Marilyn Monroe 2012 Silver Proof Coin

On 5th August 2012, it will be the 50th anniversary of Marilyn Monroe passing. Today, The Perth Mint has released a special commemorative coin to celebrate the occasion. Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality, the Marilyn Monroe™ coin depicts a photographic image of the actress set against a background of film with stars. The design also includes a representation of Marilyn’s signature and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark. The coin only have 12,500 pieces mintage and will be presented in a prestigious display case illustrated with the image of Marilyn Monroe and a film roll.

The coin reverse show a photographic image of Marilyn Monroe set against a background of film and stars. The design also includes The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and a representation of Marilyn’s signature. Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu. The coin obverse shows the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

An American actress, singer and model who graced the screen with her luminous beauty, Marilyn Monroe was considered the epitome of the blond bombshell. Marilyn Monroe ( 1 June 1926 – 5 August 1962) was born Norma Jeane Mortenson and baptized Norma Jeane Baker. Monroe began her career as a model, which led to a film contract in 1946. Her early film appearances were minor but well received. By 1953, Monroe had progressed to the leading roles in many popular films of her time, with her talent hailed by critics. During her career, Marilyn received a prestigious BAFTA award and a Golden Globe.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Silver Content (Troy oz): 1
Monetary Denomination (TVD): 1
Fineness (% purity): 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g): 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm): 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm): 4.00
Designer: Aleysha Howarth

Priced at $110, the 2012 Marilyn Monroe™ 1oz Silver Coin is available from The Perth Mint on toll free 1800 098 817 (Australia), +61 8 9421 7218 (International) or www.perthmint.com.au.

Photographed by Milton H Greene © 2012 Joshua Greene

Marilyn Monroe™; Rights of Publicity and Persona Rights: The Estate of Marilyn Monroe, LLC marilynmonroe.com

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2012 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins

Today, The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has released their 2012 Native Orchids of Singapore Coins set for collector, only will be issued on 8 May 2012. The series consist of Singapore two native orchids, Arundina graminifolia and Bulbophyllum macranthum. It will be a 999 Fine Silver Proof coins, weighs 1 troy ounce, has a face value of $5 and a diameter of 40.70mm. The coins can be purchased individually or as a set of 2 coins. For the coin set, only 3,000 sets will be produced. One unique feature of these coins are portion of the circumference of each coin is semi-rimless. The reverse of the coins show the orchids and the obverse bears the Singapore Arms with the year 2012.

Arundina graminifolia

This orchid is commonly known as the Bamboo Orchid for its strong resemblance to the bamboo plant. It is usually found in open grasslands where there is an abundance of light and moisture. The flowers are coloured in either white and lavender or a deep violet-pink combination with a subtle hint of bright yellow in the throat.

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: $5 dollar
Metal: 999 Fine Silver Proof
Weight: 1 troy ounce
Diameter: 40.70mm
Certificate: Yes
Mintage: 10,000


Bulbophyllum macranthum

This orchid is characterised by its unique flowers where the lip is situated at the top, giving it an “upside-down” orientation. The sepals are creamy-yellow or white, with specks of dark purple. The flowers emit a spicy odour to attract its pollinators. The leaves grow on separate pseudobulbs and have a leathery texture.

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: $5 dollar
Metal: 999 Fine Silver Proof
Weight: 1 troy ounce
Diameter: 40.70mm
Certificate: Yes
Mintage: 10,000

You can purchased the coins from the Singapore Mint. For enquiries and coin orders, you can contact The Singapore Mint at 6566 2626 / 6895 0288 / 6222 2486 / 6238 9890. www.singaporemint.com

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Canada RMS Titanic coins

I don't know why but people still love Titanic,  even after nearly 100 years of the sinking of the RMS Titanic on 15 April 1912. On its day, Titanic is the world's largest, most luxurious and reputedly safest passenger ship. On 5 March 2012, Royal Canada Mint unveiled a $10 Canada RMS titanic .9999 Silver coin. They also minted a coloured 50 cent silver plated coin and 25 cent cupro-nickel coin. Canada is related with efforts to recover RMS Titanic and their coins certainly a must collect for Titanic buff. At the time I wrote this article, over 87% of the Silver coins has been sold and it will finish any time soon.

