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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

2023 SILVER BRITANNIA DEPICTING QUEEN ELIZABETH 

Even though Queen Elizabeth died September 8, 2023, the British Royal mint has released 2023 dated 1 troy ounce silver Britannias depicting the Queen on the obverse.  Quite likely they started preparing to make the coins before the Queen's death.  Silver Britannias depicting Charles III are expected to be released later. The 2022 issue incorporate new security features: a latent image changes from a padlock to Britannia’s famous trident, a micro-text inscription 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. The 38.61mm coin is struck in .999 and has the nominal value of 2 Pounds. 

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2022 MEXICAN 1 OUNCE SILVER LIBERTAD

This beautiful 2022 Mexican silver Libertad contains 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver. Because of supply problems and production difficulties at the Mexican mint it has been difficult to obtain and is expected to have a lower than usual mintage.  On one side of the coin is the Victory Angel that is on the top of the Mexican Independence monument in Mexico City.   In the background are the Popocatépetl and Iztaccihuatl volcanoes. The other side depicts the historical coats-of-arms of Mexico, with the current arms in the center.  It is interesting to see the progression of the design over time.  The coin is 40mm in diameter.

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KINGDOM OF HAWAII 2022 SILVER 50 DALA

The Kingdom of Hawaii is one of many Hawaiian sovereignty movements.  They contend that because the United States illegally overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the United States occupation of Hawaii is illegal and Hawaii is still an independent kingdom.  The obverse of the 2022 Hawaiian Kingdom 50 Dala coin features the bust of a Hawaiian Koa warrior. Unlike most coins the design is incuse rather than raised. The reverse depicts a map of Hawaii.  The 30mm coin contains 1/2 troy ounce of .999 silver and is approximately 2.5mm thick.  The coin is hand struck and has a maximum total mintage of just 100 pieces.

Also see:
HAWAII 2021 SILVER 50 DALA

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FINLAND CLIMATE RESEARCH 2 EURO 2022 DEPICTS BEARD LICHEN

Finland featured climate research on this 2022 dated 2 Euro coin.  The design features beard lichen, which is often considered an indicator of air quality as it is very sensitive to air pollution, especially sulfur dioxide.  Where there is good quality, clean air it can grow to 4 to 8 inches long (10 to 20 cm.).  The standard 2 Euro map of Europe is on the reverse.

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SLOVAK REPUBLIC COMMEMORATES 300th ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST MINE STEAM ENGINE

The Slovak Republic commemorated the 300th anniversary of the construction of the first atmospheric steam engine in continental Europe with this 2022 2 Euro coin.  English engineer Issac Potter built the large Newcomen steam engine in 1721 in order to drain water from a mine in Königsberg bei Schemnitz (now Banska Štiavnica, Slovakia). Though the engine was a success, the mine was not due to a lack of silver ore.  The coin depicts the steam engine and Potter's signature. The standard 2 Euro map of Europe is on the reverse.

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ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL HONORED ON CANADIAN DOLLARS

Canada issued both colored and uncolored versions of their 20220 circulating 1 Dollar coin commemorating the 175th anniversary of the birth of inventor Alexander Graham Bell.  Though Bell is most remembered for his invention of the telephone, he also did groundbreaking work in optical telecommunications, hydrofoils, and aeronautics.  His work with hydrofoils and aeronautics were done in his later years in Canada. This is reflected in the design of the coins, which feature a portrait of Bell in his later years, his signature, schematic illustrations of the Silver Dart - the first aircraft to achieve controlled powered flight in Canada in 1909, and his HD-4 hydrofoil, which in 1919 set world marine speed record of 70.86 miles per hour (114.04 kpj), a record which stood for ten years.  Both events took place at Nova Scotia’s Bras d’Or Lake.  The lake is represented by wave lines on the uncolored con and blue on the colored version.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse

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CANADA REMEMBERS THE SUMMIT HOCKEY SERIES

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

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KING TUT ON TRIANGULAR COLOR COIN

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb Sierra Leone issued this stunning multi-color triangular "GoldClad" 1 Dollar coin.  The coin depicts King Tut’s death mask in color with hieroglyphics in the background.  The obverse features the coat of arms of Sierra Leone surrounded by hieroglyphics.   The triangular shape represents a pyramid.  The large coin is 56.2mm x 40.7mm and comes in a presentation pack that includes a Certificate of Authenticity.  It has a limited mintage of only 2,022 pieces.

