Two Heads Are Better Than One

On the 8^th September, 2022, the fourth coin in the ‘Lunar Years’ series went on sale.  Later that same day the queen died.  This was, therefore, the final release in her lifetime.  One would also expect it to be the last coin to feature her portrait.

As I write this, none of these coins are to be found at any of the standard outlets; all have sold out of what they had and are now awaiting stock.  But the strange part in it all is what has been posted on The Royal Mint’s website.  I have bought coins from them for many years and when the initial batch of a coin has all gone it simply says ‘awating stock’.  However, it currently has a very different message – ‘Available to Order – Shipping within 3 months’.

Three months is a looooong time for customers to wait.  In fact, it is quarter of a year.  And upon further investigation, many of Mint’s items bear this same message.  Just how many I am not sure as I got bored of looking after half a dozen.  Besides, by that time my brain was starting to chew this new information over…..

Could it be that the new stock which arrives will feature a portrait of the new monarch?  Three months would take us virtually into 2023 after all.  And this is when most people think Charlie will be corrugated (I do apologise, coronated).  If so, this would mean quite a lot of coins currently on sale will end up being available in two different formats.  Imagine that!  The first ‘Lunar Rabbit’ coins to have been sold may have the queen on them….. whilst the freshly stocked ones could actually be the first to feature the king.  An interesting thought indeed…..

If this really does happen, collectors will be left in a total spin.  It would mean that with several releases there will be a second version to obtain – and who knows just how many releases we are even talking about?  In the next few years, some people may have to backtrack too.  If they are new to collecting and have coins with Charles’ portrait they will then have to go looking for ‘old’ ones bearing Elizabeth.

It is all very strange but this is because it is a whole new experience for everyone.  There is also a good chance many of us will see it all happen again at some point…..

© Article copyright Mik Smith 2022

MAIN IMAGE – reblogged (and improved upon) from news18.com