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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

CANADA’S TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Canada featured their Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on colored and uncolored 2 Dollar coins in 2025.  The tomb, located in front of the National War Museum in Ottawa holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France in World War I.  The tomb honors all Canadians who died in combat.  Behind the tomb are the silhouettes of four sentries representing all Canadians. In front is a poppy.  The poppy is red in the colored version of the coin. King Charles III is on the obverse.

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CANADA HONORS 30th ANNIVERSARY OF 2 DOLLAR COIN ON 2 DOLLAR COIN

Canada celebrated the 30th Anniversary of their 2 Dollar coin, known as a Toonie with a non-circulating commemorative 2 Dollar coin. The design is similar to the regular 2 dollar coin, however the double dates 1996-2026 appear above the bust of King Charles III and the "W" mintmark for the Winnipeg mint is below the bust.  The standard polar bear design is used on the reverse. The coin was not struck in color.

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LOW MINTAGE COLOR BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATIVE

Solomon Islands issued this 2025 multi-color Proof-like 50 Cents to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.  The 28.5mm, seven-sided, silver-plated coin depicts a multi-color Spitfire and bears the legend "SO MUCH OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW".   King Charles III is on the obverse.  The coin has a mintage of only 499 pieces and comes in a presentation card. 

Item SB-BATTLE SOLOMON ISLANDS 50 CENTS 2025 BATTLE OF BRITAIN, PROOFLIKE $19.95

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LOW MINTAGE, ISLE OF MAN GOLD ANGEL

This Isle of Man 2025 1/2 Gram (1/64 troy ounce) gold Angel is a diminutive option in the Isle of Man Angel series.  The design is based original English Angel coin first minted in 1465 featuring Archangel Michael killing a dragon.  The obverse depicts King Charles III.  The 11mm coin was minted by The Tower Mint in .9999 fine gold and has a mintage of only 1000 pieces.

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INEXPENSIVE GOLD COINS FROM CHAD

These thin, small gold coins from the African nation of Chad feature African wildlife. The 16mm coins contain 1/1000 troy ounce of .999 fine gold and have a face value of 3000 CFA Francs.  One coin features a lion, the other depicts a leopard.  The Chad coat of arms is on the obverse. The undated coins come in a colorful protective card.

Item TC-LION CHAD 3000 FRANCS GOLD LION BU $39.00

Item TC-LEOPARD CHAD 3000 FRANCS GOLD LEOPARD BU $39.00

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BIG, BEAUTIFUL INDIAN TRIBAL COIN FEATURES WHITE TAIL DEER

This big beautiful, high relief coin features a stag white-tailed deer in a forest.  An American Indian and an Eagle are on the obverse.  The huge coin is 65mm (over 2 1/2 inches) in diameter, 6mm thick and contains 5 troy ounces of .999 fine copper.  It is an impressive coin!  The 2025 dated 1 Dollar coin was issued by the Mesa Grande Sovereign Nation, an Indian tribe of about 700 members whose reservation is east of San Diego California.  The coin has a maximum mintage of only 1,500 pieces and comes in a plastic capsule.

Item MESA-DEER MESA GRANDE 1 DOLLAR 2025 DEER BU $49.75

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CHINA CELEBRATES WORLD WAR II VICTORY

China issued this circulating commemorative 2025 bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin to commemorate the "80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War" or what is commonly called World War II.  The coin depicts a portion of the Great Wal of China with the numeral "80" on a guard tower. Below are the dates 1945-2025.  The emblem of the People's Republic of China is on the obverse.

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COIBA COIN FEATURES WILDLIFE

Coiba is an island off the western coast of Panama. The original inhabitants were enslaved by the Spanish in 1560.  Panama operated brutal prison on the island from 1919 until 2004.  Now Coiba and nearby islands are a national park.  Because the it separated from the mainland 12,000 to 18,000 years ago, it is the home of many endemic subspecies which are only found on the island.  The obverse of this unofficial 2025 Coiba 5 Pesto coin features a dolphin, a stingray and the Panamanian coat of arms.  The reverse depicts Scarlet Macaws.   The eight sided, 40mm, silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 110 pieces.

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DISPUTED ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh is a territory in northeastern India controlled by India by claimed by China. Most of China's claims are based on that the territory was once controlled by Tibet and that China did not agree to treaties between the Britain and Tibet.  China and India have clashed over the territory.  In 1962 Chinese forces captured most of Arunachal Pradesh, but after declaring victory, returned control to India. Access to the region is severely restricted. In addition, there are insurgency forces that want to incorporate it into an independent Nagaland.  Access to the region is severely restricted.  The unofficial 2025 Arunachal Pradesh 1000 Rupee coin has the coat of arms on one side and Snow Leopard on the other.  The six sided 39mm silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 115 pieces.

