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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

ABYEI COIN DEPICTS AFRICAN WILDLIFE ON MAP OF AFRICA

Abyei is a territory of some 4000 square miles (10,000 sq.km.) of desert located on the border of Sudan and South Sudan. Because it has rich oil deposits both nations claim the territory.  Under a peace agreement it was supposed to be considered on an interim basis to be simultaneously part of both nations until a referendum could be held.  The referendum has never held due to disputes over voter eligibility.  The area is currently under the control of United Nations Peacekeeping forces from Ethiopia.  The obverse of the 39mm 2020 dated 500 Franc coin features the arms of Abyei, which includes elements of both the Sudanese and South Sudanese arms.  The reverse features a map of Africa that depicts a rhinoceros, giraffe and lion.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a scalloped edge and a mintage of just 160.

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ARTSAKH COIN DEPICTS ANCIENT MONASTERY THAT IS NO LONGER IN THAT NATION

The Republic of Artsakh is an unrecognized, though de-facto nation, formerly named the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.  Its inhabitants are primarily Armenian Christians, living in a territory claimed by Muslim Azerbaijan.  It has been supported primarily by nearby Armenia. In March 2020 it lost considerable territory in a war with Azerbaijan.  This eight-sided silver-plated 2021 dated 500 Dram coin of Artsakh features the national arms on the obverse.  The famed Dadivank Monastery and artwork from the monastery is on the reverse.  The monastery was founded in the first century AD by Saint Dadi, a disciple of Thaddeus the Apostle, who spread Christianity to Eastern Armenia.  It was built between the 9tha and 13th century and is one of the most architecturally and culturally significant monasteries in Artsakh.  It is now located in territory controlled by Azerbaijan since the 2020 war. The coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces and is Proof.

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FIN WHALE ON TITANIUM AND COPPER-NICKEL COINS OF SOUTH GEORGIA & SOUTH SANDWICH ISLANDS

An impressive Fin Whale is featured on copper-nickel and bi-color titanium 2021 dated 2 Pound coins of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.  It is the second largest species on earth, after the blue whale, growing to over 80 feet (25m) in length and weighing over 70 tons.  Despite its size its streamlined shape allows it to reach speeds of up to 18mph (30 kph).  The titanium coin features a gold whale against a deep blue background.  It is 36.1mm in diameter, weights 10 grams and has a maximum mintage of only 5000 pieces.  It comes in a capsule packaged in a red box with a certificate of authenticity.  The copper-nickel version is 38.61mm in diameter and has a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverses of the coins.

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GERMANY HONORS SAXONY-ANHALT ON 2021 2 EURO

Germany continued their annual series of 2 Euro coins honoring each of their Bundesländer (states) with this 2021 issue for Saxony-Anhalt (Sachsen-Anhalt).  The coin depicts the Magdeburg Cathedral.  The Cathedral is the oldest Gothic Cathedral in Germany.   Construnction was started in 1209 on the site of an abbey.  It was not completed until over 300 years later in 1520. The coins were struck at all five German mints (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg). The mintmark is at the left of the cathedral.

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GREEK 2021 2 EURO COMMEMORATES 200th ANNIVERSARY OF WAR OF INDEPENDENCE

The Greek war of independence broke out on March 1821 and quickly spread.  Greece had been under Ottoman control since the 155h Century. Independence was declared in January 1822, but not fully achieved until 1830 with assistance from France, Great Britain and Russia.  The con features the Greek flag in a circle surrounded by olive leaves.

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LITHUANIA 2021 ZUVINTAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE 2 EURO

The Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve is a a UNESCO site that is the home of thousands of species of birds, animals and plants. New species are being discovered every year.   It is centered around Zuvintas Lake, a large, shallow lake that is only a small remnant of the former post-glacial lake.  The coin depicts a Bittern trying to eat a Fire-bellied toad.  A Water Reed Warbler clings to a reed.  In the distance a number of cranes are flying with a mute swan. 

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SLOVENIAN BI-METAL 3 EURO COMMEMORATES 300th ANNIVERSARY OF PASSION PLAY

The Skofja Loka Passion Play is the oldest preserved dramatic text in the Slovenian language.  It was written in 1721 by Capuchin Father Romuald-Lovrenc Marusic.  It consists of 13 tableaux taken from the Bible, performed in form of a procession through the streets of old Skofja Loka. The entire performance involves approximately 1000 volunteers and 80 horses.  The coin features a cross, with the meeting point of the straight lines representing the center of the events – the streets of Skofja Loka. Around the cross on the front side of the coin, three broken lines represent not just the auditorium but also the crown of thorns. Each of the 13 vertices of the crown represent one of the tableaux of passion play. The other side features the cross and the signature of Fr. Romuald and the date 1721. The 32mm bi-metallic coin has a mintage of only 40,000 pieces.

