With the excuse of insufficient blanks getting a bit old and transparent, the U.S. Mint is now delaying physical silver deliveries with their on-line ordering system. Funny how it was never a factor before and just seems to affect silver coins. In the short-term, they will try anything as long as it delays delivery of physical silver.

Another nice try - VHF

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Mint Expects Slow Ordering Process for ATB Hot Springs Collector Coin

Numismatic News

April 27, 2011

The United States Mint will accept orders for the 2010 America the Beautiful 5-Ounce silver uncirculated coin honoring Hot Springs National Park at 12 Noon (Eastern Time) on Thursday, April 28. The cost is $279.95.

Because of the anticipated demand for the coins, the Mint expects that its online ordering management system will be much slower than usual.

“As we have previously indicated to our customers, our online ordering management system is in need of upgrade,” the Mint stated in a press release April 27. “Fixing the system is a priority. Unfortunately, we do not anticipate an upgraded system being in place until approximately mid-2012. In the meantime, we apologize to our customers for any inconvenience and ask them to be patient during this time.”

The Mint will institute a "waiting list" for orders beyond the maximum mintage of 27,000.

“We may, however, be unable to post notification of a waiting list status in a timely manner so that the customer knows of this status prior to placing the order,” the Mint stated. “A waiting list means that orders have been accepted for the maximum mintage, but if a product becomes available because of an order cancellation, we will fulfill orders from the waiting list on a first-in, first-served basis. The United States Mint will be unable to provide information about a customer’s position on the waiting list.”

When an order is placed on a waiting list, the customer will receive an order receipt, but it is not a guarantee that the order will be fulfilled.

“If we are unable to fulfill your order, you will receive a cancellation or sold-out notification within one to two weeks. If you paid by check, you will receive a refund,” according to the Mint.