BI-METALLIC COINS

ALSO SEE:

 BI-METALLIC 2 EURO COINS

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AFRICAN BI-METALLICS CELEBRATE VISITS BY POPE JOHN PAUL II  

In 2007 five African nations:  Cameroons, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo Republic and Gabon, each issued a bi-metallic 4500 Franc coins to commemorate a visit that Pope John Paul II made to their country.  The coins were made by the Africa Mint, which had questionable authority to issue the coins.  The coins have a mintage of only 2007 pieces of each coin.  Due to a fortunate purchase we are able to offer these scarce coins far below their original issue price of 50 Euros ($60) each.  Each coin pictures the Pope and lists the date of his visit   The Central African Republic and Congo issues also show an airplane, while the Chad issue also shows the Popemobile.  The reverse of the coins all show a map of Africa and an elephant head. Because these nations use the common currency of the Central African Monetary Union they issue few coins of their own.

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SCARCE BI-METALLIC COINS FROM AFRICA    

Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Gabon, and Niger recently released a series of low-mintage bimetallic coins.  Because the nations are members of the Central African Monetary Union or the West African Monetary Union, they issue few coins of their own.  Like the Euro coins, they have a common reverse.  The reverse features an elephant head superimposed on a map of Africa.  The Benin bi-metallic 6000 Francs of 2005 commemorates the 2008 Olympic games and shows figures participating in various Olympic sports. The bi-metallic Cameroon 4500 Franc commemorates the Pope Benedict XVI and has a horrible picture of the new Pope.  It has a mintage of 2005 pieces.  The Chad 2005 bi-metallic 4500 Francs features a lamb, cotton, Acacia flowers and a barrel of oil. The Gabon 2005 bi-metallic 4500 Francs commemorates the nations oil riches by featuring a drop of oil.  Due to corruption and mismanagement the oil wealth has virtually destroyed the nation's economy and making its capital Libreville one of the most expensive cities in the world.  The Niger 2005 bimetallic 6000 Francs has a mintage of only 1200 pieces.  Its theme is "Stop Malaria" and features a large mosquito.    All five coins are quite rare.  The 4500 Franc coins have a mintage of only 2005 pieces each, while the 6000 Franc coins have a mintage just 1200 pieces.  Just a few individuals control the entire mintage of the coins,  making them hard for collectors to obtain.  All five coins are Uncirculated.
Item GA-16  GABON 4500 FRANCS 2005 OIL, BIMETAL, KM15 UNC  sold out

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SCARCE BI-METALLIC AFRICAN PRESIDENTS COINS

In an effort to improve relations with top African leaders, (and perhaps secure contracts to issue more coins), the Africa Mint issued a series of coins in 2003 honoring the Presidents of various African nations. Each of the four bi-metallic coins are 28mm in diameter and bear the denomination of 6000 Francs.  Included are Mathieu Kerekou of Benin,  Paul Biya of Cameroon, Mamadou Tandja of Niger and Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo.  Each coin pictures the respective president, the national flag superimposed upon a map of the nation, along with the dates President’s term in office.  Only one President (Kerekou of Benin) actually retired when his term was up.  The reverse of the coins picture an elephants head on a map of Africa, along with an inscription honoring the President.  Only 500 of each coin was issued.

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TRI-METALLIC COINS OF THE ARCTIC TERRITORIES FEATURE POLAR BEAR 

Two versions were struck of this 2011 tri-metallic 10 Dollar coin of Arctic Territories. Both have the same design. A walking Polar Bear is on one side. The other side depicts a map of the Arctic with the name Arctic Territories in the languages of the nations of the region. Like the 1926 Greenland 25 Ore, it comes in two versions. One version was issued with a center hole, and one was issued without the hole. Both coins are 27mm in diameter. The holed version is the only holed tri-metallic coin that I have ever seen.

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TRI-METALLIC COIN OF MARIE BYRD LAND HONORS POPE JOHN PAUL II 

Because of its remoteness in Antarctica, most of Marie Byrd Land has not been claimed by any sovereign nation, though it has been claimed by various micro-nations. It was named by explorer Admiral Richard E. Byrd in 1929 after his wife. I am sure she deserved it for putting up with his numerous explorations and adventures. In 2011 a trimetallic 10 Dollar was issued for this remote area. One side of the 27mm coin pictures Pope John Paul II and commemorates his beatification on May 1, 2011. There is a certain irony in a coin being issued honoring the Pope for the only continent that the Pope never visited. The other side shows a map of the territory and a penguin. 

