new world coins

The London 2012 Olympic coin collection

2010-10-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

The Royal Mint launched new Olympic collection of twenty nine fifty pence coins. First eight of them will be in circulation from the November 2010. Each of them is featuring a sport from the London 2012 Olympic Games. The first series of eight coins are devoted to the aquatics, archery, athletics, cycling, gymnastics, hockey, rowing and triathlon. Designer of each coin are different. Denomination of these coins is fifty pence, alloy is cooper and nickel, weight is eight grams, diameter 27.3 mm.

New coins from Serbia

2010-06-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

On 16 June 2010, the NBS will release a 1-dinar coin (made of steel core), 2 and 5-dinar coins (made of copper, zinc and nickel alloy – Cu75 Zn24,5 Ni0,5) and 10 and 20-dinar coins (made of copper, zinc and nickel alloy – Cu70Zn18Ni12).
Apart from designation of “2010” as the minting year, other features of 1, 2, 5 and 10-dinar coins are unchanged. The 20-dinar coin also has “2010” as the minting year, but it now features the portrait of Georg Weifert on its front.
Coins of 1, 2, 5 and 10 dinars will be used in regular cash payment operations, whereas the 20-dinar coin will also serve for marking the 160th anniversary of birth of Georg Weifert, a Serbian industrialist and the National Bank’s long-standing Governor (1890–1902, 1912–1926).

Source: Governor’s Office

2010-04-18T09:27:00.000-07:00

Each year Unesco awards a major city the title of World Book Capital, based on the best programme submitted by the competing candidates. The purpose is to bring literature to as many people as possible, and to encourage reading. In June 2008 Ljubljana was chosen from among seven competing cities at the Unesco headquarters in Paris to be the tenth holder of the title of World Book Capital, which it will bear from 23 April 2010 to 23 April 2011. Its programme consists of a host of original ideas to promote access to books, and to encourage literature, authors, books and reading. The basis of the programme is the involvement and connection of all links in the literary chain, from author to reader.

World Book Capital 2010 will undoubtedly be the most important event and the event most focused on a mass audience during the whole time that Ljubljana will hold the title. Events being held as part of the overall event include World Literature: Festival of the Fable 2010, and World Book Summit 2011: the Book as an Agent of Human Development, along with a whole spectrum of cultural events in Slovenia and in neighbouring regions. As World Book Capital, Ljubljana will promote the principles of freedom of expression, equality, education, the free circulation of information, and educational, scientific and cultural content, and inter-cultural dialogue as defined by Unesco, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Florence Agreement.

In deciding to issue the collector coins, the government has joined in with the promotion of books and Slovenian culture, as Ljubljana’s title as World Book Capital 2010 means that Slovenia and its capital will be able to raise their worldwide profiles as a country and city with a rich literary history, and as places of contemporary literary and cultural creativity. The coins feature the façade of Plečnik’s National and University Library, with its Ionic column in front of the window of the reading room. The outline of an open book, which develops from a scroll on one side, illustrates the historical development of the book.

Original design by: Matija Marinko, Ljubljana
Production and minting: Mint of Finland, Vantaa, Finland

Gold coin:

Nominal value: EUR 100

Weight: 7 g

Diameter: 24 mm

Purty: Au 900/1000

Issued: 4,000 coins

Silver coin:

Nominal value: EUR 30

Weight: 15 g

Diameter: 32 mm

Purty: Ag 925/1000

Issued: 6,000 coins

Collector bi-coloured coin:

Nominal value: EUR 3

Weight: 15 g

Diameter: 32 mm

Alloy: disc 75 Cu 25 Ni / ring 78 Cu 20 Zn 2 Ni

Issued: 300,000 coins

Danmark commemorative coins 2010

2010-04-09T09:42:00.000-07:00

Commemorative coin to mark the 70th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II on 16 April 2010.
A commemorative coin will be issued to mark the 70th birthday of Queen Margrethe II. This is in keeping with the Danish tradition of issuing commemorative coins to mark special events in the royal family.The commemorative coin can be viewed on a special exhibition in the palace museum in the period 10th April - 1st August 2010.

A new portrait of the QueenThe motif of the obverse of the coin is a new portrait of the Queen by the sculptor Lis Nogel. The new portrait is also to be used on the ordinary 10- and 20-krone coins from 2011 onwards. The reverse was designed by Ronny Andersen, Royal Armorist, and shows the royal coat of arms set against a background of daisies – a reference to the Queen's nickname, Daisy.

1,000-krone gold coin

The gold coin is minted in 900 ‰ gold (Au) with a diameter of 22 mm, a weight of 8.65 g and a nominal value of 1,000 kroner. The recommended retail price for the gold coin is DKK 3,000 incl. VAT.

500-krone silver coin

The silver coin is minted in 999 ‰ fine silver (Ag) with a diameter of 38.0 mm, a weight of 31.1 g and a nominal value of 500 kroner. The silver coin is sold at its nominal value.

20-krone coin, ordinary version1.2 million ordinary circulation coins will be minted and sold in rolls of 20 coins each.

Source: Danmarks Nationalbank

2010 Lincoln one cent coin

2010-04-01T13:18:00.000-07:00

The current Lincoln cent's reverse (tails side) design is emblematic of President Abraham Lincoln's preservation of the United States as a single and united country, as required by Title III of Public Law 109-145, the Presidential $1 Coin Act of 2005. While the obverse (heads) continues to bear the familiar Victor David Brenner likeness of President Lincoln that has appeared on the coin since 1909, the reverse features a union shield with a scroll draped across and the inscription ONE CENT.
The 13 vertical stripes of the shield represent the states joined in one compact union to support the federal government, represented by the horizontal bar above. The horizontal bar features the inscription E PLURIBUS UNUM—"out of many, one"—while the inscription UNITED STATES OF AMERICA is depicted along the upper rim of the coin. The union shield, which dates back to the 1780s, was used widely during the Civil War. The shield is also featured on frescoes by Constantino Brumidi throughout the halls of the U.S. Capitol Building completed in the mid-19th century.
The Secretary of the Treasury approved the reverse design for the coin after consultation with the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and review by the Citizen's Coinage Advisory Committee.
These one-cent coins have a metallic content of 2.5 percent copper, balance zinc. They are issued for circulation in quantities sufficient to meet the demands of commerce. Numismatic (proof and uncirculated) versions are included in the United States Mint's annual product offerings.