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FRANCE COMMEMORATES NAPOLEON ON 2021 SILVER 10 EURO

France commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonepart with this 2021 siver 10 Euro coin.  Napoleon is depicted with a laurel crown.  Beside him are symbols of his reign: the Legion of Honour medal which wasinstituted by Napoleon, the Eagle, the bees and the sun of Austerlitz. The words "2S" are inscribed inside it refer to  the date of the victory of the battle of Austerlitz, December 2, 1805, the "S" representing the month of December.  The reverse includes the denomination within oak and laurel branches, the date, and a series of lines representing France's hexagonal shape.  The 31mm coin is struck in .333 fine silver and comes in a descriptive folder written in French.


ALSO SEE:
ST. HELENA COMMEMORATES THE BATTLES OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARS

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021 SILVER FLAMINGO

The British Virgin Islands recently released this beautiful 2021 reverse cameo frosted silver Flamingo dollar. The word ‘flamingo’ comes from the Portuguese/Spanish 'flamengo' meaning 'flame-colored'. Flamingos get their pink color from eating shrimp and algae containing carotenoid. Featured on the coin is a flamingo in a typical pose, standing on one leg with its head tucked down.  In the background is a flock of flamingos.  Flamingos are very sociable birds that live in colonies that can number thousands of birds.   Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The 38.6mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver and has a mintage of only 10,000 pieces.

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KANAKY REPUBLIC COIN FEATURES KAGU BIRD

The Kanaky Republic is an independence movement for the French territory of New Caledonia. Kanaks make up about 41% of the the Pacific islands population.  A referendum for full independence was rejected in 2018, and a second referendum was narrowly defeated in October 2020.  A third and final referendum may be held by 2022.   One side of the coin features the multi-color emblem of the Kanaky Republic.  The other side depicts a Kagu bird (Rhynochetos jubatus).  The nearly flightless bird in endimic to New Caledonia and appears on the coins of New Caledonia.  The eight-sided 2020 Kanaky 500 Francs coin is 40mm.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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CAMERIA COIN FEATURES SNAKE EAGLE

Cameria (Chameria) is a region of southern Albania and north-western Greece bordering the Ionian Sea.  The Chams were primarily a Muslim ethnic group.  During the first half of the 20th century most Chams in Greece were expelled, emegrated or assimilated into Greek culture.  The Democratic Foundation of Chameria, a pro=indepenence movement, was founded in 2006 in Hague, Netherlands.  The organization seems to have disappeared in 2019, after the murder of its chair and disputes over the goals of the organization.  The 2020 dated 500 Leke Proof coin depicts a Short-toed snake eagle (Circaetus gallicus) holding a snake in its talons one side. The other side has the arms of Cameria.  The six-sided silver-plated Proof coin is 39mm and has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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SERBIA HONORS TESLA ON SILVER COINS

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 2019 coin commemorated the 120th anniversary of his invention of remote control and wireless transmission.  In 1898 Tesla demonstrated the technology with a radio-controlled four-foot long stealth boat, which is depicted on the coin.   He expected the technology to be picked up by the United States Navy, but the Navy brass would have none of it.  Ironically, less than two decades later the German navy used remotely controlled boats loaded with explosives to attack Allied ships during World War I.  Only recently has the United States Navy started serious work with remote control ships.   The coin has a mintage of 20,059 pieces in BU.
    The 2020 coin honored Tesla's early work with X-rays.  Nikola Tesla was one of the early discoverers of X-rays.  His first X-ray images, which he called shadowgraphs, were done in 1894, a year before Wilhelm Röntgen published his discovery of X-rays in 1895. He was one of the first to recognize some of the benefits of X-rays, such as the finding of foreign objects within a body and the detection of lung diseases.  He was also one of the first to recognize the hazards of X-ray radiation. Unfortunately, most of his work was lost when his laboratory burned down in 1895.  The coin has a mintage of 19,812 in BU.
   The 2021 issue depicts his famed Wardenclyffe Tower.  The 187 foot (57m) tall tower on Long Island was supposed be able to distribute free energy to all.  Foreshadowing the Internet, it would allow one to call any telephone in the world and allow one to hear music or speeches delivered anywhere.  The ambitious project failed on two counts:  Tesla could not figure out how to recover the costs of the project if everything was free, and the technology did not work. 

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2021 CHINESE SILVER PANDA

Because of a 25% tariff imposed on Chinese imports by President Trump, few 2021 China silver Pandas have been imported and the cost of them is substantially higher.  We managed to get a few of these popular coins.  The 2021 issue features a momma panda watching her young baby panda climb a tree.  Both coins feature the date, denomination and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing on the obverse.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coins have a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and come in a protective capsule.

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JAPAN 2020 OLYMPIC BI-METALLIC 500 YEN COINS

Japan issued two circulating bi-metallic 500 Yen coins for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which are being held in 2021 due to COVID-19.  The obverse designs are derived from “The Folding Screens of Wind God and Thunder God” by Tawaraya Sotatsu., a 16th century Japanese artist and calligrapher.  Rajin, the Shinto god of thunder is depicted on the obverse of one coin.  The reverse features the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games logo surrounded by pictograms for the Olympic sports of modern Pentathlon, Golf, Basketball, Equestrian, Handball, Rowing, Hockey, Rugby, Sailing, Shooting, Taekwondo, and Triathlon.   The other coin features Wind God Fujin on the obverse and the logo of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games surrounded by the pictograms for the Paralympic sports of Badminton, Canoe, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Fencing, Equestrian, Rowing, Powerlifting, Football 5-a-side, Sitting Volleyball, Taekwondo, Shooting, Triathlon, and Wheelchair Basketball. Both coins are dated Year 2 of the Reiwa era and are 26.5mm.

