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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

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 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. 

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CARGADOS CARAJOS FEATURES SHIPWRECK AND TURTLE

Cargados Carajos, also known as Saint Brandon's Rocks, is a group of small islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean located approximately 260 miles (430 km) northeast of the island of Mauritius, which claims the islands.  The number of islands varies between 16 and 40, depending on seasonal storms and associated sand movements. It is the home for about 60 fishermen who work for a Mauritian fishing company that has stations on the islands. The islands are home to the endangered green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas).  Numerous shipwrecks have been recorded on the low-lying rocky reefs of Cargados Carajos since 1591. This unofficial 2024 5 Rufias of Cargados Carajos features the coat of arms of Mauritias on the obverse. The reverse features an old galleon being smashed under huge waves.  Beleath is a sea turtle calmly swimming beneath the waves.  The odd-shaped 39mm silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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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.

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KON TIKI EXPEDITION ON RAROIA COIN

Raroia is an atoll in French Polynesia, located 460 miles (740 km) northeast of Tahiti. The first recorded Europeans to reach Raroia were members of a Spanish expedition led by Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queiroz on 14 February 1606. In 1947, Thor Heyrdahl's Kon-Tiki expedition was a raft journey across the Pacific Ocean from South America to the islands of Polynesia, ending at Raroia. Heyerdahl believed that people from South America could have reached Polynesia in pre-Columbian times. His goal in was to demonstrate that it was possible to make such a journey using the materials available to people at the time.  The unofficial 2024 5 Dollar coin of Raroia depicts the coat of arms on the obverse and the Kon Tiki raft and a shark on the reverse.  The 39mm silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces and has a scalloped edge.

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CONFEDERATION OF SAHEL STATES FEATURES ANTELOPE AND LION

The Confederation of Sahel States (Alliance des États du Sahel, AES) is a confederation formed between the states of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso that was initiated in 2023 after the three nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States  (ECOWAS).  The three nations were suspended from ECOWAS after the military took control over each of the nations in a series of coups d'etats.  Various terrorist groups operate throughout the three nations. French, United States and United Nations troops fighting against the terrorist groups were forced to leave and were replaced by Russian mercenaries from the Wagner Group and others. The AES includes a defense pact, and has the goals of creating a monetary union, a common market, invest in agriculture, mines, and the energy sector, with the ultimate goal of federalizing into a single sovereign state.  One side of this unofficial 2024 6000 Francs of The Confederation of Sahel States features an antelope (Oryx dammah), date and denomination.  The other side depicts a lion and the coat of arms of the three member nations. The eight-sided 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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ODD FISH ON SAN BENEDICTO COIN

San Benedicto is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Pacific Ocean.  It has an area of about 3.8 square miles (10 sq. km.). It was first discovered in 1533 and was annexed to Mexico in 1868.  In 1952 a volcanic eruption covered the island with up to 10 feet (3 m) of volcanic ash and pumice, wiping out all life on the island.  Nowadays the only fauna on the island are birds. The island is popular with divers due to the varieties of sea life in the area.  This unofficial eight-sided 200 Peso coin depicts a flying fish and a marlin.  The coat of arms in on the obverse.  The eight-sided, 40mm silver-plated 2024 dated Proof coin has a mintage of only 130 pieces.

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2023 ARUBA 5 FLORIN

This 2023 Aruba 5 Florin features Dutch King Willem-Alexander on the obverse.  The reverse includes the Aruban coat of arms, denomination and date. The 23.5mm aluminum-bronze coin has a lettered security edge with the inscription “GOD ZIJ MET ONS”  (God be with us).

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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THE JESUS 1 OUNCE SILVER COINS FROM SAMOA

Each year Samoa issues a 39mm 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin featuring Jesus.  The Samoan coat of arms is on the obverse.  The coins are legal tender for 2 Tala in Samoa.  Their Proof-Like finish that brings out the beautiful, intricately detailed features of each design. The coins have a mintage of only 15,000 pieces and come in a protective plastic capsule. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each coin is donated to Christian charities. As might be expected, the Jesus coins are popular with both collectors and non-collectors, especially around Christmas.
   The theme of the 2024 issue is "Jesus the Creator".  The coin depicts Jesus standing.  Around him is a series of images representation the story of creation in seven days as told in Genesis, Chapter one.  Christ’s halo bears the inscription ⲞⲰⲚ, signifying "The Being."
   The 2023 issue features "Jesus the Teacher".  It features Jesus holding an open Bible with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega, representing the beginning and end. To is right is ⲒⲎⲤ for Jesus and to his left is ⲠⲬⲤ for Christ.  Christ’s halo bears the inscription ⲞⲰⲚ."  Around the rim behind Christ is the Greek word for Holy.
   "Light of Christ" is the theme of the 2022 issue.  The design depicts Jesus standing in front of a church’s rose stained glass window. The Chi-rho Christogram is to the right