Source US Mint

Swiss 10 francs 2010

2010-03-03T13:02:00.000-08:00

The Alpine MarmotThe nimble marmots never cease to fascinate the many visitors hiking in the National Park, whether for their cute manner, shrill whistling or scraps reminiscent of exhibition fights. In the harsh mountain climate, the marmots only find enough food to sustain them from May to September. In order to survive the six-month winter hibernation, during the summer, they eat to build up a thick layer of fat. At the beginning of October, the marmots retreat to their well-padded dormitory. By reducing body functions, their energy consumption drops to one tenth of its normal level. Marmots spend 90 per cent of their lives in their extensive networks of burrows, safe from the cold and predators. They establish several entrances to enable them to beat a hasty retreat. Thanks to their sense of touch, marmots are very much at home in the dark.Marmots live in family groups, each with an adult male and female as well as several young animals. In May, 34 days after mating, the female gives birth to between two and six naked, blind and deaf young, each weighing around 30 grams. The habitat of our Alpine marmots extends from the Alpine meadows above the tree line as far as the glaciers. In the National Park, they are especially common in the Val Trupchun and on Munt la Schera.

The bimetal coin 2010 'Swiss National Park – Alpine Marmot' at a glance

Date of issue: 21st January 2010

Design: Niklaus Heeb, Rodersdorf

Coin image: Alpine Marmot
Legal face value: 10 Swiss francs
Alloy: Cupronickel + Aluminium Bronze
Weight: 15 g
Diameter: 33 mm (Core 23 mm/Outer ring 33 mm)
Uncirculated: Max. 94,000
Proof: Max. 12,000

Source: Swiss mint

Bank of England `voted unanimously` on base rate

2010-03-01T09:54:00.000-08:00

The minutes from the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting show that rate-setters voted unanimously to keep the base rate at 0.5% for the twelfth consecutive month.
There had been some speculation as to whether the Bank of England might raise its base rate slightly, after inflation was revealed to have risen to 2.9% in December.
But it seems that other economic pressures led the MPC to leave the rate unchanged.
Many economists believe the base rate will remain at 0.5% for the duration of 2010.
However, with inflation rising further to 3.5% in January, the Bank may come under more pressure to raise the base rate in order to encourage lower spending levels.Read more

Sierra Leone 2009 Remember Michael Jackson: 1958 – 2009 Coin

2010-02-19T16:50:00.000-08:00

The sudden death of superstar Michael Jackson in June 2009 shocked the world and the Bank of Sierra Leone has released a coin to honour the life of one of the world’s greatest performers. Michael Jackson started performing at the age of six as part of ‘The Jackson 5’ with his four brothers. He went on to become one of the best-selling musical artists of all time and his 1982 album ‘Thriller’ is still the most successful album of all time, having sold 110 million copies worldwide. A global icon for over four decades, Michael Jackson was as famous for his dancing and trademark clothes, including the solo white glove and hat, as he was for his singing. In March 2009, he announced that he would be doing a number of concert dates at the O2 arena in London, called ‘This is it’ during July and August and they were a sell-out. Unfortunately, on 25th June 2009, Michael Jackson suffered a heart-attack at his home in Los Angeles and never regained consciousness. He has left behind a legacy of music that still sounds as fresh and relevant as it did twenty years ago. The design of the coin features a portrait of Michael Jackson with the wording ‘1958 Michael Jackson 2009’ in the surround. The obverse of the coin features the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Coat of Arms and is available in Cupro Nickel and Proof Sterling Silver.

Source: Pobjoy

Ole Bull 10-krone Norway commemorative coin 2010

2010-02-15T12:27:00.000-08:00

Ole Bornemann Bull was born on 5 February 1810 in Bergen and died on 17 August 1880. A celebrated Norwegian violinist and composer of international renown, his impassioned dedication to traditional Norwegian folk music played a prominent role in the development of a distinctively Norwegian culture following the dissolution of the union with Denmark in 1814.
In the course of his long career, Ole Bull travelled extensively, performing all over the world, and composed a total of more than 70 works, including Recuerdos de Habana, Et Sæterbesøg, Sætergjentens søndag, I ensomme Stunde and Polacca Guerriera. He also supported and encouraged young Norwegian classical musicians such as Edvard Grieg, Erika Nissen, Agathe Backer Grøndahl and Rikard Nordraak.

Design and technical specifications
Diameter: 24.0 mm
Thickness: 2.0 mm
Weight: 6.8 g
Alloy: 81% Cu, 10% Zn, 9% Ni
Edge: Alternate plain/milled

Obverse (heads side):
The obverse features a portrait of H.M. King Harald V facing right. Around the portrait is the inscription: HARALD V NORGES KONGE. At the lower left edge of the portrait is the artist’s signature, IAR. Below the portrait is the year 2010 with Det Norske Myntverkets (Mint of Norway’s) mintmark, the crossed pick and hammer, placed between the first two and last two digits.

Reverse (tails side):
The design on the reverse features Ole Bull’s portrait fused with part of a sheet of music from his composition ”Seterjentens søndag”, one of Bull’s most famous compositions, with his name (OLE BULL), the anniversary year (200 ÅR) and the coin’s denomination (10 kr) to the right. These elements form a decorative and rhythmic whole. Below the denomination is the designer’s signature, WG.

The coin's obverse was designed by Ingrid Austlid Rise, designer at Det Norske Myntverket AS (Mint of Norway). The reverse was designed by sculptor Wenche Gulbransen. 10-krone coins in the standard design will not be issued in 2010.

Source: Norges bank

The Lincoln One Cent Coin 2010

2010-01-29T13:26:00.000-08:00

Georgia 10 lari silver coin 2009

2010-01-08T04:40:00.000-08:00

To mark the Day of St. George on November 23, 2009, the National Bank of Georgia has issued 10 lari denomination silver coin commemorating the church of St. George in Ilori. A remarkable monument of Georgian Architecture, the church of Saint George in Ilori (Ochamchire region ), Abkhazia, the historic and Geographic part of Georgia, was built in 11th century, AD and represents one of the most important praying places for all of Georgia. Walls of the church bear several old Georgian inscriptions performed Georgian orthodox believers of different generations.

