Silver Krugerrand coin to mark 50th anniversary

2017 marks the milestone 50th anniversary of The South African Gold Krugerrand, the world's first modern gold bullion coin. The Krugerrand has been the model for all other bullion coins issued since its 1967 debut. The Krugerrand remains the most widely held bullion coin in the world, and the most traded coin in history.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the Gold Krugerrand, the award-winning South African Mint has just released a limited FIRST EVER issue: A stunning new one-ounce pure Silver Krugerrand!

Issued by South Africa, the Silver Krugerrand is official legal-tender, struck in a full ounce of 99.9% pure silver. The silver coin bears the timeless design of the original: South African President Paul Kruger on one side, and the symbolic South African Springbok antelope on the other. In addition, each one-ounce silver coin features a special 50th anniversary mint mark.

The dies for the 2017 Silver Krugerrand have been digitally enhanced through innovative laser-etching technology not available in 1967. The results are razor-sharp detail, highlights, and shading not seen on a Krugerrand coin before. The first 2017 Krugerrands to showcase this technology will be Premium Uncirculated Silver Krugerrands, being officially distributed to American collectors exclusively by both GovMint.com and ModernCoinMart.com.

"The Krugerrand is one of the most respected and collected coins of the last century" said Bill Gale, President of GovMint.com and ModernCoinMart. "We are honored to be named by the South African Mint as the exclusive U.S. distributor for the 2017 Premium Uncirculated Silver Krugerrand. It is a fitting tribute to the 50th anniversary of this landmark coin. The Krugerrand legacy truly endures."

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About GovMint.com®

Since 1984, GovMint.com has been one of the world's leading sources of collectible coins. Headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, GovMint.com is an official distributor for seven major world mints and offers collectible coins from over 120 countries. GovMint.com has four offices in the U.S. More information at www.GovMint.com or call 800-642-9160.

About ModernCoinMart.com

ModernCoinMart (MCM) sets the standards for online sales of bullion, U.S. coins and world coins with free shipping, competitive pricing, a large selection, and customer service. Confidence. Trust. Reliability. That's the MCM way. More information at www.ModernCoinMart.com or call 1-800-362.-9004.

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World's largest Silver coin sold at APMEX

World's largest Silver coin, the 2016 Ivory Coast 1,750 oz Silver Elephant Coin sold at APMEX features the serial number "001/015," making it the first to be sold. The Ivory Coast Silver Elephant coin contains 1,750 oz of .999 fine Silver and measures 650 mm (25.59 inches) in diameter.

The obverse (front) of the coin features the African Bush Elephant standing tall, along with the French phrase "Le Monde Animal En Peril," translating to "The Animal World In Peril."

The reverse (back) displays the Ivory Coast coat of arms and gives the nominal value of "1,000,000 Francs CFA." Each coin also features a serial number with only numbers 002 to 015 remaining. The extraordinary design and antique finish is hand carved by a talented and respected designer, rather than machine produced, making each coin unique.

This 120-pound coin minted by Geiger Edelmetalle in Germany, comes with a mounted display stand, specially crafted to hold the weight of this impressive coin.

"We are excited to work with Geiger to provide our customers the opportunity of owning the world's largest Silver coin," APMEX Vice President of Merchandising Andrew Martineau said. "This coin is in a class all its own. From the artistically hand-crafted design to the antique finish, this coin is remarkable."

APMEX VIP Specialist Paul Stevens sold the coin September 9 and worked closely with APMEX Junior Product Manager Michael Brunson, who sourced the coin. The purchaser commented to Stevens they are excited to add this beautiful coin to their ever-growing collection.

"This coin is an incredible sight," APMEX Vice President of Sales Mark Yoshimura said. "The sheer size and weight is enough to stun those who see it. Geiger manufactures incredible products and this one-of-a-kind coin is no different. The new owners of this phenomenal coin will be more than pleased."

This unparalleled coin is the first to be sold in the limited mintage of 15. You can find more information about the coin and the history of Geiger Edelmetalle by visiting the product listing on the APMEX website www.apmex.com.

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2016 Time €25 Silver Niobium Coin

On 9 March 2016, the Austrian Mint will released new Silver Niobium series coin, 2016 Time €25 Silver Niobium Coin. The latest ingenious addition to the Austrian Mint’s best-selling two-tone silver niobium coins dedicated to the history of chronometry.

Time Silver Niobium Coin uses its two-tone niobium core and outer silver ring to show a selection of timepieces throughout the ages.

The coin reverse shows a time spiral and the time in a selection of famous cities. It also show the sun and moon, along with an hourglass and watch mechanism, which were widely used until the 16th century.

