. If this happens, will it have a negative affect on current values of grades below MS70? On the other hand, anyone lucky enough to already possess a MS70 example may benefit.
Do we actually have an example of what these special pieces might be? Lots of talk but nothing specific yet. I guess we wait and see. It will certainly get those not keen on travelling to the new Downies venue to rethink.
Quote from: 'Robster' pid='68866' dateline='1426202528'They should continue to be owned by the people rather than sold to the highest bidder imo. :dodgy:
So you're saying I already own them? Yippeee
Gee auto now that's a bloody good question mate, someone else might know but probably, well if there's not all ready an MS70 it should drop the rest down a bit but then who knows :scratch_one-s_head:
I wish they'd put a few pic's up somewhere because there's no way I can make it just to look and especially with brissie coming up really quick so I'm saving my penny's a quick as I can.
Indirectly we all own them so I suppose you could go take them :winkextra: if ya game, are you really that game PP :) While ya there mate please grab me one :beg:
But they also have to get MS70 so until we get to see them?
Quote from: 'purplepennyhunter' pid='68873' dateline='1426205433'Do we actually have an example of what these special pieces might be? Lots of talk but nothing specific yet. I guess we wait and see.
Quote from: 'ausjack' pid='68878' dateline='1426208663', someone else might know but probably, well if there's not all ready an MS70 it should drop the rest down a bit but then who knows :scratch_one-s_head:
But they also have to get MS70 so until we get to see them?
Without knowing anything at all about this, and just thinking out loud, presumably these coins would never have spent any time in a bin, and likely to have been struck as an example of excellence for comparison purposes. If this is the case, should we be thinking of them as specimens, or even as something akin to the early predecimal proofs?
Could be a great opportunity if they turn out to be anything close to this.
Yes probably, either specimen or pattern maybe. They should at least tease us with a pic :(
Patience my young padawan... catalogue out early May.
Downies: http://www.downies.com/aca/
Yes that's a bit like the link I put on the first page but still don't tell us much :dash1: I wanna know NOW :cray: :laugh2:
can you say rat and sinking ship
would be interesting to know what dated coin etc will be on offer
"So you're saying I already own them? Yippeee"
Just as we all own the coins at the Adelaide Museum.! :angel:
rob next time you are there can you get a few of my coins, I need to get them graded for my sets.
Would be a wonderful exercise to see how all those coins would grade, however as many were donated through the years I guess it wouldn't be kosher to sell something that has been 'gifted'. :dodgy:
"Ranging from circulating coinage to collectable pieces from as early as 1984, each coin will be accompanied by a personally signed Certificate of Authenticity by Ross MacDiarmid. In addition, an online register of each coin sold including a photo will be maintained on both the Royal Australian Mint and Downies websites."
http://www.ramint.gov.au/media/press-releases/2015/20150311.cfm
Sorry. This was previously posted.
wonder if they will have the trial strikes?
Quote from: 'Robster' pid='68912' dateline='1426226413'Would be a wonderful exercise to see how all those coins would grade, however as many were donated through the years I guess it wouldn't be kosher to sell something that has been 'gifted'. :dodgy:
It is a fact of life that many donations to museums will be later sold to raise cash.
As to whether we the public own the coins in the RAM.... try and take some of "your" money out of there and "your public servants" (AKA the fuzz) will show you some of "your" property (a gaol cell).
Robster the martyr.!:mafia:
"Once an item has been approved for disposal, the donor (or their heirs) will be contacted and offered the return of the item. Should this prove unsuccessful priority will then be given to retaining the item within the public domain and with this in view it will be offered first, by exchange, gift or sale, to recognised museums or collecting institutions before disposal to other interested individuals or organisations is considered. In cases in which an arrangement for the exchange, gift or sale of the item is not being made with an individual museum or collecting institution, the collections community at large will be advised of the intention to dispose of the item. A period of at least two months will be allowed for an interest in acquiring the material to be expressed".
You are correct neileffendi.! This is an excerpt from the SA. Museum guidelines when considering this option.!
Quote from: 'nealeffendi' pid='68983' dateline='1426306982'Quote from: 'Robster' pid='68912' dateline='1426226413'Would be a wonderful exercise to see how all those coins would grade, however as many were donated through the years I guess it wouldn't be kosher to sell something that has been 'gifted'. :dodgy:
It is a fact of life that many donations to museums will be later sold to raise cash.
As to whether we the public own the coins in the RAM.... try and take some of "your" money out of there and "your public servants" (AKA the fuzz) will show you some of "your" property (a gaol cell).
We got to look through the disposal registers from the Art Gallery of SA numismatic collection. It's amazing how many of the coins they sold in the 1940's and 1950's were sold to numismatic luminaries of the period (think the authors of Australian coin collecting books from the 1960's and the first editors of ACR magazine).
Hello,
Once you give something away, that is it. A long term loan may be a better option so a valuable item is not sold off and the money squandered. I remember many years ago a collector gave the State / Museum a collection of Restored Cars for public display and they were then sold off. WA I think. There is a small local Museum I would like to give some items to, but the security is, well not much. They have camera's but that is it. Anyone could go in and remove valuable items or parts from them. Great to have a close look, but Kids and Pilferer's would be my concern.
Quote from: 'Coiny Chris' pid='69083' dateline='1426408688'Hello,
Once you give something away, that is it. A long term loan may be a better option so a valuable item is not sold off and the money squandered. I remember many years ago a collector gave the State / Museum a collection of Restored Cars for public display and they were then sold off. WA I think.rn.