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COMPLETE SET OF JAPAN 2020 TOKYO OLYMPICS 100 YEN COINS

In 2017 Japan started a four-year, 20-coin, series of circulating 100 Yen commemorating the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.  Due to COVID-19, the games were not held in 2020.   The games are now scheduled to start in July 2021, but due to continuing concerns about COVID-19, even that may not happen.  The reverses of the coins feature the words "TOKYO 2020" and the Olympic and Tokyo Olympics emblems or the Paralympic and Tokyo Paralympic emblems. The obverses feature 18 different Olympic and Paralympic sports, plus the two mascots for the games.  Depicted are some of the non-traditional sports, including skate boarding, sport climbing, surfing, Paralympic Boccia and Wheelchair Rugby.  The copper-nickel coins are 22.6mm in diameter.   It is a fascinating set of host country Olympic coins for games that were not held.

Also see:
JAPAN SILVER 1000 YEN 1964 OLYMPIC COIN

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FRANCE 2021 UNICEF 2 EUROS

France commemorated the 75th anniversary of UNICEF on this 2021 2 Euro coin.  UNICEF was created in 1946 as the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to provide relief to children and mothers affected by World War II.  After that was no longer an immediate need, its mandate was extended to address the long-term needs of children, to defend their rights, and to help them fulfill their potential.  The design includes two children's hands assembling the earth in the form of a jigsaw puzzle and portions of the UNICEF logo.

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SPAIN 2021 TOLEDO 2 EUROS

Spain honored Toledo on this 2021 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the Puerta del Sol and a detail of Synagogue of El Tránsito, both of which date from the 14th century.  The Puerto del Sol is a city gate built by the Knights Hospitaller.  The Synagogue of El Tránsito is noted for its rich stucco decoration.  After the expulsion of the Jews was converted to a church.  Today is a museum of Jewish heritage. 

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AFRICAN WILDLIFE ON 2021 AFAR COIN

The Afar (Qafar) are an ethnic group of some 2.5 million in the horn of Africa divided between Ethiopia, Eritrea and Djibouti (formerly French Afars & Issas).  Since 1975 there have been a number of Afars revolutionary groups seeking either an independent Afars or greater Afars autonomy.  This unofficial 2020 Afar 10 Dollar coin features a lioness attacking an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) on the reverse.  The obverse features the fierce head of a male lion. The 8-sided, 40mm, silver plated coin has a mintage of only 190 pieces.  It is an attractive coin from a little-known part of Africa.

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BAIKONUR CELEBRATES 60th ANNIVERSARY OF YURI GAGARIN'S FLIGHT

This 2021 Baikonur 60 Rubles commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's space flight.  He was the first human to fly into outer space.  He was launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 12, 1961.  The Baikonur Cosmodrome was built by the Soviet Union in what is now Kazakhstan.  It is now leased to and operated by Russia.  The obverse of the unofficial coin includes the crowned Russian Eagle, the Gagarin's Vostok rocket and Sputnik-1, the world's first orbital satellite, which was also launched from Baikonur.  The reverse depicts a smiling Gagarin in his space helmet and the dates "1961 2021".  The unofficial Proof six-sided silver-plated coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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NEW AWARD WINNING MEXICAN 100 PESOS NOTE

The new 2020 Mexican 100 Pesos note was awarded "Banknote of the Year" by the International Bank Note Society, and for good reason.  It is a beautifully designed note with numerous advanced security features including clear windows, color shifting ink, UV images, intaglio and embossed features. The front features Juana Inés de la Cruz and the main patio of San Ildefonso College in Mexico City.  Juana Inés was a brilliant 17th century self-taught Mexican scholar and writer. She was the illegitimate child of a Spanish Captain and grew up at a time when educational opportunities for women were very limited and there were not allowed to attend college. However, her insightful literary accomplishments garnered her fame throughout New Spain. She exchanged correspondence with Isaac Newton.  In 1667 she became a nun in order to allow herself to continue studies and writing. Her writings, which included criticism of misogyny and the hypocrisy of men, caused conflict with church authorities.  In 1694 her extensive library of over 4000 volumes and her musical and scientific instruments were either sold or confiscated and she apparently ceased writing. San Ildefonso college as a Jesuit boarding school in 1588 and is now a museum.  Being a woman, Juana Inés was not allowed to attend.   The back of the note features Monarch butterflies and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán.  Each fall, millions of butterflies from across North America, some coming from as far away as Eastern Canada, spending the winter at the Butterfly reserve.  In Spring the butterflies start their journey home.  It takes multiple generations of butterflies to complete a migration cycle. How they find their way back every year remains a mystery.  This past year, the butterfly population was down substantially at the Biosphere Reserve, as well as at the Pismo Butterfly Reserve which is near where we live.  This stunning vertical polymer note is 65x132mm.