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BRAZIL RIO OLYMPIC COIN SET   

 Brazil released a series of circulating commemorative bi-metalic 1 Real coins to commemorate the 2016 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.  Sixteen  1 Real coins depicting various Olympic and Paralympic sports were released starting in 2014.  The four 2014 issues depict track, swimming, golf and the para-triathalon.  Eight coins were released in 2015 featuring basketball, swimming, rugby, Paralympic canoeing, soccer, volleyball, judo and Paralympic track.  Four 2016 coins have been released, depicting boxing, Paralympic mascot Tom, Olympic Mascot Vinicius and Paralympic swimming.   All the coins have a common reverse which includes the date, denomination and a motif from the Brazilian flag that features the Southern Cross constellation.    The 27mm bi-metallic coins have a stainless steel center and a bronze-plated steel outer ring.   All coins are Brilliant Uncirculated.

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60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

The British Antarctic Territory issued this 2022 bi-metallic 2 Pound coin to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the formation of the British Antarctic Territory.  The territory comprises the region south of 60°S latitude and between longitudes 20°W and 80°W, forming a wedge shape that extends to the South Pole.  It includes the Antarctic Peninsula and much of the Weddel Sea and overlaps claims by Argentina and Chile.  The 28.4mm coin has a copper-nickel center within a nickel-brass ring.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  A map of Antarctica highlighting the British territory and the territorial arms are on the reverse.  The coin has a mintage of 1,950 and comes in a descriptive package.

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BI-METALLIC 2011 COINS FROM CABINDA AND REDONDA 

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the World Wide Fund for Nature, also known as the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), bi-metallic coins have been issued for the unrecognized states of Cabinda and Redonda by a firm in China. Cabinda is a former Portuguese colony in West Africa that is controlled by Angola. The bi-metallic 2011 Cabinda 3 Reis features a variety of wildlife along the edge, including a lion, lizard. butterfly, fish, elephant, squid, ostrich and a frog. The other side features the Panda logo of the WWF and the seal of the Banco de Cabinda. Representatives of Cabinda claim that its issues are not authorized by them. The bi-metallic 2 Dollar coin from Redonda features a Manatee one side. The arms of the Kingdom of Redonda and the Panda logo of the WWF are on the other side. Redonda is a small island in the Caribbean that was discovered by Columbus in 1493.. During the late 19th century it was heavily mined for its rich guano deposits. The mining operations ceased during the First World War, and it has been uninhabited since then. The Kingdom of Redonda was first mentioned in the novels of West Indian author M.P. Shiel, who claimed to be King Felipe of Redonda. Since then there have been various claimants to the throne. Both coins are Uncirculated.

Item CABINDA-WWF CABINDA 3 REIS 2011 WWF UNC. $15.00

Item REDONDA-WWF KINGDOM OF REDONDA 2 DOLLARS 2011 WWF UNC. $15.00

Item WWF-SET2 Above 2 bi-metallic coins: CABINDA & REDONDA WWF, 2011 Unc. $25.00

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POPE BENEDICT HONORED ON BI-METALLIC COIN 

This unofficial bi-metallic 4500 Franc coin was issued for Cameroons shortly after the ascension of Pope Benedict XVI in 2005.  The coin features a terrible, toothy portrait of  Pope Benedict XVI.  It makes the Pope look like a vampire.   A map of Africa and an elephant's head is on the reverse.

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CANADA HONORS ARTIST JEAN-PAUL RIOPELLE

Canada commemorated the 100th anniversary of the birth of artist Jean-Paul Riopelle with 2023 colored and non-colored 2 Dollar coins.  The reverses of the coins depict elements from panel 29 of his 132 foot long (40.39m) 1992 work L’Hommage a Rosa Luxemburg. The spray-paint and acrylic work was done as a tribute to American painter Joan Mitchell, which whom he had a close relationship.  Rosa Luxemburg was a communist who was executed in 1919 after attempting to overthrow the German government.  Canada has not yet approved a portrait of Charles III so the Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth along with the dates 2023 1952 +  2022 is on the obverse.

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CANADA BLACK RING TOONIE HONORS QUEEN ELIZABETH

Canada issued a special 2 Dollar coin with a black outer ring in solemn tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II.  The bi-metallic 2022 dated coin bears all the design elements of a standard 2 Dollar coin but has a distinctive black outer ring reminiscent of a mourning armband.  Susanna Blunt effigy of Her Late Majesty on the obverse and the Brent Townsend polar bear design is on the reverse.

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CANADA REMEMBERS THE SUMMIT HOCKEY SERIES

Canada issued both color and non-colored circulating bi-metallic 2 Dollar coins in 2022 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their victory in the Summit Series ice hockey games against the Soviet Union held in September 1972.  Both nations considered themselves to be the best in the world.  The Summit Series was set to prove it. It was a series of eight games, the first four held in Canada and the last four in the Soviet Union. This was during the Cold War.  Both fans and players had intense feelings of nationalism.  Canada went into the series confident they would sweep the series, but it was not to be.  The Soviets were a lot better than they expected.  Going into the final game of the series the games were evenly split, with three wins and a tie.  The Soviets led in the number of goals scored.  An estimated 15 out of 22 million Canadians tuned into the final game.  It was a tense and dramatic game, with Team Canada overcoming a two-goal Soviet lead after two periods. Canada scored the final game winning goal with just 34 seconds left to play.  The coin depicts two Team Canada players in their distinctive red and white uniforms.  The coaches’ initials and the players’ jersey numbers surround the inner core.   The Royal Canadian Mint pledged that the net proceeds from the sale of the coins will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.

