"Random Year" Coins

[Foolssilver]

Hi All,

I was interested to hear about peoples experiences of buying "random year" coins, both Gold and Silver.  I've done this a few times both for Half Sovereigns and for SIlver coins and so far have always got the most common years and/or coins in questionable condition.  For example, with the Half Sovs 1982 year coins seem very regular when ordering "random year" and when ordering silver it seems ive always received spotted coins etc.

My question is does "random year" really mean random or does it means the least valuable coins the dealers have?  If it were truly random the odd person would get a gem i guess.  So ...... have i just been unlucky or is buying "random years" purely for weight stacking rather than hoping to get nice coins, both in terms of years and condition.

Keen to hear everyone's experiences and thoughts?

 

[Elements]

This subject comes up quite often. Of the big well known bullion dealers that Ive dealt with, pretty sure they cherry pick the most valuable ones and sell them separately as a named year/monarch head at a premium. So by default yes you typically get bullion value grade. I think they call it ‘best value’ rather than ‘ random year’ dont they? I few here have been collecting far longer than me, but there was a time all were lumped together and it was called lucky dip where you did have the chance of getting lucky!

[Foolssilver]

Indeed. Different dealers seem to use different names for it. Was wondering if there were any gems being received in this fashion. Possibly I’m being unrealistically optimistic ?

[CarlosSilver]

The last 4 lucky dip / random year sovereigns I bought from ATS have been

1963, 1930, 1927 and 1912. 

[mustynewb]

The two lucky dip coins i've picked up (most recent this morning) are 1907 and 2017.

[Bullionbilly]

Try dropping whoever you buy off an email or call regarding which "randoms" you would like. Ive done this before and got what i asked for, ask nicely you might get a suprise !

[Foolssilver]

33 minutes ago, Bullionbilly said:

Try dropping whoever you buy off an email or call regarding which "randoms" you would like. Ive done this before and got what i asked for, ask nicely you might get a suprise !

Wow I’m surprised that works but glad to hear it did. Fair play to you ..... don’t ask don’t get!

[KevinG]

Most of the time yes they will give you a common date. But I have asked a dealer to give me a certain date coin before without problems if they had it in stock.

[JunkBond]

Half sov lucky dipper here

From HGM I have received

2 x Vic old head

6 different Edwards and 3 1910's

1 x George

1 x 1982

[AgD]

I've had two different orders on random year / lucky dip on silver the first was on 10 silver eagles all year 2017 and on a group order of 5 libertad all 2009.

So I think it really depends on what the dealer has and wants to move on

[Martlet]

I would be surprised if it weren't the least valuable for vast majority of purchases like this.  I imagine the dealer receives coins and at that point screens on year and condition, most the good ones will be sold by date for premium.  All those not meeting "good" criteria go to the pool for the lucky dip.  A few good-uns will creep through, and suspect a middling pile for regular/preferred customers.  I dont picture them putting all their coins in a bag and fishing one out