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FINLAND 2021 JOURNALISM 2 EURO

Finland dedicated this 2021 2 Euro coin to "journalism and free press supporting the Finnish democracy".   The coin marks the 100th anniversary of Finland's Union of Journalists.  The design features "stylized male and female figures and the information networks surrounding them like a ribbon", though personally I don't see it.

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FRENCH 2021 EURO COIN SET

France was one of the original 12 Euro members.  France used three designs on their Euro coins.  The 1, 2 and 5 euro cents depict the head of Marianne, the symbol of the French Republic.  The 10, 20 and 50 euro cents feature The Sower (La Semeuse), which was previously used on the French Franc coins.  The design by Oscar Roty was first appeared on French coins in 1897.  The 1 and 2 Euro coins feature a stylized tree and the motto "Liberté Egalité Fraternité".  The 1 Euro has low mintages and not generally issued for circulation  making them difficult obtain and make complete sets.

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INDIANS FEATURED ON LOW MINTAGE STATE 20 DOLLAR COINS

Unofficial odd-shaped 20 Dollar coins featuring American Indians were recently minted for various American States by a Russian coin dealer.  The attractive and artistic silver-plated coins have a mintage of only 160 pieces each.   Each coin depicts American Indians from a tribe in that state.  The six-sided 39mm Arizona coin depicts an Elk on the obverse and Navaho dancer on the reverse.  The Dakota issue is a five-sided, 36mm coin depicting a standing Sioux with a deer in the background.  The obverse depicts the American Eagle emblem from the flag of North Dakota.  The Delaware issue depicts two Delaware Indians armed with rifles and a war club on one side and the Delaware coat of arms on the other.  The eight-sided coin is 40mm. The eight-sided 40mm Wyoming coin depicts the state seal on the obverse and two Cheyenne and their horses on the reverse.   All four coins are dated 2020.  They are impressive, well designed and well struck low-mintage coins at quite a reasonable price.

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PLUNDERFISH ON GLOWING TITANIUM COIN OF BRITISH ANTARCTIC TERRITORY

Glowing titanium and copper-nickel coins depicting the Antarctic Barbeled Plunderfish (Artedidraco skottsberg) were issued for the British Antarctic Territory in 2021.  The fish is found in the freezing waters off Antarctica.  It produces antifreeze glycoproteins that allows it to occupy these freezing habitats.  Its scales glow brightly under Ultra Violet (UV) light. This unusual effect is reproduced on the titanium version of the coin - the scales of the Plunderfish glow in under UV light.   The 36.1 dark blue titanium coin weighs just 10 grams and has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  It comes housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity.  The same design, without the glowing UV feature, is used on a 38.6mm copper-nickel coin. The copper-nickel version has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.  The coins are both denominated 2 Pounds and have Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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BI-COLOR 2021 TITANIUM AND COPPER NICKEL COINS FEATURE PARROTFISH

British Indian Ocean Territory recently released 2021 bi-color titanium and copper nickel 2 Pound coins featuring three Parrotfish swimming among coral.   The titanium coin features yellow-green parrot-fish against a sea-blue background.   The coin is not painted but is anodized using a special process so that the color is an integral part of the metal of the coin.  It weighs only 10 grams and has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  The coin comes is housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity.   The same design, but without color is used on a 38.6mm copper-nickel coin. The copper-nickel version has a mintage of 10,000 pieces.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of both coins.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 2021 BI-COLOR TITANIUM & COPPER-NICKEL TITANIUM COINS

Two adult Caribbean Flamingos in front of a waterfall are featured on these 2021 coins of the British Virgin Islands.  The 36.1mm titanium 5 Dollar coin features pink flamingos against a green background.  The colors are not painted, but are annodized, so that they are an integral part of the metal of the coin.  Because the Titanium reacts differently with every strike, each flamingo coin is technically different from all others. The Titanium coin is shipped encapsulated in an acrylic capsule for protection and housed in a stunning red box with a Certificate of Authenticity. It has a mintage of only 5000 pieces.  The copper-nickel 1 Dollar coin is 38.6mm.   Both coins portray Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

Also see:
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS 1 DOLLAR 2015 FLAMINGO, COPPER-NICKEL

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SQUARE CHINESE 2020 5 YUAN COMMEMORATES THE WUYI MOUNTAINS

China continued their annual series featuring UNESCO heritage sites with this square 2020 5 Yuan honoring the Wuyi mountains.   Wuyi is a range of mountains around the border of Fujian and Jiangxi provinces.  It is noted for its spectacular scenery, many caves, diverse plant and wildlife that includes more than 1000 rare species as well has many historical and religious sites.  One side of the 27.2mm brass coin depicts the distinctive Yunnu hill, a butterfly and two men on a raft on the Nine-bend River.  The other side portrays the emblem of the People's Republic of China. The design incorporates a number of anti-counterfeiting devices, including a shifting image and a series of tiny dots hidden in in the design.