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CANADA COMMEMORATES 100th ANNIVERSARY OF DISCOVERY OF INSULIN

Canada issued two circulating bi-metallic two-dollar coins in 2021 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin.  The collaboration of Canadian scientist Frederick Banting, Charles Best, James Collip and John Macleod led to the isolation and purification of insulin, which offered a life-saving treatment to those with diabetes. The designs of the coins include an insulin monomer, scientific instruments used in the early formulation of insulin (vial, mortar and pestle, and Erlenmeyer flask) overlaid on a maple leaf, as well as red blood cells, glucose, and insulin molecules.   Two versions of the coin were issued, one with the insulin monomer in blue, the color used to raise diabetes awareness, the other without color.  The obverse features the Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth II. 

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CANADA 2020 WORLD WAR II VICTORY 2 DOLLAR COIN

Canada commemorated the 75th anniversary of the end of World War II with this multi-color 2020 2 Dollar coin.  The coins have similar reverse designs which were adapted from Canada's World War II era Victory 5 cent coins.  The designs feature a torch and a large "V" in the center. On the outer ring is the inscription "WE WIN WHEN WE WORK WILLINGLY" in Morse code and the words Victory and Remember are in English and French.  At the top are two shifting images of a maple leaf within the line pattern.  The obverse depicts the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

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CANADA 2020 COLOR BI-METALLIC 2 DOLLAR COIN CELEBRATES HAIDA ART AND CULTURE  

Canada recently released a circulating multi-color, bi-metallic 2 Dollar coin to celebrate Haida art and culture.  Haida art is a distinctive art form created by tribes of north-western Canada.  It includes a range of objects including Totem Poles, stone carving, baskets, blankets and drawings.   The reverse of this 2020 dated coin features "Xhuwaji, Haida Grizzly Bear".  The red, black and white design was originally painted by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid (Iljuwas) on a ceremonial drum in 1988.  Reid was a gifted artist, writer and broadcaster who championed Haida causes. The coin also celebrates the 100th anniversary of the artist's birth. The obverse depicts the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt.

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CAPE VERDE CELEBRATES 40th ANNIVERSARY WITH BI-METALLIC

Cape Verde is a group of ten islands located 350 miles (570 km.) off the coast of Western Africa.  It gained independence from Portugal in 1975.  To celebrate the 40th anniversary of independence, and the 40th anniversary of its central bank it issued this circulating 28.5mm bi-metallic 250 Escudos dated 2015.  One side, commemorating 40 years of development and features a school teacher, windmills, a family and other images.  The other side commemorates the 40th anniversary of Banco de Cabo Verde.  It includes the national arms and various monetary and financial symbols (looks like the designer had fun with the wingdings fonts).

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CHINA CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE TIGER

China commemorated the Year of the Tiger with this attractive 27mm bi-metallic 2022 dated 10 Yuan coin. The reverse depicts a traditional artistic paper-cutting of a tiger, a palace lantern and tree branches.  The obverse features the denomination surrounded by an intricate etched floral design. The large number 10 contains latent images which change from "R M B" to "10 10 10" when the coin is moved. The design also features micro-letters and other anti-counterfeiting devices.

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CROATIAN ASSOCIATION OF TECHNICAL CULTURE 75th ANNIVERSARY 

Croatia commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Croatian Association of Technical Culture  (CATC) with this 2021 dated 12-sided bimetallic 25 Kuna coin.  The CATC is an association of technical, technical-hobbyist and local associations throughout Croatia with over 60,00 members. Member associations cover a wide range of endeavors including amateur radio, aeronautics, astronomy, canoeing, diving, photography, rocketry, ship modeling, sailing and many more.  It supports numerous science and technology related activities for youth.  One side of the coin depicts a cube from the CATC emblem superimposed on a printed circuit board and the dates 1946 2021.  The other side features the denomination with an image of a marten superimposed in the "25".   The denomination Kuna is derived from an old Croatian term for a marten pelt, which was used as money during medieval times.  The 32mm coin has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces. 

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2021 EGYPTIAN CIRCULATING COMMEMORATIVE COINS

Egypt recently released a number of circulating commemorative coins in an effort to bolster support of the government.  The coins have a common obverse which includes the name of the country in Arabic, the denomination in Arabic and English and both the AD and AH dates.  The 1 Pound coins are 25mm bi-metallic with a brass-plated steel center in a nickel-plated steel ring.  The 50 Piastres are 23mm brass-plated steel coins.  