Also see:
BIRTH OF CHRIST: Isle of Man 1 Crown 1997 KM799

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2024 BI-METALLIC CHINA TIGER & LEOPARD PARK COMMEMORATIVE

China commemorated the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park on this 2024 bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin. The park was launched in 2017. It covers 5,642 square miles (14,612 sq.km.) bordering Russia and North Korea.  The coin depicts a tiger sitting in the foreground and a walking leopard in the background.  The emblem of China and the date are on the obverse of the 27mm coin.

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2024 FINLAND 2 EURO COMMEMORATES FINNISH ARCHITECTURE

Finland commemorated the distinctive works of the architectural firm Gesellius, Lindgren, Saarinen.  The firm was founded in 1896 by architects Herman Gesellius, Armas Lindgren and Eliel Saarinen.  Its designs in Art Nouveau style received wide acclaim at a time when Finland was still under Russian control. The company ceased operations in 1905.  The coin displays the outline of four of their famed works: the National Museum, Hvittrask, Tallberg House and the Finnish Pavilion at the Paris World Exhibition 1900, as well as the names of the three architects, the date and the Finland mintmark.   The coin has a mintage of only 400,000 pieces.

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2024 GREEK 2 EURO COINS

Greece released two circulating 2 Euro coins in 2024.  commemorates the 50th anniversary of the restoration of Democracy in Greece. In 1967 a group of colonels overthrew the Greek government shortly before scheduled elections.  The right-wing military junta, known as the Regime of the Colonels ruled until 1974. In July 1974 Greece sponsored an overthrow of the government of Cyprus.  In response Turkey invaded Cyprus and it appeared that a war with Turkey was imminent.  Senior military officers withdrew support of the junta and allowed parliamentary democracy to be restored in Greece. Cyprus however remains divided, with Turkey controlling Northern Cyprus. The coin depicts the Greek Parliament building. The other coin commemorates the 150th anniversary of the birth of Greek Children’s author Penelope Delta.  Her historical novels have been widely read and have influenced popular modern Greek perceptions of national identity and history.  Her portrait is featured on the coin. Both coins have a maximum mintage of 750,000 pieces.

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2024 SLOVAKIA 2 EURO COMMEMORATES THE KOSICE PEACE MARATHON

Slovakia commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Kosice Peace Marathon with this circulating 2024 dated 2 Euro coin.  It is the oldest marathon in Europe and has been run every year since 1941.  The flat, asphalted, course consists of two laps around the historic city center. The coin depicts a runner in front of St. Elizabeth’s Cathedral. It has a mintage of 1 million pieces.

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ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE CENTENNIAL 2 DOLLAR COINS

Canada celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force with both color and uncolored 2 Dollar coins.  Both versions feature a CC-130 Model H airplane flying over trees.  Above it is the Royal Canadian Air Force Roundel. Eight current and historic aircraft appear on the outer ring.  From top to bottom on the left is the Finch Mk. II, CSR-123 Otter, F-86 Mk. 6, and CF-100 Canuck Mk. 5.  On the right is the CT-114 Tutor, CC-115 Buffalo, CF-188 Hornet and the CH-146 Griffon helicopter. King Charles III is on the obverse.

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2024 LIECHTENSTEIN GOLD COIN FEATURES MAP

Liechtenstein rarely issues coins; however, they did issue this gold 10 Franc in 2024 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the use of the Swiss Franc in Liechtenstein. One side of the coin depicts a map of Liechtenstein, with Swiss crosses on the left side of the Rhine River and the Liechtenstein crown to the right of the map. The other side features the Liechtenstein coat of arms.  The small, 11mm Proof coin is struck in .999 fine gold and contains .5 grams of gold.   It has a mintage of only 5000 pieces and comes in its original case of issue.

