Coin Update» World Coins

Gold and Silver Coin Celebrates 2012 World Design Capital Helsinki

Michael Alexander — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 21:27:24 +0000

The Mint of Finland have launched (3^rd February) a new collector coin which highlights distinctive Finnish design and celebrates Helsinki being designated World Design Capital for 2012. The coin was launched at the prestigious World Money Fair in Berlin. The Finnish capital was chosen as the World Design Capital by the International Council of Societies of Industrial Design in recognition of “Finnish practical comfort which brings together elements of luxury with a touch of Nordic style.” The coin highlights this distinction as an innovative and modern country of design expertise.

The collector coin minted as a gold and silver combination with a nominal value of €50, (the first time this denomination) is designed by Henna Lamberg. The coin’s obverse depicts alternative smooth and uneven surfaces including triangular and peaked effects that give it a distinctive look and tactile attributes resulting in a three-dimensional appearance. The text on the coin reads “WORLD DESIGN CAPITAL HELSINKI 2012” and is placed around the inner disc which is off-center. The Mint’s logo appears towards the end of the legend.

The reverse of the coin includes an opposite illustration of the center disc as seen on the obverse and also includes the coin’s denomination positioned at the top along with free-style and directional linear additions all around the center disc which are recessed into the silver ring. The text “SUOMI FINLAND” is also seen towards the lower portion.

Specifications for this coin include a combination of gold, (.750 fine) and sterling silver with a total weight of 10.8 grams and a diameter of 27.2 mm. The coin is produced in proof quality with a total mintage of 5,000 pieces in total. A 5 €URO aluminum-bronze coin with the same design is also being launched by the Mint of Finland.

For more information about this and other coins offered by the Mint, please visit their website at: http://www.suomenrahapaja.fi/eng/commemorative-and-collector-coins/world-design-capital-helsinki-2012-50

New Australian Opal Series Begins with 2012 Koala Silver Proof Coin

Michael Zielinski — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:52:37 +0000

The Perth Mint has released the first coin in a new series showcasing nocturnal animals created in pure Australian opal. The first design features Australia's iconic koala.

The reverse design for the 2012 Koala Silver Proof Coin features an inner panel with the depiction of a koala in a gum tree in pure Australian Opal. The outer panel depicts Eucalypt leaves and blossoms, the new moon, and a star group known as the Southern Cross, which is only visible in the southern hemisphere. The reverse includes the inscriptions "Koala" and "2012 1 oz 999 silver", as well as the Perth Mint's "P" mint mark.

The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II placed within a circular pattern. The inscriptions include "Elizabeth II", "Australia", and the legal tender denomination "1 Dollar".

Each coin contains one troy ounce of silver content. The diameter of each coin is 36.60 mm and the thickness is 4.50 mm. There is a limited mintage of 8,000 pieces, with a current limit of one per customer.

A special display case has been created for the series, with a light that turns on as it is opened. This is intended to represent the moon shining down on the nocturnal animal. The case is packaged within an illustrated shipper with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

The Australian Opal series will include eight coins in total, released at a rate of two coins per year. The coins will feature different nocturnal Australian animals and all eight phases of the moon. The next release for 2012 will feature the wombat.

For further information and ordering, please visit the Perth Mint's product page.

Royal Canadian Mint 2012 “Moose” Silver Bullion Coins

Michael Zielinski — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:32:36 +0000

Today at the World Money Fair in Berlin, the Royal Canadian Mint officially launched the 2012 "Moose" Silver Bullion Coin. This represents the fourth in series of six coins depicting different species of Canadian wildlife.

The reverse design of the latest release features the depiction of a majestic moose by Senior Mint Engraver William Woodruff. The moose is Canada's largest land mammal and rules the forests from Newfoundland to the Pacific Coast. Inscriptions include "Canada", "Fine Silver 1 oz Argent Pur", and "9999". The obverse design of the coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II designed by portrait artist Susanna Blunt.

The 99.99% pure one ounce silver bullion coins carry a face value of $5. The Royal Canadian Mint's Ottawa facility will produce up to one million "Moose" silver bullion coins, which will soon be available through the Mint's network of bullion distributors.

Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint said, “The Mint’s Silver Wildlife bullion coin series has been a perennial success with investors and collectors world-wide and we are proud that the market’s enthusiastic response to these coins proves once more that the Royal Canadian Mint’s products are at the head of their class.”

Previous releases of the series have featured the timber wolf (2011), grizzly (2011), and cougar (2012). Two additional designs for the series will be released by early 2013.

Image provided courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mint.

Jozsef Remenyi Featured within Europa Silver Star Coin Series

Michael Alexander — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:21:28 +0000

The National Bank of Hungary have issued (23^rd January) a collector’s coin to celebrate the 125^th anniversary of birth of Jozsef Remenyi (1887 – 1977) noted sculptor, artist, and one of the founders of the 20th century Hungarian art of medals. His numerous finely outlined drawings on coins, medals, and statues bear the mark of the modern classicism and Art-Nouveau. Among other works, he is credited with having designed the former 5, 10, 20 and 50 filler denominations originally introduced in 1946 and part of the Hungarian forint currency system.

The coin is issued within the annual EUROPA star series which highlights various subjects within a harmonized Europe-wide program. Struck by the Mint of Hungary in Budapest, the coin’s design is the work of Mihaly Fritz and includes a profile portrait of the Man himself along with his name and date of his birth and the year he died, 1977. To the lower right of the portrait is the EUROPA logo, an inverted star integrated with the letter “E” denoting the issue within the program. The reverse depicts portion of one of Remenyi’s well-known plaques called the “Daughters of Danaids” inspired from Greek mythology which was created in 1927.

The coin’s denomination of 5000 Forint appears just to the upper right of the primary design. Struck in sterling silver with a diameter of 38.6 mm and a weight of 31.4 grams, the coin is offered in proof quality with a limited mintage of 6,000 pieces.

For more information on this and other coins issued by the National Bank of Hungary, please visit the Mint of Hungary’s website at http://coins.hu/products/silver_coins/jozsef-remenyi-125anniversary-5000Ft-Ag-proof.html

Perth Mint Black and Red Colored 2012 Year of the Dragon Silver Coin

Michael Zielinski — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:57:03 +0000

The Perth Mint of Australia has created a special 2012 Year of the Dragon Silver Coin for the World Money Fair held in Berlin. The coin has a limited mintage and features a water dragon reverse design.

People born between the dates of January 13, 2012 and February 9, 2013 are said to be born in the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is the only mythological creature included within the Chinese zodiac. People born in dragon years are said to be confident, enterprising, independent, self-assured, brave and passionate.

The 2012 Year of the Dragon Silver Coin released for the World Money Fair features a black dragon with red detailing. The color black is regarded as highly spiritual and has a significance and connection to the element of water. The reverse inscriptions include the Chinese character for dragon and "Year of the Dragon".

The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, along with the "2012" date, silver content, and legal tender face value.

The Perth Mint has previously released an assortment of Year of the Dragon gold and silver coins, including bullion versions in a range of different weights and numismatic versions including proof, gilded, gemstone, and colored editions. Previously released colored editions featured a red dragon and were limited to a mintage of 10,000 pieces, which quickly sold out.

The present release is limited to 5,000 and carries an order limit of one per customer. Each coin contains one ounce of 99.9% pure silver and comes in special coin show packaging with a numbered certificate of authenticity.

For further information and ordering, please visit the Perth Mint's product page.

Royal Canadian Mint Offers Silver $20 Commemorative Coin at Face Value

Michael Zielinski — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:48:09 +0000

The Royal Canadian Mint has begun sales of the third coin in a series of silver $20 commemorative coins offered at face value. The previous coin in the series sold out of its limited mintage in 34 days.

The latest release features the image of a polar bear swimming with its head held just above the water. The artist for the reverse is Emily S. Damstra. Inscriptions include the face value of "20 Dollars", an indication of the precious metal purity "Argent Pur Fine Silver 9999", "Canada", and the "2012" date.

The obverse of the coin features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II designed by Susanna Blunt.