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DISPUTED OGADEN

Ogaden is the eastern portion of Ethiopia, surrounded on two sides by Somalia.  Most of its inhabitants are Muslim Somalis.  Conflict over control of the area between Ethiopia and the Somalis has been going on for centuries.  Both sides have been indiscriminate in their attacks and killings.  The obverse of this unofficial 2025 Ogaden 1000 Lacag features the Ogaden coat of arms. The reverse depicts a warrior with a bow and arrow and the head of a lion.  The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a scalloped edge.  Only 115 pieces were minted.

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ISLA GORGONA COIN FEATURES HAMMERHEAD SHARK AND COATI

Isla Gorgona is a Colombian possession located 17 miles (28km) off its coast.  The island was named after the mythical Gorgon Medusa by conquistador Francisco Pizarro who fled there in 1527 to escape from attacking Indians.  More than half of his men died of poisonous snake bites in the seven months he inhabited the island.  Later the island served as a stopover for pirates and ships traveling between Panama to Peru due to its abundance of fresh water and good timber.  From 1959 until 1984 it served as a brutal maximum-security prison for Columbia's worth criminals. It was turned into a national park after the closure of the prison.  The obverse of this unofficial 2025 Isla Gorgona 50,000 Pesos coin depicts a Hammerhead shark. A Coati is on the reverse.  The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a scalloped edge.  Only 110 pieces were minted.

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2025 ARIZONA GOLDBACK NOTES

Goldback Aurum notes are a voluntary local currency made of 24 karat gold! Each wafer-thin note is coated with a protective plastic coating so it can be circulated without the gold tearing. They are issued in increments of 1/1000 troy ounce of gold in order to allow for small purchases. 1 Goldback is 1/1000 troy ounce of gold.  The 1 Goldback note is approximately 66x117mm.  The notes are printed on one side only, with intricate multi-color allegorical style designs.  2025 dated Goldback notes were recently released for Arizona and Oklahoma.

The 1/2 Arizona Goldback celebrates the virtue of Fides (Faith), honoring the Spanish missionaries. The design features a young woman and two white doves in front of the famed Mission San Xavier del Bac, founded in 1692.  The mission is known as the "White Dove of the Desert."

The 1 Arizona Goldback represents Temperantia (Temperance).  It depicts a woman in front of Mission San Jose de Tumacaroi representing the era following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821

The 2 Arizona Goldback embodies Exploratio (Exploration) through a vivid tribute to the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition - the first recorded journey through the Grand Canyon by boat.

The 5 Arizona Goldback depicts Lex et Ordo (Law and Order) through an homage to Tombstone’s  legendary 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

The 10 Arizona Goldback celebrates Virtus (Valor). It depicts the courage and resilient Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment stationed at Fort Huachuca.

2025 OKLAHOMA GOLDBACK NOTES

The 1/2 Oklahoma Goldback celebrates Honestas or Honesty through the determined figure of a young cowgirl guiding her herd along the historic Chisholm Trail near Red River Station.

The 1 Oklahoma Goldback honors Perseverantia, or Perseverance, through a vivid depiction of the Land Run of 1889. A young pioneer woman charges forward on horseback, land stake in hand, driven by the promise of a new beginning. Surrounding her are symbols of resilience from native wildflowers to Oklahoma’s state bird, capturing the daring ambition that built entire towns from dust.

The 2 Oklahoma Goldback features Benevolentia, or Kindness, through the gentle strength of Indigenous motherhood. A Cherokee woman in traditional dress carries a harvest basket filled with corn, beans, squash, and strawberries - symbols of life and renewal. Set in the fertile valleys of Tahlequah, this design honors matriarchs, generational wisdom, and the enduring bond between people and land.

The 5 Oklahoma Goldback honors Industria, or Industry, through the story of the Glenpool Oil Strike of 1905. A young woman walks the oil fields with purpose, her tool belt marked “1905” and her expression filled with pride. Bees hover nearby, symbolizing teamwork and transformation. The image reflects Oklahoma’s rise from farmland to energy powerhouse.

The 10 Oklahoma Goldback celebrates Unitas, or Unity, through the vibrant tradition of an intertribal powwow. A woman performs the Fancy Shawl Dance while a male dancer moves behind her in a whirlwind of color and rhythm. Surrounded by hummingbirds, butterflies, and buffalo, this scene honors Oklahoma’s deep Indigenous heritage and the strength that comes from shared purpose.