The 69th anniversary of National Police Day is commemorated on a 2021 1 Pound coin.  Police Day is in remembrance of the 50 police officers of the Ismaila Police Station that were killed or wounded when the British attacked the police station with tanks on January 25, 1952 after the police refused abandon the station and hand over their weapons.  January 25 was declared a national holiday in 2009 by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to recognize the efforts of Egyptian police to maintain security and stability. On Police Day in 2011 widespread protests against police brutality and corruption led to a revolution which overthrew President Mubarak. The bi-metallic coin features a winged eagle emblem and the Arabic numbers 69. 


Egyptian Medical Teams are honored on 50 Piastre and 1 Pound coins.  The coins feature four doctors.  In order to avoid offending conservative Muslims, the doctors have no facial features.  The coin is triple dated, bearing the date 2020 beneath the doctors, and AD 2021 and AH 1442 on the obverse.


"Decent Life" is an initiative of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's improve rural areas of Egypt.  The multi-year project, started in 2019, aims to improve sewer, water, electricity, natural gas and internet access in villages, improve housing, as well as health and education projects.  The Decent Life 50 Piastre and 1 Pound coins both feature a female farmer, wheat ears, and the Decent Life emblem, which looks like a smile in a box. The coins are dated 2021. 

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BI-METALLIC EURO COIN FROM THE FLEMISH REPUBLIC 

For over a year, Belgium has not been able to create a national government because of disagreements between the French speaking portions and the Dutch speaking portions of the country. Despite the lack of a national government (or maybe because of a lack of a national government), Belgium is doing better economically than most of Europe. A number Belgians have advocated breaking the country into two separate nations. Flanders is the Dutch speaking part of Belgium. This 2010 1 Euro coin was created for the Flemish Republic, which does not yet exist. One side has a map of Flanders with the legend Vlaams €uro (Flemish Euro). The other side features a Flemish lion.

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GOUGH ISLAND COIN FEATURES OWL

Gough Island is an isolated island in the South Atlantic.  Though located some 250 miles (400km.) south-east of Tristan da Cunha, it is a dependency of Tristan da Cunha.  It has only about six inhabitants who operate a weather station and conduct research.  The island is a major bird sanctuary, though in recent years many of the bird species have been endangered by mice eating their eggs.  In 2009 Tristan da Cunha released a 26mm bi-metallic 25 Pence for Gough Island.  The coine features an owl on the reverse and  Queen Elizabeth on the obverse..

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HUNGARIAN BI-METALLIC 200 FORINT FEATURES CHAIN BRIDGE  

Hungary introduced this new bimetallic 200 Forint coin in 2009 in order to replace the 200 Forint banknote in circulation.  The banknote will cease to be legal tender.  The coin pictures the famed Széchenyi Chain Bridge one one side and has the date and denomination on the other.  The chain suspension bridge, completed in 1849, was the first permanent bridge across the Danube to join Buda with Pest. In 1873 the two cities were united to form the Hungarian capital of Budapest. At the time the bridge was built, its center span of 202 meters (663 feet) was one of the largest in the world and was considered by some to be a "Wonder of the World".

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HUNGARIAN BIMETALLIC COMMEMORATES 175th ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR MILITARY

Hungary issued this circulating 2023 bi-metallic 100 Forint to commemorate the 175th anniversary of their Defense Forces.  The Defense Forces were first organized by Lajos Kossuth during the unsuccessful 1848 Hungarian Revolution.  The obverse of the 23.8mm coin features the emblem of the Hungarian Defiance Forces: a Turul, a mythical bird of prey, holding the sword of Stephen I of Hungary in its claws, and the shield of the Hungarian Defense Forces.   The denomination is on the reverse.

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BI-METALLIC 2012 INDIA 10 RUPEE

This bi-metallic 2012 dated 10 Rupees coin from India was struck at the Noida mint. The mintmark is a dot below the date.  Nodia is short for the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority.  It is a modern planned city located near New Delhi that came into administrative existence in 1976. The obverse features the national emblem of the three lions from the Pillar of Asoka.  The Pillar of Asoka is a sandstone monument from the third century BC.  The reverse of the coin features 10 rays, representing “connectivity and information technology”.  Beneath the rays is the new Rupee symbol and the number 10.  The coin is Uncirculated, but like most modern Indian coins, may not be well struck.

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DAY OF YOGA COMMEMORATED ON BI-METAL INDIAN 10 RUPEES  

The United Nations declared that June 21, 2015, the summer solstice, to be the First International Day of Yoga. Yoga is an ancient Yoga is an ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India.  To commemorate the event India issued a bi-metallic 10 Rupees coin.  The coin is dated June 21, 2015 and features the International Day of Yoga emblem along with the legends "INTERNATIONAL DAY OF YOGA" and "YOGA FOR HARMONY & PEACE" in English and Hindi.  The standard 10 Rupee design featuring the ancient Pillar of Asoka is on obverse. Because we received requests for multiple pieces from those that wanted to hand them out at their Yoga class, we now offer the coin in groups of 10 at a discounted price.