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SERBIA 2024 TESLA NIAGARA POWER PROJECT

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian American inventor, electrical engineer, physicist, and futurist.  He is said to have over 300 patents covering a wide range of technologies including alternating current, electric motors, remote control, television, radio, x-rays, cell phones, robotics, lasers, turbine engines, magnetic propulsion, drones, solar power, weather manipulation, particle beams and electromagnetic energy (the Tesla coil). He was a brilliant inventor, but a poor businessman.  Despite his many important and revolutionary inventions, he died alone and penniless in New York in 1943.
   Serbia instituted an annual series of silver 100 Dinara coins honoring Tesla and his many inventions.  The 40.25mm coins each contain 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and are struck by the Serbian Mint.  The Serbian arms, weight, purity, silver content, date, denomination and one or more of his inventions are on the reverses. 
   Serbia’s second Tesla issue for 2024 commemorates Tesla’s Hydroelectric Power project at Niagara Falls.  Working with George Westinghouse, Tesla did much of the theoretical work needed for the massive plant that opened in 1895 to provide electricity to Buffalo, New York.  It was the world’s first large scale hydroelectric power plant and showed that Tesla’s Alternating Current was more efficient in transmitting electricity over long distances than Edison’s Direct Current.  The coin depicts Tesla standing in front of Niagara Falls.  

Click Here for other Tesla coins in this series

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UKRAINE 2024 ARMED FORCES COMMEMORATIVES

Ukraine issued to more coins in their continuing series of circulating 10 Hyrven coins commemorating branches of their armed forces.  The first two coins of 2024 honor the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the State Special Transport Service. The coins each feature the emblem of the service on the reverse.  The coins have a common obverse that includes the denomination, date, Ukraine arms within an old Rus ornament.  The 23.5mm coins are nickel-plated zinc.

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CANADA CELEBRATES AUTHOR L. M. MONTGOMERY ON DOLLAR COIN

Canada issued both colored and uncolored versions of their 2024 dollar coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Canadian author L. M. Montgomery.  She wrote hundreds of short stories and poems in addition to 20 novels. She achieved lasting fame through the creation of Anne of Green Gables. Since its publication in 1908 Anne of Green Gables has never been out of print, has been translated into at least 36 languages and has sold more than 50 million copies, making it a worldwide best-seller.  The coin depicts the author writing. Below is her signature along with the small cat drawing that she often included.  Anne is depicted staring out a window at the fields.  Both color and regular (uncolored) versions of the coin were issued.  King Charles III is on the obverse.

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CROATIA 2024 2 EURO COMMEMORATES HISTORIC TOWN OF VARAZDIN

Croatia started a program of circulating 2 Euros commemorating historic towns in 2024.  The first coin in the series commemorates the Old Town of Varazdin in northern Croatia.  The first mention of the town dates to 1181.  Over the years control of the town passed through many hands.  The town suffered from numerous fires in the 16th and 17th centuries before wooden buildings were prohibited within the city walls and chimneys were required to be brick, not wood, as had been common. Today the town is a popular tourist destination due to its baroque buildings, music and food.  The coin depicts the Varazdin Castle which was built between the 12th and 16th century.  The coin was minted at the Croatian mint and has a mintage of only 200,000 pieces.

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GROUP HUG ON PORTUGAL 2024 OLYMPIC 2 EURO

Portugal issued this 2024 2 Euro to honor their team in the 2024 Olympics.  The design features a big heart, representing a group hug. The logo of the Portuguese Olympic Committee is at the center of the heart.  The 15 rings round the heart symbolize the Olympic rings and the continents the represent.   Below the tip of the heart is a tiny Portuguese coat of arms.

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DINOSAURS FROM ANTARCTICA

The Chilean Antarctic Territory (Territorio Chileno Antártico, Antártica Chilena), is part of West Antarctica and nearby islands claimed by Chile. It includes the region south of 60°S latitude and between 53° and 90°W longitudes. It partially laps the Antarctic claims of Argentina and the United Kingdom. The unofficial eight-sided 2024 Chilean Antarctic Territory 4000 Escudos depicts the territory's coat of arms on one side and an Antarctopelta Oliveroi on the other.  Excavated in 1986, Antarctopelta was the first dinosaur discovered in Antarctica.  The herbivorous dinosaur was about 13 to 20 feet long (4 to 6 m.). It lived 72 to 66 million years ago, when the earth was warmer and Antarctica was without ice.
The South Orkney Islands are a group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean claimed by both Great Britain and Argentina. The unofficial square 2024 South Orkney Islands 10 Pound coin depicts King Charles III and the territory's coat of arms on the obverse.  The reverse features a Cryolophosaurus.  The Cryolophosaurus is a large predatory dinosaur that lived during the Early Jurassic era (199.3-182.7 million years ago) in what is now Antarctica.  Both are silver-plated brass Proof coins and have a mintage of 125 pieces each.