Each coin is struck in .9999 fine silver and has a weight of 7.96 grams (0.256 troy ounces) and a diameter of 27 mm. Based on a current market price of silver at $33.31, the coins have a metal value of $8.53 USD. The coins have a legal tender face value of $20.00 CAD, which converts to $19.92 USD.

The mintage of the 2012 Polar Bear $20 Commemorative Coin is limited to 250,000 pieces worldwide. There is an ordering limit of 3 coins per household.

The first sold out release within the Royal Canadian Mint's "Exchange $20 for $20" series included a reverse design featuring five maple leaves flowing upwards and into the distance to form a "C". The second release depicted a young person on a recreational canoe outing, with an early native paddler shown in the reflection of the water.

For additional information on the latest release, visit the Royal Canadian Mint website at http://mint.ca/

First-of-Its-Kind Puzzle Shaped Coins for the One You Love

Michael Alexander — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:07:30 +0000

The Government of Niue will launch (30^th January) a set of coins with a special message of love and togetherness, the perfect token of affection for your significant other and… just in time for Valentine’s Day!

The unusual pair is struck by the Mint of Poland who have become widely known and highly regarded for producing coins with innovative shapes and technical advancements. The coins take the shape of inter-connecting jigsaw puzzle pieces, which actually fit together to form one larger coin of two halves. Designed by the artist Beata Aleksandrowitz, the coins also include cut crystals from Swarovski and a color application depicting a red heart, also in two halves.

The reverse design of the coin includes a pair of “love birds” each of them perched on a branch surrounded by flowers and offering their half of the heart to one another. On one half of the coin is the word “YOU” and on the corresponding side, the word “ME”. The obverse of the coins also offers corresponding elements, including a string of heart-shaped balloons which illustrate two halves along with the year of issue “2012” and the coin’s denomination of 1 Dollar. A cameo-style effigy of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II is placed on each half.

The coins are struck in sterling silver and in proof quality. Each side of the coin weighs 14 grams with a diameter of 37 / 29.9 mm. Sold in pairs, they are meant to be handled and, as a precaution to tarnishing, a protective coating has been added to the surface of the coins. The coins will be on display for the first time at the World Money Fair in Berlin from the 3^rd to the 5^th February.

For more information of these numismatic “firsts”, please visit the website of the Mint of Poland at: http://www.mennica.com.pl/en/main-page.html

Showing Olympic Spirit for the London Games

Michael Alexander — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:05:54 +0000

The Government of the British Virgin Islands have re-launched (20^th January) a series of coins which celebrate the XXX Olympiad to be held this year in London from July. Struck by the Pobjoy Mint UK, the set was previously issued in 2011 and are now re-issued with the year of the Olympiad “2012” on the obverse. The set, comprising four $10 crown coins in total depict leading sports events traditionally associated with the summer games. In the background of each coin is a landmark or well-known venue which will feature during the Games blending together both sporting and scenic London imagery.

First coin: Depicts a gymnast performing on a pommel horse. This sport is predominately performed by male gymnasts due to the physical strength required. In the background is the famous London Clock Tower which houses Big Ben, the bell which chimes over the Houses of Parliament.

Second coin: Features a mounted equestrian competing in the old tradition of dressage. Dressage was initially developed as a method of training horses for war and includes displays of rider control and horse obedience. In the background is the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich which incorporates the National Maritime Museum.

Third coin: Portrays the historical sport of Fencing. The art of formalized dueling dates back to pre-Roman times, but William Shakespeare is said to have been the first person to use the word ‘fence’ in reference to English Swordsmanship. The two fencers on the coin are engaging in competition. The Tower of London is featured in the background.

Fourth coin: Shows one of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom (and perhaps the World), football. The first description of a football match in England was written in about 1170. Records from London reveal that "after dinner all the youths of the city goes out into the fields for the very popular game of ball." Two players are shown chasing after the ball with the Dome in the background.

All designs feature the word ‘Olympic’ below the sportsman and include the Union Flag of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which is placed at the base of the coin. Approved by Buckingham Palace, the obverse of each coin carries a unique double effigy showing a portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as she appears on current coins, along with a portrait of The Queen based on how she appeared on the first coins of her reign in celebration Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Year.