A richly coloured 25-cent cupro-nickel  RMS titanic coin completes the Mint's account of the unforgettable story of RMS Titanic. Designed by Three Degrees Creative Group, the coin shows contrasting views of the RMS Titanic casting off on its maiden voyage before admiring crowds in Southampton, UK. This image is juxtaposed against a shimmering scene of the floating palace gliding through North Atlantic waters under a starry night sky. These haunting images are framed by two columns of four circles rising out from opposing sides of the coin's edge. These impressions symbolize the more than three million rivets which fastened the ship's hull. The coin is packaged in a colourful folder containing a pop-out bird's eye view of RMS Titanic sailing in all its glory, as well as facts about the ship and a timeline of her maiden voyage. Produced on demand, this captivating coin retails for $25.95 CDN.

The $10  RMS titanic 99.99% pure silver coin features a design by maritime artist Yves Bérubé of the ship under full steam as it nears the iceberg which would seal its fate. The proof finish of the coin shows off the longitude and latitude of its final resting place off Canada's Atlantic Coast in a delicately frosted highlight.  This finely crafted coin, equally suited to Titanic buffs, history enthusiasts, and collectors is limited to a mintage of 20,000 coins world-wide and is available for $64.95 CDN.

All the coins can be ordered by directly contacting the Royal Canadian Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca.

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Double Florin anniversary coin set

For a limited edition of 125 set, Royal Mint has released a Double Florin 125th anniversary coin set. The two coins in a set, a 'Very Fine' condition double-florin coin and a 2012 silver 20 pence coin is a treasure that you must keep. The double-florin is dated between 1887 and 1890, the four years during which the coin was minted, making the double-florin one of the shortest-lived British coin denominations ever. The silver 20p is included as the coin is the modern denomination equivalent of the double-florin and 2012 marks 30 years since its introduction. This limited edited set comes complete with a booklet detailing the history of coins, a numbered Certificate of Authenticity and a reprint of a numismatic paper on the double-florin written by Graham Dyer OBE FSA.

2012 20p Coin

On the reverse is a Queen Elizabeth II portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. On the reverse is a segment of the Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.

Denomination: 20p
Alloy: .925 Sterling Silver
Weight: 5.00g
Diameter: 21.40mm
Reverse Designer: Matthew Dent
Obverse Designer: Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Quality: Proof

Double Florin

The obverse side of the coin shows a portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a veil, with the inscription "VICTORIA - DEI GRATIA" (Victoria - By the grace of God), while the reverse side shows four cruciform-crowned shields bearing the emblems of England (x2), Scotland, and Ireland, with sceptres between the shields, in the style of Charles II's gold coins designed by John Roettiers; the inscription on the reverse reads, "FID DEF BRITT REG date".

Denomination: Four shillings
Alloy: .925 Sterling Silver
Weight: 22.60g
Diameter: 36.00mm
Reverse Designer: Leonard Wyon
Obverse Designer: Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm

For coin price and more information of the coins, you can visit Royal Mint UK at www.royalmint.com.

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NZ mint great white shark coin

I know many of you out there must have seen JAWS movie. I don't know about you but whenever I saw any shark in TV, website or blog, I will automatically remember that epic movie by Steven Spielberg. Recently, New Zealand mint has released a new 2012 Great White Shark coin, a 1oz Silver Coin Set. No specific date were given on the release date of the coins. The coin is in .999 pure silver with colour printed and limited to 4,000 coin sets only. New Zealand Mint coins has became very popular nowadays, I heard the WWII nose art silver coin has been out of stock. With this beautiful design by the New Zealand Mint and low mintage, the great white shark coin will be a hot sale too. Each set is presented in unique gift packaging featuring a water-filled coin case.

