Collectors Urge India Govt Mint to Upgrade Digital Platform

In light of persistent technical issues and mounting customer dissatisfaction, there is growing public demand for the India Government Mint (IGM), operating under the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Ltd. (SPMCIL), to consider switching to a more efficient website provider.

The current online platform, responsible for the sale of commemorative coins, has suffered repeated crashes, particularly during any new bookings. As a result, genuine collectors are frequently left unable to place their orders, leading to widespread frustration across the numismatic community.

The IGM’s e-commerce portal plays a vital role in offering direct access to commemorative coins for the general public. However, recurring performance failures have not only eroded public trust but have also created opportunities for bulk buyers and dealers to exploit the system. Many of these parties reportedly use automated tools and scripts to bypass purchasing limits, allowing them to buy large quantities, often leaving little to no stock for average collectors. To address this growing concern, collectors are urging the Mint to reassess its digital service provider and invest in a more robust, secure, and scalable platform. Upgrading the infrastructure would help ensure equitable and uninterrupted access, especially during peak traffic windows surrounding new releases.

To counter hoarding and market manipulation, the community is also calling on the Mint to enforce stricter purchasing guidelines, such as a maximum of two units per person for each coin release. Without such limitations, resellers are able to acquire bulk quantities and sell them at inflated prices on secondary markets, effectively pricing out students, enthusiasts, and everyday collectors from owning these commemorative pieces at official retail prices.

Introducing a transparent buyer verification system and reliable order tracking features would further help safeguard the integrity of the distribution process. Additionally, many users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of features previously available on the older website, such as email notifications for new releases and pre-booking windows. These tools once provided a fairer and more organized way for users to participate in launches. Their absence from the current system has added to the frustrations of a community already struggling with technical hurdles and limited supply.

Another practical improvement would be to consolidate listings. Rather than posting three separate entries for each variant—Proof, UNC, and MDF—the Mint could introduce a single listing per coin with selectable variants on the same page. This change would simplify browsing, reduce duplicate SKUs, and create a more user-friendly experience.

Concerns have also been raised about the additional "convenience fees" applied at the payment gateway when using credit or debit cards. These charges, which are not itemised on the invoice, appear to contradict guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which clearly state that merchants are not allowed to pass on card transaction fees to customers. Furthermore, shipping charges for multiple orders should be consolidated and reduced, especially since many orders are fulfilled in a single dispatch. Although shipping fees are not shown separately, they are presumed to be included in the product pricing. Addressing these issues would mark a positive step toward greater transparency and improved compliance with regulatory standards.

Another major recommendation from collectors is a shift in metal composition for commemorative coins. While pure silver and quaternary alloy coins carry symbolic and ceremonial value, their high price and limited availability make them inaccessible to many. Even if these compositions are retained, reducing the coin weight by half—while maintaining the same planchet size—could make them more affordable without compromising their appearance or collectability.

More broadly, the adoption of copper-nickel or nickel-silver alloys is seen as a cost-effective and practical alternative. These materials are durable, affordable, and allow for higher mintages, which would increase availability and appeal—particularly for younger and first-time collectors. Such a move would not only promote inclusivity but could also increase profitability for the Mint.

As the frequency of commemorative coin issues continues to rise, embracing more accessible and cost-effective materials would strike a sensible balance between prestige and affordability. This shift would allow a wider audience to own a tangible piece of India’s heritage without the financial burden typically associated with high-premium issues.

The India Government Mint's digital and distribution systems now stand at a critical crossroads. While commercial viability is essential, the broader mission of promoting numismatics as a hobby must not be overlooked. Now is the time for IGM to modernize its digital infrastructure, implement fairer sales policies, and reconnect with the collector community. Doing so will not only protect the interests of genuine enthusiasts but also rebuild public confidence in India's numismatic efforts.