Face Value: 10 lari

Date of issue: 2009

Weight: 28.28gr

Diameter: 38.61

Alloy: Ag 925°

Quality: Proof

Mintage (volume) 1500 pcs

Mintage Limit: 3000

The coins are struck in 2009, at the Mint of Finland.

The Coin designers are: Mamuka Gongadze (Reverse) and Temur Apkhadze (Obverse).

Obverse: composition of the obverse of the coin is the drawings of the 17th century, AD Italian monk Don Christoforo de Castelli, consisting of the Saint George church of Ilori, the village of Ilori and horseriders. Background of the coin is the mountain ridge of the Caucasus. In the lower right corner of the design is the word inscription “საქართველო” (“Sakartvelo”-Georgia) and the year of the issue -2009.

Reverse: the modern-day image of the Church is depicted in the center of the coin, with the Roman numeral “XI” – the date of the construction of the Church-underneath. The coat of arms of Georgia and the inscription “ილორი” (“Ilori”) is placed in the upper part of the coin and the denomination numeral 10 together with the lettering “ლარი” (“Lari”) is placed in the left side of the coin.

Edge- smooth with inscriptions: (“საქართველოს ეროვნული ბანკი”-“ The National Bank of Georgia”)

Source: National Bank of Georgia

Bermuda 4 dollar silver coin 2009

2010-01-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

In 1609, Sir George Somers set sail from Plymouth, England aboard the Sea Venture, the new flagship of the Virginia Company, leading a fleet of nine vessels, loaded with provisions and settlers for the new English colony of Jamestown, in Virginia. During the journey, the Sea Venture was caught in a storm. To prevent the ship from sinking, 150 sailors and settlers were driven onto the reefs at the east end of Bermuda. All on board were saved and landed in Bermuda where they remained for over ten months. During that time, using material from the Sea Venture, the settlers built two other ships, the Deliverance and the Patience, and set sail in them for Jamestown, Virginia. These events serve to highlight Bermuda’s crucial role in the development of the New World. Over the past four centuries, Bermuda has evolved into a diverse multicultural community whose population has worked to build its reputation as a leading international financial services centre and tourism destination. During the quad-centennial celebrations, Bermuda will honour and showcase its people, culture and the numerous events that have shaped the history of the island from 1609 to date. The Bermuda Monetary Authority is pleased to issue this special four-sided coin, the first of this shape to be issued in Bermuda, and a special $4 denomination, as a tribute to the 400th anniversary of the island and its people. The reverse design features a sailing ship, a Brigantine vessel, which is representative of the ship used to bring the first people of the African Diaspora to the island. The reverse design also contains the inscription of the anniversary years, 1609 - 2009 and the words ‘400th Anniversary of the Settlement of Bermuda’ . The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by the sculptor, Ian Rank-Broadley, FRBS

Source: Bermuda Monetary Authority

Cayman Island 10 gold pound 2009

2010-01-01T15:15:00.000-08:00

The Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, in conjunction with the British Royal Mint, has issued a limited mintage numismatic coin set to mark the commencement of the 2009 Cayman Islands Constitution.
The commemorative coin issue, titled ‘50 Years of Constitutional Government’, comprises a gold proof ten-dollar and silver proof five-dollar coin. The reverse of each coin features the Cayman Islands coat of arms surrounded by the words ‘The Cayman Islands Constitution Order in Council 1959’ at the top and ‘The Cayman Islands Constitution Order 2009’ at the bottom. The obverse bears a portrait of Her Majesty the Queen, highlighted with the words ‘Cayman Islands’ and ‘Elizabeth II’ and the year ‘2009’.
The composition of the two coins is 916.7 gold and .925 silver, respectively. A mintage limit of 125 gold and 300 silver pieces has been set.
Each collectors item is displayed in a velvet-lined presentation case and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity attesting to its proof quality, legal tender status and limited mintage.
Specifications
Issue Cayman Islands $10 Gold Proof
Alloy(Stg) 916.7Gold
Weight(gms) 7.988
Diameter(mm) 22.05
Issue Limit 125

Source: Cayman Islands Monetary Authority

Romanian silver 10 lei 2009.

2009-12-29T11:55:00.000-08:00

Silver coin commemorating the 300th anniversary of the birth of Bishop Petru Pavel Aron
The “Holy Trinity” Cathedral in Blaj, flanked by the buildings of the theological seminary and of the community school founded by Petru Pavel Aron, the inscription “ROMANIA”, the face value of "10 LEI", the coat of arms of Romania and the year of issue, 2009; in the lower part, an image taken from an original depiction of a teacher addressing a group of students.
The portrait of Bishop Petru Pavel Aron, his coat of arms and the inscriptions “1709” and “1764”; to the left, inscribed in an arc is the legend “PETRU PAVEL ARON”.
Face Value: 10 lei;
Type of Metal: Silver 999/1000;
Weight: 31.1030 grams;
Dimension: Diameter 37 mm;
Edge: milled;
Quality: proof;
Issue volume: 500