On the reverse of the coin, depicts a high relief, finely engraved figure of a Great White Shark. The engraving is complemented by colour printing, a porthole style border and unique bite-marks piercing through the coin. The obverse design show The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sovereign of the Commonwealth and Niue.

The great white shark, scientific name Carcharodon carcharias, also known as the great white, white pointer, white shark, or white death, is a large lamniform shark found in coastal surface waters in all major oceans. The great white shark is known for its size, with the largest individuals known to have approached or exceeded 6 metres (20 ft) in length, and 2,268 kilograms (5,000 lb) in weight. This shark reaches maturity at around 15 years of age and can have a life span of over 30 years.

Technical Specification:
Metal: 999 fine silver
Finish: Proof
Diameter: 40.7mm
Edge: Milled
Denomination: $2
Year of Issue: 2012
Mintage: 5,000

For more info about the coin, you can visit New Zealand Mint at www.nzmint.com.

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WWII nose art silver coin

New Zealand Mint has released a WWII nose art silver coin set with 3 famous Nose Art of WWII Bombers. The coin set consists of 3 1oz .999 silver coins and is limited to a mintage of 3,000 sets only. To make sure anyone don't mistaken this with nose-jewels or nose piercing, nose art is a decorative painting or design on the fuselage of a military aircraft, usually located near the nose, and is a form of aircraft graffiti. The decoration is unofficial and personal markings, the artist is often anonymous. Each set is presented in a custom tin replicating plane paneling. A certificate of authenticity comes with each set.

The coin reverse represent some of the most famous Nose Art of WWII Bombers. Background detailing of rivets in the plane panels.

On the Obverse, The Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, sovereign of the Commonwealth and Niue.

Technical Specifications:

Metal: .999 Silver

Finish: Proof

Diameter: 40mm

Denomination: $2

Year of Issue: 2012

Mintage: 3,000 sets

For more info about these coins, you can visit New Zealand Mint at www.nzmint.com.

WWII nose art silver coin Reviewed by lunaticg on Jan 6 . Beautiful Millitary Coins The WWII nose art silver coin by New Zealand Mint has bring another beautiful coin sets for collector, a must buy if you like Nose Art Rating: 4.0

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1933 Double Eagle not the most expensive coin

Reading news related to coins just now and its a little bit funny when all the major news website quote the 1933 Double Eagle as the World Most Expensive coin. You can read it in BBC, Daily Mail, Huffington Post and other major news site. Its a wrong information because since a new most expensive coin take over its position in 2010; 1794 silver dollar coin, 1933 double eagle is not the most expensive coin anymore. To anyone who still don't aware, 1933 double eagle will be on exhibition in UK this weekend at at Goldsmiths' Hall in Foster Lane. The 1933 double eagle UK Exhibition is a part of a European tour arranged by the Samlerhuset Group, parent company of the London Mint Office, with the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, based in Washington DC.

On 30 July 2002, 20 Dollars 1933 Double Eagle Gold Coin were auctioned of for $6.6 million, plus a buyer’s fee of 15% for a total price of $7,590,020 at Sotheby's, New York, USA. The coin became the world most expensive coin ever auctioned before a New World Most Expensive coin, 1794 Liberty Dollar beat the record in 2010. The Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar, sold in a private sale for $7.85 million to the Cardinal Collection Educational Foundation of Sunnyvale by Steven L. Contursi. The Name "Neil/Carter/Contrusi 1794 flowing hair dollar" came from the previous owner of the coin. The price became so high since many numismatist believe the coin is the first 1794 Silver Dollar.

You can read some of the news here:
CBBC Newsround, BBC news channel: The world's most expensive coin is on display in London.
Huffington Post: Rare Double Eagle, Most Expensive Gold Coin Ever Made, To Go On Show.
Daily Mail UK: Rare 'Double Eagle' 1933 coin worth $7.6 MILLION goes on show in UK for first time.

