Canadian Geocoins?

[Guest Sliver]

I like the design of the coin.... I would be interested in $50.00 worht as well... I will keeep an eye open for further details , or an e-mail... thanks

[Guest mrgigabyte]

o all the design, coordination, arrange for production, handle individual orders, repackage, handle and ship these things to each user. Oh, and yes, pay for the whole operation up front, thereby assuming all the risk.

 

If someone else wants to take any of this this on, please let me know ASAP.

 

As such, I will be selling the coins for a small profit. I do NOT want want to sit on a 20kg box of brass coins for a year and wait until the 500th one is sold before I get my investment back, if I ever do at all.

 

I will set up an online order page. Payment will be make by credit card run under a secure server. We are specialists on line commerce and do so for a living. Again, developing the secure transaction interface and order fulfillment operation is done completely at my own expense.

 

If someone else wants to take this aspect on, please let me know.

 

Prices will vary based on number ordered. The less you order, the more work is involved per unit, consequently, the unit price will be higher.

 

I am investigating building a tracking site for the coins. This way, if someone finds a coin in a cache, they can at least know who originally owned it. This assumes the finder knows that such a web site exists. This may only really be of use to coin owners.

 

Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback, here, by email and in the geocache chatroom. Your comments have all been very helpful.

 

So, unless I here, look for a Canadian Geocache token, in a cache near you, very soon!

[Guest mrgigabyte]

Based on the feedback I have received here and the vary favorable comments from the Geo-chat IRC session last Monday evening, I am proceeding to take the token creation project to the next step. Prior to doing so, I request that if anyone has any comments about my doing so, then speak up now.

 

My goal is to have a coin that is just what most Canadian cachers would want. Yet at the same time keep the cost as low as I can. I am prepared to do all the design, coordination, arrange for production, handle individual orders, repackage, handle and ship these things to each user. Oh, and yes, pay for the whole operation up front, thereby assuming all the risk.

 

If someone else wants to take any of this this on, please let me know ASAP.

 

As such, I will be selling the coins for a small profit. I do NOT want want to sit on a 20kg box of brass coins for a year and wait until the 500th one is sold before I get my investment back, if I ever do at all.

 

I will set up an online order page. Payment will be make by credit card run under a secure server. We are specialists on line commerce and do so for a living. Again, developing the secure transaction interface and order fulfillment operation is done completely at my own expense.

 

If someone else wants to take this aspect on, please let me know.

 

Prices will vary based on number ordered. The less you order, the more work is involved per unit, consequently, the unit price will be higher.

 

I am investigating building a tracking site for the coins. This way, if someone finds a coin in a cache, they can at least know who originally owned it. This assumes the finder knows that such a web site exists. This may only really be of use to coin owners.

 

Thanks to everyone who has provided feedback, here, by email and in the geocache chatroom. Your comments have all been very helpful.

 

So, unless I here, look for a Canadian Geocache token, in a cache near you, very soon!

[Guest Sliver]

I have no problem with that.... I would like the 50 series...#50... #150..#250..#350..#450 etc....any problems with that????

 

Thanks

Harry

(Sliver)

[Guest Clay]

It might create more work for mrgigabyte, having to sort through the coins to find the certan numbers.

[Guest lemur]

I agree clay...lets KISS for the guy

[Guest Sliver]

I was just curious,....... I understand that it would be a great deal of work sorting through coins,,, I'm really not that particular,,,, any coins would be just fine.. I am appreciative of the work already put into this project. Thanks mrgigabyte.....

[Guest Sliver]

I was just curious,....... I understand that it would be a great deal of work sorting through coins,,, I'm really not that particular,,,, any coins would be just fine.. I am appreciative of the work already put into this project. Thanks mrgigabyte.....

[Guest mrgigabyte]

Version 2...

 

 

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

[Guest Sliver]

I would have to say that it seems to me that you are definitly on the right track. I think that the coin will look great!

[Guest Sliver]

I like the version 2 coin style better. It looks nicer

[Guest thibaug]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

---

 

Now you know why I hesitated placing an order for the coins in the first place!

[Guest thibaug]

quote:

---

Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

---

 

Now you know why I hesitated placing an order for the coins in the first place!

[Guest RobSmith]

How thick is the coin going to be ? It seems to me like this would make an absolutely ideal "Geobug Mk2" by engraving a serial number of other personalised message on the edge of it the thing becomes easily trackable, and the designs on the faces make no doubt as to the origin on the coin. (not to mention that it's a lot prettier than the current "dog tag" design) ...

