Defective 2011 Britannia or Mint Error?

I recently took delivery of a 2011 Britannia that I purchased from the Royal Mint. I noticed that it had a film of some sort on the edge of the coin but attributed that to the mint plastic cover. About a week after I got it, I removed it from the mint package to photograph and to store in an AirTite capsule. When I blew up the photo I noticed what appeared to be "blistering" between the letters of Britannia and a spot about 5 o'clock. The Obverse is flawless. I sent a message to the Royal Mint to inquire. Would this be consided a mint error or just a poorly struck coin? All the rest of my Britannias are perfect. Your thought would be appreciated. If they allow me, should I return for replacement or keep as an error coin?

 

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Are you sure some of the plastic cover has not transfered onto the coin.

Whats RM say about it ?

 

Just looks like sloppy handleing at the RM. They should be able to do a better job than that, on your national symbol. Heads should roll.

 

I have to agree with Ripley. I've bought items from the Royal Mint before and never seen anything like this. I would definitely contact them about returning the coin and having a replacement coin sent. Did you buy it directly from the Royal Mint or through their US Official distributor Govmint.com?

 

It was produced by an American mint worker on a work exchange at the RM.

He has been sent back as the number of US coin errors were dropping.

 

AH Haaa a secret 5th colum of Yankee infiltrators at the RM. We should have known !!!

 

Got it directly from the Royal Mint. One of the few times they were less expensive and actually had the product in stock, unlike the secondary markets. My first thought was the plastic cover, but that would not account for the imperfect strike. Still waiting for a response from RM. I will lrt you know what they say.

 

First , I would not return the Coin. It definitely is a very curious strike.

 

Took some close ups. Yes, I cleaned the camera lens. After I took the pics. So much dust

 

I contacted the Royal Mint and they ask me to send them Photo of the coin. I sent them the same photo you see here. This is the reply I got today.

Hello
Thank you for your reply.
My supervisor has examined the photographs of the coin and agrees that it is faulty but to avoid the cost of returning the coin I have been authorised to send you a replacement coin free of charge. Please accept my apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Regards

Elizabeth Knapgate​

Customer Services Officer

​

I don't know if any of you have done business with the Royal Mint before but I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the way they have handled this. This is much, much more than I expected. I promised them I would share thier great customer service with everyone I know in the coin collecting community. I consider this a start. Some of our own U.S. companys should take this approach. Thank you Royal Mint.

 

wow, thats great customer service

 

Well , there you go. Can't ask for more than that . Kudo's to the RCM

 

Great result and now you have an error as well as a normal coin.

 

Happy for ya Coinman. Seems its always best to deal directly with the RM. Heads will roll !!!!

 

Nice customer service! Makes me want to buy from them directly even more!

 

This is what it's supposed to look like. Got this in the mail this afternoon. The Royal Mint delivers as promised.

 

Yayyyyyy I remember when you started this, glad it worked out. I bet they gave this one the once over before they sent it out. You have mail too.