All of this maybe because Guinness World Record still put the Double Eagle 1933 as the most expensive coin in their website; Most Expensive coin sold at auction. But if you talk about the World Most Expensive Coin, it is the 1794 flowing hair dollar.

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10 Euro Silver Coin Sweepstakes

Want to win free 10 Euro Silver Coin Sweepstakes? Krause Publications recently has start a New Sweepstakes, 3 lucky winners will have a chance to win 2009 Austria €10 Silver Coin "Basilisk of Vienna". The coin is the first issue in a series of six from Austrian Mint's very popular, " Tales and Legends of Austria" series. The coin comes encapsulated and boxed with certificate of authenticity. The Basilisk is a horrendous creature of unnatural birth, part rooster and part toad. The sweepstakes start from 28 February 2012 and ended on 1 April 2012.

The obverse shows the site of the legend, the baker’s house in the lane called “Schönlanterngasse” (Lovely Lantern Lane), with the impressive Holy Cross Court at the end of the street. The house is a protected building with the story of the legend painted on its facade. The reverse shows the terrifying basilisk just as the young apprentice holds the mirror before it. At the top of the wall the frightend baker and the counselor watch the outcome of the confrontation below.

Fore more information and to enter the sweepstakes, visit www.NumismaticNews.net and click on "Sweepstakes" or "Win an Austrian coin".

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First Proof coin mint in Malaysia

Do you know what is the first proof coin mint by our Malaysia Mint? Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) had released a RM30 Sterling Silver on 26 January 1989 to commemorate BNM 30 years anniversary. The comemorative proof coin produced locally at Malaysia Mint (Kilang Wang BNM) in Shah Alam, making it the First Proof Coin Mint in Malaysia. The coins issued in Proof and non-proof coin. Before this coin has been minted, Malaysia proof coin were minted in UK, Singapore, USA, German and Australia. Only 10,000 pieces of these coins has been produced by Kilang Wang BNM.

The obverse side indicate the denomination, the bank logo and the year 1959-1989 at the top. The words "Bank Negara Malaysia" are along the circumference at the bottom of the coin.The reverse side feature the old and the present Bank Negara Malaysia head office buildings, side by side, the national flag in the background at the top and inscribed at the bottom the theme "Ulang Tahun Ke-30". 

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: RM30
Composition: 92.5% Silver 7.5% Copper
Diameter: 37.79mm
Weight: 22gm
Mintage: 10,000
Mint: Kilang Wang BNM
Box: Yes
Certificate: Yes

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€25 Austria Bionics Niobium Coin

In January 2012, Austria Mint has released €25 Austria Bionics Niobium Coin, the tenth coin in the silver niobium series. The silver outer ring and Purple colour niobium ‘pill’, illustrates how evolution in the natural world acts as a prototype for technology. Only 65,000 pieces of the coins will be minted and the delivery will only start on March 2012. the coin quality is Brilliant Uncirculated, come with a box and certificate.

The obverse shows the complex nautilus shell, often used as a model for leading edge modern design buildings. Above the nautilus an eagle flies – symbolizing the inspiration for an aircraft. The lotus flower to the left gave rise to repellents. The reverse side features an interior view of the Munich Olympic stadium, the roof of which was designed based on findings in the bionic world based on radiolarian shells. A highly magnified radiolarian shell is shown in the foreground.

The name "Niobium" comes from Greek mythology: Niobe, daughter of Tantalus. Niobium is a metal with extremely high chemical stability, low toxicity, improve the strength of steel and can be colored through ‘anodized oxidation’, the method first applied to coins by the Austrian Mint. A thin oxide layer is produced on the coin surface and subsequent light refraction enables different colours to arise. Other applications of niobium include its use in welding, nuclear industries, electronics, optics and jewelry.