[Guest mrgigabyte]

a, Arial">quote:

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How thick is the coin going to be ?

---

 

The coins will be 1.5" in diameter. This is considerable larger than a toonie (1-1/8" dia). There will be no mistaking this for currency when feeling around in you pocket or when someone sees it in a cache. That is why I chose that size. They will be slightly thicker than a toonie.

 

quote:

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engraving a serial number of other personalised message on the edge of it the thing becomes easily trackable,

---

 

Each coin has unique serial number on it. This adds to the expense but makes them trackable. In my sample image above, 1234 is coin number.

 

quote:

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to mention that it's a lot prettier than the current "dog tag" design)

---

 

I take that to mean one more positive vote.

[Guest mrgigabyte]

quote:

---

How thick is the coin going to be ?

---

 

The coins will be 1.5" in diameter. This is considerable larger than a toonie (1-1/8" dia). There will be no mistaking this for currency when feeling around in you pocket or when someone sees it in a cache. That is why I chose that size. They will be slightly thicker than a toonie.

 

quote:

---

engraving a serial number of other personalised message on the edge of it the thing becomes easily trackable,

---

 

Each coin has unique serial number on it. This adds to the expense but makes them trackable. In my sample image above, 1234 is coin number.

 

quote:

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to mention that it's a lot prettier than the current "dog tag" design)

---

 

I take that to mean one more positive vote.

[Guest P38manCdn]

o risk $300-$400 so others can back out.

 

Everyone sends an email to the coordinator stating their commitment to a number of coins or a dollar value. These emails are sent to the manufacturer. When all the people have sent their share of the funds for the order to the manufacturer, then the coins will be created. Thus there is no risk for the coordinator. The order is paid for and those who ordered can be assured of receiving the coins.

[Guest P38manCdn]

The sudden silence from the people posting here is obvious. Read my post above about how to prevent one person becoming the risk-taker by using their own money. Obviously, this suggestion has been overlooked by everyone. NO-One should have to risk $300-$400 so others can back out.

 

Everyone sends an email to the coordinator stating their commitment to a number of coins or a dollar value. These emails are sent to the manufacturer. When all the people have sent their share of the funds for the order to the manufacturer, then the coins will be created. Thus there is no risk for the coordinator. The order is paid for and those who ordered can be assured of receiving the coins.

[Guest cliffy]

Well............I REALLY like the look of these mrgigabyte.......You can count on me for an order of $40 Can initially. I haven't heard from any local Ottawa/Montreal cachers but am sure they'll love them once they see them! Given the money I've already pumped into this hobby $40 bucks ain't all that much. You have my promise at least mrgigabyte, or else I'll eat my children...lol (No crossed fingers here......plus the big guy above is watching...lol)

[Guest lemur]

put me down for $50 worth...I'll pay shipping on top....where do I send money order?

[Guest P38manCdn]

I had posted a short note asking if I could get coins ending with the numbers --38-- as in #0038, #0138, #0238, #0338, #0438 for this first batch of coins. I want to make these coins memorial tokens for the men who flew and maintained this fighter plane in World War 2. I plan on providing a detailed story about Lockheed's P-38 Lightning fighter plane with each coin.

 

I removed my first posted request when someone thought we should keep it simple for the coordinator of this coin project. While I agree with the premise of KISS, I would like to have these specific numbered coins. I see one other person is requesting some specific numbers as well. If I'm going to order these coins, then I'd like the numbers I requested. If there were 2-3 thousand coins being made, I'd say -- ok, it's going to be a major problem -- but we are only getting 500 done. Count me in for the five specific numbers coins.

 

If you want people to order more coins to help pay for this initial batch including the die-setup charges (which others will not have to pay for in the future) then I think we should allow a little creativity in selecting your coins. I could easily triple the size of my order to 15 coins by including the specific numbers of famous P-38 Fighter Groups and Fighter Squadrons. These coins would all become memorial tributes to those who fought for freedom during WWII. How do you feel about some of these becoming Memorial Coins?

 

[This message has been edited by P38manCdn (edited 06 February 2002).]

[Guest cliffy]

quote:

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Originally posted by P38manCdn:

I want to make these coins memorial tokens for the men who flew and maintained this fighter plane in World War 2. I plan on providing a detailed story about Lockheed's P-38 Lightning fighter plane with each coin.