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INDIA CELEBRATES NATIONAL ARCHIVES WITH BI-METALLIC COIN 

India recently released this 2016 dated bi-metallic 10 Rupee coin to commemorate the 125th anniversary of its national archives. The archives were founded in 1891 as the Imperial Records Department.   The coin depicts the National Archives building in New Delhi on the reverse.  The obverse of the 27mm coin features the Lion Pillar of Ashoka and the denomination. The coin is Uncirculated, but like most modern Indian coins, is poorly struck.

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ATTRACTIVE BI-METALLIC COIN OF ISLAMIC IRAN

One side of the bi-metallic 500 Rials of the Islamic Republic of Iran shows a traditional Persian design featuring a stylized bird and flower.  The other side has the denomination and date in Persian within a traditional floral pattern.   The coin is dated SH1383 which corresponds to 2004AD.  When it was minted it was the highest denomination in circulation, but because of inflation the coin soon became virtually valueless and disappeared from circulation.

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ITALY GOOFS ON GEOGRAPHY

Very rarely does a country make as big of an error as Italy did when they introduced their new bi-metallic 1000 Lire coin in 1997. The new coin was to celebrate the growing unification of Europe by showing a map of Europe.  Unfortunately, there were many errors on the map. The map shows the pre-unification boundaries of Germany - leaving out East Germany.  Denmark and Netherlands were shown as part of Germany. And Luxembourg was left off completely!  After receiving diplomatic protests, Italy introduced a corrected version of the coin. 

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LITHUANIAN 2012 BIMETALLICS HONOR RESORT TOWNS 

In 2012 Lithuania released four circulating commemorative coins honoring four of their resort towns: Birstonas, Druskininkai, Neringa and Palanga.  Each coin depicts the town’s arms on one side and features Vytas, the white knight, who is Lithuania’s national emblem.  Birstonas is a town of about 3000 people that is noted for its mineral water. Druskininkai is a spa town in the southern part of the country.  While Lithuania was part of the Soviet Union it would attract some 400,000 visitors a year from the Soviet Union.  With the collapse of the Soviet Union it has faced difficult economic times due to the lack of Soviet tourists.  Neringa is a municipality on the Baltic Sea separated from the rest of Lithuania by the Curonian Lagoon.  It is accessible from Lithuania only by ferry.  Though it has a population of less than 3000, it attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every summer.   Palanga is a popular seaside resort town on the Baltic Sea with a population of about 18,000.    Lithuania hoped the coins will boost tourism in the towns by spreading knowledge of the resorts around the world.  I must admit, until now, I did not know of any resorts in Lithuania.   The bi-metallic coins are 25mm in diameter and have a mintage of 100,000 each.

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BI-METALLIC MOLDOVA 10 LEI COMMEMORATIVES

Moldova started an annual series of circulating bi-metallic 10 Lei coins in 2018.  The 2018 issue commemorates the 25th anniversary of the national currency - the Leu, which translates as lion.  The coin features a lion, the Moldova national arms and the emblem of the national bank.  The 2019 issue commemorates the 30th Anniversary of the adoption of the Latin alphabet (as opposed the Cyrillic alphabet used in Russia) and the state language laws.  The obverse depicts the emblem of the national language that features the mythological Charmed Bird.  The reverse includes the Latin alphabet in lower case letters.  The 2020 issue commemorates the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the State flag.  The 2021 issue commemorates the 30th anniversary of the National Bank. The design includes the national arms, the national bank emblem and the number '30'.  The reverses of all the coins bear the denomination.  At the top is a latent image that changes from R to M (for "Republica Moldova") as the coin is shifted.  "BNM", the initials of the national bank, is micro-engraved on the surface of the "1". 

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MODERN PALESTINE BI-METALLIC PATTERN COIN

This 2010 bi-metallic Palestine 1 Dinar coin is an unofficial pattern coin.  Palestine did not gain independence, and the coin never circulated.  One side of the 25mm coin features an Argali, which is a type of mountain sheep.  The Palestinian national emblem, which features the Eagle of Saladin in on the obverse.  The legends on the coin are in both Arabic and English.

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PANAMA CELEBRATES ORATORIO SAN FELIPE NERI

The Oratorio San Felipe Neri (San Felipe Neri Oratory) was built in 1688 for the Congregation of Oratorian Fathers in Panama. The church is named for Philip Neri, who founded the Oratorians in 1575.  It is one of the oldest churches in Panama City.  It is featured on this 2019 dated 26.5mm bi-metallic 1 Balboa of Panama.  The other side of the coin depicts the arms of Panama.

