Is these to be called Fake or Real?

With the recent surge in interest surrounding Proof and UNC Sets among collectors, the mint has capitalized on this trend by introducing low-value single coin sets. These include the Rs 5 Proof coins set featuring Mahatma Basaweshwara, followed by Rs 5 UNC Mint cards featuring Saint Alphanso, the Rs 10 UNC Set and a Mint card featuring Gur-Ta-Gaddi, Rs 2 UNC and Proof Set of Louise Braille, and the Rs 5 Tagore Proof Set. 

The sets themselves were priced by the mint ranging from Rs 130 to Rs 300. Not missing an opportunity, there has been a surge of activity among private players, who have introduced similar packages at comparable or higher prices.

During a quick visit to eBay, I was surprised to find several Single Coin sets that were not issued by the mint. The packaging closely resembled those from the mint in terms of quality and concept, and the coins themselves were of good quality, at least based on the ones I mistakenly purchased.

These sets are often mislabeled as 'Collector's Packs,' withholding crucial information for potential buyers to make informed judgments.

From an investment standpoint, the wisdom of buying private sets remains to be seen. There are not many countries where such items have captivated collectors. Moreover, it's essential to note that there is no rarity factor; these sets can be created as and when required, and the printing process itself is not very challenging. The cost is also quite nominal.

A quick survey revealed that approximately 30–40% of people purchased this set with a full understanding of the design, opting for the lower end of the price range, around Rs 125 to 200. They appreciated the packaging as a practical way to keep the coins and have amassed nearly a complete collection of such sets.

Many individuals purchased these sets unintentionally, with no intention of acquiring additional sets. Surprisingly, some of them mistakenly bought these sets at exorbitant prices, ranging from Rs 1500 to Rs 2000.

It raises the question of why a Dandi March coin, which was exclusively minted by the Mumbai Mint, would be packaged by the Kolkata Mint. Despite this, some collectors firmly believe that they have obtained a valuable deal.

Whether one should buy these sets or steer clear of them is an individual choice. Frequently, these sets are being sold at astronomical prices by some dealers without adequately informing buyers that these are private packages and not officially issued by the mint.