On the obverse, the coin shows an old-fashioned clock face in the niobium core and a chronometer in the outer silver ring with wording "REPUBLIK ÖSTERREICH", year of issue, 2016 and face value 25 EURO.

Technical Specifications:
Quality: special uncirculated
Collection: Silver-Niobium
Face value: 25 Euro
Date of issue: 09.03.2016
Coin design: Mag. Helmut Andexlinger
Diameter: 34.00 mm
Alloy: Silver-Niobium
Ring: Silber Ag 900
Pill: Niob
Fine weight: 9.00 g
Total weight: 16.50 g
Mintage: 65,000
Price released: €69.60 incl. 20% VAT
Comes in a case complete with a numbered certificate of authenticity and protective slipcase

The theoretical meaning of time may have long been a major subject of debate among philosophers, physicists and religious figures, but the more practical discipline of its measurement has proved to be less of a mystery. It was determined back then that an hour lasts 60 minutes, though time has since been increasingly sub-divided, first into seconds and eventually nanoseconds. This has had the effect of making time ever more precious, with the phrase “time is money“, famously coined by Benjamin Franklin in 1748, being more pertinent today than ever, Standing for lasting value in a fast-moving world.

The 2016 Time €25 Silver Niobium Coin already sold out on the first day (February 17) of its released on Austrian Mint official website www.muenzeoesterreich.at.

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Canada launched "Predator" bullion coin series

The Royal Canadian Mint has launched a new "Predator" 1 oz., 99.99% pure silver bullion coin series and a new 1 oz., 99.999% pure gold bullion coin from its "Call of the Wild" series, featuring the "Roaring Grizzly".

Both coins were unveiled at the 2016 World Money Fair, the annual gathering of the world minting industry.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to produce bullion coins which stand out for their purity and security, as well as their distinctly Canadian character," said Sandra L. Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "With these newest bullion coins, the Mint is showing it can both celebrate Canada while delivering excellence to the world's precious metal investors."

The 2016-dated Cougar is the first in a new four-coin, 1 oz., 99.99% pure silver bullion "Predator" series celebrating some of Canada's most impressive animals of prey. This coin features the fearsome sight of a leaping cougar. Contrasted against a background of precise radial lines, this vivid illustration is the work of acclaimed Canadian coin designer and nature illustrator Emily Damstra. Coins from this new silver bullion series will be produced to a maximum mintage of one million.

The 2016-dated, Roaring Grizzly is the newest coin in the Mint's 99.999% pure gold bullion "Call of the Wild" series. Its $200 denomination represents the highest value legal tender among the world's 1 oz. gold bullion coins. The coin's reverse is designed by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc, who has boldly illustrated an ominous grizzly bear, backed by lines representing the sound waves of his chilling roar. This gold bullion coin is presented in richly designed credit card-style packaging and will be produced to demand.

Both these coins feature the addition of a micro-engraved maple leaf mint mark for enhanced security.

In keeping with a distribution model common to the world's major issuers of bullion coins, the Mint does not sell bullion directly to the public. Interested buyers are encouraged to contact a reputable bullion dealer to order these new gold and silver bullion coins.

For more information on the Mint, its products and services, visit www.mint.ca.

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140 years Canada Library of Parliament coin released

The Royal Canadian Mint is celebrating the 140th anniversary of the Library of Parliament with its first ever concave coin, whose ultra-high relief shows off the amazing detail of the Library's architecture, as seen from the inside of its domed ceiling. This coin was unveiled today before Senators, MPs and special guests assembled at an event held in the Library of Parliament.

"For 140 years, the Library of Parliament has been a vital source of support and inspiration to the legislators who built Canada into one of the world's leading democracies," said the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance. "The historical and cultural value of this institution has been masterfully captured by the Mint on a coin which is sure to evoke Canadian pride for generations to come."

"The Library of Parliament stands as both an architectural treasure of the early days of Confederation and an enduring guardian of Canada's parliamentary traditions," said Sandra L. Hanington, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Mint's renowned innovation and craftsmanship bring to life the Library's famous architecture with our very first concave coin."

"Since the Library of Parliament opened its doors in 1876, it has contributed to Canada's parliamentary democracy by supporting parliamentarians with customized information and authoritative research" said Sonia L'Heureux, Parliamentary Librarian. "Today's launch of a unique commemorative coin by the Royal Canadian Mint celebrates this rich history and the impressive architecture of our iconic main Library building. We are delighted to mark this historical milestone in such an innovative way."

Crafted of 99.99% pure silver and double-dated 1876-2016, the reverse side of this coin combines several innovations to capture a visually stunning panorama of the Library of Parliament's neo-gothic interior. Its concave design evokes the airiness of its high-domed ceiling, while ultra-high relief engraving and an antique finish bring out the depth and detail of its many architectural features. This $25 face value coin is also a first for showing a convex effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse side. Limited to a mintage 6,000, this coin retails for $159.95 CAD.