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2019 PANAMA WORLD YOUTH DAY COINS

Panama celebrated World Youth Day with regular and colored bi-metallic 1 Balboa coins.  The 2019 World Youth Day was held in Panama City in January 2019.  The event was organized by the Catholic Church and featured a visit by Pope Francis.  It drew thousands of young people from around the world.   Both coins feature the logo of the event on one side and the Panamanian arms on the other.  The logo was designed by a 20-year-old college student. The logo, which is rich in Catholic symbolism. It incorporates a silhouette of the Panamanian Isthmus and the Panama Canal, a Pilgrim Cross, silhouette of the Virgin Mary, the five points of the crown of Mary, also symbolizing the five continents.  The logo has both the shape of a heart and the letter 'M'.

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RECENT BI-METALLIC COINS FROM POLAND

Poland recently introduced a series of circulating bi-metallic 5 Zlotych coins with the theme "Discover Poland".  Each coin features  historic, but often not well known places.  The 24.5mm coins have a copper-nickel ring around an aluminum-bronze center. The arms of Poland are on the obverse.    Poland honored the Poznan Town Hall (Ratusz) on this 2015 bi-metallic 5 Zlotych.  The mannerist style building was completed in 1560 and served as the seat of local government until 1939.  Today it houses a museum.  Each day at noon two mechanical goats come out from the clock tower and butt heads.   The coin depicts the town hall.  The two goats can be seen in the shaded are next to the town hall.  The 2016 5 Zlotych features The Priest's Mill (KSIĘŻY MŁYN) in Lodz.  The mill is a vast housing and industrial complex built in the 1870's on land which originally belonged to the Rector of the Parish of Lodz. The almost completely preserved complex includes a spinning mill, factory buildings, shops, two hospitals, a school, workers housing and owners and directors estates covering over 1200 acres (500 ha).   Today it is a monument to 19th century industrial designs and company towns.    

BI-METALLIC RUSSIAN COINS HONOR HISTORICAL TOWNS

In 2002 Russia began an annual program that each year commemorates some of their historical towns on bi-metallic 10 Ruble coins. The coins picture the city and its arms on one side and has the standard Russian 10 Ruble obverse on the other. Anywere betwen zero and four coins are issued each year. Though Russia has discontinued issuing bimetalic 10 Rubles for general circulation, the bi-metalic 10 Ruble has continued to be used for the Historic Towns series.
The 2002 series was the first in the series. It honored the towns Kostroma, Starya Russa and Derbent. The 2003 series consists of 4 coins, commemorating the historic cities of Kasimov, Dorogobuzh, Murmom and Pskov. The 2004 series consists of 3 coins and honored the towns of Dmitgrov, Kemy and Riyazhsk. The 2005 series honors the towns of Mcensk, Kazan, Borovsk and Kaliningrad. The 2006 Series honored the towns of Torzhok, Kargopol and Belograd. The 2007 series pictured the towns of Gdov, Veliky Ustyug and Vologada. The 2008 Historic towns are Azov, Prioziorsk, Smolensk and Vladimir. The 2009 series includes the towns of Galich, Kaluga, Veliky Novogorod and Vyborg. The 2010 series includes two coins, depicting the historic towns of of Bryansk and Yuryevets. The 2011 set includes only two coins, featuring the towns of Yelets and Solikamsk. Only one coin was issued in the series for 2012: Belozersk.  No coins were issued in 2013.  One coin was issued in 2014 for the historic town of Nerekhta. No coins were issued for 2015.  Three towns were commemorated in 2016: Rzhev, Velikie Luki and Zubsov.  One coin was issued in 2017 for the historic town of Olonets.  One coin was issued for 2018 for the town of Gorokhovets.  The 2019 issues were for the historic towns of Klin and Vyzama.

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BI-METALLIC RUSSIAN COINS CELEBRATE REGIONS

In 2005 Russia started a new series of bi-metallic 10 Ruble coins honoring the regions of Russia. In many ways it is similar to the very successful State Quarters program of the United States. Each year various regions will be honored. The coins feature the regions arms on one side and the denomination on the other. The coins are 27mm in diameter with a brass ring around a copper-nickel center.  The obverse features the denomination with a shifting image within the “0” that changes from "10" to "РУБ" (Ruble) as the coin is turned.  Anywhere between zeor and six coins are issued each year.  Though Russia has discontinued issuing bimetalic 10 Rubles for general circulation, the bi-metalic 10 Ruble has continued to be used for the Region series.
The first six coins, dated 2005, include Leningrad, Tver, Oryol, Krasnodar, Republic of Tartarstan and Moscow. In 2006 coins were issued for the Regions of Chita, Sakhalin, Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Republic of Altari and the Maritime Region. The 2007 series feature Arkhangelsk Region. Republic of Bashkortostan, Republic of Khakasia, Lipetsk Region, Novosibirsk Region and Rostov region. The 2008 regions coins honors Astrakhan Region, Kabaradan-Balkar Republic, Svedolovsk Region and Udmurt Region. The 2009 regions coins features The Republic of Adygeya, The Jewish Autonomous Region, the Republic of Kalmykiya, the Kirovsk Region and the Republic of Komi.  The 2010 regions coins were issued in very limited quantities and we have not been able to acquire them at a reasonable price.  The 2011 regions coins honor Republic of Butyatiya and Voronezh Region.   No coins in the regions series were issued in 2012.  Two coins were issued in the series in 2013. One for the Republic of Dagestan and the other for the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.  Five coins were issued in 2014 commemorating Chelyabinsk Region, The Republic of Ingushetia, Penza Region, Saratov Region and Tyumen Region.  No coins were issued in this series in 2015.  In 2016 the Amur, Belgorod and Irkutsk Regions were commemorated.  In 2017 the Tambov and Ulyanovsk regions were commemorated.  In 2018 Kurgan was honored.  The 2019 issue featjured Kostroma Oblast.   