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CHINA YEAR OF THE OX BI-METALLIC 10 YUAN

China recently released this 2021 dated bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin to commemorate the Year of the ox.  The bi-metallic 27mm coin depicts a traditional artistic paper-cutting of an ox, a palace lantern and grain on the reverse. The obverse features the denomination surrounded by an intricate etched 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 in the base of the numeral "1" and other anti-counterfeiting devices. 

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2021 SILVER BRITANNIA

Great Britain annually issues this popular 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin called the Britannia on an annual basis.  The reverse features the helmeted figure of Britannia standing holding a trident and shield, her dress billowing in the wind. The 2021 issue incorporates new security features:  a latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident, a micro-text inscription within the design rim that reads in Latin "Decus Et Tutamen" (an ornament and a safeguard), tincture lines within the stripes of the Union Jack and a surface animation that imitates the movement of ocean waves.   Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. The 38.61mm coin has the nominal value of 2 Pounds

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ST. HELENA 2021 QUEEN'S VIRTUES 1 OUNCE SILVER POUND  

St. Helena launched a six coin series of "The Queen's Virtues" in 2021.  Each 39mm coin is 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver with a nominal face value of 1 Pound.  The Queen's Virtues are a set of principles to guide the views and behaviors of British monarchs that were established by Queen Victoria in the 19th Century.  The first coin in the series is the 2021 "Victory through harmony".  The reverse features Winged Victory, inspired by the statue on that sits atop the Victoria Memorial in London. The coin is produced for the East India Company, whose distinctive privy mark appears at the lower right.  The obverse includes Raphael Maklouf's portrait of Queen Elizabeth, denomination and date.  The background on both sides displays an East India Company geometric pattern.

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2021 SAMOA ALPHA & OMEGA JESUS 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER COIN

This 2021 1 troy ounce .999 silver 2 Tala coin of Samoa is the first coin in a new "Jesus Collection" series.  The coin features an icon portrait of Jesus from a mosiac with the inscription "I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith,” a reference to II Timothy 4:7-8. The arms of Samoa, date and denomination are on the obverse. For each coin sold, four dollars will be donated to GlobalFingerprints which supports children in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The 39mm coin comes in a capsule and has a mintage of only 15,000 pieces.

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BRITAIN CELEBRATES DIVERSITY

Great Britain recently released a circulating 2020 dated 50 Pence coin to celebrate diversity.  The obverse of the seven-sided copper-nickel coin depicts Queen Elizabeth.  The reverse features the words "DIVERSITY BUILT BRITAIN" against a geometric pattern. 

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RUSSIA HONORS HEALTH CARE WORKERS

In response to the recent COVID-19 outbreak, Russia issued a copper-nickel 25 Ruble coin honoring health care workers.  One side depicts two medical workers - a man and a woman - in protective suits, holding paramedic boxes, against the background of a hospital and an ambulance.  The other side has the Russian emblem, date, denomination and the Moscow mint mark.  The 27mm copper-nickel coin has a mintage of 5 million pieces.

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HUNGARY HONORS THE "HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC"

Hungary recently released 2020 dated circulating 10 and 20 Forint commemorative coins honoring the "Heroes of the Pandemic".   Hungary's COVID-19 cases and death rates were well below that of neighboring European nations, though recently there has been a spike in the number of cases.  Both coins have similar designs. The obverses depict the images of those that contributed to control the pandemic formed into the shape of a heart.  The coins have the same reverses as the regular issues which depict the denomination and the Budapest mint mark. 

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STATE OF JEFFERSON GOLD & SILVER BI-METALLIC SEATED LIBERTY

The State of Jefferson is a proposed new state made up of rural areas of northern California and southern Oregon.  The movement has attracted many conservatives who feel their opinions and values are overshadowed and outvoted by the liberal cities.  Their 2021 "Seated Liberty" 50 Jeff Dollars is a most unusual coin!  Seated Liberty is the image of a young woman that is often seen on the mud flaps of large trucks. Above her is the sun, which includes a 22K .3 gram gold plug that goes all the way through the coin.  The denomination appears on the gold plug.   The rest of the coin is sterling silver.  The obverse features the double cross emblem of The State of Jefferson  The 31.5mm coin is hand struck, so each piece is slightly different. Because of the difficulties in striking the coin and obtaining the proper gold plugs only 20 pieces have been minted.

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STATE OF JEFFERSON 2021 WALKING SASQUATCH

The State of Jefferson is a proposed new state made up of rural areas of northern California and southern Oregon.  The movement has attracted many conservatives in the area whose opinions and values are overshowed and outvoted by the more liberal cities.  The design of the Jefferson 2021 silver 25 Jefferson Dollars coin is based on the United States Walking Liberty Half Dollar, except that Liberty has been replaced with an image of a walking Sasquatch. It is rumored that Sasquatch, also known as Big Foot, lives in the remote hills of Jefferson.  The reverse features the double cross emblem of The State of Jefferson.   The 32mm coin is hand struck in sterling silver. by the Smallforest mint in Oregon.

