We are out of the office until about Sept. 29.
Your order will be processed after we return.

ON-LINE ORDER FORM Alphabetical Listings Coins by theme or topic New Arrivals World Coin Sets List Site Map Home Page

RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

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. 

---

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.

---

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.

---

WHEN A CANADIAN MATERNITY WARD WAS NOT PART OF CANADA

The Dutch royal family went into exile when the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany in 1940. Crown Princess Juliana took refuge in Ottawa, Canada. In September 1942, it was announced that Juliana was pregnant with her third child, which created a problem for the succession. According to the Dutch constitution, no one born on foreign soil can be heir to the throne.  To avoid potential succession problems Dutch and Canadian diplomats came up with a solution.  The maternity ward of the Ottawa City Hospital was declared to be extraterritorial space for the birth of the heir; thus the child would not be born in Canada (at least on paper). Princess Margriet of the Netherlands was born there on 19 January 1943 and was registered as a Dutch citizen without a Canadian birth certificate. This unofficial 2025 dated 500 Guilders of the Ottawa City Hospital depicts Princess Juliana and her newborn child on the obverse. The reverse includes a Dutch sailing shop.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 105 pieces.  It is a most unusual Canadian coin, or perhaps it is a Dutch coin, or maybe both.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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. 

---

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.

---

ITALY 2025 OLYMPIC 1/4 EURO COINS

Italy released three legal tender 1/4 Euro coins for the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coins depict the Milan Cathedral, the mascot for the games, and the Dolomite mountains which characterizes the landscape of the city of Cortina d’Ampezzo.   The reverses of the coins all feature the emblem of Milano Cortina Games, the ringed Olympic emblem, the date and the Rome mintmark. The 22.5mm copper-nickel coins have a mintage of 150,000 each.

---

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.

---

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. 

---

2025 SERBIA TESLA 1 OUNCE SILVER COINS

Serbia continued their series 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coins commemorating the many inventions of Nikola Tesla. The 100 Dinara coins are struck at the Serbian mint. The obverse depicts Tesla.  The reverse includes the Serbian arms, weight, purity, silver content, date, denomination and features Tesla's inventions.  Two new 2025 issues were recently released.  One depicts Tesla's "Earthquake Machine". The device was a tunable steam powered oscillator.  According to Tesla the device could be used to generate or transmit energy. If frequency generated matched the resonance frequency of a receiving device, the receiving device could transform the mechanical oscillations into an electric current.  If the device was tuned to the right frequency, it could quickly shake a building apart. He claimed that in 1898 he managed to oscillate his laboratory at 46-48 East Houston St. in New York City enough that alarmed neighbors called the police and ambulance, fearing an earthquake happening.  There is no independent verification of his claim and experimenters have not been able to repeat the results. 
     The other coin features "The Egg of Columbus", which was a display of a large, rotating copper "egg" on end that was displayed at the Westinghouse Electricity Building at the 1893 Chicago World's Columbian Exposition.  It was powered by a rotating magnetic field and demonstrated the technology behind Tesla's alternating current induction motor.  The "egg" and some of the many inventions that developed out of that technology are listed on the coin including; air conditioners, generators, motors, regulators, elevators, shop tools, household appliances and amusement rides.  Only 3960 of each were struck in Brilliant Uncirculated condition. 

Click Here for previous coins in this series

---

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:

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

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.

---

2024 CHINA SILVER PANDA

China continued their popular silver Panda series with this 2024 issue depicting a mother panda and her cub.  The mother is the panda that was depicted as a cub on the 2019 issue!  The obverse includes the date and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coins have a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.