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SCARCE BI-METALLIC COINS OF SAHARAWI

The Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, also known as Saharaui, is what used to be the Spanish Sahara or Western Sahara.  In 2004 Saharawi issued two bi-metallic 500 Peseta coins.  One coin features a cute pair of Fennecs, a long eared desert fox that is native to Saharawi. The other commemorates the 28th anniversary of nation’s independence (though in reality it is largely controlled by Morocco) and features a map of the country.  The obverse of both coins features the arms of Saharawi, which includes a pair of rifles.  The coins are 26mm in diameter and have a mintage of only 5000 pieces each.

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SAHARAWI ARAB DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC 2010 BI-METALLIC HONORS ARAB CULTURE 

This 2010 dated bi-metal 500 Peseta coin of the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic honors Arab culture.  The coin was issued in conjunction with the Namur Expo in 2010.  One side depicts  the national arms which feature a pair of crossed rifles holding flags.  The other depicts traditional Arab hospitality, with one man preparing tea over a small fire while the other plays a flute.  Saharawi, formerly known as Spanish Sahara, declared independence in 1976, however Morocco controls most of its territory.   The 26mm coin has a mintage of only 2500 pieces and is Uncirculated.

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ATTRACTIVE SAN MARINO BI-METALLIC COINS

Until it converted to the Euro in 2002, the tiny Republic of San Marino would issue two well-designed bi-metallic coins each year: a 500 Lire and a 1000 Lire.  New designs would be used each year, making the coins popular with collectors.  We offer two sets of these attractive coins.  The set 1000 Lire coins feature San Marino’s last three 1000 Lire coins. The 2001 issue depicts a circle of doves on the reverse and the famous three towers of San Marino on the obverse.  The 1999 and 2000 dated 1000 Lire coins both depict “the Child of the Universe” on the obverse. The “Child of the Universe” is a bust with a map of the earth superimposed on its head. The child is holding a flame and is flanked by the moon, stars and planets. The 2000 issue has a Swallow flying over the earth on the reverse.    The 1999 issue has an exploration theme featuring a compass rose and symbols for the wind and sun.  The set of seven 500 Lire coins includes the 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1998 and 1999 issues.  The 1990 issue commemorates the history of San Marino, depicting the Three Towers on one side and birds and a postage stamp on the other.  The 1992 honors Columbus. It shows his ship being blown by the winds on one side and the 3 Towers on the other.   The 1993 issue shows a sprout coming out of a broken tree stump, signifying new beginnings.   The 3 Towers are on the obverse.  The 1994 issue pictures St. Marin on both sides of the coin. He was a Christian stone cutter who founded San Marino in 301AD in order to escape Roman persecution.  The 1996 issue honors German philosopher G.W.F. Hegel, the 1998 issue honors Chemistry and the 1999 issue pictures the Moon, Saturn and planets.  All three have the “Child of the Universe” on the obverse.

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COMMEMORATIVE BI-METALLIC 5 RAND FROM SOUTH AFRICA  

South Africa regularly issues circulating bi-metallic 5 Rand coins.  The 2017 issue commemorates the Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambao.   The Order is presented by the President of South Africa to foreign citizens who have promoted South African interests.  The order includes a suspended medal and a carved wooden walking stick, both of which are depicted on the coin.  The coin was issued on the 100th anniversary of the birth of Oliver Reginald Tambao.   Tambao, was a founding member of the African National Congress (ANC) Youth League in 1943 and was President of the ANC from 1967 to 1991.    The 2015 issue commemorates the 200th Anniversary of the Griqua town coinage.  The coins were the first local currency of South Africa.  The coin depicts the obverse and reverse of the 1815 silver Griqua town 5 pence.  Griqua town, now called Griekwastad is located in Northern Cape Province of South Africa.  It was settled primarily by descendents of European male colonists and indigenous Khoikhoi women who called themselves Bastaards.  The London Missionary Society established a mission there in 1805.  The Society thought the name was offensive and convinced them to change it to Griqua, which was a corruption on the name of the native group that once inhabited the area.   The Griquas were formidable traders and held formal trade fairs, though most commerce was done by barter owing to a lack of money.  Around 1815 the London Missionary Society arranged for the Griqua coins to be struck and shipped to South Africa. It is unclear how widely the coins actually circulated.   The 2014 issue commemorates “20 Years of Freedom”.  In 1994 South Africa implemented a new constitution and held its first general election with universal suffrage.  The election was won by the African National Congress, which has been in power ever since.  The design features a line of people waving a South African flag.  The coins all are 26mm with a brass center and copper-nickel ring.  The arms of South Africa and the name of the country in one or two of its official languages is on the reverse.