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VITEBSK PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC FEATURES LENIN

Vitebsk is the northern region of Belarus, bordering Russia, Latvia and Lithuania. Recently Russia has been circulating the idea of creating the Vitebsk People's Republic, which would be a puppet state of Moscow rather than part of Belarus.  Shortly there after an unofficial coin for the Vitebsk People's Republic was issued by a Russian coin dealer.  The 2020 dated 20 Rubles commemorates the 150th Anniversary of the birth of Lenin.  One side of the silver-plated Proof coin depicts the bust of Lenin.  The other side depicts the coat of arms in red and gold.   The odd-shaped coin measures 40x30mm and has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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2020 ABU DHABI COIN

This unofficial 50 Dirhams of Abu Dhabi depicts the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosqon one side and the arms of Abu Dhabi in color on the other.  Abu Dhabi is one of the United Arab Emirates and has not issued any circulating coins under its name..  The mosque was constructed between 1996 and 2007.  It can accommodate over 40,000 worshipers at one time in its halls and courtyards.  The 36mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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NEW 2020 2 EURO COMMEMORATIVES

Belgium featured Northern Renaissance painter Jan Van Eyck. The coin depicts a self-portrait, an artist pallet and his signature.  It is packaged in a card and has a mintage of only 150,000.


Cyprus celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics. The Institute provides high-quality services, innovative research, and postgraduate education. The design depicts a neuron with its synapses. It has a mintage of 400,000,



France paid tribute to medical researchers during the COVID pandemic with this 2020 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the face of a female researcher and DNA fragments.  The coin comes in a special "MERCI" blister pack and was not released into general circulation.  The Paris mint committed to donate €2 to Fondation de France for each coin sold.




Germany commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Chancellor Willy Brandt's "Warsaw Genuflection".  On December 7, 1970, during his visit to Warsaw, Brandt spontaneously fell to his knees in front a monument to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising.  The 1943 revolt was the largest single revolt by Jews against Nazi Germany during World War II.  Before the war some 250,000 Jews lived in the Ghetto.  Virtually every Jew in the Ghetto was exterminated, either in death camps before or after the uprising or killed during the uprising.  The Treaty of Warsaw, in which West Germany recognized the new borders of Poland, was signed during his visit, easing some of the tensions of the Cold War.


Greece marked the 100th anniversary of its reunification with Thrace after World War I.  The coin depicts an ancient silver Drachm of Thrace depicting a griffin.



Italy commemorated the 80th anniversary of their National Fire Brigade.  The Fire Brigade fights fires, assists with accidents, helps people and is called upon during national emergencies.  The coin features the brigade's emblem.


Italy's second 2 Euro commemorative for 2020 honored the 150th anniversary of the birth of famed educator and physician Maria Montessori.   Her portrait appears on the coin.

Click Here for Maria Montessori on Italian 1000 Lire banknote.



Luxembourg honored the 200th anniversary of the birth of Prince Henri of Orange-Nassau.  He was appointed governor of Luxembourg in 1850 by his brother William III who was both King of the Netherlands and Grand Duke of Luxembourg. The coin depicts Prince Henri, along with the current Grand Duke, who is also named Henri.  It has a mintage of 300,000.


For their second 2020 issue Luxembourg released a pair of 2 Euro coins commemorating the birth of Prince Charles, the first child of heir to the throne Grand Duke Guillaume and his wife the Grand Duchess Stephanie. This makes the child second in line to the throne.  Two versions of the coin were issued, both depicting the royal couple holding their baby. The monogram of Grand Duke Henri appears to the left.   One version is in standard relief.  The other has a flat holographic/photographic relief.  The two versions make an interesting pair.


Slovenia commemorated the 500th anniversary of the birth of Adam Bohoric.  He was a preacher, teacher and author and established the basic written foundations of the Slovene language.   The coin depicts multi-lingual slogans from the title page of Bohorič’s Latin-Slovenian grammar book, Arcticae horulae succisivae (Free Winter Hours), surrounded by the author's name, date of his birth, country name and issue date. The coin has a mintage of 990,500. 

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CONTROVERSIAL SAUDI NOTE

In October 2020 Saudi Arabia released a circulating commemorative banknote to mark the Saudi presidency of the G20 summit. The G20 (or Group of 20) is a forum of government leaders and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union to discuss international financial issues.  The G20 members account for around 90% of the Gross World Product and 80% of world trade. The summit was scheduled to be held in Riyad in November 2020 but due to COVID it was held virtually.   The front depicts the G20 logo and King Salman.  The back of the note features a map of the world with the G20 members in a darker color.  Controversially the regions of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which are administered by India, are shown as an independent entity.  Pakistan also complained as the parts of Kashmir that are administered by Pakistan are included in that entity.  Because of strong diplomatic protests by both India and Pakistan it is reported that Saudi Arabia is withdrawing the note from circulation. 