---

 

Excellent P38man!...... First guy who comes to mind is Richard Bong and "Marge" which reminds me I really need to get cracking on all the 1:48th scale models I have kicking around here... (this place is starting to look like a veritable "hobby store".....lol

[Guest Mario]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Version 2...

 

 

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

---

 

Very nice geocoin!! Being from Québec, I would prefer the first version because there is only the Web page address written on it. I believe most Québec geocachers would like some French on their geocoins. Due to limited space for French, I prefer the first version. I also like the idea of provincial versions. Bravo once again for your good work!!

 

Mario (ham radio operator & future geocacher)

[Guest P38manCdn]

I think I have to agree with Mario... in that having English text on the coin other than the country and web site may not work if these coins make their way around the world. Lots of countries don't speak or read English, but country names -- Canada -- and -- www.sites -- will be recognized. Both versions are excellent and you should be proud of what you've done for Canadian geocaching with these coin designs, but I prefer the simpler, first design.

[Guest AcStark]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Version 2...

 

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

---

 

I would be very interested in some coins, where do I send the money and how much per coin?

[Guest mrgigabyte]

The coins are now in the hands of the manufacturer. I should have the proof coin in my hands the week of the 25th. They are costing more than I originally advised as I have added several fine details (i.e. the ring of dots similar to that on a loonie) each of which has to be hand engraved on both dies.

 

If all goes well, I should have the final coins in my hands by mid March. They will be award quality polished brass and will look incredible!

 

The pricing is going to be around $5.50 each depending on how many each cacher wants to buy.

[Guest P38manCdn]

mrgigabyte -- Thanks for doing such a good job with the coins. There was a discussion regarding the selection of certain serial numbers. Will I be able to obtain about 15... the ones I need for my World War II Memorial coins? If so, I will advise you of the serial numbers. Thanks.

[Guest mrgigabyte]

I am aware that you wanted xx38's and perhaps some other sequences. If you want 15 or more I should be able accommodate your request. Keep in mind that these things come flying out a punch machine and land in some sort of box. Think of it as that jar of loose change you keep by the fridge. I'll have to go through the whole pile to find each single coin.

 

I am out of pocket close to $2,000. If you guys can spread the word, it would be appreciated.

 

Also, I am building a coin tracking web site. In order for it to be effective you should add the url of the tracking site to your cache logs where you leave a coin.

[Guest Sliver]

I am most definatley interested in the coins mrgigabyte. I will be looking for when and where to send the money .

or you can e-mail me at geocachingontario@rogers.com

[Guest Sliver]

Things sure are silent lately??????

[Guest JPesadilla]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Version 2...

 

 

Comments? You guys are awfully quiet. I need too know if we on the right track.

---

 

BINGO !! I like them!! Please forward costs for 10 / 20 / 25 coin sets. I will definitely be making an order once the coins are available.

[Guest thibaug]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Think of it as that jar of loose change you keep by the fridge. I'll have to go through the whole pile to find each single coin.

---

 

Presumably, you'd have to do it anyway in order to include some sort of activation code with each bug? Or is it going to be a free for all?

 

As far as placing an order, I still can't decide whether I'm merely annoyed or actually pissed off that you high jacked my idea while I was waiting for Jeremy... On the subject of spreading the word, I think I'm going to wait until the site is up and working before spreading anything around...

[Guest thibaug]

quote:

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Originally posted by mrgigabyte:

Huhhhhh? What the heck are you talking about? Didn't you post the following on 15 January 2002 07:46 AM?

---

 

That was in reply to the "Provincial Coin collector Set" and huge cost. You should've included 1 more sentence in your quote... I thought it was pretty clear.

 

Anyway, I'm not trying to start a flaming war here, I'm just really disappointed that there will no room in the market for true trackable Canadian travel bugs after this...

 

Btw, in your now deleted post from yesterday, what did you mean by: "These are not travel bugs, they are collector items"? Didn't you state that you were creating a site to track them?