Item OK-1GOLD OKLAHOMA 1 GOLDBACK (1/1000 oz. gold) Unc. $11.00

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KING CHARLES III ON NEW FALKLAND POLYMER 5 POUND NOTE

Falkland Islands released a polymer 5 Pound note featuring King Charles III dated 14 August 2025.  Also on the front of the red note is a map of the Falkland Islands, five black-browed albatrosses in flight, the Falkland coat of arms and the legend "FIRST RECORDED SIGHTING OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS /FROM THE EXPEDITION SHIP DESIRE, 14 AUGUST 1592".  The legend may have included to promote Britain's claim to the Falklands, which are also claimed by Argentina. A triangle of raised dots are at the lower right to assist the blind. The back includes an image of a mountain on Steeple Jason Island a Pale Maiden flower, which is the national flower and five species of penguins.  The note has a clear window depicting a penguin. Due to a minor technicality, the notes were not valid when first issued. According to law, the wording on the note must read "This note is legal tender for the payment of any amount" but the printed notes say "These notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount."  In addition, the notes were to have the serial number twice on the note, but it only appears once.  Falklands is amending their legislation to reflect the actual banknotes.

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NAMIBIA 60 DOLLAR BANKNOTE HONORS PRESIDENT'S 60 YEARS OF SERVICE

In 2025 Namibia issued a circulating polymer 60 Dollar banknote honoring Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, who died in 2024.  The 60 Dollar note commemorates his 60 years of "service and steadfast dedication to Namibia's democracy, economic progress, and social inclusion".  He was country's first prime minister from 1990 to 2002, and again from 2012 to 2015.  He was the Minister of Trade and Industry from 2008 until 2012 and President of Namibia from 2015 until his death in 2024.  The front of the note features his portrait.  Behind him is a faint image of the Constituent Assembly of 1990 that drafted Namibia's constitution.  Also included is a SPARK image of the Bank of Namibia logo and two clear windows, one featuring the facade of the Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek, the other features the Geingob's face and the number "60".  To assist the blind there is a circle of raised dots at the upper right.  Geingob was an avid soccer fan, so the back features him holding a soccer trophy.  Also on the back are wind turbines, a hydrogen tank, biomass and solar panels.  It is an unusual denomination for a circulating banknote.

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CANADA CELEBRATES ARTIST

Canada celebrated Indigenous artist Daphne Odjig with both colored and uncolored 2 Dollar coins in 2025. The design is based on her 1977 painting "Folk Singer".  According to the National Gallery of Canada, "Odjig's work is defined by curving contours, strong outlining, overlapping shapes and an unsurpassed sense of color".  This is clearly shown in the color version of the coin. An adaptation of her drawing of a fisher from her "The Indian in Transition" is on the outer ring along with latent images of maple leaves.  King Charles III is on the obverse.

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CROATIA COMMEMORATES 1,100th ANNIVERSARY OF FOUNDING AND FIRST KING

Croatia commemorated the 1,100th Anniversary of the coronation of King Tomislav in 925 on this 2025 2 Euro coin.  The coronation is considered the founding of Croatia as a nation.  The coin depicts the statue of King Tomislav on horseback against a checkered background.  The statue is located in front of Zagreb's main train station.

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FINLAND 2 EURO CELEBRATES ATHLETIC COMPETITION

Finland issued this 2025 2 Euro coin to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Finland-Sweden Athletics Match.  In Finland, it is called Ruotsi-ottelu (The Sweden Match).  In Sweden it is called Finnkampen (The Finland Match).   It is an annual track and field event between Finland and Sweden that draws large, enthusiastic audiences. Nations are judged on their overall score in the competition.  Points are awarded for each finishing position, so that a coming in 5th rather than 6th can decide the winning nation and associated bragging rights.  The coin features the legs of two runners representing Sweden and Finland. The coin bears the Royal Dutch Mint caduceus mintmark but comes in a Helsinki Mint coin card.  Finland closed its mint in 2024 and the Royal Dutch Mint took over the name. 

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GERMAN 2025 REUNIFICATION COMMEMORATIVE 2 EURO

Germany commemorated the 35th Anniversary of its reunification with this 2025 dated 2 Euro coin.  The coin features the legend "35 Jahre Deutsche Einheit Wir Sind Ein Volk" (35 Years of German Unity We Are One People)  broken into two parts, representing the Berlin Wall that divided the nation.  The connecting "D" in the center stands for Deutschland, as does the "D" at the bottom of the coin.   The designers initials and the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg) is at the top of the coin.