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REPUBLIC OF DAR EL KUTI COIN FEATURES SOLDIER AND LION

The Republic of Dar el Kuti, also called the Republic of Logon, was a self-proclaimed independent region of the Central African Republic.  It was formed in December 14, 2015 by a Muslim rebel movement that did not believe the Christians and Muslims could co-exist in the Central African Republic.   Its capital was recaptured by the Central African Republic in April 2021.  It was named after Dar al Kuti, an Islamic state that existed in the region from about 1830 until 1912.  The unofficial 2024 5000 Francs coin is dated 2015, though was not struck until 2024.  The obverse depicts a roaring lion.  The other side depicts a soldier crouching in the grass. The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 130 pieces.

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GOLAN HEIGHTS COIN FEATURES MODERN TANK GUARDING ANCIENT FORTRESS

Golan Heights is a disputed territory controlled by Israel.  From 1944 until 1967 it was part of Syria.  Israel took control of the territory in 1967 during the six-days war.  It is now at the center of the conflict between Israel and the Iranian supported Hezbollah in Lebanon. The obverse of this unofficial 2024 Golan Heights 10 Shekels coin pictures a caracal, which is a long-eared wildcat native to the region.  The reverse features an Israeli Merkava Mark 4M main battle tank in front of the Nimrod Fortress.  Nimrod Fortress is located on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon, overlooking the Golan Heights.  It was built to guard a major access route to Damascus.  It dates back to ancient times though most of the structure was built in the 13th century.  The square, 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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ZIMBABWE GOLD NOTES

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. Few Zimbabweans seem to believe it. About 70% of all transactions in Zimbabwe are still done in U.S. dollars.   The government had promised that previous currencies would be backed by bonds or reserves, however Zimbabwe continued to issue far more currency than reserves, fueling massive inflation.  The 10 ZiG and 20 Zig notes have similar designs. They feature the Chiremba balancing rocks on the front and a QR code on the front..  The back depicts gold pouring from a crucible into an ingot mold atop a stack of gold bars. Also available are banknotes from Zimbabwe's previous currencies.


Click Here For Previous Zimabwe Inflation Notes

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SAILING SHIP AND WHALE ON LIANCOURT ROCKS COIN

The Liancourt Rocks is a group of 2 small islands and about 90 islets and reefs located between Japan and Korea.  They are administered by South Korea, which calls them Dokdo.  They are claimed by Japan, who calls them Takeshima, and are also claimed by North Korea. They are located in rich fishing grounds that may contain large deposits of natural gas.  South Korea maintains a lighthouse and a coast guard contingent on the islands.  The name Liancourt comes from the French whaling ship Le Liancourt, which was nearly wrecked on the islands in 1849.  This unofficial 2024 Liancourt Rocks 15,000 Won coin features the ship Le Liancourt and a gray whale on one side and the emblem of South Korea on the other. The 29mm, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 130 pieces.

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SPAIN HONORS HISTORIC CACERES ON 2 EURO

The old town of Caceres contains an exceptionally well-preserved blend of Roman, Moorish, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture, with no outward signs of modernity. It has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage City and is often included in television and movie productions. The 2023 Spanish 2 Euro features a panoramic view of the old town. 

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CANADA 2024 KING CHARLES COIN SET INCLUDING SCARCE 50 CENTS

This six-piece Canadian 2024 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. but is only available from the mint at a substantial premium. All six coins feature the Steven Rosati portrait of King Charles III. The unpackaged coin sets come from original mint rolls.