Technical Specifications:
Mint: Austrian Mint
Denomination: €25
Quality: BU
Issue limit: 65,000 pcs.
Alloy: Silver ring, Niobium core
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 7.15 grams
Box/Capsule: Yes/Yes
Certificate: Yes

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Old News-PATA coins release

Another old news that I want to share, PATA coins release; Marking it with coins from New Straits Times, 1 April 1986. The release of the coins had bring a large crowd coming to Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) Kuala Lumpur Headquarters. The Silver Proof coins, packed in special blue cases, cost at RM40 a set and come with cerificate of Authenticity. The $1 non-proof coins sold at their face value. The coins feature the logo of the 35th Annual conference of PATA (Pacific Asia Travel Association) in Malaysia, Johan (PATA conference official mascot) a stylised version of the smiling giant leatherback turtle. 500,000 Uncirculated $1 copper-nickel coins and 11,000 $5 Silver Proof .500 coins were issued by BNM.

Marking it with coins; New Straits Times, 1 April 1986.

Bank Negara is to issue a set of silver proof $5 and $1 coins as well as a $1 cupro-nickel non-proof coin from April 9 to commemorate the Pata conference. These coins feature, comprising a stylised version of the smilling giant leatherback turtle with the inscription "35th Annual Conference" and the date of the conference-April 9 to 16. The two proof coins are being sold as a set at $40 each, while $1 non-proof coin will be issued at a face value. The proof coins have a metal composition of 50 per cent silver, 40 per cent copper and five percent each of zinc and nickel, while the non-proof $1 cupro-nickel coin is 75 percent copper and 25 percent nickel. both the non-proof and proof coins will be legal tender in Malaysia and will be available at branches of Bank Negara Malaysia. The bank said only a limited quantity of the proof coins, packed in special presentation cases, have been minted.

Will BNM sell their coins for the face value in the near future? I am probably can only dream about it. BNM also want to gain profit from the commemorative coins sales but please do some changes. At least, start a BNM online shop or official Malaysia Mint website. Malaysia coins and banknotes have many fan outside Malaysia too and not all Malaysian can go to BNM branches on the release date. One thing for sure, I cannot find any BNM Commemorative coins Model like Noor Aimah Mohd Nor from all newspaper cutting that I found. Maybe BNM should appointed her as the Official BNM Model for 2012. She is pretty and also Photogenic. Anyone agree?

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2011 Spongebob coin set

I know one of my Facebook friend is a fan of Spongebob Squarepants cartoon merchandise. This spongebob coin set maybe a perfect gift for her birthday. New Zealand Mint and PFG Precious Metals has released a coin set of Spongebob and his friends on a square, legal tender bullion coin. This precious bullion already available for shipping since 15 December 2011. The entire SpongeBob Coin Set is housed in a distinctive treasure chest. Each coin in the SpongeBob SquarePants set is struck from 1oz of pure silver. No more than 100,000 coins for each design (SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy and Gary) will be issued by the New Zealand Mint. The coins are legal tender of Niue Island.

On the reverse of each coins show the characters of SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends Patrick, Sandy and Gary.

The obverse of the coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II sovereign of the commonwealth of Niue.

Technical Specifications:
Purity: 1oz Fine Silver .999
Weight: 1 troy oz per coin
Dimensions: 35 mm x 35 mm
Edge: Plain
Finish: Bullion Quality
Denomination: $2
Country of Issue: Niue
Year of Issue: 2011
Mintage Per Design: 100,000

Each SpongeBob Set includes four - 1 troy oz silver coins and an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity issued by New Zealand Mint. The silver bullion coin set will be packaged in a unique treasure chest. For more info and if you are interested on buying the coin set, you can visit New Zealand Mint at www.nzmint.com.

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2015 Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Coins

Japan  Ministry of Finance has decided to issue commemorative coins for the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction project. The 1,000-yen silver and 10,000-yen gold commemorative coins will be issued  in fiscal 2015. The special commemorative coins will be given to investors who purchased special government bonds sold to raise funds for reconstruction work. The commemorative coins will be issued in four series, coins in this post are the first series. The designs for the second, third and fourth series will be selected through the contest to be held by the Japan Ministry of Finance and the Japan Mint.