Also see:
GERMANY 2 EURO 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL 2019

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GREECE HONORS COMPOSER ON 2025 2 EURO

Composer and lyricist Mikis Theodorakis is featured on this 2025 Greek 2 Euro commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth.  Theodorakis is credited with over 1000 works including the scores of Zorba the Greek and Serpico.  In addition to being a composer, he was involved in politics and served multiple terms in the Greek Parliament.  The features Theodorakis conducting an orchestra and a musical staff.

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GREECE CELEBRATES FIRST WOMAN ADMIRAL

Greece commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of Laskarina Bouboulina on this 2025 2 Euro coin.  Bouboulina and her private navy was instrumental in Greece gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821. She was widowed twice, inheriting a considerable sum of money from her second husband.  Using her fortune, she assembled and built a fleet which she commanded during the Greek war of Independence and formed a private army.  Her reputation as a successful commander spread throughout Europe. She found herself on the wrong side in the Greek Civil War of 1824 she was on false charges of witchcraft and heresy by her opponents before eventually being released.  In 1825 she was murdered in a family feud over her son's choice of a bride.  The coin depicts Bouboulina aboard a ship.

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEATURED ON 2025 PORTUGUESE 2 EURO COIN

A map of the world is featured on this 2025 Portuguese 2 Euro coin commemorating "Sustainable Development".  Above are 17 leaves representing "The 17 Sustainable Development Goals" developed by the United Nations.  The 17 goals have some 169 targets to be hit by 2030.   Most, if not all, goals are unlikely to be hit by then.

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CAUCASIAN LEOPARD ON 2024 ABKHAZIA BANKNOTE 

bkhazia is the northwestern portion of Georgia. With Russian military support it declared independence 2008.  Its independence is only recognized by Russia and a four of its allies.  This colorful orange 2024 10 Aspers banknote from Abkhazia features a Caucasian Leopard and its pawprint on the front.  The back includes an ancient bronze axe and a QR code.  The note includes a watermark of a Caucasian Leopard and images only visible under ultra-violet light.

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CONTROVERSIAL NEW YEMEN BANKNOTE WITH UNUSUAL SECURITY FEATURE

Yemen is in the midst of a long civil war.  In July 2025 the Houthi led government in Sana’a issued this 200 Rials banknote in the name of the Central Bank of Yemen.  The internationally recognized Central Bank of Yemen in Aden immediately denounced the issue unauthorized and a "serious escalation" by the Houthis”. It warned that warned that anyone found possessing, using, or trading the new banknotes would face penalties.  The front of the note has a holographic stripe, and depicts the Al Janid Mosque in Ta'izz.  The mosque is the oldest in Yemen dating back to the earliest days of Islam.  The back depicts ships in Al Ma'alla port in Aden.  The port is not currently controlled by the Houthis who issued the note.  The blue water in the harbor scene shows an unusual pattern.  The denomination is in braille to assist the blind.  An unusual security feature is the denomination in Arabic is micro-perforated into the note between the mosque and the watermark.  It is only visible when the note is held up to light. 

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NEW ZAMBIA BANKNOTES

Zambia released a new series of 2024 dated banknotes in 2025.   The notes all feature an African Fish Eagle on the front, along with numerous security devices including a map of Zambia (in what appears to be a shopping bag) that changes from gold to green, a windowed security thread, and a front/back registration device.  The green 10 Kwacha displays the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi river located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The back depicts two pangolins and Kabwelume Falls.  The red 20 Kwacha includes a farm tractor on the front.  Two antelope and Chishimba Falls are on the back.  The notes are printed on a Durasafe composite substrate.

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HOLOGRAM COIN FROM REPUBLIC OF CRIMEA

A hologram of the Russian coat of arms is included on the obverse of this unofficial 2025 square 500 Rubles coin of the Republic of Crimea.  At the upper right is the Russian Imperial coat of arms.  The reverse features a Serpent Eagle standing in front of the Genoese Fortress in Sudak, Crimea.  The fortress was built in the 14th century.  Crimea has long been an important trade center.  Control of the peninsula has passed through many hands over the centuries.  Russian Czar Catherine the Great annexed Crimea in 1783.  In 1954, when Russia and Ukraine were both part of the U.S.S.R., Crimea was given to Ukraine.  This worked out fine until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  In 2014 Russia invaded Crimea and transferred it back to Russia, though Ukraine still claims the territory.  This silver-plated brass Proof Crimean 500 Rubles has a mintage of only 110 pieces.