This coin can be pre-ordered as of January 29, 2016 by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. As of February 2, the coin will also be available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

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Rudman Collection of Mexican Coins in Heritage Auction

Part two of the Rudman Collection Mexican Coins will be offered in official live auctions in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention on January 10. This selection from the Rudman Collection illustrates an impressive passion for the Spanish Colonial coinage of Mexico, this time through its silver issues.

The Pillar issues of Philip V, Ferdinand VI and Charles III make up a particularly important part of the Rudman Collection offering. Not only is the type, featuring the Pillars of Hercules, widely collected by Mexican specialists, but as a coin that widely circulated throughout the United States, it is also fondly admired by many U.S. colonial specialists. A particularly fine example is the Ferdinand VI 8 Reales of 1756. Graded MS64 by NGC, this example boasts semi-reflective luster and a sharp strike. The eye-appeal is undeniably fresh for this issue, and for the sub-type that features a differently styled crown over the pillars, it is the only graded MS64, with a single MS65 of a different date residing in the NGC census.

While there are many other rarer pillar issues (in the absolute sense) in the collection, we also feel compelled to mention a 1761-dated 2 Reales from the reign of Charles III graded MS64 by NGC. While the date is reasonably available, the eye-appeal of this example, with its bright rainbow highlights, is truly mesmerizing.

Several other outstanding highlights come from the ephemeral reign of Augustin de Iturbide. Struck for a period of only two years, yet offering numerous bust types, these issues have long captivated collectors. Worthy of particular note is an 1822 8 Reales with a long, smooth next truncation. This coin, graded MS64 by NGC, is the epitome of an original coin, with richly blended earthen hues in the open fields and fiery multicolored accents that cling to the raised design. As the single finest graded, it's unlikely that a finer coin exists, and with the added provenance of the Virgil Brand and Emery May Norweb collections, it's a coin that rightfully merits legendary status.

This auction is open for bidding now at HA.com/Coins.

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Cambodia issued ASEAN Commemorative Coins

The National Bank of Cambodia (NBC) will be issuing ASEAN Commemorative Coins to mark the establishment of the ASEAN Community on Dec. 31, 2015, according to its statement on Friday.

"The NBC, together with the Royal Government of Cambodia, would like to express our congratulations to the ASEAN member states for successfully moving another step forward in the process of regional integration," the statement said. "This significant achievement will be beneficial to all ASEAN nations."

The 31.1-gram silver coins, with the face value of 3,000 riels, displays Cambodia's famed Angkor Wat Temple on the obverse and the ASEAN flag with flags of the ASEAN member states on the reverse.

The NBC will introduce the sale of those commemorative coins at 223,000 riels (about 55 U.S. dollars) per coin, the statement said, adding that coins may be purchased at the bank's headquarters from Dec. 25 onward.

Founded in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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United Kingdom’s first ever £50 Coin

The Royal Mint has produced its first ever £50 coin, Britannia 2015 UK £50 Fine Silver Coin. The new addition to United Kingdom’s face-value coin series features two of the most famous symbols of Britain – Britannia and Her Majesty The Queen. Unusually, the designs on both sides of the coin are by the same artist, Royal Mint engraver, Jody Clark.

This legal tender £50 coin has been minted in fine silver to Brilliant Uncirculated standard. It is not common in recent times for a coin to feature obverse and reverse designs by the same artist, but Jody Clark’s contemporary interpretation of Britannia with the British lion, and his portrait of The Queen, complement one another perfectly.

Britannia is a popular representation of Britain, reimagined through the centuries, always reflecting the United Kingdom at a moment in time. She personifies our nation, our history and the values we uphold. Today’s Britannia, depicted by Jody Clark, is strong and elegant, standing before the world with the British lion at her side. Her Majesty The Queen is respected and admired all around the world, her portrait on our coins a reassuring presence for more than six decades. These two unmistakable figures were the perfect choice for this the very first face-value £50 coin to be issued by The Royal Mint, especially in 2015, the year Britannia returns to the circulating coinage.

This £50 coin, the very first of its kind, joins a series of face- value coins released in recent years. In 2013, the UK’s first face-value £20 coin was issued, bearing Benedetto Pistrucci's famous St George and the dragon design. A face-value £100 coin was first struck in 2015, featuring the national landmark, Big Ben. Each coin, minted in fine silver, is available at face value, and the range continues to grow.

