Mr Kretschmer, who is nearing retirement, was hospitalized for corrective surgery and is expected to return to work within the coming weeks. The master dies which were under preparation have reached a stage that only Mr Kretschmer can complete, so production of the year 51 Half-Shekel is running late. Therefore, we will continue to offer the year 50 coins until the year 51's are available. This represents one year's turnover, according to Mr Kretschmer. He owns the premises, and wants to retain ownership and rent them out to the purchaser.
Truth be told, the machinery is primative.
He has an excellent team of workers that it would be a shame to break up. That's okay for up to 30,000 coins a month. Beyond that, its either three shifts 24 hours a day, or bring in new machinery. Even with three shifts, only 90,000 coins a month could be produced. At some point, that will not suffice, G-d willing.