On the coin obverse will bear the design of the lone pine tree that survived the tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, and doves. The tree, dubbed by residents the "miracle pine" has become a symbol of the city's reconstruction. On that side the words "Gambaro Nippon" (Let's keep it up, Japan) will be inscribed.

On the reverse, the silver 1,000-yen coin will depict a large fishing ship and an ear of rice, while the other side of the 10,000-yen coin, which is gold, will show a map of the government's designated special economic zones in the disaster-hit areas and doves.

10,000yen Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project Gold Coin

Material Pure gold
Weight 15.6g（1/2 troy ounce)
Diameter 26.0mm
Sales Price Under consideration
Mintage Limited issuance

1,000yen Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project Silver Coin

Material: Pure silver
Weight: 31.1g（1 troy ounce）
Diameter: 40.0mm
Sales Price: Under consideration
Mintage: Limited issuance

One 10,000-yen gold coin will be given for every 10 million yen's worth of reconstruction bonds as of April 15, 2015. A 1,000-yen silver coin will be offered for every 1 million yen's worth. Reconstruction bonds for individuals will be on sale at financial institutions all over Japan from March 5 to 30. The bonds will be issued on April 16 with a 10-year redemption period. The interest rate for the first three years will be 0.05 percent. It will become a floating rate from the fourth year, reviewed every six months.

Source: Japan Mint

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Odyssey Marine must return 500m treasure

As reported by AFP, Justice Clarence Thomas, a US Supreme Court justice refused to grant a Florida company's request to block a lower court's order to return treasure to the Spanish government that was salvaged from a ship sunk in 1804. Odyssey Marine Exploration must return 500m treasure which recovered from the wreck of the Spanish ship "Nuestra Senora de las Mercedes." The company was trying to overturn a February 1 decision by a federal court in Atlanta that ordered the treasure returned. The lower court said the ship, which was sunk during a battle with a British fleet, remained the property of Spain.

Picture by telegraph.co.uk: hoard of treasure found

The ship was found in May 2007 at a depth of 1,700 feet (518 meters) in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Portugal. It was returning from Peru. The hundreds of gold objects and more than 500,000 silver coins Odyssey Marine Exploration discovered are expected to be the most valuable treasure recovery in history.

The company hid the discovery under the code name of "Black Swan Project" while it removed the treasure to an undisclosed location.

The 11th US Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta ruling said that releasing the treasure "to Odyssey rather than Spain would be inconsistent with Spain's rights under the 1902 Treaty of Friendship and General Relations between the United States of America and Spain.

"This treaty requires the United States to extend to Spanish shipwrecked vessels the same protection and immunities afforded to its own shipwrecked vessels in similar circumstances."

Odyssey Marine Exploration still can appeal for a review by the entire Supreme Court, which historically has offered a minimal chance of success after rejection by one of its own justices.

Source: AFP.

Wish this kind of action will be taken by The Department of Museums Malaysia to all National treasure thieves. People had been exploring Malaysian water and land for treasure, without any action for a very long time. Some of them has became instant silent millionaire. We have the law but we cannot see any enforcement, as always has been in Malaysia. Some people really like to brag about their stolen find. Good luck to them.

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Andy Warhol Silver Coin 2011

Andy Warhol Silver coin 2011 is one of the coins that I had missed in my last year post. The 2011 France €10 Silver Proof "Andy Warhol" minted by Monnaie de Paris or France Mint. The coin is created to commemorate 25th anniversary of his death. It minted in .900 Silver Proof quality with only 10,000 pieces available worldwide. Andy Warhol was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art. He worked in a range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, film, and music. I love his art design and it will be a joy for at least keeping a coin that show one of his artwork.