Britannia has appeared on British coins since Roman times, a familiar presence, ‘queen of the seas’ and guardian of these shores. She has been a constant on our coins since the seventeenth century, and in 1987, the flagship Britannia coin was launched. The Britannia coin is now struck annually, with Proof editions bearing a new interpretation of this legend each year – she is the changing face of Britain. In 2015, Britannia made a welcome return to the circulating coinage, appearing on the £2 coin, which will become the definitive United Kingdom edition.

You can buy Britannia 2015 UK £50 Fine Silver Coin on the Royal Mint's website and only 100,000 of the coins will be minted.

Source: Royal Mint UK

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2016 $5 Cassiopeia Curved Silver Proof Coin

Royal Australian Mint has released another domed shape coin, the first coin of a three-coin Northern Sky series; 2016 $5 Northern Sky Cassiopeia Curved Silver Proof Coin. With only 5,000 set available worldwide at AUD$120.00 each.

The $5 Cassiopeia Curved Silver Proof Coin is Australian legal tender, struck to Proof quality from 1oz 99.9% silver. Complete with a case and numbered Certificate.

The coin reverse show a beautiful colour-printed depiction of the Cassiopeia constellation with inscription "NORTHERN SKY - CASSIOPEIA" and the denomination FIVE DOLLARS. The coin obverse show the effigy of the reigning monarch, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

This coin will be dispatch after release date on 1st December 2015.

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: $5
Metal: Silver (Ag)
Diameter: 39.62 mm
Mass: 1oz
Finish: Coloured Print Proof
Mintage: 5000

In Greek mythology, Cassiopeia was the beautiful but boastful queen of Ethiopia. While her beauty could never be questioned, her vanity became her tragic legacy. Cassiopeia can still be seen in the northern skies today, with her throne circling the celestial pole and her arm desperately hanging on. As per Poseidon’s wishes, the constellation is sometimes seen upside down, and appears as either an M or W depending on when it is being viewed. After being catalogued in the second century by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy it is still classed as one of today’s 88 modern constellations.

You can now pre-order 2016 $5 Northern Sky Cassiopeia Curved Silver Proof Coin in the Royal Australian Mint website eshop.ramint.gov.au.

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Silver quarters top Gardner IV auction by Heritage

A group of twenty-five cent pieces took center stage as Heritage presented Part Four of the Eugene H. Gardner Collection in New York, October 28. This final section of the collection, devoted to Gene Gardner's duplicates, upgrades, and specialty pieces that were not part of his core sets, raised nearly $5.9 million overall. All prices include a 17.5% Buyer's Premium.

Two highly-prized early Carson City quarters vied for top honors in this auction. A 1871-CC quarter, at AU55 PCGS the sole finest non-Mint State example, and the third or fourth finest of the date overall, sold for $79,312.50. Amazingly, one of the finer coins was sold in one of the earlier sessions of the Gardner collection! A second CC mint rarity, the 1873-CC with Arrows, also graded AU55 by PCGS, sold for $76,375. Only two coins have been certified any finer of this issue, the sole Carson City representative of the short-lived Arrow, With Motto subtype.

Equalling the 1873-CC's result of $76,375 was an 1820 quarter, Medium 0, graded MS66 by PCGS. Only two 1820 quarters, regardless of variety, have been certified in higher grades, and this highly appealing example will undoubtedly bring a great deal of pleasure to its new owner. The final quarter at the top of the roster for this auction is the 1850 Proof, the second finest of only four known, graded Proof-65 by NGC. This coin bears a pedigree back to its original purchase from the Mint in 1850, and long resided in the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris.

Just a few of the many other highlights of this auction included:

• 1803 10C JR-4, AU58 NGC
• 1796 10C JR-6, MS64 Prooflike NGC
• 1871-CC 50C Repunched Date, MS62 PCGS. CAC
• 1841 25C PR61 PCGS
• 1874-CC 50C Arrows, MS64 PCGS
• 1795 50C 2 Leaves, O-104, MS61 NGC
• 1795 H10C V-4a, MS64 PCGS. CAC
• 1914-D $2 1/2 MS65 PCGS. CAC

The New York Signature auction runs through November 1 at www.HA.com/coins. 

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2016 Britannia Sweepstakes launch by APMEX

APMEX is announcing the launch of the "2016 Britannia Sweepstakes" with the release of the 2016 Gold and Silver Britannias. This sweepstakes will give away a total of 100 ounces of Silver to four winners, giving them the unique opportunity to win an artist-signed tube of 1 oz Silver Britannias.

The 25-coin tube of 2016 1 oz Silver Britannias includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Jody Clark, the talented Royal Mint engraver who was tasked with creating the obverse design featuring the Queen's fifth effigy. At 33, Clark is the youngest artist ever to have his coin portrait chosen and is the first Royal Mint engraver to have their work used for this purpose in over 100 years.