---

UKRAINE 2024 ARMED FORCES COMMEMORATIVES

In 2024 Ukraine issued four circulating commemorative 10 Hryven coins commemorating specialized branches of their armed forces.  The coins are all 23.5mm nickel-plated zinc. The obverse of all the coins includes the small Ukrainian coat of arms, denomination and date within a traditional Ukrainian design.  The other side includes the emblem and the motto of the service branch.  The first two coins commemorated the Medical Forces and the State Special Transport Services of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.  The Medical Forces coin features the Rod of Asclepius against a cross on a shield.  Below is their slogan which translates as “Professionalism and mercy”.   The State Special Transport Services coin includes a trident and a winged wheel and their slogan “Unbroken in spirit will restore Ukraine!”. The next two coins commemorated the Logistic Forces, whose emblem includes the winged staff of Mercury, crossed swords with the blades turning into wheat ears, an outline of a fortress placed atop road maps. Their slogan which translates as “Strength of Steel and Unwavering Will!”. The l coin  for the Communications and Cyber Security Forces includes their emblem and the slogan “We’re strong to maintain communications!”  All four coins are dated 2024 and are Uncirculated.

---

CHINA 2025 YEAR OF THE SNAKE COIN AND BANKNOTE

China released a 2025 dated bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin and a colorful 2024 20 Yuan polymer banknote to commemorate the Year of the Snake.  The 27mm coin depicts a traditional artistic paper cutting of a snake, a palace lantern, and plants the reverse.  The denomination surrounded by an intricate etched design is on the obverse. The large number 10 contains latent images, which change from Western to Chinese characters as the coin is moved.  The 20 Yuan note features a stylized snake, the denomination in SPARK optical and a clear window on the front.  The back features three children hanging a Spring Festival banner in front of Shanxi residents and legends in Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and Zhang.


ALSO SEE:
AUSTRALIA 2025 YEAR OF THE SNAKE SILVER DOLLAR

---

2025 FLORIDA GOLDBACK NOTES

The popular Goldback series continued in 2025 with the introduction of the Florida Goldback. Goldback notes are a voluntary local currency made of 24 karat gold! Each wafer-thin note has a protective plastic coating. They are issued in increments of 1/1000 troy ounce of gold in order to allow for small purchases. The 1 Goldback note contains 1/1000 troy ounce of gold and measures 66x117mm.  The notes are printed on one side only, with intricate multi-color allegorical designs. 

For 1 Goldback notes from other states see:
PREVIOUS 1 GOLDBACK NOTES

---

CANADA 2024 2 DOLLAR COINS CELEBRATE INUITS

Canada released colored and uncolored versions of this 2024 2 Dollar coin honoring Inuit Nunangat which is the Inuit homeland. It covers the northern most areas of Yukon, Northwest Territories, Quebec and Labrador. The design was created by natives from each of the four treaty areas of Inuit Nunangat.  The design includes Nuliajuk, the spirit of the sea and a walrus, narwhal, two beluga whales, a seal and an Arctic char.  The outer rim includes patterns used in Inuit tattooing and on clothing. The Steven Rosati portrait of King Charles III is on the obverse. Both versions of the coin have the same design.

---

CANADA 2025 COIN SET INCLUDING SCARCE 50 CENTS

This six-piece Canadian 2025 coin set includes the 5, 10, 25, 50 Cents, 1 and 2 Dollars coins in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.  The 50 Cents that is not expected to be released into circulation. King Charles is on the obverse. The coins come from original mint first strike rolls.

---

SLOVENIA 2024 NATIONAL LIBRARY 2 EURO

Slovenia commemorated the 250th anniversary of their National and University Library in Ljubljana.  The library was founded in 1774 by Austrian Empress Maria Theresa from books from various monastic libraries and the Jesuit Library after the abolition of the Jesuit order in 1773. Its present facility was constructed between 1936 and 1941.  The design features a stylized image of part of the library. 

---

BERMANIA CELEBRATES 50th ANNIVERSARY OF FIG REVOLT 

Bermania is the fantasy kingdom created by coin dealer Allen G. Berman located somewhere in Eastern Europe.  Its long and extensive history that is described in the book “Please Ignore Our Time Machine, the Story of Bermania”.   In 2024 Bermania issued this nickel-silver 5 Denari Plumbi to commemorate the Golden Anniversary of both The Fig Revolt and the reign of King Alanus I.  The revolt was instigated in 1974 by a young boy throwing a fig at the Communist Party Boss of Bermania.  The revolt was further encouraged when the Bermanians heard of a dancing fig in a Fig Newton television commercial in the United States. This led to the overthrow of the communists that had ruled Bermania since 1945 and the restoration of the monarchy, putting King Alanus I on his rightful throne.  To mark the event a statue of the Dancing Fig was erected in the Bermanplatz.  The 39mm coin depicts King Alanus I on the obverse, along with his royal titles which stand for: “Alanus, by the Grace of God King of Bermania, Emperor of Our Terrestrial Orb, Count of Fairfield, etc.”  The reverse features the statue of the Dancing Fig.  It has a mintage of only 580 pieces of which about 200 were reserved for Royal Largess. 


