Booking Coins from RBI/Mint

Many new collectors often inquire about the process of booking coins from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or the Mint. This post is intended to guide new collectors through the coin booking process. Once a commemorative theme is chosen, the following steps can be broadly followed:

 

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Coin Release Ceremony: 

This happen in accordance with various factors, like is the exact date of significance, what other celebrations are linked up to commemorate the event, availability of Key Dignitaries, etc. At the release ceremony one can confirm the denomination of the coins that are being released as well as the Main Mint that has released the coins. So far its been Mumbai or Kolkata Mint.

Coins in Circulation:

Once the release ceremony is held, typically the coins are put in circulation. The time period for putting the coins in circulation varies from months [typically 6 months] to a year depending on the capacity & planning of the mints to mint these and other commemorative and definitive coins. 

Once the coins are put into circulation, RBI Issues a press release giving the details of the coin design.

Once still does not know if the coins will be minted by all the mints or just few mints till we actually see the coin in circulation.

 

One never knows the quantity of coins minted. Recent attempts using RTI have been successful in few cases.

Booking of Proof & UNC Set:

Typically after 6 months to a year after the coin is released, there is an Advert in all leading papers from the Mint[Mumbai, Kolkata or of late even Hyderabad mint] inviting bookings for the Proof & UNC Set.

Typically booking are open for a month, of late its been 2 months. Only after the booking is open can one apply for the coins.

How Can one Book the Coins:

 

Manual Via Post:

One needs to fill the forms and prepare a Demand Draft of the right amount and send it by registered post [with ack] to the Mint. There is no confirmation that you application has reached the mint. Apart from waiting and praying there is nothing else one can do and hence the ack or send by speed post.

Manual in person to Mint Office:

One can fill the form, get the demand draft and go to the Mint office to personally hand it over. In the past, one would get an acknowledgement, but these days there is a drop box inside the gate where one can drop. One is more sure that the booking has reached the mint. 

Counter Sale:

Mints has opened the counter-sale at their Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad and New Delhi office. Mints also participate at various Numismatic events where you can personally book.

Online:

There is also a ability to apply online via the mint website. One needs to create an account before being able to book. Payment can be made by Credit Card as well. There is additional payment gateway charges.