[Guest P38manCdn]

ul all this is coming together. I get the feeling that Jeremy didn't answer right-away because he may be a little ticked that we Canadians refused to use an "American" coin and pay an extra 50% in currency exchange and customs duty to get his geocoins. I'm sure its not that we didn't like his design (I think his design is great), it's just that we wanted one of our own. Is there something wrong with that? I'm sure there was nothing intentional in Mrgigabyte creating the design and having the coin company just down the street. It was just circumstance. In one way Tihbaug, you do not have to pay out the cash to get the coins made, nor will you have to do the logistical sorting, packaging, and mailing. I would like to thank you for starting all this. You should be proud that your idea is now in the manufacturing stage and soon to be in the hot-little-hands of Canadian geocachers. -- P38manCdn

[Guest P38manCdn]

I think we should all be thankful for the way this discussion has progressed. While, Thibaug started this thread, he was placed in a difficult position waiting for relpies from Jeremy. In the mean time, the discussion continued and Mrgigabyte found out he lives just a few blocks from a company that makes medallions/tokens/etc and was able to quickly gather information and create a Canadian Geocache coin design. I think BOTH these people need to be thanked for their efforts in bringing this to Canadian geocachers. Yes, the original idea of using the coins as travel bugs is a great idea, and many will be used as such. However, others here thought of the coin in terms of a "personalised item" they could offer in their cache -- a collectable. That too, is a good idea. Both ideas have their merits and enthusiasts. I think we should be thankful all this is coming together. I get the feeling that Jeremy didn't answer right-away because he may be a little ticked that we Canadians refused to use an "American" coin and pay an extra 50% in currency exchange and customs duty to get his geocoins. I'm sure its not that we didn't like his design (I think his design is great), it's just that we wanted one of our own. Is there something wrong with that? I'm sure there was nothing intentional in Mrgigabyte creating the design and having the coin company just down the street. It was just circumstance. In one way Tihbaug, you do not have to pay out the cash to get the coins made, nor will you have to do the logistical sorting, packaging, and mailing. I would like to thank you for starting all this. You should be proud that your idea is now in the manufacturing stage and soon to be in the hot-little-hands of Canadian geocachers. -- P38manCdn

[Guest clatmandu]

I can't wait to get my hands on one of your coins. I think the design is great!!

 

BTW, are you guys still parting down there?

[Guest sidewinder]

I would like to be put on a list or advised of the webpage address so I may order some coins myself. I am from the u.s. and if this is only going to be for sale to the canada geocachers I will understand but please let me know. I think whoever has put forth the effort to bring this whole coin thing to completion should be given a gold medal also.

thanks in advance for any information you could pass along.

sidewinder

lcollins@imine.net

[Guest P38manCdn]

Hey sidwinder,

 

We'll gladly take American money at the present currency exchange... we get 50% more!!! Order as many as you like -- grin.

[Guest mrgigabyte]

Geocoin update..

 

Things have been going full speed behind the scenes. The latest ETA on the proof coins being minted is late next week. These will be the "Artist's Proof" versions that will not be for sale. Once approved, they will go into full production shortly thereafter.

 

We have spent a tremendous amount of time, effort and money on building a web site to support the CA Geocoins. At this time I would invite anyone interested in beta testing the site for us.

 

http://www.geocoins.ca

 

Some of the features:

 

* Geocoin.ca domain, appropriate for geocoins in Canada

 

* The Home page shows the last 5 logs.

 

* The Track page allows you see see the history of an individual coin. Only activated coins can be tracked.

 

* The Log page allows you log various attributes about the coin exchange. Only activated coins can be logged. All fields are validated.

 

* Contact page, various info about the project

 

* The Buy page. Pricing and front end to the Order page

 

* Order page is reached from the Buy page. Served on a secure server supporting RC4-128 bit encryption. Purchase calculations are displayed based on value entered on buy page. All data is verified. Credit card order processed in real time. CA and US currency accounted for.

 

Please feel free to test everything out and email us if you run into any problems or bugs, or just want to voice your opinion.

 

The only coins we have active in the database are 2,4,6,8,10. No other coins should allow you to log a movement. Naturally, once we take delivery of the coins, all the logs will be reset.

[Guest cliffy]

Fantastic MGB!!!!!! I poked and prodded around. The site looks great! Let me know as soon as they are received and ready for shipping

[Guest cliffy]

Fantastic MGB!!!!!! I poked and prodded around. The site looks great! Let me know as soon as they are received and ready for shipping

[Guest Sliver]

The site looks great! Good job MGB !

[Guest VentureForth]

Couldn't see really well on the jpg of the coin, but does it say ON THE COIN to log into geocoins.ca to track it? Of course everyone who buys them will know, but what about average finders?

 

------------------

VentureForth out to the wild, wet forest...

[+MrGigabyte]

We have now sold over 100 coins. All but 13 are going to cachers in the US. We were overwhelmed with the response considering they were only ever discussed here and in Clayjar's chatroom.