Also see:
BERMANIA TICKLE TOKEN

---

POYAIS – BIGGEST SCAM OF THE 19th CENTURY

The State of Poyais was one of the largest scams of the 19th Century.  Scottish soldier and adventurer Gregor MacGregor showed up in London in 1821 claiming to be the Cacique (Prince) of Poyais.  Poyais is located on the Mosquito Coast of what is now Honduras.  He created numerous documents to make the nation appear legitimate.  He opened offices in London, Edinburgh and Glasgow where he sold property in Poyais, officer commissions in the Poyais military, and sold Poyais bonds on the London stock exchange.  Those emigrating to Poyais could exchange their gold or silver for Bank of Poyais currency.  The first group of settlers arrived from England in autumn of 1822 and found no nation and no settlement, just jungle.  They refused to believe they had been duped until after a second ship of settlers arrived. Eventually a few settlers made it back to London, by which time MacGregor escaped to Paris where he continued his scheme.  After being arrested in France he made his way to Venezuela where he became a respected member of society.  Almost 200 settlers lost their lives and thousands lost their savings in the scheme.  This unofficial 2024 rectangular 40 Qetsales of Poyais depicts the coat of arms on the obverse and a sailing ship and Indian chief on the reverse.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

EAST JERUSALEM COIN USES EIGHT DIFFERENT LANGUAGES

This unofficial 2024 dated 10 Shekels coin of East Jerusalem has the name East Jerusalem in eight different languages! Important holy sites of the three major Abrahamic religions in East Jerusalem.  The Wailing Wall which is the only remaining portion of the ancient Jewish Temple, the Muslim al-Aqsa Mosque (Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount) where Mohammed is said to have ascended into heaven and the Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher where it is believed Jesus was crucified and buriedThe obverse of the coin depicts the Dome of the Rock and has the name of the city in Hebrew and Arabic, reflecting the Jewish and Muslim claims to Temple Mount. A crescent and a Star of David are in the background.  The date is given in the Jewish, AH and AD calendars.  The reverse depicts the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and has the name of the city in the six languages of the six Christian sects that divide ownership of the church: Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Coptic, Ethiopian, Armenian and Syriac.  A Jerusalem Cross is in the background.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

PIRATES ON ALBORAN COIN

Alboran is a small island in the western Mediterranean between Spain and Morocco.  The name comes from a Tunisian pirate who used it as a base to attack ships passing through the Straits of Gibraltar.  His attacks were so fierce he became known as Al-Borani (hence the island's name), which means "thunderstorm".  The island was captured by Spain in a bloody battle in 1540.  Today the island is inhabited by a small Spanish military garrison.  This unofficial 2025 dated 2 Taleros of Alboran depicts two sailing ships engaged in battle on one side and a Wildman leaning on the coat of arms on the other. The 40mm rectangular silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

AMPHIBIOUS AIRPLANE OVER DUBAI

This unofficial six-sided 100 Dirhams of Dubai features an ICON A5 amphibious aircraft flying over the Palm Jumeirah.  The ICON A5 is a two-seater light sport aircraft designed for fun, simplicity and safety.  The company has faced serious production difficulties and had further setbacks when its lead designer and chief test pilot were killed in a crash of the aircraft.  The Palm Jumeirah is a palm-shaped archipelago of artificial islands just off the coast of Dubai.  It features high end hotels, restaurants and residential units.  The coat of arms of Dubai, the Burj Khalifa - the world’s tallest skyscraper and the Burj al Arab - also known as the sail hotel, are on the obverse.  The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