"We're always looking for ways to give our customers a level of service that just can't be beat," said APMEX CEO Ken Lewis. "This sweepstakes is just one example of how we're doing that. We're thrilled to be the exclusive retailer to bring customers such a unique and exciting opportunity. Not only do the winners walk away with 25 ounces of free Silver, they get the opportunity to win a piece of history."

The 2016 Britannia Sweepstakes begins October 22, 2015 and runs through November 10, 2015. To enter the sweepstakes, simply pre-order any 2016 Gold or Silver Britannia coin from APMEX and you'll be automatically entered. Visit www.apmex.com/BritanniaSweepstakes for more ways to enter and for official rules. Four winners will be selected on November 11, 2015 from all eligible entries received.

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Lord St Oswald 1794 dollar sold US$4,993,750

A Lord Saint Oswald specimen of the 1794 dollar, Graded MS-66+ by PCGS and considered one of the finest 1794 dollars known sold for US$4,993,750 (Including Buyer’s Premium) in The D. Brent Pogue Collection, Part II sale presented by auctioneers Stacks Bowers Galleries and Sotheby’s in New York City on 30 September 2015.

The coin was acquired in Philadelphia after its mintage by British author and House of Lords member William Strickland. After nearly 170 years stored in his family’s coin cabinet, in 1964, the 1794 Flowing Hair dollar appeared in a London Christie’s auction as “the property of Major the Lord St. Oswald, M.C.” The title belonged to a 48-year-old member of the House of Lords named Rowland Denys Guy Winn. The coins sold with his name had descended through his family for generations, housed in a beautiful 18th century coin cabinet made by Thomas Chippendale himself for the family estate, known as Nostell Priory, in Yorkshire.

The coin was acquired for a bid of £4000 by an American woman, Jacque C. Ostheimer and placed into the Ostheimer Collection. Mrs. Ostheimer looked at both 1794 dollars from the Lord St. Oswald consignment and adjudged this the superior one, noting in her catalog that it had the “best strike.” She called it “gem.”

In January 2013, a superb Gem Specimen example 1794 Flowing Hair silver dollar sold for USD$10,016,875 in Stack’s Bowers Cardinal Collection auction.

Another top seller in the sale a 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle, also known as the Garrett Eagle. It fetched US$2,585,000 including buyer premium. The 1795 Capped Bust Right Eagle. Bass Dannreuther-4. Rarity-5. 13 Leaves. Graded Mint State-66+ by PCGS is the largest denomination authorized by the Mint Act of 1792 and the finest known example of the first $10 gold coin.

The remaining Pogue coin auctions are scheduled for 2016, on Feb. 18, May 19 and Sep. 22.

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Whitman releases guide book of Barber Silver Coins

Whitman Publishing will be releasing a Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins, 1st Edition by Q. David Bowers. You can start your pre-order for the 384 pages book today for US$29.95, the book shipping will start on September 22.

Volume #20 in Whitman’s best-selling Bowers Series covers three classic U.S. coin denominations: the dimes, quarters, and half dollars designed by Charles E. Barber, chief engraver of the U.S. Mint. These classic silver coins were first made in 1892, and their production lasted to the eve of America’s entry into World War I.

In this colorfully illustrated book, the workhorses of late-19th and early-20th-century American commerce are given the famous Q. David Bowers treatment: insightful study, rich historical background, and detailed data analysis. Bowers—the “Dean of American Numismatics” and the most published numismatic author of all time—lays out everything you need to know to be a smart collector: how to evaluate quality, determine value, understand the market, and make good purchases. You’ll learn the backstage goings-on that led to the coins’ creation, why they barely made a splash when first issued, and why they weren’t mourned when they passed into history. In recent years the scene has changed—Barber’s silver coinage is among the more popular of U.S. series, with many enthusiastic collectors and students.

Bowers provides a wealth of information on each issue: mintages, existing populations, grading standards, values, auction records, keys to collecting, and more. Historical background sets the coins in the broader context of American life from the 1890s through the mid-teens. Hundreds of full-color images, thoughtful study, and Bowers’s engaging narrative make this book a treat for anyone interested in our nation’s Gilded Age and Progressive Era.

You can start ordering your book at Whitman Publishing website; Guide Book of Barber Silver Coins, 1st Edition.

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70th anniversary China's victory coins

The People's Bank of China has released special commemorative coins starting Aug. 20 as part of the 70th anniversary celebration of China's victory against the Japanese aggression.

A set of it includes a golden coin (with 7.776 grams of gold), silver coins (one with 31.104 grams of silver, the other with 155.52 grams), and a nickel-plated steel coin.