The coins are available in Cupro Nickel, Proof Sterling Silver Crown size with a weight of 28 grams and a diameter of 38.6 mm. A second alternative in Fine Silver with a weight of 12 grams and a Crown size diameter (38.6 mm) is also available. Both the Proof Sterling Silver and Uncirculated Cupro Nickel coins are available with a color-effect Union Flag to create a striking look.

For more information on these and other coins on offer by the Pobjoy Mint, please visit their website at: www.pobjoy.com.

Life Cycle of the Butterfly Featured on Crystal & Silver Coin

Michael Alexander — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 21:31:06 +0000

The Treasury of the Falkland Islands Government have announced (16^th January) the launch of their first collector coin for 2012, which features the Life Cycle of the Butterfly. Struck by the Pobjoy Mint in the United Kingdom, this coin is the fifth in the Silver & Crystal coin series first issued in 2007 featuring the life cycle of various species in the animal kingdom from their inception to fully grown adulthood.

The outer silver ring of this innovative coin depicts the incredible journey of the Butterfly from egg to mature adult and in the center is a beautifully polished orange crystal upon which is the etched image of the Southern Painted Lady Butterfly appears. A butterfly starts life as a very small egg which is usually laid on the leaves of plants. The second stage is the Larva or Caterpillar stage, a stage which does not usually last long and during which time the caterpillar spends most of its time eating. The next stage is the Pupa or Chrysallis stage and inside this chrysalis the caterpillar is undergoing an amazing transformation. Finally, when the caterpillar has fully changed, it emerges from the chrysalis as an adult butterfly. All of the stages described are intricately detailed in their order on the outer ring, while the image of the adult butterfly is carefully etched on the orange-colored crystal transparent center.

The obverse of the coin includes a cameo portrait of H.M. Queen Elizabeth II placed above the crystal along with the text “QUEEN ELIZABETH II FALKLAND ISLANDS” placed around the outer rim.

Struck in sterling silver to proof quality, the coin has a diameter of 38.6 mm and a weight of 23.4 grams. A limited quantity of 5,000 pieces is authorized for distribution. The series has been issued from several different countries and territories including the South Sandwich Islands and the British Indian Ocean Territory.

For more information on this coin, the entire series, and other coins offered by the Pobjoy Mint, please visit their website at: http://www.pobjoy.com/ukworld/page.php?xPage=index.html

The Tragedy of Man Featured on Hungarian Coin

Michael Alexander — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 20:27:28 +0000

The National Bank of Hungary have issued (12^th January) a collector's coin to mark the 150^th anniversary of the first publication of The Tragedy of Man, written by Imre Madach (1823 - 1864) eminent writer, poet, lawyer and politician who was born in Alsósztregova (presently Dolná Strehová in Slovakia).

The Tragedy of Man is considered to be one of the major works of Hungarian literature and is one of the most often staged Hungarian plays today with many lines having become common quotations in Hungary. The work has also been the inspiration and basis for other publications and more recently, movies and plays in many countries in Europe and further afield. Although the published story first appeared on the 12^th January 1862, the actual printing had been completed by the end of 1861 and the original copies were dated with the year "1861" on the cover page.

Struck at the Mint of Hungary in Budapest, the coin's design is the work of Enikő Szöllőssy who chose to depict the figures of Adam and Eve with the foreboding outline of Lucifer behind. The figures are atop the Earth and the title of the publication is placed across the surface. The reverse of the coin includes a front-facing portrait of Imre Madach placed towards the upper left side along with the year of issue "2012" and the denomination of 3000 Forint. This coin also carries for the first time, the denotation of "MAGYARORSZAG" which has been shortened as the officially recognized name of the country, dropping the word "Republic" as a result of changes in the country's constitution which came into effect on the 1^st January.

The coin is struck in sterling silver to proof quality with a weight of 20 grams and a diameter of 34 mm. A total mintage of 4,000 pieces has been authorized.

For more information on this and other coins offered by the National Bank of Hungary, please visit the website of the Mint of Hungary at: http://coins.hu/products/silver_coins/imre-madach-tragedy-of-man-150-PP.html#!ShowDetails