NEW 2024 ZiG COINS FROM ZIMBABWE

In April 2024 Zimbabwe introduced a new currency, called Zimbabwe Gold or ZiG, to replace the previous Zimbabwe dollar whose value was severely diminished by inflation. It is the sixth currency introduced by Zimbabwe since their independence in 1980. The ZiG is supposed to be backed by gold and foreign reserves, however few Zimbabweans believe it.   The first coins released in this series are the 1, 2 and 5 ZiG.coins dated 2024.  The nickel-plated steel coins all feature the stone Zimbabwe bird on the obverse.  A Flame Lily flower is on the 1 ZiG.  The tower in the ruins of Great Zimbabwe is on the 2 ZiG coin.  Victoria Falls is on the 5 Zig coin.

Also see:
ZIMBABWE GOLD NOTES: 10 & 20 ZiG 2024

---

AUSTRALIA 2024 EMU 1 DOLLAR SILVER COIN

Australia’s Perth Mint continues their popular bullion coins featuring native wildlife with this 2024 1 troy ounce silver Emu.  The 1 Dollar legal tender coin is struck in .9999 fine silver and is 40.9mm in diameter The obverse depicts the Dan Thorne portrait of King Charles III.  The reverse features an adult emu standing on a beach sand dune watching the waves crashing below.  Also on the reverse is the date, purity the Perth Mint's "P125" 125th anniversary mintmark. The coin has a mintage of only 30.000 pieces and comes in a plastic capsule.  The emu is Australia's largest bird.  It can reach up to 6 feet 3 inches (1.9m) in height.  The flightless bird can sprint up to 30 miles per hour (48 km/h).  Female emus will often fight each other for a male and may mate several times.  After laying eggs, the male incubates them about eight weeks, during which time he neither eats nor drinks. After the chicks hatch the male guards them for up to seven months, teaching them how to forage for food. Some females stay with the nest, but most leave the area completely so that they can nest again.

---

ACTEON ISLANDS COIN FEATURES FISH AND SAILING SHIP

The Acteon Islands are an isolated group of four atolls located about 870 miles (1,400 km) east-southeast of Tahiti that are under the jurisdiction of French Polynesia. They were first sighted by a European in 1605, but then lost until rediscovered in 1833. In 1836,  Lord Edward Russell mapped the islands and named them after his ship, HMS Actaeon. In 1953 French Polynesia established two civil property companies to develop the atolls and granted them exclusive use for a period of ten years.  Though little was done, the agreement and the atolls were permanently transferred to the companies.  The companies were later dissolved, leaving ownership of the atolls uncertain. In March 2021 the Catholic Mission of Tahiti (CAMICA) claimed ownership of the seven atolls by right of occupation.  The acquisition was challenged in court by decedents of the original owners and has still not been resolved.  One side of the coin depicts a sailing ship sailing into the sunset.  Below are Moorish Idol fish (Zanclus cornutus) and coral.  The other side features Marianne, who is the symbol of the French Republic. This unofficial 2024 silver plated Proof 750 Francs of the Acteon Islands has a mintage of only 120 pieces. 

---

DUCIE ISLAND COIN FEATURES SAILING SHIP AND TROPICBIRD

Ducie is an uninhabited atoll in the Pacific Ocean, located 470 km east of Pitcairn. Administratively it is a British Overseas Territory. Ducie was discovered in 1606 by Pedro Fernandez Quiros, who called it Luna Puesta. It was rediscovered by HMS Pandora captain Edward Edwards, who was sent in 1790 to capture the mutiny participants on HMS Bounty. He named it Ducie in honor of the 3rd Earl Ducie, Francis Reynolds-Moreton, under whom he had previously served. In 1867, under the Guano Act, the United States laid claim to the territory, but on December 19, 1902, the island was annexed by Great Britain and became part of the Pitcairn Islands. On 4 August 1937, Captain J. W. Rivers-Carnac, commanding HMS Leander, asserted British sovereignty over Ducie by raising the Union Flag and erecting plaques declaring the island to be the property of King George VI. Due to its inaccessibility and distance from Pitcairn, cruise ships visit Ducie once or twice a year.  The obverse of this unofficial 2024 100 Tala of Ducie Island depicts King Charles III, his cypher and Pitcairn coast of arms.  The reverse includes a Red-tailed tropicbird, a sailing ship and palm trees.  The 39 mm, silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of 125 pieces.