All coins are regarded as legal tender currencies.

On the front side of the coin, engraved in the middle is the national emblem representing, "the victory is commemorated in the name of the nation."

Meanwhile, the backside features different themes to depict the hard-won war and remember the people's contribution.

"With the arrival of the 70th anniversary, we issued the commemorative coins worldwide in order to better commemorate the victory and to call for people to remember the history, and cherish peace," Zuo Xiuhui, the central bank's deputy director of Currency Gold and Silver Bureau, remarked.

Zuo further revealed that "the nickel-coated steel commemorative coin is designed for the public" and the central bank will issue 500 million of it.

The China World War II Victory Day gold and silver coins, dedicated mainly for local and foreign collectors, will be issued at a limited quantity of 50,000 for the 0.25-ounce gold coin, 100,000 for the 1-ounce silver coin, and 5,000 for the 5-ounce silver coin.

While the public can flock to banks and other financial institutions for the nickel-coated coins, the gold and silver ones will be solely distributed by the China Gold Coin Incorporation.

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New £100 Buckingham Palace coin released

The Royal Mint has released a second limited edition £100 for £100 commemorative coin – Buckingham Palace 2015 UK £100 Fine Silver Coin. Only 50,000 of the new legal tender £100 coins are to be minted, and each will contain two full ounces of 999 fine silver.

Director of Commemorative Coin and Medals, Shane Bissett said, “Buckingham Palace is an instantly recognisable architectural icon for the millions of British citizens and tourists who have seen it in person or in pictures and on film. The building is an instinctive rallying point in the capital city during times of national celebration and mourning, and was a natural choice for the next design in The Royal Mint’s popular £100 for £100 coin series.”

The first limited edition £100 for £100 commemorative coin – Big Ben 2015 UK £100 Fine Silver Coin released in December 2014, sold out within days.

George III bought Buckingham House in 1761 for his wife, Queen Charlotte, and work began the following year to remodel it. Later, George IV would transform the house into a palace. Architect John Nash set about realising the king’s ambitious plans, but spiralling costs eventually cost him his job and King George never moved in.

Queen Victoria became the first sovereign to take up residence in 1837, however, when she married Prince Albert three years later, the shortcomings of her new home were highlighted. The Marble Arch was moved and nurseries and guest bedrooms were added. Work continued and the palace was finally finished just before the outbreak of The First World War in 1914.

Buckingham Palace was one of the sights that inspired Royal Mint’s engravers Glyn Davies and Laura Clancy when they took on the challenge of capturing something a little different with their portraits of iconic landmarks. They were motivated to picture the wonders of Britain from the point of view of the thousands of tourists who visit, cameras in hand, to collect their own memories of Britain’s famous structures and sights. In their portrait of Buckingham Palace, the building is seen as though from a tourist’s eye view, across The Mall past the Victoria Memorial.

You can get your Buckingham Palace 2015 UK £100 Fine Silver Coin at Royal Mint website www.royalmint.com.

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New "Bugs Bunny" variety will be auctioned

New "Bugs Bunny" variety will be auctioned by GreatCollections on Sunday, August 16th, 2015. The exciting new Franklin Half Dollar variety on a Proof issue was previously unrecorded until recently.

The "Bugs Bunny" variety is known to many on the 1955 Franklin Half Dollar business strike and it is also known on other business strike dates and mint marks. However, it was previously unknown on a Proof issue. It has been graded PCGS Proof-65 as FS-403 Bugs Bunny, with CAC approval and is being sold without reserve. Bidding will start at $1.

"I am expecting a lot of interest in this coin; it is destined to be in one of the finest sets of Franklins. This is exactly why so many of us enjoy numismatics – being able to find a new variety of an issue released over 60 years ago," said Ian Russell, President/founder of GreatCollections.

Cherrypickers' co-author Bill Fivaz wrote: "The clashmarks at the mouth of the eagle’s wing on the reverse are every bit as strong as on the 1955 business strike and because the discovery coin is an early strike from the clashed dies (it's somewhat frosted on both obverse and reverse) it is naked eye obvious."

The coin is listed in the 6th Edition, Volume 2 of the Cherrypickers' Guide by Bill Fivaz and J.T. Stanton and it has appeared in CoinWorld and Numismatic News articles when the coin was first discovered earlier this year.

GreatCollections has high quality images posted at www.greatcollections.com and the coin is available to view by appointment at their Irvine, California headquarters. GreatCollections will also take the coin to the World's Fair of Money in Rosemont, Illinois to display at tables 809 and 811 from August 11 through August 15, 2015.