Also see:
OLD COPPER COIN OF MUSLIM KASHMIR - AE KASERAH FATH SHAH 1486-1517

JAMMU & KASHMIR COIN DEPICTS KASHMIR DEER: 200 RUPEES 2020 PROOF

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CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC COINS

A movement to create California as an independent nation has been active for some years. The movement is headed by a New Yorker living in Russia. It appears most its funding is from Russia and social media support from both Russia and Iran.   The movement has found little backing within the state, (though there are probably some conservatives who would be happy to see California leave the Union.)  Recently a Russian coin dealer created two beautiful coins for the California Republic. Both coins are denominated as 20 California Dollars and are dated 2020.  They are 40mm eight-sided, silver plated Proof coins.  One depicts a Bobcat and her kitten in Yosemite Valley.  The other features Minerva and sailing ships.  The design is from the state seal.  The reverses of both coins depict a Grizzly Bear and the words "CALIFORNIA REPUBLIC". The design comes from the California State Flag.  The Bear Flag Republic design is based on a flag used in the 1846 revolt against Mexico. 

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GOLD & BI-METALLIC COINS OF GREATER IDAHO

Greater Idaho one of the secession movements in rural areas of Oregon and Northern California.  The conservative rural areas are unhappy about the liberal policies and politics imposed on them by the more heavily populated cities in their states.   The Greater Idaho movement wants to expand the boundaries of the State of Idaho to include the rural areas of Oregon and Northern California. In the recent 2020 elections ballot measures supporting Greater Idaho passed in two Oregon counties. Regardless of the wishes of the people, it is unlikely to ever happen.  Recently Smallforest, a private mint in Oregon, released two hand-struck coins for Greater Idaho. Being hand- struck, they vary slightly from coin to coin and may have weak areas in the design.  Both coins are dated 2021.   Both are denominated "500 Gold Uncommon Cents" and feature the famous "End of Pain" image of a man hanging in the gallows.  The design and denomination are sly references to Thomas Paine, who advocated the overthrow of unjust governments.  The design is from a late 19th century satirical British trade token.  The "End of Pain" design was a pun about Thomas Paine, whose book "Common Sense" and his support of the American and French Revolutions made him a very unpopular man in England.  The reverse has a map of Greater Idaho. Two versions of the coin were struck.  Both are about 19mm in diameter.  One is struck in .500 fine gold and weighs about 2 grams.  It has a maximum mintage of only 15 pieces can comes in a case with a hand written, numbered Certificate of Authenticity.   The other version is struck in copper with a silver plug, which has a maximum mintage of only 100 pieces. 

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NEVADA AND UTAH GOLDBACK NOTES

These beautiful Goldback Aurum notes are printed on 24 karat gold!   Each wafer-thin note is coated with a protective plastic coating so it can be circulated, without the gold tearing. They are issued in increments of 1/1000 troy ounce of gold in order to allow for small purchases. The notes are printed on one side only with intricate multi-color allegorical 19th century style designs.  The 1 Goldback contains 1/1000 troy ounce of gold and measures 66x117mm.  5 Goldbacks contains 1/200 troy ounce of gold and is 66x130mm.  10 Goldbacks contains 1/100 troy ounce of gold and is 66x143mm. The 25 Goldbacks contain 1/40 troy ounce of gold.  The privately issued gold notes are intended as a voluntary local currency.  Separate issues were made in 2020 for Nevada and Utah. Each note has its own unique design.   The Nevada notes feature Caritas (charity) on the 1 Goldback, Sophia (wisdom) on the 5 Goldback, and Justia (Justice) on 10 Goldback.  The Utah notes feature Prudentia (prudence) on the 1 Goldback, Veritas (truth) on the 5 Goldback, Justia (justice) on the 10 Goldback and  Victoria (victory) depicted as an early Women’s Suffragette 25 Goldbacks..  They are an attractive and unusual form of currency.

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HUNGARY HONORS THE "HEROES OF THE PANDEMIC"

Hungary recently released 2020 dated circulating 10 and 20 Forint commemorative coins honoring the "Heroes of the Pandemic".   Hungary's COVID-19 cases and death rates were well below that of neighboring European nations, though recently there has been a spike in the number of cases.  Both coins have similar designs. The obverses depict the images of those that contributed to control the pandemic formed into the shape of a heart.  The coins have the same reverses as the regular issues which depict the denomination and the Budapest mint mark. 

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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 colored and un-colored versions of this 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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AFRICAN PENGUINS ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDS COIN

A pair of diving African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) are on this unofficial 2020 20 Rand coin of the Prince Edward Islands of South Africa. (Not to be confused with Prince Edward Island of Canada).  The obverse of this six-sided coin features the arms of the islands.   The Prince Edward Islands are two islands belonging to South Africa located 1,099 miles (1,769 km.) south-east of Port Elizabeth. The islands are a Special Nature Reserve and are uninhabited except for visiting scientists.  The islands were often visited by seal hunters in the 19th century, until the seal population was nearly eradicated.  The sealers accidentally introduced mice, whose population quickly multiplied and threatened the bird population.  In 1949 cats were introduced to control the mice population.  The cats controlled the mice, but the cat population soared and then the birds became threatened by the cats.  A cat eradication program was implemented by introducing cats infected with a deadly feline virus. Any remaining cats were shot or trapped.  With the cats gone the mouse population again soared, and the bird population was once again threatened.  Recently a new mouse eradication program was implemented.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160.