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SHORT-LIVED REPUBLIC OF ROSE ISLAND

The Republic of Rose Island (Respubliko de la Insulo de la Rozoj) was a short-lived micronation located a man-made platform in international waters in Adriatic Sea off the coast of Italy.  The project was begun in 1958 Italian engineer Giorgio Rosa.  On May 1, 1968 Rosa declared it an independent nation with himself as president.  55 Days later the Italy invaded and took control of the platform and set up a blockade.  Italy found it impossible to dismantle the well-constructed platform so attempted to bomb it - twice without success.  It was finally toppled by a storm in February 1969.  This unofficial 2024 4000 Mils of the Republic of Rose Island depicts a bouquet of roses on the obverse and a sailing yacht approaching the platform on the reverse.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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SAILING SHIP ON MARTIN GARCIA COIN

Martin Garcia is an island located at the mouth of the Rio de la Plata between Argentina and Uruguay. It is named after the storekeeper of the Juan Diaz de Solis expedition who was buried on the island.  Due to its strategic location ownership of the island was disputed between Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. There have been a number of battles for control of the island between various groups. Argentina used it as a penal colony.  In 1973 Argentina and Uruguay agreed to divide the island, with the northern portion, called Timoteo Domínguez Islands going to Uruguay, the southern portion called Martin Garcia going to Argentina, with the stipulation that the island would be a natural reserve.  The silver-plated Proof 2024 Martin Garcia 5000 Peso coin depicts an early 19th century sailing ship. The coat of arms is on the obverse.  The unofficial issue has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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SHARK, RAY & SAILING SHIP ON GEYSER REEF COIN

Geyser Reef (Banc du Geyser) is dangerous, low reef in the Mozambique Channel about 78 miles (125km) northeast of Mayotte.  France, Comoros and Madagascar all claim the reef, though it is presently under French control.  It was first known to Arab sailors about 700AD and has been shown on some navigation charts since about 800AD.  It got its present name when the British ship HMS Geysir ran aground on the reef on December 23, 1678. The ship is depicted on the reverse of this unofficial triangular 2024 Geyser 5000 Francs.  The obverse depicts both a whale shark, manta ray.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 125 pieces.

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GIANT TORTOISE ON TRIANGULAR FARQUHAR COIN

A Seychelles Giant Tortoise is featured on both sides of this unofficial 2024 triangular 500 Rupees from Farquhar.  The Tortoise can live for over 200 years, but was thought to have gone extinct by the 1840's due to overhunting by sailors.  They were recently rediscovered.  Farquhar is a group of small islands in the Indian Ocean that belong to Seychelles.  There are about 20 inhabitants, a small hotel and an airstrip. They were named after Robert Townsend Farquhar who was the British governor of Mauritius from 1811 until 1823.  The 36mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 130 pieces.

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CROCODILE AND SCREAMING EAGLE ON LIKOMA COIN

Likoma is an island in Lake Malawi a short distance from Mozambique and surrounded by Mozambican territorial waters.  In 1880 the Universities' Mission to Central Africa established their headquarters on the island at the request of David Livingstone.  In the early 20th century, they built St. Peter's Cathedral on the island which is modeled after Westminster Abbey and measures 100 by 30 meters (328 x 98 feet).  At the end of World War II, the island was awarded to British East Africa rather than Portuguese Mozambique due to the presence of the British missionaries.  It is now an exclave of Malawi.  The obverse of the six-sided silver-plated coin feature a screaming eagle and the arms of Malawi.  A crocodile is on the reverse.  This unofficial 2024 Likoma 2000 Kwacha has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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GUANACO ON LA ROIJA COIN

A mother and young Guanaco are featured on this unofficial 2 Bocades coin of La Roija.  The Guanaco is closely related to the llama but are smaller and slenderer.  The obverse of the coin features a Puma and the arms of La Rioja.  La Rioja is located in Andes foothills in western Argentina.  It has tended to be a politically restive region. It gained independence from Spain in 1820 but did not join the Argentine Confederation until 1850. The 37mm, silver-plated, five-sided coin is Proof and has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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SERBIA 2024 TESLA DIRECT ENERGY WEAPON

Nikola Tesla was a Serbian American inventor, electrical engineer, physicist, and futurist.  He is said to have over 300 patents covering a wide range of technologies including alternating current, electric motors, remote control, television, radio, x-rays, cell phones, robotics, lasers, turbine engines, magnetic propulsion, drones, solar power, weather manipulation, particle beams and electromagnetic energy (the Tesla coil). He was a brilliant inventor, but a poor businessman.  Despite his many important and revolutionary inventions, he died alone and penniless in New York in 1943.
   Serbia instituted an annual series of silver 100 Dinara coins honoring Tesla and his many inventions.  The 40.25mm coins each contain 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and are struck by the Serbian Mint.  The Serbian arms, weight, purity, silver content, date, denomination and one or more of his inventions are on the reverses. 
   The first 2024 issue features Tesla's Direct Energy Weapon, which was also known as Teleforce or the Death Beam.  He claimed it would destroy anything approaching within 200 miles, and would provide a wall of power making any country, large or small, impregnable against armies, airplanes, and other means for attack. He never successfully demonstrated it in public and his attempts to sell it to the League of Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Canada and Yugoslavia all failed.
Visit our website or request a list for other coins in this series.