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1808 quarter eagle sold for $2.25 million

A 1808 quarter eagle sold for $2.25 million in the sale of the D. Brent Pogue Collection, presented by auctioneers Stacks Bowers Galleries and Sotheby’s in New York City on May 20, 2015. The 207-year-old coin have a face value of $2.50 and were minted only made in small quantities.

A new world record for any coin of the quarter eagle denomination. It also became the most valuable 19th-century U.S. gold coin ever sold at auction. One side of the coin depicts Lady Liberty and an eagle is on the other side.

Collectors spent $25.3 million to purchase just 128 coins in the Tuesday night auction.

a Mint State example of the first United States quarter dollar, struck in Philadelphia in 1796, and the finest known example of the very rare 1797 half dollar. Each sold for a total price, including buyer’s fee, of $1,572,500 million, matching a world record for the most valuable quarter dollar ever sold and setting a brand new world record for the most valuable half dollar ever sold.

“World-class quality set new world records tonight,” said Brian Kendrella, president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries. “While collector interest is high in all coins across the board, we saw tonight that collectors were willing to compete strongly to own the very best condition coins in existence. The D. Brent Pogue Collection was built with the very highest quality as the goal, so it’s no surprise that the modern generation of collectors was willing to set new world record prices to acquire them.”

Just 13 gold coins were included in the sale, all quarter eagles struck in the early years of the denomination from 1796 through 1808. These 13 coins brought a total of $6,797,375, an average of more than a half million dollars each. While the 1808 is considered one of the rarest of all U.S. gold coins, other coins also saw active bidding, including a pristine 1798 quarter eagle that brought $763,750, more than twice the highest pre-sale estimate.

The sale began with the D. Brent Pogue collection of half dimes, including a “half disme” of 1792, the first official coin of the United States. Worth just $1.65 when they were minted from 1792 to 1837, this handful of tiny silver coins brought over $3.26 million. The high grade 1792 half disme, struck at the personal request of Thomas Jefferson before the United States Mint was even built, was the most valuable five-cent coin in the sale, selling at $440,625.

The total price realized exceeded the highest pre-sale estimates. Six more offerings of coins from the D. Brent Pogue Collection will be brought to auction by Stacks Bowers Galleries and Sotheby’s in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

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100 tons silver coins found in World War II Ship

100 tons silver coins found in a World War II Ship, SS City of Cairo sunk by a German submarine 480 miles south of St. Helena on November 4 1942 en route from Bombay to England. The treasure of the sunken ship found at depth of 17,000 feet – some 4,500 feet deeper than the Titanic, a new record for world undersea salvage.

SS City of Cairo was a mixed cargo and passenger ship belonging to Ellerman Lines and was on a voyage from Bombay to England, via Cape Town and Recife, Brazil, unescorted, in late 1942.

The ship was spotted by a German U-68 Submarine on the 6th of November 1942 and torpedoed at 2030 hrs. A second torpedo was fired 10 minutes after the first and the ship sank a few minutes later.

Only six people from the ship's 302 passengers and crew to escape on to lifeboats. When they approached the U-Boat, The German captain, Karl-Friedrich Merten, said to them in English: "Goodnight, sorry for sinking you."

The survivors were soon separated into two groups. One boat was picked up by a German blockade runner, which was subsequently intercepted by the HMS Scylla and was scuttled on 1st January 1943. One lifeboat made it almost to Brazil before survivors were rescued. The master and 154 of the survivors were picked up by the SS Clan Alpine and landed on St. Helena island and another 47 people were picked up by the British steam merchant ship Bendoran and landed at Cape Town. In all 104 people died, 79 crew, 3 gunners and 22 passengers.

Underwater company Deep Ocean Search (DOS), under contract to the UK Ministry of Transport, recovered several tens of tons of silver coins from a depth of 5150m – a world depth record.

DOS started the operations to look for the wreck of the SS City of Cairo in November 2011.

DOS research came up with the usual contradictions between the positions given by the submarine and that from the ships officers. A large search box was put together to try to reconcile these diverse statements. The seafloor was difficult with ridges and canyons throughout the area and the water depth varied between 5100 and 5500m.

A small target with little height and reflectivity was seen in amongst a hillside and was subsequently dived upon, with some reluctance, as it didn’t correspond to their expectations of what a wreck should look like at all. However, DOS’s procedures require that all targets which appear not to be natural be inspected. It turned out that it was a wreck and the identity was finally confirmed to be that of the City of Cairo. The ship was broken in two and buried deep in the seafloor silt. Parts of the ship had meters of mud heaped upon it, which goes some way in explaining the lack of height and of reflectivity.

The DOS team quickly found that operating at this depth caused serious technical difficulties which were new to them and which had to be resolved, quickly. The combination of pressure, temperature, repeated dives at this depth and other issues resulted in multiple breakdowns of systems such as they had not experienced before when working in 3000 - 4000m depths.