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NAGALAND COIN FEATURES WILDLIFE

Nagaland is a small state in north-eastern Indian bordering Myanmar.  Baptist missionaries arrived in the region in the 19th century.   Today 88% of the population is Christian and is the only predominantly Baptist state in the world.  During World War II Japanese troops attempted to invade India through the region.  Japanese, British and Indian troops all suffered heavy losses.  After India's independence in 1947 the territory was incorporated into the state of Assam.  In 1951, a referendum was held, in which 99.9% of voters voted for the creation of an independent Nagaland, but this was not recognized by India. Violence increased across the region. In response in 1963 Nagaland was made a state within India.  This still did not satisfy many who felt persecuted or ignored by India's predominately Hindu government.  Violence and a pro-independence movement continue today in Nagaland.  This unofficial 2025 Nagaland 200 Rupee coin depicts the Nagaland emblem featuring a guar on the obverse. An Amur falcon is on the reverse.  The 39mm, scallop edged, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 110 pieces.

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THE LOST TREASURES OF COCO

Isla del Coco is a remote jungle island in the Pacific.  It is administered by Costa Rica as a National Park. Its only inhabitants are rangers who are temporarily assigned there.  It has long been rumored to be the hiding place of great treasures, including Incan treasures, treasures raided from Spanish galleons, the Treasure of Lima stolen from the Spanish by an English sea captain in 1820 and treasures hidden by various pirates who briefly inhabited the island in the 19th century.  Hundreds of attempts have been made to discover the buried riches, but so for only a few gold coins and some jewels have been discovered.   Today treasure hunting is prohibited on the island.   This unofficial 2025 Isla del Coco 250 Piastros features a pirate ship, the Jolly Roger and the Costa Rican coat of arms on the obverse.  The reverse depicts a Virginia Deer, a species that was probably introduced in the 19th century.  The eight-sided, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 110 pieces.

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CANADIAN 2025 DOLLARS HONOR SUPREME COURT

Canada issued two versions of their 2025 1 Dollar coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of their Supreme Court.  One has the court's 150th anniversary logo printed in black and white, the other is a regular, uncolored version of the coin. The reverse depicts front view of the Supreme Court Building, Beneath the maple leaf laser mark is the Court’s 150ᵗʰ anniversary logo; derived from the Court’s historic badge known as the Cormier Emblem.  King Charles III is on the obverse.

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COLORFUL CORAL SEA COINS

The Coral Sea Islands Territory is a group of small and mostly uninhabited tropical islands and reefs located east and south of the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. They cover some 300,000 sq. miles (780,000 sq.km.) of ocean with a land area of about 1 square mile (3 sq.km).  They are inhabited by about 1,500 species of fish, 400 varieties of corals, about 5000 species of mollusks but no permanent human residents.  Two odd-shaped, unofficial 2025 Coral Sea Islands Territories 50 Dollar coins were recently issued.  Both feature King Charles on the obverse and a multi-color image of sealife on the reverse.  The Abington Reef issue depicts a Parrotfish (Scaridae).  The Dart Reef issue pictures a Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).  Both are 39mm, silver-plated brass Proof coins with a mintage of only 125 each.

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COLUMBUS' SHIP ON MARIE-GALANTE COIN

Marie-Galante is one of the islands that makes up Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.  Christopher Columbus discovered and anchored at the island in 1793 on his second voyage.  He named the island after his flagship Marigalante (gallant Mary), which is pictured on the reverse of the coin.   The French first attempted to settle the island in 1648.  Sugar plantations worked by African slaves became the mainstay of the economy by the late 17th century.  Over they years the island was controlled at various times by the British, French Sweden and the Netherlands.  At the conclusion of the Seven-Years War in 1863 France gave French Canada to the British in exchange for Guadeloupe.  The sugar plantations, run by slaves were seen as having far more value than the wilderness of Canada.  By 1818 there were over 100 sugar mills on the island.   In recent years the population has dropped from over 30,000 in 1953 to less than 12,000 as many emigrated due to the lack of opportunity on the small island.  The obverse depicts the head of an Arawak man as it appeared on Guadeloupe coins issued in 1903 and 1921.  This unofficial 2025 Marie-Galante 750 Franc coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated brass coin is Proof.

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SAILING SHIP ON SQUARE FRANCEVILLE COIN

Franceville (now Port Vila) was a short-lived self-declared nation on the island of Efate in what is now Vanuatu. In 1887, the Anglo-French Joint Naval Commission took control of the territory, but did not provide a functional local government.  The lack of government and conflicts between French and British laws made life difficult.  In August 1889 it declared itself and independent commune.  It was one of the first nations in history to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race, however only white males (of which there were fewer than 50) could hold office.  The government was suppressed by the following year. This unofficial 2025 Franceville 50 Watue depicts the national emblem of Vanuatu on one side and a sailing ship on the other.  The square, 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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SLOVENIA 3 EURO 2025 EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