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2024 AUSTRALIA SILVER KANGAROO FEATURES KING CHARLES

King Charles III is featured on the obverse of this 2024 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver Kangaroo of Australia.   The 1 Dollar coin features a hopping Kangaroo on the reverse.  The coin includes many intricate details including a micro-laser engraved letter to thwart counterfeiting and allow the coins to be easily stacked.  The Perth Mint's P125 mintmark celebrating the mints 125th anniversary is at the right of the Kangaroo. The obverse features an uncrowned portrait of King Charles III by Dan Thorne. The Perth Mint was founded in 1899 as a branch of the Royal Mint in England.  It is now owned by the state of Western Australia and its coinage is legal tender in Australia.

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2024 ITALIAN 2 EURO HONORS NOBEL PRIZE WINNER RITA LEVI-MONTALCINI

Rita Levi-Montalcini was awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1986 for her work in discovering nerve growth factor (NGF).  From 2001 until her death in 2012 at age 103 she served in the Italian Senate.  The 2024 2 Euro coin features her portrait.  In the background is a microscope mounted on a horseshoe created by her brother, Italian architect and designer Gino Levi-Montalcini, as a good luck charm for the Nobel Prize.

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FINLAND 2024 2 EURO CELEBRATES ELECTIONS

Finland's first 2024 2 Euro coin celebrates "Elections as a Foundation of Democracy."  The design features stylized ballots with the words "Elections  Democracy" in both Finnish and Swedish the country's two official languages.  The edge inscription reads SUOMI FINLAND (the name of the country in Finnish and Swedish) and includes three lion heads.  The coin has a mintage of only 400,000 pieces. 

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GERMANY COMMEMORATES ITS FIRST CONSTITUTION

This German 2024 2 Euro coin commemorates the 175th anniversary the St. Paul's Church Constitution (Paulskirchenverfassung), also known as the Frankfurt Constitution.   It was an attempt to create a unified German nation.  It included a charter of fundamental rights and a democratic government in the form of a constitutional monarchy.  The constitution failed due to the objections of Prussia and some of the smaller states.  The coin depicts the St. Paul's Church memorial (the original church was destroyed by Allied bombing in 1944).  Behind it is a quill and a paper representing the constitution.  In the background are female allegorical figures representing unity, justice and freedom and the tri-color German flag.  To the left of the church is the letter "D" for Deutschland (Germany). The mintmark is to the right of the church just below the quill.

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ITALY CELEBRATES 250th ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR GUARD OF FINANCE

Italy issued this 2024 2 Euro to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Guardia di Finanza (Guard of Finance).  It traces its origins to the Light Troop Legion set up by the King of Sardinia in 1774 to collect customs duties on the borders and military defense.  Today it is a militarized police force dealing with financial crime, smuggling, customs duties and illegal drug trade.  The force maintains over 600 boats and ships and more than 100 aircraft.  The coin depicts stylized elements from the organizations coat of arms including the Cimon della Pala mountain, a the head of a griffin and a chest of money as well as the Italian flag. 

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SPANISH 2024 2 EURO DEPICTS COURT OF THE MAIDENS IN SEVILLE

Spain honored Seville with their 2024 circulating commemorative 2 Euro.  The coin depicts the "Patio de las Doncellas" (Courtyard of the Maidens) in the Royal Alcazar.  The Royal Alcazar is a UNESCO world Heritage Site.  It was begun in the 10th century and has been extensively modeled and expanded since then.  The name of the courtyard is attribute to a legend that the Muslim rulers demanded an annual tribute of 100 virgins from Christian kingdoms in Iberia.

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SPAIN 2024 2 EURO COMMEMORATES NATIONAL POLICE

Spain commemorated the 200th anniversary of their National Police on this 2024 2 Euro coin. The coin features the badge of the National Police Corps.  The National Police are mainly responsible for policing urban areas, criminal investigations and immigration.   The present organization was formed in 1986, however its predecessor organizations go back 200 years.