Source: National bank of Romania

Russia 2010 Chekhov commemorative coins

2009-12-27T14:34:00.000-08:00

The silver proof coin in denomination of 3 Rubles (fine metal content 31.1g, fineness 925/1000, catalogue number 5111-0191), the silver proof-like coin in denomination of 100 Rubles (fine metal content 1000g, fineness 925/1000, catalogue number 5117-0044), the gold proof coin in denomination of 50 Rubles (fine metal content 7.78g, fineness 999/1000, catalogue number 5216-0071) and the gold proof coin in denomination of 200 Rubles (fine metal content 31.1g, fineness 999/1000, catalogue number 5219-0016) are all dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of A.P. Chekhov’s Birthday and are 39.0 mm, 100.0 mm, 22.6 mm, and 33.0 mm in diameter respectively.
The rim is raised on both sides of all the coins along the circumference.
The obverse: the relief image of the Emblem of the Bank of Russia - the two headed eagle with wings down, and the semicircular inscription under it "БАНК РОССИИ" (BANK OF RUSSIA), framed by a circle of beads. The inscriptions along the rim divided by dots indicate the denominations of the coin "ТРИ РУБЛЯ" (THREE RUBLES), “СТО РУБЛЕЙ” (ONE HUNDRED RUBLES) “ПЯТЬДЕСЯТ РУБЛЕЙ” (FIFTY RUBLES) “ДВЕСТИ РУБЛЕЙ” (TWO HUNDRED RUBLES) and the year of issue "2010", between them - the indication of the metal according to the D.I. Mendeleyev Periodic System of Elements, the purity, the trade mark of the Saint Petersburg Mint and the fine precious metal content.
The reverse:
- of the 3 Rubles silver coin: relief images of a portrait of A.P. Chekhov and an episode from his writing “The sea-gull’, the dates in two lines: «1860» and «1904» and the facsimile signature of the writer;
- of the 100 Rubles silver coin: relief images of a portrait of A.P. Chekhov and an episode from his writing “The cherry orchard”, the dates in two lines: «1860» and «1904» and the facsimile signature of the writer;
- of the 50 Rubles gold coin: the relief image of a portrait of A.P. Chekhov, the inscriptions: «ОСКОЛКИ» (OSKOLKI), «БУДИЛЬНИК» (BUDILNIK), «СТРЕКОЗА» (STREKOZA) – the names of the journals, where his writings were published, the dates in two lines: «1860» and «1904» and the facsimile signature of the writer;
- of the 200 Rubles gold coin: relief images of A.P. Chekhov, his house- museum in the town of Yalta and an episode from his writing “The Lady with the dog”, the dates in two lines: «1860» and «1904» and the facsimile signature of the writer.
The edge of the coins is corrugated.
The mintages of the coins, dedicated to the 150th Anniversary of A.P. Chekhov’s Birthday, are as follows:
- of the 3 Rubles silver proof coin: 5000 pcs;
- of the 100 Rubles silver proof-like coin: 500 pcs;
- of the 50 Rubles gold proof coin: 1500 pcs;
- of the 200 Rubles gold proof coin: 500 pcs.
The coins are legal tender of the Russian Federation. They are obligatory for acceptance for all kinds of payments without any restrictions at their face value.

Source: Bank of Russia

Denmark 20 krone 2009 – Faroese boat

2009-12-19T04:39:00.000-08:00

On 2 November 2009, Denmarks National bank issued a new 20-krone coin with a Faroese boat as its motif. This is the seventh coin in the ship series.The Faroese boat is a light, clinker-built, slender and very seaworthy open wooden boat. Its characteristics include a curved sheer line with a high bow and stern. It also bears some resemblance to a Viking ship. Over time it has been developed into a unique construction not found elsewhere in the world.
The motif for the new ship coin was designed by the sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen, who is Faroese himself. He is also the artist behind several previous thematic coins, including the ship coin with the Frigate Jylland and the Christiansborg Palace tower coin.The coin with the Faroese boat will be issued in an edition of 0.9 million coins in ordinary circulation.
Source: National bank of Denmark

Eastern Caribbean 1 silver dollar 2009

2009-12-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) will issue a new one dollar ($1) coin in February 2009 in commemoration of the Bank’s 25th anniversary, which was celebrated on 1 October 2008. This issue of this coin is limited to 500,000 pieces. The coin is round with ribbed edge and features the Bank’s laurel and the motto “Together We Stand”. The new coin does not replace the existing one dollar ($1) coins. The existing coins are still legal tender and will remain in circulation along with the commemorative coin.

Source: Eastern Caribbean Central bank

Hungary 5000 forint silver coin 2009

2009-12-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

On 24 September 2009, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank (National bank of Hungary) issued a silver collector coin ‘Budapest’ with a face value of HUF 5,000. The coin was issued as part of the ‘World Heritage Sites in Hungary’ series.

In addition to the standard design elements (the denomination: 5000, the legend: Republic of Hungary, the mint mark: BP and the date of issue: 2009), the obverse of the coin features Andrássy Avenue, with the Opera House on the left and the palace of the former Ballet Institute on the right.

The reverse bears an image of the Pest bank of the River Danube between Chain Bridge and Margaret Bridge, viewed from Buda. The upper legend reads ‘BUDAPEST’. The signature mark of designer Mihály Fritz is positioned to the right from the representation of the Parish Church.

The collector coin is made of .925 fine silver, weighs 31.46 grams, its diameter is 38.61 mm and it has a milled edge.

The mintage limit is 10,000 pieces, of which 6,000 are produced using the special proof technology.

Source: National bank of Hungary

Bermuda 2 dollar 2008 silver coin

2009-12-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

The hawksbill turtle has a highly prized ornate shell and a birdlike beak for which it gets its name. It is one of the smaller sea turtle species. Hawksbills feed almost exclusively on sponges that are loaded with glasslike spicules. Immature animals are not uncommon amongst the coral reefs surrounding Bermuda. They can grow to nearly 90 kgs (200 lbs) as adults, but those found in Bermuda average 10 kgs (22 lbs). These animals are exploited in other parts of the world for their shell, meat and eggs and are critically endangered. Hawksbill turtles in Bermuda are occasionally captured during Bermuda Turtle Project field trips but more often, they are encountered by co-operating recreational divers licensed to take lobsters. The coin design is adapted from a photo taken by Ron Lucas.

Denomination: 2 dollar

Weight: 31,604 gr

Standard: Proof

Alloy: 999 Silver

Source: Bermuda Monetary Authority

Australian two coins 2010 Burke & Wills

2009-11-21T08:28:00.000-08:00

2010 will mark the 150th anniversary of the Burke and Wills expedition, and subsequently the Royal Australian Mint themes its newest set to honour these explorers. The new $1 and 20 cent coins will feature in the two coin set in both uncirculated and proof finishes.
The $1 coin spotlights the hardships endured by the Burke and Wills expedition team. Here we see the weary remaining sole survivor of the expedition resting under the iconic carved dig tree on Cooper’s Creek in southwest Queensland. The 20 cent coin design depicts Burke and Wills astride camel and horse, departing on their epic journey.
The camel tracks represent their south to north travelling route, while the footprints narrate the aid of the Aboriginal people, as well as the Indian, Afghan and Pakistani cameleers. The lustrous proof finish shows off the criss-crossing footprints of humans and camels, representative of the pioneers incredibly arduous journey.