The twin towns of Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy were selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. The international border runs through Europe Square between the towns. Since 2011, both towns have been managed by a joint administration board.  Gorizia, Italy includes many historic buildings including a castle that dates back to about 1146.  Nova Gorica, Slovenia was built as a planned community by the Socialist government of Yugoslavia in 1947 and features modernist architecture.  The towns' selection as the2025 European Capital of Culture is commemorated on this32mm, bi-metallic 2025 Slovenian 3 Euro coin.  The obverse includes the denomination and features mosaic pieces "scattered to form a fresh image, symbolizing the emergence of new ideas, cooperation, and creativity."  The reverse includes elements from the circular mosaic in Europe Square between the two towns.  The coin has a total mintage of 68,250 of which 60,000 are circulation strikes.

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SCOUTING HONORED ON 2025 PORTUGUESE 2 EURO

Portugal honored the worldwide Scouting movement with this 2025 2 Euro coin. The coin features a Fleur-de-lis; a widely used symbol of Scouting. Above are the mottos “SEMPRE ALERTA * SEMPRE PRONTO”, (Always Alert, Always Ready) which are the mottos of Portugal's two main Scouting organizations.  The Portuguese coat of arms is at the lower right.

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CHINA 2025 BI-METALLIC 10 YUAN HAINAN RAINFOREST NATIONAL PARK

China released a 2025 bi-metallic 10 Yuan commemorating the Hainan Rainforest National Park.  The park encompasses about 1650 square miles (4259 sq.km.) of the central part of Hainan, which is an island off the southern coast of China.  The park is noted for its large diversity of plants and wildlife. The 27mm coin features the parks scenery which includes two Hainan gibbons, the Wanquan River and Wuzhi Mountain.  At the bottom is a Hainan peacock-pheasant.

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FINLAND 2025 DIPLOMACY 2 EURO

Finland issued this 2025 2 Euro coin to honor Finland's State Visits and its role in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy.  The coin has a reeded and lettered edge with the name of the country in Finnish and Swedish (SUOMI FINLAND) its two official languages. 

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MODERN TRANSYLVANIA COIN FEATURES WOLF

Transylvania is an historical region in central Romania.  It is famous for its historical towns, castles and the Count Dracula legend.  Hungary and the Ottoman Empire fought for control over the region for centuries.  This unofficial 2025 500 Lei coin of Transylvania features the Transylvanian coat of arms and the date on the obverse. The reverse pictures a howling wolf in front of the Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle).  The square 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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ITALY COMMEMORATES WORLD TOUR OF SAILING SHIP AMERIGO VESPUCCI

This 2025 Italian 2 Euro commemorates the completion of the around the world voyage of the Italian naval training ship Amerigo Vespucci. The ship visited 35 ports in 30 nations on five continents bringing good will and Italian culture.   The three-masted sailing ship was commissioned in 1931.  The ship is named after the fifteenth century Italian explorer and navigator, for whom America is named. The coin depicts the ship under full sail.

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2025 LUXEMBOURG 2 EUROS

Luxembourg released two commemorative 2 Euro coins in 2025.  One commemorates the 25th anniversary of the reign of Grand Duke Henri. The coin depicts a frontal view of the Duke in front of the Grand Ducal Palace.  The other coin commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.  The Declaration made by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman was made the day after the fifth anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.  It proposed putting French and West German coal and steel production under a single authority, making war between the two nations "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible".  Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg also joined the pact creating the European Coal and Steel Community.  The pact was later expended leading to the creation of The European Union. 

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NEW COINS OF SINT MAARTEN AND CURACAO

After the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2011 the Dutch territories of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius switched to the United States Dollar for their currency.  Only Curacao and Sint Maarten kept the Gulden. Both are constituent island countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The two countries have nearly full autonomy except for foreign relations and defense.  The Dutch monarch is the head of state, who is represented by local governor.  Curacao has been a Dutch territory since 1634, when the Netherlands took control from Spain during the 80-Years War for Dutch independence.  Sint Maarten shares the tiny island of Saint Martin with the French territory of Saint Martin.  The island has been divided since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, which is one of the oldest treaties still in effect. Curacao and Sint Maarten formed a joint central bank and finally released new 2025 dated coins and currency in March 2025. Like the Euro, the banknotes are the same for both nations, but each has its own coins, which circulate interchangeably.  The copper-nickel 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Cents of both nations all have similar designs.  The name of the country and orange blossoms is on the obverse.  The reverses include the denomination, date and three Favored Tellin clam shells (Arcopagia fausta) separated by pearls.   The 1 and 5 Gulden feature Dutch King Willem-Alexander on the obverse.  The reverses of the Curacao issues feature a map of Curacao surrounded by waves created by microlettering.  Below are two Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas).    The 1 Guldens are 28mm bi-metallic coins. The 5 Guldens are unusual tri-metallic coins that are 25.85mm.   Both the 1 and 5 Gulden have lettered edges. The coins were struck at the Royal Canadian Mint. They are the first circulating coins ever struck specifically Sint Maarten and the first coins struck specifically for Curacao since 1948.