Many items were seen on and around the wreck including the end section of the second torpedo, where the contra-rotating propellers could clearly be seen. Apart from the silver cargo this was the only item recovered from the site.

DOS left a plaque commemorating their finding and visiting the ship before they left the site finally on the 25th September 2013. The announcement of the finding S.S. City Of Cairo in April 2015. £34 million of silver, a "large percentage" of the total, had been salvaged, the money generated from this recovery was shared between the UK Treasury and the salvagers, Deep Ocean Search.

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Sikorsky Austrian Black Hawk Silver Coin

The Austrian Mint in Vienna has issued silver and copper 5 euro coins to commemorate 60th anniversary of the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer). Both coins show an image of a Sikorsky BLACK HAWK helicopter on reverse, to recognize the role of the aircraft in the Bundesheer operation.

The Bundesheer operates nine BLACK HAWK helicopters to perform homeland security, disaster relief, firefighting and international peacekeeping missions. Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation is a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE: UTX).

The coin reverse side shows a Black Hawk helicopter hovering in place while army personnel hoist a rescued person into the aircraft. The same side features an armed Austrian soldier wearing a beret with the army crest, the words "60 Jahre Bundesheer," the anniversary dates 1955/2015, and "Schutz und Hilfe" (Search and Rescue).

The coin obverse show the face value of the coins encircled by the shields of the nine federal provinces of Austria.

"We congratulate the Bundesheer for 60 years of meritorious service to the Republic of Austria, and we thank the Austrian Mint for illustrating the BLACK HAWK helicopter so beautifully on these commemorative coins. This is indeed an honor," said Caroline Vandedrinck, European Regional Executive for Sikorsky Defense Systems & Services. "Our founder, Igor Sikorsky, always envisioned vertical lift machines employed as life-saving tools for the benefit of humankind."

"The Federal Army has repeatedly and successfully used Black hawk helicopters for numerous rescue missions within Austria," said Bernhard Urban, Austrian Mint Product Manager. "Because of this all-around pivotal role in the country, the Austrian Mint selected it for the coin."

"While several countries have released postage stamps featuring Sikorsky airplanes and helicopters, to the best of our knowledge this is the first minted coin showing the BLACK HAWK helicopter," said Dan Libertino, President of the Sikorsky Archives, which preserves the company's history.

60th anniversary of the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) Coin
Quality: Special uncirculated
Face value: 5 Euro
Date of issue: 06.05.2015
Coin design: Mag. Helmut Andexlinger/Herbert Wähner /
Diameter: 28.50 mm
Alloy: Silver Ag 800
Fine weight: 8.00 g
Total weight: 10.00 g
Mintage: 50,000 (silver); 200,000 (copper).

You can visit Austrian Mint official website www.muenzeoesterreich.at for more information about 60th anniversary of the Austrian Armed Forces (Bundesheer) Silver coin. The copper coins will enter general circulation.

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Silver Da Vinci Ingenium bitcoin

The new silver physical bitcoin featuring Leonardo Da Vinci, Silver Da Vinci Ingenium bitcoin from Infinitum bitcoin will be available for sale starting 25th May 2015. A Limited edition mintage of 2222 coins will be available for collectors and enthusiast all over the world.

The coin conceived with two troy ounces of the purest silver and showcases Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci, respectfully be named ‘Ingenium’ the Latin translation for 'Genius'.

No matter which side of the spectrum you may reside, possessing Ingenium, such a meticulous high quality physical bitcoin will undoubtedly advance your passion.

Da Vinci Ingenium physical bitcoin borrows design style from the ancient romans. Heavy carving gives a sculpture likeness to a portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci’s. The coin sets Da Vinci staring forward in deep gaze, contemplating the environment, observing his surroundings, questioning everything. The coin comes with a Latin saying "Actus Genio Sunt, Illi in Nulla re Tempus" meaning "Acts of Genius are Never Lost in Time".

The Ingenium bitcoin from Infinitum comes unfunded permitting the purchaser to conclude the ultimate value of the physical bitcoin. The Ingenium bitcoin comes complete with interference resistant hologram sticker intended to be positioned on the reverse of coin concealing the bitcoin private key within. Creating a public and private key to a printable size which will conceal into reverse of the coin is generated via Infinitum client side java program. You need to visit the Infinitum bitcoin printing utility from this link once the page is loaded you should disconnect from the internet to generate and print the keys required for implementation onto the Ingenium bitcoin.

You can start your pre-order for Silver Da Vinci Ingenium bitcoin via Infinitum bitcoin website www.infinitumbitcoins.com.

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