Source: Royal Australian Mint

Russia 3 Rubles 2010

2009-11-05T02:36:00.000-08:00

The silver coin of 3 Rubles denomination of the series "The Lunar Calendar" featuring the Tiger (fine metal content 31,1g, fineness 925/1000, catalogue number 5111-0190, diameter 39,0 mm, mintage 15000 pcs ).
The obverse: the relief picture of the Emblem of the Bank of Russia - the two headed eagle with wings down, and the semicircular inscription under it "БАНК РОССИИ" (BANK OF RUSSIA). The inscriptions along the rim divided by dots indicate the denomination of the coins "ТРИ РУБЛЯ" (THREE RUBLES) and the year of issue "2010", between them - the indication of the metal sign in accordance with the D.I. Mendeleyev Periodic System of Chemical Elements, the fineness, the mint trade mark and the fine precious metal content.
The reverse: in the centre of the coin - the relief picture of a tiger, to the right - a matted image of the half-moon.

The edge of the coin is corrugated.

Source National Bank of Russia

Romania 10 lei 2009 - silver coin

2009-10-31T08:11:00.000-07:00

Face Value: 10 LEI;
Type of Metal: Silver 999/1000;
Weight: 31.1030 grams;
Dimension: Diameter 37 mm;
Edge: milled;
Quality: proof;
Issue volume: 500 ;

on the left side, in the foreground, the image of “Mircea” Brig – the training ship of the Romanian Marine; on the right, the face value of the coin – 10 LEI and above, the image of “Carol I” Lighthouse; in the background, a view of the port of Constanţa from the sea displaying the Orthodox Cathedral on the left and the Casino on the right; in the upper half, the inscription “ROMANIA”, Romania’s coat-of-arms and the year of issue – 2009.

in the lower half, in the foreground, a modern commercial vessel and in the background, the silos in the port of Constanţa, designed by engineer Anghel Saligny; in the upper half, the inscription “100 DE ANI DE LA INAUGURAREA PORTULUI CONSTANTA 1909”.

Source National Bank of Romania

Czech 200 Koruna silver coin 2009

2009-09-03T15:05:00.000-07:00

On 4 March 2009, the Czech National Bank puts into circulation a commemorative silver 200 Koruna coin to mark the 100th anniversary of the reaching of the North Pole by Arctic explorer Robert Peary. The 200 Koruna coin is minted from alloy containing 900 parts silver and 100 parts copper and is issued in two quality versions, in normal quality and proof quality, which differ in surface finish and edge marking. Proof quality coins have a highly polished field and a matt relief, the edge is plain with a frieze “CZECH NATIONAL BANK* Ag 0.900 * 13 g *”. Normal quality coins have milled edges. The coin is 31 mm in diameter, weighs 13 g and is 2.35 mm thick. As with any other coins, deviations in diameter of 0.1 mm and thickness of 0.15 mm are allowed. Upward deviations in weight of 0.26 g and the silver content of 1% are allowed.
The obverse of the coin features the portrait of Arctic explorer Robert Peary. The name of the state “ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA” (Czech Republik) and the denomination and abbreviated monetary unit “200 Kč” are written around the ring. The logo of the International Polar Year is situated between the name of the state and the denomination of the coin. The mark of the Czech Mint is located below the portrait of the Arctic explorer. The reverse of the 200 coin features a symbolic image of the North Pole and an Arctic expedition with dogs above which is an aurora. Written on the ring is an unclosed text “REACHING OF THE NORTH POLE “ and the years “1909 – 2009”. The initials of the designer of the coin, the sculptor Jiří Vaněček, made up of linked letters “JV” are located between the figure of the first Arctic explorer and the years.
Each coin comes with a grey blue-printed postcard-sized catalogue card. The relief of the coin is dry-stamped through silver foil. The text is given in Czech and English. The card is the same for the normal-quality and proof-quality coins.
Source CZECH NATIONAL BANK

Slovenia 2 EURO 2009

2009-08-23T07:55:00.000-07:00

The euro celebrated its 10th anniversary on 1 January 2009. Ten years ago, the euro was first introduced as book money, with euro banknotes and coins entering into circulation in 2002. Today, the euro is used for payments by more than 329 million residents of the euro area, which now comprises 16 of the 27 EU Member States.

In its 10 years of existence, the euro has led to price stability, increased price transparency, facilitated trade between countries and accelerated economic and financial integration within the euro area and with other countries. In just a single decade, the euro has become the world's second most important currency.
On May 1998, the leaders of EU Member States adopted a key decision regarding the launch of the third stage of Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) and those countries to be included therein. At the same time, the European Central Bank, which assumed responsibility for conducting the single monetary policy for the euro area, was established.

The introduction of the euro was actually the result of several years of preparations and represents one of the most important steps in the process of European integration. The idea of a European monetary union dates back to the beginning of the second half of the last century, although it only became a reality 10 years ago.
Slovenia like all other euro area countries issued 2-euro commemorative coin using a common design on the national side to celebrate ten years of economic and monetary union and the creation of the euro.
Production and minting: Mint of Finland, Vantaa, Finland
Date of issue: January 2009

Belarus 20 roubles 2008, silver commemorative coin

2009-07-26T10:43:00.001-07:00

Obverse: at the top – the relief of the State Coat of Arms of the Republic of Belarus and inscription REPUBLIC OF BELARUS; in the center – on a background of a symbol of eternal movement – wheels of a distaff passing in structure of annual rings on cuts of a tree – the stylized image of silhouettes of cuckooes and elements of the Belarus national ornament; beneath: year of issue, fine silver alloy standard at the bottom – face value 20 ROUBLES – inscriptions along the rim at the top REPUBLIC OF BELARUS.
Reverse: in the center – the stylized image of a cuckoo, which wings remind a wave of long sleeves of lady's wear in dance; on a silhouette of a bird – elements of the Belarus national ornament; under the right wing – conditional images of statuettes of children and ovals in the form of eggs which serve as symbols of a legend; at the left on a circle an inscription: The Legend of the Cuckoo.
Design: O. Novoselova (Belarus).
Minted by: CJSC "Lithuanian Mint", Vilnius, Lithuania
Silver, Alloy standard of silver: 925
Denomination: 20 rubles
Weight of coin: 33.62 g
Fine silver content: 31.1 g
Quality: "proof"
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Mintage: 5000 pcs.