SINGLE COINS FROM THE ABOVE SETS:

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NEW CARIBBEAN GULDEN NOTES

After many years of delays, the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten has finally released its first banknotes.  The bank is the successor to the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles.  The fronts of the new notes feature vibrant sea life, while the backs depicts important landmarks on both countries.  The notes include many advanced security features, including 3D moving stripes, optically variable ink, watermark and a windowed security thread. The notes were printed by Crane Currency.    The 10 Gulden features an Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) on the front and the Klein Curacao lighthouse on the back.  The 20 Gulden has two Spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari ) on the front.  The back depicts a Pelican in flight with Simpson  Bay Lagoon and Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten in the background.  The airport is famous for its landing pattern which takes jets low over the beachgoers on Maho Beach. 
 We expect to have the coins soon. Contact us if interested.

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UNUSUAL PALAU GOLD COINS

The Pacific Island nation of Palau authorized a series of tiny legal tender gold 1 Dollar coins in rather unusual shapes: a steam engine, football, basketball and a beer mug (probably need the beer to go with the sports themed coins).  Each coin contains 1/2 gram of .9999 fine gold and is approximately 14mm in diameter. The obverse includes Palau's coat of arms and the denomination.  The coins are undated. The coins were struck by the renowned German mint of B. H. Mayer in Proof.  Only 15,000 of each were minted. Each coin comes in a protective capsule. The unique, fun designs make them excellent gifts for both collectors and non-collectors.

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SAARLAND HONORED ON 2025 GERMAN 2 EURO  

Germany continued their annual series honoring each of their states with this 2025 dated 2 Euro for Saarland.  Saarland is located on the border of Germany, France and Luxembourg.  It has long been contested between France and Germany.  It gained importance in the 19th century due to its rich coal deposits and heavy industrialization.  France tried to establish it as an independent entity after both World War I and World War II, and both times Saarland voted overwhelmingly to become part of Germany.  The coin features a birds eye view of the Saarschleife, which is a big bend in the Saar river.  It is a major tourist attraction. At the bottom is a "D" for Deutschland and the date.  The mintmark is on the middle right side of the coin.


COMPLETE SET OF SCARCE SAARLAND COINS: 10-100 FRANKEN 1954-55  KM1-4

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COINS OF UPPER AND LOWER LUSATIA

Lusatia is an historical and geographic region on the border of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Upper Lusatia is the hilly southern part. Lower Lusatia, the flat northern part. It is the home to the Slavic Sorbs, one of Germany’s four officially recognized indigenous ethnic minorities. Upper and Lower Sorbian are spoken in the German parts of Upper and Lower Lusatia respectively, and the signage there is mostly bilingual.  Over time portions of the regions have been ruled by Meissen, Saxony, Prussia, Poland, Bohemia, the Hapsburgs, Germany and Czechoslovakia. Following World War II an unsuccessful attempt was made to create an independent Sorbian state.  The name Lusatia is derived from the Sorbian word for swamps.  Today the region is the home of Lusatian Lakes District. It is Europe's largest artificial water landscape, which was created by filling abandoned open pit coal mines with water. Some of the largest lakes are connected by navigable canals.  The five-sided Upper Lusatia 25 Mark coin depicts a swan in front of the Muskau castle.  The eight-sided Lower Lusatia 25 Mark features a pair of cranes caring for their chick in a nest. The regions respective coat of arms is on the obverses of the coins.  The coins were privately issued.  They dated 2025, have a mintage of only 120 pieces each, are silver-plated and are Proof.