Yeah,the almighty $ always has the last word.I remember back when i was at School a old Lady left in her will her house & a shop to the PMG on the proviso they opened a Post Office in a small Sydney shopping centre where she lived,there was a large elderly population nearby and it was a major effort for them to access Commonwealth Bank & Postal services in another area.The PMG sold her House & Shop and opened a Post office in another rented shop then closed it down a year later.All her good intentions came to nothing,she could have provided Taxi's for her elderly friends to a Bank/Post office for decades with her assets.
bump, just in case I forget
Quote from: 'Australian coin' pid='70327' dateline='1428536850'bump, just in case I forget
Another bump, just cos it came up in the FB coin group just now. ;)
http://www.downies.com/aca/?banner
Catalogue is live. Underwhelming would be an understatement. They look like production sample pieces and lots of them have horrible toning.
sigh, I just got the email regarding this and spent the last hour looking at the lots. over 1/2 are stained with some pinkish ink or something and the others whilst well struck up have issues. I don't see this heavily affecting the pcgs population reports.
very disappointing especially when you see the estimates. I think they are banking that value will be added by the special certificate that comes with each coin as part of the mint master collection
so RAM has figured another way to milk and dupe collectors, they must have an entire department dedicated to brain storming new ways to sell the same thing at a premium
Quote from: 'serial' pid='71822' dateline='1430809470'sigh, I just got the email regarding this and spent the last hour looking at the lots. over 1/2 are stained with some pinkish ink or something and the others whilst well struck up have issues. I don't see this heavily affecting the pcgs population reports.
very disappointing especially when you see the estimates. I think they are banking that value will be added by the special certificate that comes with each coin as part of the mint master collection
so RAM has figured another way to milk and dupe collectors, they must have an entire department dedicated to brain storming new ways to sell the same thing at a premium
PPH and I found that the catalog was live last week through some imaginative manipulations of URL's on the Downies site. We were hoping the coins weren't the actual ones up for auction. Sadly they are.
Pardon my ignorance... but what's so special about these coins?
:blush::huh:
Very underwhelming nothing special on offer whatsoever.
I was hoping the 1992 $1 MOR may have been revealed.
Some nice error coins however
Download the auction site here http://www.downies.com/aca/?banner
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='71846' dateline='1430825961'Pardon my ignorance... but what's so special about these coins?
:blush::huh:
they are the first strikes in a production run
they are put to the side as examples of that issue and stored
what surprises me is that the estimates are very low indeed
So what's the pink purplish marks?
annotations (ha ha)
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='71911' dateline='1430912221'So what's the pink purplish marks?
Ink or wax I guess. Did the latest Coin and Banknote magazine mention it?
Buyer premium as well almost 20%
Very overhyped auction nothing special
Quote from: 'Mister T' pid='71921' dateline='1430915338'Ink or wax I guess. Did the latest Coin and Banknote magazine mention it?
Hm, maybe not. I'm sure I saw it mentioned somewhere anyway.
If not already posted
https://downies.wordpress.com/2015/05/07/downies-presents-the-royal-australian-mints-master-collection-decimal-coin-auction/
QuoteWhat makes these coins so special?
Two samples are selected from the first batch of coins struck. One of those samples is then selected as the quality standard and stored at the Mint's quality control area. This coin is marked in red to identify them as the quality standard. The other coin is used by the Mint's production team on the factory floor in order to check the quality of a sample taken from each subsequent batch of coins struck. After 5 years the coin used by the production team is destroyed, leaving only the coin stored in the quality control. This is therefore the only legal tender coin from a particular strike to not be included in the overall mintage figures, making it unique and of specific significance.
Very lame auction move along nothing to see here
Being from the first batch does that improve on the probability of receiving a higher grade?
Coins are marked with a red pen/texta, none of them would grade at PCGS!!! They would all receive a details grade.
Downies will be the only winners with buyer premium
Quote from: 'dcoin' pid='72083' dateline='1431174983'Coins are marked with a red pen/texta, none of them would grade at PCGS!!! They would all receive a details grade.
wtf
Quote from: 'kchan1111' pid='72091' dateline='1431178488'Quote from: 'dcoin' pid='72083' dateline='1431174983'Coins are marked with a red pen/texta, none of them would grade at PCGS!!! They would all receive a details grade.
wtf
http://www.pcgs.com/grades/#dialog8
I think all coins would come back body bagged as genuine - 98. Regardless PCGS don't like planchet streaks, I cant imagine they would look favourably on a red pen on the rim/face of the coin.
Downies and RAM are relying on a signed certificate from CEO Ross McD for each coin to sell for huge markup on true value
Red marks or not, it will be interesting to see what the 2004 plain Eureka goes for!
Quote from: 'dcoin' pid='72095' dateline='1431181967'I think all coins would come back body bagged as genuine - 98. Regardless PCGS don't like planchet streaks, I cant imagine they would look favourably on a red pen on the rim/face of the coin.
It's just ink - dip it in acetone and it's no longer a problem.
2005 50c CuNi Unc Coat of Arms for the Joint RAM/Royal Mint PNC (mintage 30,000) BU $50
oh man nasty! if that's how the mint look after their coins no wonder http://downies.com/aca/Auction319/aca/images/lots/319/660.jpg
319A
der, had a look at a incused, I have sold better than that! $250 is a joke, only thing of interest withdrawn! Fifty Cents 1981 Royal Wedding struck on an uncertain 10-sided planchet
and selling fake 1930 penny's, sigh, anything for money I guess
I do like the error threepences tho
319B
Did anyone win anything? :)
The Plain Eureka went for $2300. Realised prices collated here against the listing description for your viewing convenience.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/18YyGNNPhJGu31u8DjgRb0TRVlbipY1o3bipRP2F_Y3Q/edit?usp=sharing
Green = above estimate
Red = below estimate