Also see:
KING TUT ON EGYPTIAN BIMETALLIC 1 POUND COIN

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STATE OF JEFFERSON 2022 SILVER WALKING 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 in the area whose opinions and values are overshowed and outvoted by the liberal cities in California and Oregon.  The Board of Supervisors in a number of northern California counties have approved resolutions in support of the measure.  Driving through the region I have seen many signs supporting the movement.  Smallforest Mint, a small, private mint in Oregon has struck coins for the State of Jefferson.  The 2022 issue is denominated at 25 Jeff Dollars.  The obverse features the Great Seal of the State of Jefferson, which features a gold mining pan with two Xs.  The two Xs are known as the "Double Cross" and signify the two regions' sense of abandonment by their state governments.  The reverse features a "walking liberty" figure. The 32mm coin is hand struck in sterling silver.

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THREE SHRUNKEN HEADS ON SHUAR COIN

The Shuar are an indigenous tribe in tropical rainforests of eastern Ecuador and western Peru.  They have a tradition of being fierce warriors, having defeated the Incas in 1527 and drove the Spanish away in 1527.   Their practice shrinking the heads of their enemies adds their reputation. This unofficial 2022 Shuar 500 Sucres depicts three shrunken heads on one side.  The other side depicts a giant condor and the arms of Ecuador.  The odd-shaped silver-plated coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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DUAL DENOMINATED HANS ISLAND COIN

Hans Island is an uninhabited, barren island in the Kennedy Strait between Canada and Greenland (which is controlled by Denmark). It is named after Hans Hendrik, a Greenlander who worked on American and British Arctic expeditions from 1853 to 1876. For many years both Canada and Denmark claimed the tiny island, resulting in what was called the Whisky War.  Every few months Canadian and Danish sailors landed on the island in turn.  They would lower their opponent’s flag, raise their own, then drink the alcohol which the opposing side left as a gift.  The Canadians would leave a bottle of Canadian whisky, the Danes a bottle of Danish schnapps.  In 2005 the two nations agreed to resolve the conflict, but it took until June 2022 for them to sign and agreement.  40% of the island was granted to Canada, 60% to Denmark.  This unofficial six-sided 2022 coin for Hans Island reflects the divided nationality of the island.  One side has the legend in in English, is denominated as 2 Dollars and bears a portion of the Canadian coat-of-arms.  The other side has Danish legends, is denominated as 11 Kroner and has a portion of the Danish coat-of-arms.  The six-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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BI-METALLIC MOLDOVA 10 LEI COMMEMORATIVES

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

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KINGDOM OF NORTH BARCHANT

The Kingdom of North Barchant consists of a group of barges floating in the neutral waters of the Atlantic Ocean north of the Canary Islands.  It has its origin in 2010 when the crews of barges drifting in the North Atlantic were unable to return home. In an effort to protect the interests of its inhabitants North Barchant proclaimed itself an independent micro-nation on September 15, 2015.  Unlike many micro-nations it actually has a population and a territory.  This 2022 dated 5 Barchant coin of North Barchant depicts the nation's coat of arms on the obverse.  The reverse features a color portrait of Queen Anna Makko.  The 38mm, 9-sided, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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WARRIOR ON COIN OF VARKANA