Source: National bank of the Belarus.

Aruba 10 Florin Carnival Gold Coin 2009

2009-07-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

In the year 2009 Aruba will be celebrating it’s 55
years of carnival. In this context, the Central Bank
of Aruba, on behalf of the government has issued a
special coin in gold proof, commemorating this
cultural celebration.
Aruba will celebrate her 55th Carnival in 2009. On
Aruba Carnival is celebrated for more than 64
years. However the first official Carnival parades
and election of Carnival Queen were held in 1955
after ‘the Central Carnival Committee of Aruba’ was
installed. In the early years the many carnival
groups were inspired by Afro-Caribbean and
historic themes. The years thereafter showed that
themes like Aruban flora and fauna, tourism, culture
and folklore were appreciated more amongst the
participating groups. This made the Aruban
Carnival so unique, which attributed to the
popularity of the festival celebrations in the
Caribbean, South-America, the United States and
Northern Europe. The most important events during
the Carnival season are: the elections of Carnival
Queen, the Calypso and Roadmarch music festival,
the Lighting Parade, the Jouvert Morning (opening
morning) and the Grand Parades during the
weekend before Ash Wednesday.

Armenia, 10000 drams 2009, gold

2009-07-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

This gold commemorative coin depicting Taurus has been issued by the Central Bank of Armenia under the International Program “The Signs of Zodiac”.
For over 5000 years this constellation between Aries and Orion has been associated with a bull. Bulls have been worshipped since ancient times as symbols of strength and fertility.
Greek mythology states that Europa, daughter of Agenor, King of Phoenicia, was playing at the waters edge when Zeus appeared before her in the form of a majestic white bull. Zeus raped and carried Europa to Crete and made her his mistress.
The astrological period called Taurus takes the period from April 21 to May 20.
The coin issued with colored inks.
Designed by U. Walerzak.
Minted in the Mint of Poland.

Nominal value: 10000 drams
Metal: gold 900 0
Weight (gr): 8,6
Diameter (mm): 22,0
Quality: uncirculated
Edge: milled
Number of issued: up to 10000 pcs

Source: Central Bank of Armenia

3 rubles, Russia, 2009

2009-07-03T16:55:00.000-07:00

The obverse: in the centre - the emblem of the Bank of Russia [the two-headed eagle with wings down, under it - the semicircular inscription "БАНК РОССИИ" (BANK OF RUSSIA)] framed by a circle of dots and inscriptions along the rim - on top: "ТРИ РУБЛЯ" (THREE RUBLES), below: to the left - indications of the precious metal and its fineness, in the centre - the year of issue "2009 г." (2009), to the right - the fine metal content and the mint trade mark.

The reverse: in image of Saint George the Victorious sitting on horseback and spearing a dragon.

The edge: 300 corrugations.

Denomination: 3 rubles
The artist and sculptor: A.V. Baklanov, National Artist of Russia.Mint: Saint Petersburg Mint
Metal, fineness: Silver 999/1000
Total weight, G: 31,50

Source: The Central Bank of Russian Federation

Swiss 10 francs 2009

2009-06-29T06:29:00.000-07:00

Since 1936, the Swiss Confederation has been issuing commemorative coins to mark significant historical and cultural events, or to honor outstanding personalities. Tribute is also paid to typical aspects of Swiss cultural life.True to tradition, commemorative coins are the work of Swiss artists. In collaboration with the Federal Office of Culture, Swiss mint commissions the design of new coins and also organizes design competitions.These special-issue coins bear a legal face value and are minted in limited editions. They are available in the qualities 'polished plate' (proof) and 'uncirculated'. The Swiss Confederation uses the net proceeds from the sale of commemorative coins to promote cultural projects throughout Switzerland.

Prior to the definitive striking of a coin, trial minting are frequently carried out with provisionally engraved mint dies. Among other things, the procedure of trial minting facilitates quality control of the dies, the minting process, the flow of metal, as well as verification of the suitability of the minting blanks. In earlier times, trial pieces struck before the actual minting process began were – with few exceptions – destroyed.In 1998, Swiss mint decided to sell limited quantities of trial coins at irregular intervals. These coins bear a special signet to unambiguously differentiate them from regularly minted coinage. This distinctive marking stamped on the relief is in the form of a ¾-circle open at the upper left, featuring a stylized Swiss cross in the middle. The letter E in italics to the upper left stands for essay, or trial. As trial coins are the result of test minting, the quality of these pieces is not in every case identical to that of the definitively struck coin.Annual circulation coin sets comprise all currently circulated denominations from the 1-centime piece to the 5-franc piece. These coin sets additionally include a bimetal commemorative coin bearing a legal face value of 10 Swiss francs. The annual circulation coin sets are available in polished plate (proof) and brilliant uncirculated minting qualities.

obverse

Swiss National Park – Red deer
Niklaus Heeb, Rodersdorf

reverse

10-franc piece, bimetal, with legal face value

Alloy: Aluminium Bronze (Cu 92/Al 6/Ni 2) + Cupronickel (Cu 75/Ni 25)
Diameter: 33 mm
Weight: 15 g
Uncirculated max 95.000
Proof max 12.000

Source http://www.swissmint.ch/

New 10 denara and 50 denara coins from Macedonia

2009-04-21T06:38:00.000-07:00

50 denars:
Issue 2008
Diam. 26,5 mm; Weight 7,7 g
Metal: Cu62Ni18Zn20Period of circulation 15.11.2008

Ob. 50 ДЕНАРИ in the lower central field. Stylized horizon with a 16-ray sun.

Rev. РЕПУБЛИКА МАКЕДОНИЈА, circular; 2008 in the lower central field. Archangel Gabriel, fresco from the church of St. Ghiorghi in Kurbinovo - XII century, detail presented on the banknote of 50 Denars.