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COIN FROM THE STATE OF NUMISMA

The State of Numisma is a virtual state created by Russian numismatist Vladimir Startsev that was founded in 2000.  Its citizens live all over the world and every citizen may call himself or herself a citizen of Numisma.   In 2025 Numisma issued a 60 Numismaru coin for its 25th anniversary and the 60th birthdays of Vladimar and Elena.  One side features a sailing ship and a map of the world. At the bottom is Vladimir's monogram.  The other depicts a silhouette of Vladimir and Elena. Below them is the river cruise ship "Alexander Green" of the Mosturflot travel company.  Vladimir and Elena are big fans of river cruises.  At the bottom are monuments and buildings from important cities in their lives:  born in Lugansk, studied in St. Petersburg and live in Moscow. The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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OSPREY AND DUGONG ON HAWAR COIN

Hawar is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf just off the coast of Qatar.  It was settled by a Bedouin clan in the early 19th century.  Ownership of islands were the center of a territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar that was finally settled by the International Court of Justice in 2001, with control of the islands going to Bahrain.  The islands are now uninhabited other than a hotel and a police station on the main island.  One side of the this unofficial 5 Dihars of Hawar features an Osprey and a Dugong.  The coat of arms is o the other side.  The 2025 dated six-sided silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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LOYALTY ISLANDS COIN FEATURES WHALE AND WHALER

This 2025 dated 500 Francs of the Loyalty Islands (Iles Loyaute) depicts a breaching whale as seen from the deck of a whaling ship.  The first recorded contact with the West was by British captain William Raven of the whaling ship Britannia in 1793.  The obverse of the coin features a Fleche faitere, which is a carved rooftop spire that adorns houses of Loyalty Island natives. The unofficial eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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BOAT AND DOLPHINS ON MOOREA COIN

Moorea is a volcanic island that is part of French Polynesia about 11 miles (17km) northwest of Tahiti.  The obverse of this 2025 dated 500 Poe Rava of Moorea features a camakau sailing by a village nestled below the mountains. A camakau is a large sailing outrigger that was often used to travel long distances between islands.  The reverse features a pair of dolphins leaping from the ocean,   The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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COIN OF SANUSIYYA

Sanusiyya was a political and religious order that that exerted control over parts of north Africa in the 19th century, and led to the creation of the Kingdom of Libya.  It was founded in Mecca in 1837 by Muhammad ibn Ali as-Sanusi to overcome what he believed was the decline of Islamic thought and spirituality and to strengthen Muslim political unity. After being forced our of Mecca it moved to Cyrenaica (eastern Libya) and spread its influence over a significant part of North and Central Africa.  It fought against French, Italian and British colonial rule.  In World War II it assisted the British in their fight against German and Italian forces in north Africa. In 1951, the head of Senussi, Muhammad Idris (Idris I), the grandson of Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi, became the King of Libya.  This unofficial Sanusiyya 2025 dated 70 Pounds coin features the Sanusiyya coat of arms of on the obverse. The reverse depicts a lion and Omar al-Mukhtar, who led the Sanusiyya resistance against the Italians in the early 20th century and who is a national hero of Libya.  The six-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 120 pieces.

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UNUSUAL VIEW ON SINT MAARTEN COIN

Sint Maarten is the Dutch portion of the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin. In 1648 the French and Dutch decided the island was not worth fighting over, so divided it, with the northern portion going to France and the southern portion to the Netherlands.  The tiny island has remained divided ever since.  This unofficial square 2024 Sint Maarten 10 Gulden depicts Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and the coast of arms on the obverse.  The reverse features a view of an island and a cruise liner from an airplane window.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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BELGIUM HONORS NATIONAL LOTTERY ON 2025 2 EURO

Belgium commemorated their national lottery on this 2025 dated 2 Euro coin. The state-run lottery runs a variety of games including EuroMillions, Lotto, Pick 3, scratch cards, and Keno.  A significant portion of the lottery's profits (the public's losses) go towards public welfare projects.  The coin features the Belgium National Lottery emblem which depicts the Roman goddess Fortuna holding a cornucopia and four leaf clovers.  Each coin is packaged in a coin-card that includes six unique lottery numbers.

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ESTONIAN 2025 2 EURO COMMEMORATES FIRST BOOK IN ESTONIAN

Estonia issued a 2025 dated 2 Euro commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first book printed in the Estonian language. The book, published in 1525 in Wittenburg, Germany featured Lutheran texts - but was immediately destroyed.  The design features four stylized books forming the letter "E".  The surrounding text translates as "Estonian written language 500  1525 - 2025"  The coin was minted at the Lithuanian Mint with a mintage of 850,000 pieces.

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ITALY 2025 2 EURO CELEBRATES JUBILEE YEAR

Italy commemorated the 2025 Jubilee Year or Holy Year with this circulating 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  Around it are a series of fish, an early symbol of Christianity. The Holy door is normally sealed, and is opened only during a Jubilee Year. The origin of the Jubilee dates back to ancient Biblical times (Leviticus 25:8-53) which included the forgiveness of debts, freedom to all prisoners and slaves and the redemption of property.  In the Catholic Church the tradition dates to 1300 and focuses on the forgiveness of sins.  In usually takes place only once every 25 years and includes pilgrimages to sacred sites.

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