Varkana, also called Hyrcania is a territory along the southeastern coast of the Caspian Sea.   The name Varkana is derived from Persian for "Country of Wolves".  It was a province in the Midian, Akhe-menid, Seleucid and Parthian empires. In 72AD became an independent kingdom with nominal allegiance to Parthia.  This unofficial 2022 10,000 Rials of Varkana features a fierce ancient warrior on the reverse.  A heraldic wolf is on the obverse.   The39mm, six-sided, silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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CELTIC STATE OF SCORDISK

The Skordiski were an Iron Age Celtic tribe who were centered at at the confluence of the Savus (Sava), Dravus (Drava), Margus (Morava) and Danube rivers in what is now Serbia. By the second half the of the 3rd century BC they became the most important power in the northern Balkans.  They built fortresses at Singidunum (the modern city of Belgrade) and Taurun (the modern Zemun). At their peak they controlled portions of present-day Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania.  From 141BC they were constantly at war against Roman-held Macedonia. Roman sources report that they had the custom of drinking blood from hollow skulls and that they sacrificed captives to their deities. They were defeated by the Romans in 15BC.  This unofficial 2022 5000 Dinara of the State of Scordisk features a fierce Skordiski warrior on one side and the Serbian coat-of-arms supported by two angels on the other.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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CANADA HONORS JAZZ MUSICIAN OSCAR PETERSON

Canada issued both colored and uncolored version of their 2022 circulating commemorative 1 Dollar coin commemorating piano virtuoso, jazz legend, composer and educator Oscar Peterson.  He is considered one of the greatest jazz musicians of all time.  He produced over 400 recordings and won seven Grammy awards.  The reverse features Peterson seated at his piano, playing his powerful civil rights anthem Hymn to Freedom, along with musical notes and chord symbols from the closing bars from the piece.  The color version includes a swatch of purple, his favorite color, around the Canadian maple leaf.   The Susana Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.

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RECENT EGYPTIAN COMMEMORATIVE COINS

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


Egypt is building a huge New Administrative Capital in the desert some 30 miles (45km) east of Cairo in order to relieve congestion in the Cairo.  The new city is being built and will be run by the army and will include numerous smart sensors and cameras in order to keep its citizens safe (and under the watchful eye of the government). The first bureaucrats are already being moved into the city.  Though the new capital is sure to be impressive - it still does not have a name.  The new nameless capital is commemorated on this 2019 bi-metallic 1 Pound coin.


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


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


Both a 1 Pound and a 50 Piastre coins commemorate The Pharaohs' Golden Parade which was held on April 3, 2021.  The parade carried the 22 mummies of kings and queens of ancient Egypt were carried from old Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square to the new National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Fustat.  It was an elaborate and spectacular event worthy of any pharaoh including a concert featuring original music for the occaision, thousands of dancers, actors and marchers in costumes, custom vehicles decorated like Egyptian funerary boats and a 21-gun salute.  The event was choregraphed to be live-streamed as virtually no spectators other than the press were allowed along the parade route.  Both coins feature the emblem of The Pharaohs' Golden Parade and, unusually for a coin, the exact date of the event: April 3, 2021.  

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

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PANAMA COMMEMORATES 500th ANNIVERSARY OF PANAMA CITY

The 500th anniversary of the founding of Panama City is commemorated on this 2019 Panamanian Half Balboa.  The coin depicts Pedro Arias Davila, who founded the city.  He was not a nice man. In 1514 Davila succeeded Vasco Nunez de Balboa as governor of Panama and promised his daughter in marriage to Balboa.  In 1519 Davila had Balboa executed on trumped up charges.  The same year Davila founded Panama City and moved the capital there from Darien, which was subsequently abandoned.  In 1524 he sent Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba on an expedition to Nicaragua, where Cordoba founded the cities of Granada and Leon.  In 1526 he had Cordoba executed and he became governor of Nicaragua in 1528. The reverse of the 30.8mm copper-nickel clad coin depicts the arms of Panama.  Interestingly both nations named their currency after the men Davila executed:  Panama calls their currency the Balboa and Nicaragua's currency is the Cordoba.  