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EQUESTRIAN ORDER OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE OF JERUSALEM

Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, also called Order of the Holy Sepulchre or Knights of the Holy Sepulchre is a Roman Catholic order of knighthood under the protection of the Pope.  It had its origins in the Crusades to protect Christians in the Holy Land.  Much of its work today still focuses on the support of the Christian presence in the Holy Land.   One side of the five-sided coin depicts a knight holding a sword and the name of the order in Latin: "Ordo Equestris Sancti Sepulcri Hierosolymitani".  The reverse has the arms of the order and its initials: "OESSH".  The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin is dated 2020 and denominated as 10 Tari.   It has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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JAMMU & KASHMIR COIN DEPICTS KASHMIR DEER

Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed region with portions controlled by India, Pakistan and China.  Kashmir  was an independent kingdom until it was conquered by the Mughals in 1586. After India and Pakistan gained independence the region was divided between them with the northern most portion going to China.  Since then the three nations have fought multiple wars over the territory.  Many residents would prefer Kashmir to be an independent nation rather than being divided between the warring parties.   This unofficial 2020 dated silver-plated Proof 200 Rupee coin of Jammu and Kashmir features a Kashmir Stag (also called a hangul) on one side and the arms of Jammu and Kashmir on the other. The coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

Also see:
OLD COPPER COIN OF MUSLIM KASHMIR - AE KASERAH FATH SHAH 1486-1517

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FISH EAGLE ON COIN OF DISPUTED NATUNA

The Natuna Regency is an archipelago of 272 islands located in the south part of the South China Sea.  The islands are controlled by Indonesia.  Part of Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) off the coast of Natuna overlaps with China's "Nine Dashed Lines" claim to most of the South China Sea, which is based on a map published by China in 1947.  There have been conflicts over fishing in the disputed area and Indonesia has heavily armed the islands in an attempt to enforce their claims.  Natural Gas deposits in the region may create further conflicts.  One side of this unofficial 2020 dated 5000 Rupiah coin depicts a Lesser Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus humilis) holding a fish in its talons.  The other side has the Natuna emblem on the chest of a heraldic Indonesian Garuda Bird.  The 39mm silver-plated proof coin has a scalloped edge.   It has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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ESEQUIBO COIN FEATURES TOCO TOUCAN

Esequibo is a disputed region bordering the Essequibo river in South America.  It is claimed and controlled by Guyana though is also claimed by Venezuela.  The dispute dates back to the 19th century.  In 2006 Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez added an 8th star to the Venezuelan flag to represent Esequibo.  The region contains large oil fields and makes up a substantial portion of the nation of Guyana.  The obverse of this 2020 dated 20 Guilderro depicts the arms of Esequibo.  The reverse depicts a Toco Toucan.  The unofficial 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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GOLIATH HERON ON COIN OF DAHLAC

Dahlac is an archipelago of over 100 islands located in the Red Sea, only four of which are permanently inhabited. It has a population of about 2500.  In Roman times it was famous for its pearls. Even today it still has a small pearl diving industry. Over the centuries it has been used as a prison and a major conduit of trade and slaves between Africa and Arabia.  Recently it has become a popular destination yacht cruising and scuba divers.  It is currently controlled by Eritrea.  This unofficial six-sided 2020 50 Nafka coin of Dahlac depicts a Goliath Heron on the reverse.  The large bird can reach up to 5 feet (152cm) and have a 7.5 foot (230cm) wingspan. The emblem of Dahlac featuring a camel is on the obverse.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 160 pieces.

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ROTUMA COIN FEATURES NATIVE BIRD

Rotuma is an island controlled by Fiji that is located some 400 miles (645km) north of Fiji.  It has approximately 1600 inhabitants which have a distinct language and culture from Fiji.  In 1987 a part-Rotuman man named Henry Gibson proclaimed the independence of Rotuma and declared himself king of the Republic of Rotuma.  (I am not sure how one can be the king of a republic).  The independence movement seems to have died out soon thereafter.  In 2020 an unofficial coin was struck for Rotuma.  The 39mm scalloped 50 Pa'atuna coin depicts a Rotuma myzomela bird (Myzomela chermesina).  The other side depicts the arms of Rotuma. The Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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ODD SHAPED COIN OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE NORTH SOLOMONS

Bougainville is a large, mineral rich island controlled by Papau-New Guinea.  Germany claimed the island in the late 19th century and administered it as part of German New Guinea.  It has remained part of New Guinea ever since, though ethnically and geographically it is part of the Solomon Islands group.  There has been an on-going independence movement for Bougainville ever since Papau-New Guinea gained independence in 1975.  The movement wants to establish Bougainville as The Republic of the North Solomons.   In 2019 a referendum was held with over 98% voting for independence.  There has been little progress towards independence since then.  The odd shaped coin depicts the arms of Bougainville, which consists of two armed natives guarding an upe. An upe is a traditional headdress worn by men to symbolize their transition to adulthood.  The other side depicts a bound pair of arms breaking free and the dates of the independence referendum.   This unofficial 200 Bou coin is dated 2020.  The odd-shaped coin is 40x26mm.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 160 pieces.

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FOR OTHER RECENT ISSUES PLEASE SEE:
NEW 2 EURO COMMEMORATIVE COINS

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