 

We have just been advised by the mint that the proof coins will available Monday, March 11. I have already advised them to ramp up for full production. I will take some photos of them next a loonie and toonie so that one will get a sense of size. I may post the photo here or try to work it into the geocoins.ca web site itself.

 

Regarding pre-ordering specific coin ranges of numbers. If you really want them, order now. I cannot pull odd coins out for you unless you commit to an order. Certain cachers who had previously expressed interest in certain numbers have been emailed directly. If we don't get a response soon, those coins will be gone.

 

I'm doing my best here to accomodate these requests, but there is a point where you have to make a commitment if you want specific coins.

 

GeoCoins.ca

 

 

[This message was edited by mrgigabyte on March 07, 2002 at 12:34 PM.]

[+clatmandu]

I thought it was only fitting that I get some of them, I'm always checking the Canada thread, and expecially with Canada to the North, East, and South of me.

[+MrGigabyte]

The proof coins arrived late this afternoon. They are absolutely beautiful!!!

 

I am almost afraid to say it, but they are to nice to to leave in a cheap piece of tupperware or ammo box.

 

After seeing the proofs I have made some changes to my original plans. I have decided to seal each coin in a small plastic bag to protect it's mirror finish from cachers grummy fingers.

 

I am also going to add a note, printeed on weatherproof adhesive polyester to outside of each bag describing what the coin is and how to track it.

 

This will add significantly to my a costs, but I will not be changing the posted price on the web site for at least a month. I am eating this new cost myself.

 

You will know why I a doing it once you see the coins. Anything less would be sacrilege!

 

Thanks to everyone who have already ordered. I am finally glad to see the Canadian orders starting to come rather than just cachers from the us. NOT that there is anything wrong with that!

 

[+clatmandu]

WOW, those do look nice. Quite a lot bigger than the loony and toony! Had to go get a toony off my dresser to get a size comparison. Great job.

[geocachetreasure]

Regarding Canadian Geocoin™. Everyone, your answer is here: www.geocachetreasure.com. We simply need to know what you would like to see in a Canadian Geocoin™. The previous posts mention a design which would include a maple leaf and the word "Canada" to identify you cachers who are Canadian. We would be happy to design and manufacture this Geocoin™. It would be our pleasure. If we could get your additional input, we will then proceed immediately to mint. There is no need to put any money up front. This would be a Geocoin™ we would manufacture as part of our business. You could then purchase, one or a thousand. The coin would probably retail for around $7/each US. Certainly no more. The coin we currently have in mind would be a hand-crafted Geocoin™, with a proof-like finish (shiny) and be made of Merlingold®. 39mm in diameter and approximately 1 oz. in weight. Unlike the Moun10Bike coin, there would be no enamel due to the proof-like finish. The Geocoin™ we are describing could be available, given appropriate feedback, by May 1, 2002. www.geocachetreasure.com will begin taking orders for currently existing Geocoins™, on April 1, 2002. Due to your interest, we hope to offer the Canadian Geocoin™ by May 1, 2002.

 

[This message was edited by geocachetreasure on March 11, 2002 at 09:52 AM.]

[jillianchandler]

Posted last night re: making a Canadian geocoin. Was precipitous. Just saw the interest in geocoins and as I have just opened a business to offer geocoins, I thought it would be a nice win/win situation to make the geocoin, at a reasoneble price, and offer them to Canadian geocachers at a rate that would allow them to buy just a couple rather than put down the entire manufacturing fee to begin. I had not read the actual postings. I apologize as I now see the people at CAGeocoins have already designed a geocoin and are offering it. It is a beautiful design and if I were Canadian I would be proud to leave it in a cache. We see you aleady have a coin so would like to say "Good luck" and that I hope to find one soon in an American or Candian cache that I visit. Our business will offer something other than a Canadian coin.

[+MrGigabyte]

The full order of GeoCoins has just arrived. My photo a couple of posts ago does not do them justice. These things are like mirrors.

 

There are still some blocks of 10 contiguous numbers available. If you planned on ordering 10 or so and you want them ALL sequential, then you may want order soon. Groups of 5 etc. are not a problem. We have managed fulfill almost every specific number series people have ordered, but its getting tougher.

 

We will be spending the better part of tomorrow getting the first shipments out the door. Should be 2 to 3 business days delivery in Canada and 3 to 5 in the US.

 

Thanks again to every one who as come through on their commitment to purchase coins.