On the Obverse, is Andy Warhol  artwork "Dollar Sign" (1981) in full color is used with the year 2011.

On the reverse, an Andy Warhol self- portrait from 1964 appears with the year dates of his birth and death (1928-1987). In the background is the famous quote "Making money is art".

Technical Specification:
Mint: Monnaie de Paris
Denomination: €10
Quality: Proof
Issue limit: 10,000 pcs.
Alloy: 90% Silver
Diameter: 37 mm
Weight: 22.2 g
Box/Capsule: Yes/Yes
Certificate: Yes
Price: $89.95

This coin is still available at Royal Scandinavian Mint, you can go to their website rsmint.com.

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€50 World Design Capital Helsinki coin

A new €50 World Design Capital Helsinki coin has been released by Mint of Finland during World Money Fair in Berlin. The 50 euros gold and silver coin minted to commemorate Helsinki as a 2012 World Design Capital awarded by International Council of Societies of Industrial Design. Only 5,000 pieces of this coins are minted by the Mint and it came with a beautiful gift package. The collector coin marking this momentous year has been designed by the designer Henna Lamberg. A 5 euro Aluminium-Bronze metal coin with the same design also has been released.

On the obverse show 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.

On the reverse show 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.

Technical Specifications:
Nominal value: 50 €
Metal: Ag 925/Au 750
Diameter: 27,25 mm
Weight: 10,8 g
Mintage: 5000
Designer: Henna Lamberg
Issue date: 3.2.2012
Year:  2012
Quality: Proof
Price: 430.00 €

If you're interested on buying the coin, you can visit Mint of Finland at www.suomenrahapaja.fi.

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Moose silver bullion coin

The Royal Canadian Mint has released Moose silver bullion coin, part of Canadian Wildlife 99.99% pure one-ounce silver bullion coin series. The Canada's largest land mammal pure silver bullion collection was launched today at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany before a premier gathering of the world's mints, distributors and buyers. The Mint's Ottawa facility will produce up to one million "Moose" silver bullion coins and will release at least two more special issues by early 2013. A total of six different species of Canada's legendary wildlife will thus have been depicted on finely crafted bullion coins struck of the same pure silver as the Mint's world-famous Silver Maple Leaf bullion coins.

The “Moose” silver bullion coin is struck from one troy ounce of 99.99% pure silver and has a face value of $5. The design of a majestic creature which rules Canada’s forests from Newfoundland to the Pacific Coast has been illustrated on the reverse of this coin by Senior Mint Engraver William Woodruff. The obverse features the effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, created in 2003 by Canadian portrait artist Susanna Blunt.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is pleased that our bullion coins continue to attract customers from around the world and receive acclaim for their purity, quality and craftsmanship," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint.

"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."

The 2012-dated "Moose" silver bullion coin will soon be available through the Mint's extensive network of bullion distributors. The next issue in this six-coin series will be announced later this year. For more information about the 2012 Moose Pure Silver Bullion coin you can visit www.mint.ca.

Source: Royal Canadian Mint.

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Malta 2012 coin programme

The Central Bank of Malta has published its 2012 Coin Programme listing the new coins to be issued this year. Coins which have already been issued are also referred to in the programme. Details are as follows:

Malta 2012 €2 10 years of Euro Commemorative Coin

In May 2011, Euro area citizens were invited to submit designs for €2 10 years of euro Commemorative Coin. A professional jury selected five from more than 800 designs. The short-listed designs were then placed online, open to all euro area citizens, for a public vote in June 2011. Close to 35,000 participated in the vote. The winning design, receiving 34% of the votes, was created by Mr Helmut Andexlinger, a professional designer at the Austrian Mint. The design symbolises the way in which the euro has become a truly global player in the last ten years and shows its importance in ordinary people's lives (represented by the people in the design), trade (the ship), industry (the factory) and energy (wind power stations). This is the third time that all euro area countries will issue a euro coin with a common design on the national side. The first was the commemorative €2 coin issued to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in 2007 and the second, in 2009, commemorated ten years of Economic and Monetary union and the creation of the euro as a unit of account.