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BEAUTIFUL EAST CARIBBEAN POLYMER $2 NOTE

The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank issued its first Two Dollar note to commemorate the bank's 40th anniversary and it is impressive!  It is a candidate for the International Bank Note Society Banknote of the year.  The bank provides coins and currency for Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.  It went all out on this circulating commemorative note.  The front of the 2023 polymer note depicts famed cricketeer Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards, "The Master Blaster," holding a cricket bat.  Also on the front is a conch shell, the Central Bank building and reflective silver and iridescent gold images of sea turtles and fish swimming in the clear window towards the bottom.  The back features a map of the islands and an underwater scene with colorful tropical fish, corals and a turtle.  Both sides of the note include the bank's 40th anniversary logo. The note glows in multiple colors under ultraviolet (UV) light. It is 132 x 65mm.   It is a lovely banknote for any collection.

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WOLF WOMAN ON ILE DE SEIN COIN

Ile de Sein is a flat, treeless, island 5 miles (8km.) off the coast of France.  It is part of a dangerous line zone of reefs south of the English Channel stretching some 30 miles (48km.) west from Pointe du Raz.  The island women used to wear a black headdress, and in the past, they had a reputation for enticing sailors onto the rocks by witchcraft.  A Breton legend states that the island was inhabited by virgin druid priestesses that could predict the future, calm the winds and take the form of animals.  After the World War II German invasion of France nearly every adult male fled the island in their fishing boats to join the Free French Forces in England.  This unofficial 2024 500 Libres of Ile de Sein depicts a woman and a wolf on one side and a Gallic rooster on the other.  The six-sided 39mm silver plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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JAGUARS ON REPUBLIC OF TULE COIN

The Republic of Tule was declared by Guna people living along the eastern coast of southern Panama and northern Columbia.  The region was formerly called San Blas and is now called Guna Yala.  The obverse of this unofficial 2024 Republic of Tule 10 Balboa depicts the head of a Jaguar.  The reverse features a Jaguar in the forest.  The eight-sided 40mmm silver plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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SAILING SHIP ON SQUARE COIN OF SALA Y GOMEZ

A sailing ship if featured on this square 2023 dated 2000 Pesos of Sala Y Gomez.  The coat of arms is on the obverse.  Sala Y Gomez is sometimes considered the easternmost point of the Polynesian Triangle.  It was known to the inhabitants of Easter Island, which is located 243 miles (391km) to the southwest.  It is uninhabited due to its remoteness, small size, lack of fresh water and rough terrain.  It is named after Spanish sailor Jose Salas Valdes who discovered it in 1793 and Jose Manuel Gomez who later explored it.  Today the island belongs to Chile, which is located 2000 miles (3210km) to the east. The surrounding waters are a Marine Protected Area.  The unofficial 39mm silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 145 pieces.

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SAILBOAT ON ODD-SHAPED COIN OF ISLAS DESVENTURADAS

The Islas Desventuradas are four remote islands belonging to Chile that are 530 miles (850 km.) off the coast of Chile.   The name translates as the "Unlucky Islands".  The only inhabitants is a garrison of the Chilean Navy located on Isla San Felix.  A 6,600 foot (2000m.) runway runs the entire length of the island.  The unofficial 2023 5000 Pesos of Islas Desventuradas depicts a nereid (sea nymph) riding hippocampus and the coat of arms on the obverse.  A sailboat is on the reverse.  The, unofficial silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 145 pieces.

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FISHERMAN ON MIGINGO COIN

Migingo is a 1/2 acre (.2 hectare) island in Lake Victoria in Kenya. The island was believed to be the home of an evil spirit and uninhabited until 1991 when two fishermen paid a sorcerer to expel the spirit.  It is a rich fishing area, especially for Nile Perch.  More fishermen moved to the island and attempted to establish an independent commune.  Uganda then claimed the island and a low-level war broke out between Kenya and Uganda, before Uganda finally relinquished its claims in 2009.  In 2018 the tiny island was inhabited by more than 400 people, making one of the most densely populated regions in the world.  The men engage primarily in fishing and the women in prostitution.  This unofficial 2024 dated 1500 Shillings of Migingo depicts the coat of arms on the obverse and a Nile perch and a fisherman in a boat on the reverse.  The 37mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 120 pieces.

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GERMANY HONORS MECKLENBURG-WEST POMERANIA WITH 2 EURO

Germany honored the state of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) on their 2024 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the iconic "Königsstuhl" (King’s Chair) in the Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen..  It is a 387-foot (118m) chalk cliff rising above the Baltic Sea.  A person standing on the beach gives an idea to the immense size of the cliffs.  To the left is the "D" for Deutschland.  Above the cliff is the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).