---

REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA FEATURES EAGLE AND LYNX

The Republic of Srpska was declared in 1992 during the Bosnian War that followed the break-up of Yugoslavia.  It was incorporated into Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1995 as part of the Dayton Accords. Since then, many in largely Serbian Christian Srpska have been agitating for regaining independence from the rest of Bosnia-Herzegovina that is largely made up of Muslim Bosniaks. On December 11, 2021, the Sprska National Assembly voted to secede from the Bosnian armed forces, judiciary and the tax system. This unofficial 2024 Republic of Srpska 25 Dinar features an eagle and the coat of arms on the obverse and a lynx on the reverse.  The six-sided, 39mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

MOTHER AND CHILD HIPPOS ON COIN OF WESTERN TOGOLAND

Western Togoland is a self-declared, unrecognized nation in west Africa that consists of what was formerly British Togoland.  After World War I, France and Great Britain divided the German colony of Togoland between them.  In 1956 British Togoland voted to join the British Colony of Gold Coast to form the nation of Ghana.  In 2017 and again in 2020 Western Togoland declared independence from Ghana.  Many have been killed or injured in the clashes between Togoland supporters and Ghana's troops.  This unofficial 2024 Western Togoland 5000 Francs coin depicts a mother hippopotamus and her child on one side and the arms of Western Togoland on the other.  The 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

---

2025 SILVER BRITANNIAS

The British Royal Mint released 2025 dated 1 ounce, 1/4 ounce and 1/10 ounce silver Britannia coins.  The legal tender coins are struck in .999 fine silver and feature King Charles III on the obverse and Britannia standing with shield and trident on the reverse. The 1 ounce coin denominated 2 Pounds and is 38.61mm The 1/4 Ounce coin is denominated 50 Pence and is 22mm. The 1/10 ounce denominated 20 Pence and is 16.5mm. 

---

AUSTRALIA 2025 YEAR OF THE SNAKE SILVER DOLLAR

Australia recently released this 2025 Year of the Snake silver dollar.  The coin contains 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine silver. It comes in protective plastic capsule. It portrays a snake coiled on the ground beneath hanging leaves. Above is the Chinese character for "snake," the inscription "SNAKE 2025".  The Perth Mint's "P" mint mark is to the left. The Dan Thorne effigy of King Charles III, the weight and fineness, and denomination is on the obverse.  The coin has a mintage of 300,000 and is already sold out at the mint.

---

<-- PREVIOUS PAGE NEXT PAGE -->

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
ALPHABETICAL LISTING OF COINS AND BANKNOTES IN THE INTERESTING STUFF CATALOG
WEB SITE MAP & SEARCH ENGINE
SECURE ON-LINE CREDIT CARD ORDER PAGE     ORDERING INFORMATION

scale with which to judge image sizes

All items are guaranteed to be genuine, unless clearly indicated otherwise.
NOTE:  All pictures are of a typical item taken from stock.  Because we have multiples of most items, the item you receive may not look exactly the same, however it will be as described.

Please add postage.  California residents include 8.75% sales tax.  3-week return privileges.
Personal checks, Money Orders, (pay to Joel Anderson) VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and Paypal ( pay to Joel@JoelsCoins.com ) accepted.

Joel Anderson
PO Box 365
Grover Beach, CA 93483-0365
USA

Phone: 1 805 489 8045 | Fax: 1 805 299 1818
Email: orders@joelscoins.com

---

CLICK ON THE PAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO VISIT:

Home Page

Secure  On-Line Ordering

Ordering Information & Shipping Rates

Coin & Currency Catalog by Theme

Coins & Currency by Country

World Coin Sets

Coin Books

About Us

Articles about collecting

Site Map

| Home Page ||On Line Ordering|| Ordering  Information|| Coin & Currency by Theme || Coin & Currency by Country| || Coin Sets| Books | About Us || Articles|| Site Map |