€2 Commemorative Coin dated 2012 in roll x 25 coins
Selling price including VAT: €80
Maximum issue limit: 500,000
Engraver/Designer: obverse Helmut Andexlinger; reverse Luc Luycx
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

Malta 2012 Antonio Sciortino gold and silver coins

The Central Bank of Malta will issue a numismatic coin as part of the Europa Programme 2012 “European Artist” during March 2012. This coin, which will be available in gold and silver versions, commemorates Antonio Sciortino (1879 – 1947), a Maltese sculptor. He studied at L’Istituto Reale di Belle Arti in Rome and spent much of his life there, eventually becoming Director of the British Academy of Arts. He was initially influenced by Rodin, with his best works revealing this. Sciortino's favourite medium was bronze, which he used with great sensitivity. The coin depicts “Les Gavroches” (Street Urchins), Sciortino’s 1904 masterpiece based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel “Les Miserables”, a book that was banned by the Catholic Church at the time Sciortino completed this bronze statue. A bozzetto model of the statue was presented to Princess Elizabeth in 1951 and still forms part of the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace. The bronze statue was placed at the Upper Barrakka Gardens in Valletta. Following restoration in 2003, it was moved to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Valletta and a replica was placed where it had stood originally at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

SILVER version
Face value: €10
Diameter: 38.61mm
Weight: 28.28 grms
Alloy: 0.925 silver
Quality: Proof
Selling price including VAT: €53
Maximum issue limit: 10,000
Engraver/Designer: Royal Dutch Mint
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

GOLD version
Face Value: €50
Diameter: 21mm
Weight: 6.50 grms
Alloy: 0.916 gold
Quality: Proof
Selling price including VAT: €346
Maximum issue limit: 2,000
Engraver/Designer: Royal Dutch Mint
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

Other coin in the programme:

• A collector's medal featuring the Grand Master Jean Parisot de La Valette and St. John's Co-Cathedral. This medal is part of a presentation pack, which includes a DVD on renowned historical sites in Malta issued by the Malta Tourism Authority, on sale from May;
• A Euro Coin Set dated 2012 consisting of the eight Maltese euro circulation coins, a €2 commemorative coin, which is the second in a series of five coins featuring milestones from Malta's constitutional history (see below) and a replica coin of the Roman period, on sale from June; 
• A €2 commemorative coin relating to Malta's constitutional history bearing the inscription "Majority Representation – 1887" to be issued both in proof quality as well as in rolls of 25 coins each, on sale from September. 

The 2012 MCDC programme, order forms and terms and conditions are available from the bank's web site. www.centralbankmalta.org. Subject to availability of stock, collectors/general public will be guaranteed one item from each product. 

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Canada 2012 Silver Loonie Coin

Royal Canadian Mint has just released a Canada 2012 Silver Loonie coin for the 25 years anniversary of the Loonie. The Silver-Plated 25th Anniversary of the Loonie Coin (1987-2012) is available in a Coin Card along with a plastic envelope and includes a “Build your own Loon” paper toy as well as a full color mini-book with illustrations telling the story of the Loonie. The Loonie name come from The Great Northern Diver (a bird), known in North America as the Common Loon (Gavia immer), is a large member of the loon, or diver, family of birds.

The obverse of the coin show the current portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt and in use since 2003. The reverse, shows the loon with the commemorative year depiction of “1987 – 2012” and the text “CANADA” above the design and “DOLLAR” below.

Technical Specifications:
Mintage:  While Supplies Last
Composition: silver plated bronze-plated steel (SP/PA mark below the Queen denotes silver-plating)
Finish: uncirculated
Weight (g): 7.0
Diameter (mm): 26.5
Edge: plain
Certificate: N/A
Face value: 1 dollar
Artist: Ralph-Robert Carmichael (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

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