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LUXEMBOURG ISSUES TWO 2024 2 EURO COINS

Luxembourg released two 2024 dated 2 Euro coins.  One commemorates the 175th anniversary of the death of William II (Guillaume II).  William was the King of the Netherlands, Grand Duke of Luxembourg and Duke of Limburg (Limburg became part of Netherlands in 1867). The coin depict William on a horse and the bust of the current Grand Duke Henri.  The other coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the use of the Feierstëpplert (steel worker) on coins of Luxembourg. The design became emblematic for Luxembourg.  Steel is a major industry of Luxembourg and the country is the home of ArcelorMittal, the world’s second largest steel producer.  The design continued to be used on Luxembourg’s 1 Franc coins until 1965.  The 2024 2 Euro coin depicts the 1924 1 Franc coin and the cypher of Grand Duke Henri within the numeral 100. 

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SLOVENIA COMMEMORATES MATHEMATICIAN JOSIP PLEMELJ

Slovenia commemorated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Josip Plemelj on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  Plemelj was a famed mathematician whose work is far beyond my comprehension.  In 1919 he was elected the first rector of the University of Ljubljana and was a professor of mathematics there from 1919 until his retirement in 1957.  The design on the coin features part of one of his equations with numbers and symbols that rotate in circles and illustrate the rotation of the planets, pulling together two areas of his work and research: mathematics and astronomy.  The standard map of Europe reverse is on the other side.

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GECKO AND SHIP ON AGALEGA COIN

Agalega consists of two small islands in the western part of the Indian Ocean located.  They are administered my Mauritius, which is located 683 miles (1100 km) to the south. It has a population of about 330.  The first settlement was established by a former French Privateer in 1808 who imported slaves.  The exact location of the islands was finally mapped in 1811 by Captain Briggs of HMS Clorinde.  The ship appears on the reverse of the coin.  Mauritius allowed India to start building a major military base on the islands in 2015, over the objection of the residents who saw it as a threat to self-determination and creole language and culture.  The obverse of this unofficial Agalega 2023 dated 500 Rupees coin features a Gecko over the Agalega coat of arms. The coat of arms includes a ship, palm treed, star above a mountain and a key.  The odd shaped coin is struck on silver-plated brass and has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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DRILL ON AMBAZONIA COIN

Ambazonia is a self-declared, unrecognized state in western Africa. In 1961 the southern portion of English-speaking British Cameroon was attached to the larger French Cameroon to create the independent Federal Republic of Cameroon.  Many of the English speakers did not feel they were being fairly treated by the French majority and in 1972 a new constitution stripped the region of much of its local authority. After a series of wide spread protests, the Federal Republic of Ambazonia declared independence in 2017. Guerilla warfare has been ongoing.  The obverse of this unofficial Ambazonia 5 Ambo coin features the coat of arms. The reverse depicts a Drill (Mandrillus leucophaeus) and the outlines of other Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidae).   The 40mm eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 135 pieces.

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ANTS ON KABYLIA 25 DINARS 2023

Kabylia is a region of northern Algeria, including parts of the Atlas Mountains and the Mediterranean coast.  It is inhabited by fiercely independent Berbers.   The region was the last stronghold against the French colonization of Algeria.  The French gradually took control of the region after 1830 despite numerous revolts.  Revolts continued after Algeria's independence in 1962 as the region sought further autonomy.  More recently Kabylia leaders have called for complete independence.  The unofficial 2023 Kabylia 25 Dinars has the Kabylia arms on the obverse with the name of the country in Arabic, Tifinagh and Kabyle.  The reverse depicts 3 ants on leaves.  The six-sided, silver plated, Proof coin has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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KING CHARLES III ON 2024 1 OUNCE SILVER KOOKABURRA

King Charles III appears for the first time on Australia's 1 troy ounce silver Kookaburra with this 2024 issue.  The reverse depicts a Kookaburra holding a snake in its claws flying over a gorge. The Perth Mint commemorates its 125th Anniversary with a special "P125" mintmark on the reverse. Also included in the reverse design is the date, weight and fineness.   Both sides of the coin are reverse frosted, with bright devices against a beautiful frosted field.  The 40.9mm coin is struck in .9999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule. It is legal tender for 1 Australian Dollar. 

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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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