whitesands1

2017 all over again - although with such a massive number of coins rushed maybe we expect too much for every coin to be perfect.  I think I will settle with mine too - the replacements may come from other returns - I think this was some of our experience in the past.  I feel our collective pain!

So, the half sovereign I bought arrived this morning (due yesterday but no one to sign for so delayed it a day) 
I’ve popped my cherry twice with this order:
1. First time dealing with the Royal Mint
2. First time not buying just bullion to stack 
 
and what can I say.... I’ve enjoyed every minute of it!!
the tease and build up to the launch
hanging on edge whilst waiting for my lucky queue number to drop
the eyeing up of all the pretty pieces but knowing what’s within my range and the ease of slipping that little beauty into my basket
more waiting and teasing of stories from other people’s experiences 
and then the ringing of my bell
(I even swear the postie could see the joy in my face when he handed me my box)
even the unboxing was a joy.... stripping away layer after layer of gorgeous outer garments until finally reaching the final piece
breath held.... and open!!
WHAT A BEAUTY!!! 
I can’t fault any part of this experience. No pain, no tears and no regrets! 
Thank you Royal Mint! 
 

Condition has been annoying 
I settled for mine now  (which is wrong really I know )and packed them away as I returned one proof coin 3 times this year and got giving back a even worse replacement 
In the end I got a refund and don’t really want to go through all that again 
be good to see what backyard does, I think it will help a few of us out on here on what to do. 
 

A sort of rippling effect on the fields is common and doesn't effect grading in my experience. Any kind of scratch, abrasion etc is another matter and I would say return. They do say these days that anything that grades as 68 or better is acceptable in their eyes and won't be replaced. This is where experience comes in and I don't pretend to have it concerning the new rules. I have never sent a proof in for grading that has come back less than 69 so I'm not sure what a 68 would look like. I have a feeling that one tiny mark, scratch or similar would get a coin a 69 so I think it would need to be a lot worse to relegate to a 68.
Therfore, it appears the Mint is saying that a coin has to be pretty bad for them to accept a replacement is necessary.
You may have to be pragmatic and return for a refund if you think they will not replace it.
Hope this helps, others may be able to be more specific.

Most of the images make the coin look really clean but the high magnification shots are the ones that seem to show issues. I have used high magnification on my proofs before and not seen marks like the ones in your image. If you are confident the marks are on the coins and not the lens then I’d check with a loupe. Graders generally use the naked eye and a x5 magnification for grading and if they can be seen then that could impact on the grading.
The other issue is getting a return from the RM as they never guarantee a coin will be a 70 and if the issue is only present at high magnification they may not take it back. My 2022 sovereign is due on so will check mine to see if I can see anything which is similar 
I’d see what other say but if I checked through a loupe and could see scratches I’d likely return it if possible  

Had my royal mail deliveries  all good and no damage or flaws/problems - very happy with results
Only waiting on five coin set, not dispatched yet  
Off to the safe deposit box, not to be be seen again for five years plus

My Goodness - that clarifies it, but that is such a surprise for me.  I expect QC of the proofs will be in much sharper focus now.  Mine has what looks like a part of a fingerprint on it and some skips in the frosting too........... this could be interesting!

What the RM need is a numismatist with long experience, as a director, banging on about Quality Control!
Who would make a good candidate? 😎

My Goodness - that clarifies it, but that is such a surprise for me.  I expect QC of the proofs will be in much sharper focus now.  Mine has what looks like a part of a fingerprint on it and some skips in the frosting too........... this could be interesting!

In case this is news:
Official:
The 2022 "bullion" sovereigns will have the same design as the proofs.
Also see:
"Billion"?
🙂
 

am i the only one who tests the door bell when i get up on a gold delivery day ???  

Couldn't wait until Doug  finished processing it, but now:

Even the colour doesn't look too bad! 😎

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

TBH I think after the 1989 and 2017, they look great.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.

Good Morning.  After a break from the Forum I was lucky not to have missed the 2022 Proof Sovereign release.  As I had no prior knowledge of it I had to make a quick decision. yesterday, of whether I liked the coin or not and then take a view on value for money.
I decided to buy one Sovereign.  I have to say the design is a real winner and when I viewed Mr.  Noad's video on YouTube later it just reinforced what a great design this coin is with great design heritage too.
In this day and age where there is a sea of money out there and an insatiable demand for good assets it was surely no surprise that there was no availability after less than 24 hours.  The contrast to the 1989 Sovereign where it was just not popular really pulls the current economic situation into ultra sharp focus.
So I'd say; "Very well done" to all that bought one, or better still a set.  I really can hardly wait to see it in hand - I think it will be a screamer in proof.
Is it a 50/50 whether or not it will be Bullion release?  What are the options - could there be further BU limited releases?  
So interesting and in closing I would also say that this thread has been such a pleasure to read all the way from the start, till now, and hopefully much more to come with lovely photographs of beautiful coins in hand.
Well done.