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TOPLESS WOMAN ON LOW MINTAGE BIMETALLIC TOGO COIN

This scarce unofficial bi-metallic 6000 Francs coin of Togo features a topless Guin woman.  The Guin are one of the major tribes in Togo.  The reverse features the head of an elephant and a map of northern Africa.  From the 16th to 18th Centuries Togo was a major slave trading center, thus earning the name "Slave Coast".  It was claimed by Germany in 1884, transferred to France after World War I, and became independent in 1960. The 2003 dated coin is 28mm in diameter, has a mintage of only 1,200 pieces and a catalog value of $35.00

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BI-METALLIC OF MOLDAVIAN REPUBLIC OF DNIESTR FEATURES POPE JOHN PAUL II 

This unofficial bi-metallic 100 Ruble coin picturing Pope John Paul II was issued for The Moldavian Republic of Dniestr, also known as Transniestria or Transdniestra. The national arm featuring a hammer and sickle and a star is on the back of the 2011 dated coin.  The small, communist state bordering the Dniester river declared independence from Moldova in 1990.  Though its independence is not widely recognized, it operates as a sovereign nation.  The 26mm coin has a mintage of only 2500 pieces and is Uncirculated.

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TURKEY CONVERTS MUSEUM INTO A MOSQUE

Turkey issued the bi-metallic 1 Lira coin in 2020 to commemorate the conversion of Hagai Sophia into the Grand Hagai Sophia Mosque.  The Hagai Sophia was built between 532 and 537 when Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It was the architectural marvel of its age.  For almost 1000 years it was the world's largest cathedral..  It converted to a Mosque after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453.  In 1935 Turkey converted it to a museum and it became Turkey's most visited tourist attraction.  In 2020 the Islamic government of Turkey converted it back to a mosque despite opposition of many international organizations and many Turkish citizens.  The coin depicts the mosque on one side and the denomination and date on the other.

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2022 BI-METALLIC FROM TURKEY COMMEMORATES NEW BRIDGE

Turkey commemorated the recently completed  "1915 Canakkale Bridge" that spans the Dardanelle on this 2022 bi-metallic 1 Lira coin.  1915 is part of the official name of the bridge and refers to an important Ottoman naval victory against the navies of the United Kingdom and France during World War I.  The bridge  is depicted on the obverse of the coin.  It iis the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 1.257 miles (2.023 km).  The coin is 26.15mm in diameter and has the standard Turkish 1 Lira reverse.

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TURKEY CELEBRATES ITS 100th ANNIVERSARY

The 100th anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Turkey is commemorated on this 2023 bi-metallic 5 Lira from Turkey.  One side depicts Mustafa Kemal Atatürk who was the founding father and first president of the Republic.  Below him is the 100th anniversary emblem.  The other side has the denomination and an emblem within an eight-pointed Seljuk star. 

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Also check out the following bi-metallic coins:
ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS COIN SET
STRANGE PYGMY COINS FROM CAMEROONS
BI-METALLIC COIN FROM CLIPPERTON IS.
COOK ISLANDS BI-METALLIC TANAGORA DOLLAR
CRIMEA 2014 COIN SET
 BI-METALLIC 2 EURO COINS
TIGERS ON INDIA BANK COMMEMORATIVES
2012 5 RUPEE & BIMETAL 10 RUPEE CELEBRATE 60 YEARS OF INDIA'S PARLIAMENT
TRI-METALLIC COIN OF MARIE BYRD LAND HONORS POPE JOHN PAUL II
NEW MICRONESIA COIN SET HONORS INCLUDES BI-METALLICS
2006 COINS FROM NIGERIA INCLUDES BI-METALLICS
BIMETALLIC COINS FEATURE HISTORIC RUSSIAN CITIES
BI-METALLIC RUSSIAN COINS CELEBRATE REGIONS
SAUDI ARABIAN BI-METALLIC COIN
VATICAN 2013 RIO WORLD YOUTH DAY 2 EUROS
BI-METALLIC COINS FROM WALLIS AND FUTUNA ISLANDS

 

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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.

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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

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