10 denars:
Issue 2008
Diam. 24,5 mm; Weight 6,6 g
Metal: Cu70Ni12Zn18Period of circulation: 15.11.2008

Ob. 10 ДЕНАРИ in the lower central field. Stylized horizon with a 16-ray sun.

Rev. РЕПУБЛИКА МАКЕДОНИЈА, circular; 2008 in the lower central field. Peacock, floor mosaic from Stobi from the VI century, detail presented on the banknote of 10 Denars.

Source: National Bank of the Republic of Macedonia

Finland, 2 commemorative EURO, 2009

2009-04-13T21:56:00.000-07:00

All euro area countries are issuing a two-euro commemorative coin to celebrate the 10th anniversary of economic and monetary union in Europe. The obverse side of the coin shows a stick figure which merges into the euro symbol and ‘EMU 1999 – 2009’. The obverse side of the Finnish coin also has the text ‘SUOMI FINLAND 2009’ and the lettering ‘Talous- ja rahaliitto EMU’ written around the edge of the coin. The reverse of the coin is identical to that of existing two-euro coins in circulation. A total of 1,400,000 of the new commemorative coins will be struck in Finland. The Bank of Finland will issue around half of the total batch through normal currency supply channels and the other half through Finnish commercial banks as wholesale deliveries. Most of the new coins will enter circulation as change given in retail outlets, though they will also be available for purchase in coin shops. The coins will be put into circulation in early January. The commemorative coins will be legal tender in all euro area countries.

Source : Bank of Finland

10 levs 2008.

2009-03-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

TECHNICAL FEATURES
nominal value BGN 10
metal silver, purity 999/1000 with partial gold plating on the outer circle on both sides of the coin issue 2008
quality proof
weigh 20 g
diameter 40 mm
edge smooth
mintage 8,000

The obverse of the coin features the logo of the Bulgarian National Bank in the inner circle, with the year “1879” written on the ribbon and the nominal value of the coin “10 ЛЕВА” (10 levs). In circumference in the outer circle is the wording "БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА" and the year of issue "2008".

The reverse of the coin features the image of the broze head of the Thracian king Sevt III found in 2004 near Kazanlak. In circumference in the outer circle there is the text „СЪКРОВИЩАТА НА БЪЛГАРИЯ” (‘BULGARIA’S TREASURES’) and below it – „СЕВТ ІІІ” (‘SEVT III’).

Source Bulgarian National Bank

One pound 2009

2009-03-09T00:33:00.000-07:00

The new £1 coin bears on its reverse a rendition of the heraldic shield of the Royal Arms by Matthew Dent. Only the third version of the Royal Arms to appear on the £1 coin since 1983, while the obverse features the familiar portrait of Her Majesty the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. The edge features lettering with the Latin inscription reading DECUS ET TUTAMEN, meaning 'an ornament and a safeguard, this first appeared on the edge of coins of Charles II to deter the unscrupulous practice of clipping and shaving precious metal from the coins. Struck in Brilliant Uncirculated quality, the £1 coin is housed in a full-colour presentation folder detailing the rich history of the shield of the Royal Arms design and the inspiration behind choosing this shield for the new UK coinage.
As a powerful symbol of royal authority, the Royal Arms in various forms have featured on the coinage of every monarch since the reign of Edward III (1327-77). Coins were, and still are, issued under the personal authority of the monarch and came to be regarded as vehicles for royal imagery, whether in the form of a portrait or a monarch’s personal coat of arms. As heraldry itself started to grow as a symbol of royal identity, it was a natural progression for the Royal Arms to appear on the coinage. It is not surprising therefore that Matthew Dent, the winning designer, chose the Royal Arms, and in particular a shield of the Royal Arms, as the theme for his innovative range of new designs, with all four quarters spread over the six coins from the 1p to the 50p. Completing the new range of coins is the £1 coin featuring the shield of the Royal Arms in its entirety, uniting the six elements into one design.
Denom. £1
Alloy Nickel Brass
Weight 9.5 gms
Diameter 22.5 mm
Designer (Reverse) Matthew Dent
Designer (Obverse) Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Edge Inscription Decus et Tutamen

Source http://www.blogger.com/www.Royalmint.com

10 years of Euro

2009-02-22T21:44:00.000-08:00

For the second time in its short history, all eurozone member states will issue a €2 coin with a common design also on the national side. In 2007, the issue celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, while this new €2 coin celebrates ten years of economic and monetary union (EMU).EU citizens and residents have selected the new design by an on-line vote. The design symbolizes the euro as the latest step in the long history of European economic integration, and was created by Mr. G. Stamatopoulos, sculptor at the Minting Department of the Bank of Greece.The center of the reverse shows a stylized human figure whose left arm is prolonged by the euro symbol. The initials ΓΣ of the artist appear below the euro symbol. The name of the issuing country written in the national language(s) appear(s) at the top, while the legend “1999-2009” and the acronym EMU translated into the national language(s) appear at the bottom. The twelve stars of the European Union surround the design on the outer ring.

Poland 2 zloty coin 2009

2009-02-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

Metal CuAL Zn Snl alloy
diameter 27 mm
Weight 8.15 g
mintage (volume) 1.400.000 pcs

Obverse: An image of the Eagle established as the State Emblem of the Republic of Poland; on the sides of the Eagle the notation of the year of issue, 20-09; below the Eagle an inscription, ZŁ 2 ZŁ, in the rim an inscription, RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA, preceded and followed by six pearls. The Mint’s mark, M/W, under the Eagle’s left leg.

Reverse: A stylized image of the hussar of the 17th century, on horseback, in armour, with the
hussar’s wing and leopard skin on the back, carrying a lance with a pennant. On the left-hand side, a semicircular inscription, HUSARZ – XVII w.

On the edge: an inscription, NBP, repeated eight times, every second one inverted by 180
degrees, separated by stars.

Obverse designed by: Ewa Tyc-Karpińska
Reverse designed by: ANDR ZEJ NO WAKOWSKI

Source National bank of Poland

Sweden 1 krona, 2009

2009-02-07T16:08:00.000-08:00

The obverse of the coin shows a portrait of King Carl XVI Gustaf in profile and the text “CARL XVI GUSTAF •SVERIGES KONUNG” (Carl XVI Gustaf King of Sweden). Under the portrait is the year the coin was struck.

The reverse of the coin has a special strike consisting of a symbolic depiction of the sea as a link connecting Sweden and Finland. The upper edge contains the quotation “DEN UNDERBARA SAGAN OM ETT LAND PÅ ANDRA SIDAN HAFVET” (the wonderful tale of a land beyond the sea), taken from Anton Rosell´s book “Studentbesöket i Finland”. The lower edge carries the text "SVERIGE 1809 2009 FINLAND", the initials of the Riksbank Governor ("SI"), the first letter of the region where the coin is issued and the initials of the designer ("AWJ"). The denomination "1 KR" is at middle of the lower edge.

The edge of the coin is milled. The coin is silver-colored. The coin is designed by artist Ernst Nordin (obverse) and Annie Winblad Jakubowski (reverse).

Metal content: Alloy of 75 % copper and 25 % nickel
Weight: 7.00 grammas
Diameter: 25.00 millimeters
Border thickness: 1.88 millimeters

Source: Sweden National Bank

Grading coins

2009-01-26T21:50:00.000-08:00

Lets see how the Standard Catalog of World Coins attempts to guide us through grading.

''In grading coins, there are two elements to look for: 1) Overall wear, and 2) loss of design details, such as strands of hair, feathers on eagles, designs on coats of arms, etc. The age, rarity or type of a coin should not be a consideration in grading, Grade each coin by the weaker of the two sides. Grade by the amount of overall wear and loss of design detail evident on each side of the coin. On coins with a moderately small design element, which is prone to early wear, grade by that design alone.

For Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) grades there will be no visible signs of wear or handling, even under 30-power microscope. Full mint luster will be present. Ideally no bag marks will be evident.

For Uncirculated (Unc.) grades there will be no visible signs of wear or handling, even under a 30-power microscope. Bag marks may be present.

For Almost Uncirculated (AU), all detail will be visible. There will be wear only on the highest point of the coin. There will often be half or nore of the original mint luster present.

On the Extremely fine (XF) coin, there will be about 95% of the original detail visible. Or, on a coin with a design with no inner detail to wear down, there will be a very light wear over nearly all the coin. If a small design is used as the grading area, about 90% of the original detail will be visible. This latter rule stems from the logic that a smaller amount of detail needs to be present because a small area is being used to grade the whole coin.

The Very Fine (VF) coin will have about 75% of the original detail visible. Or, on a coin with no inner detail, there will be moderate wear over the entire coin. Corners of letters and numbers may be weak. A small grading area will have about 66% of the original detail.

For Fine (F), there will be about 50% of the original detail visible. Or, on a coin with no inner detail, there will be fairly heavy wear over all the coin. Sides of letters will be weak. A typically uncleaned coin will often appear as dirty of dull. A small grading area will have just under 50% of the original detail.

On the Very Good (VG) coin, there will be about 25% of the original detail visible. There will be heavy wear on all the coin.

The Good (G) coin's design will be clearly outlined but with substantial wear. Some of the larger detail may be visible. The rim may have a few weak spots of wear.

On the About Good (AG) coin, there will be typically be only a silhouette of a large design. The rim will be worn down into the letters if any. ''

1 dollar 2008 Sacagawea

2008-09-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

The Sacagawea Dollar honors the Indian guide that led Lewis and Clark on their discovery. On her back, Sacagawea carries her infant son Jean Baptiste, who she carried and cared for on her entire 3,000-mile portion of the expedition with Lewis and Clark.
The reverse shows a soaring American bald eagle encircled by 17 stars, symbolizing the states of the union at the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1804.

metal 88.5% Copper, 6% Zinc, 3.5% Manganese, 2% Nickel

The 2 Euro coin 2004 Greece

2008-08-14T01:06:00.000-07:00

Greece publishes 2004 the first 2 Euro Intending coins, which is course valid in the entire monetary union. European back, weight and material correspond to the normal rotating coin, the illustrated page show a Discus thrower and the Olympic rings. The European commission has green light on 30 September 2003 given for a new series of 2 Euro Think of coins. Starting from this year it is open all member states to coin/shape per year an intending coin in the value from 2 Euros to which exhibits the same specifications and the same European side, like the normal course coins. This new 2 Euro Think of coins is in completely euro country official, legal tender. For the editions of these coins, differently than thus with the rotating money, limitations, maximum limits of the embossing quantities, were specified. In completely euro country course-valid with the introduction of the euro-coins in the year 2002 one had agreed on European level first to leave it provisionally with the well-known national backs of the course coins. The population should get accustomed only once to the new change. Now the European commission in coordination with the governments of the euro-countries waived this restriction starting from the year 2004 for the 2 Euro coin. Greece premiere as the first country of the monetary union Greece uses the new freedom. On the occasion of the presentation of the Olympia intending coins too „2004 “in November in Berlin the director of many years of the national mint Athens, Konstantin Karkazis explained Athens that the Greek government had seized the resolution to publish 2004 from cause of the Olympic summer games such a coin. As motive a Discus thrower is intended. In addition the five Olympic rings are to be represented on only 2 Euro coin shaped with the year 2004. The height of the edition was not announced yet, however probably lies in the million-range. The 2 Euro coin, at the beginning of the yearly in Greece is in circulation given to be seen, is as addition to the precious metal program of the country. It is with the own population, in addition, beyond the borders of the organizer country for the sporty major event recruit - the classical auxiliary function of a coin already in the antiquity.

2007: Millennium Bridge, Newcastle/Gateshead (England)

2008-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Obverse: Rank-Broadley head, inscription ELIZABETH II D G REG F D 2007, starting below, IRB directly under the bust. Encircled by dots.
Reverse: A representation of the Gateshead Millennium Bridge with a border of struts, designed by Edwina Ellis, ONE POUND below. Encircled by a truss.
Edge: Two overlapping lines, one curved and one angular.
Composition: Nickel-Brass 70%copper, 5.5%nickel, 24.5% zinc
Diameter: 22.5 mm
Weight: 9.5 grms