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PANAMA CELEBRATES ORATORIO SAN FELIPE NERI

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

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2019 PANAMA WORLD YOUTH DAY COINS

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

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VENEZUELA'S NEW NON-DIGITAL BOLIVARES DIGITALES

For the third time in 13 years Venezuela launched a new currency due to ongoing inflation.  The new Bolivar Digitales (Digital Bolivar) is equivalent to 1 milliion of the Bolivares Soberano (Sovereign Bolivar).   The Sovereign Bolivar, introduced in 2018 was worth 100,000 Bolivares Fuerte (Strong Bolivar).  The Strong Bolivar was worth 1000 Bolivars.  The Bolivar had been used since 1879 and was once one of the strongest currencies in the world.  Though called a Digital Bolivar, there is nothing digital about it other than knocking six zeros off the previous currency.  Digital Bolivars are banknotes and not a crypto-currency.  The new notes released are the 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Digital Bolivars.  The notes are dated April 21, 2021, though were not first released until October 1, 2021. The notes all have the same basic design, which itself was recycled from previous Venezuelan banknotes.  Simon Bolivar is on the front.  The back commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo, in which Bolivar's defeated Spanish Royalist forces on June 24, 1821, paving the way for Venezuela's independence.  The new notes list the denominations as Bolivares rather than Bolivares Digitales and with the similarity of designs to previous banknotes. they undoubtedly creates opportunities for fraud and causes confusion, especially for those with poor eyesight or limited education.

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MODERN COIN FOR DUBROVNIK REPUBLIC

This odd-shaped, unofficial 3 Perpera was issued for the Dubrovnik Republic in 2022.  Dubrovnik, also known by its Latin name of Ragusa, was a small, wealthy independent city-state until it was conquered by Napoleon in 1806. Though it never relinquished its sovereignty, it was given to the Hapsburgs following the defeat of Napoleon.  After World War I it was incorporated into what became Yugoslavia.  It briefly regained independence during the breakup of Yugoslavia before becoming the southernmost portion of Croatia. The obverse of the silver-plated brass coin features the arms of Dubrovnik and Saint Blaise as he appeared on the flag of Ragusa.  The reverse depicts Black Swifts (Apus apus) flying around old town Dubrovnik.  The Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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COIN OF FIUME

Fiume gained autonomy for the first time in 1719 when it was proclaimed a free port of the Holy Roman Empire.  The port city was later transferred to the Kingdom of Hungary, but given a special separate status. After World War I its status was disputed between Italy, Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes (later Yugoslavia) and the Great Powers (Great Britain, France and the United States).  In 1919 it proclaimed itself the independent state of Italian Regency of Carnaro (Reggenza Italiana del Carnaro) under a fascist government with a plan unite with Italy.  Under pressure of the Great Powers Italy did not take control of the territory and it was proclaimed the Free State of Fiume.  Control of the city remained unstable, with control passing between fascist, communists and nationalists until 1924 when the Treaty of Rome awarded the city to Italy.  Following World War II another attempt was made to set up an independent free state, but instead it was incorporated into Yugoslavia.  Fiume is now the city of Rijeka in Croatia.   The obverse of the unofficial 2022 dated 200 Lire features the two-headed eagle symbol of the city, whose use was forbidden by both the Italian and Yugoslavian governments.  The reverse features a statue of the Archangel of Justice and the emblem of Regency of Carnaro depicting an ouroboros.  The 40mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 130 pieces.

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KNIGHT ON BRITTANY COIN

Brittany is the northwest region of France. During the Middle Ages, Brittany was a vassal duchy of France, while maintaining almost complete independence.  Control frequently passed between England and France during their many wars.  In 1963, the Brittany Liberation Front was created, which began the struggle for the independence of Brittany.  The obverse of the unofficial 2022 dated Brittany 100 Franc coin features the previous arms of Brittany surrounded by the arms of the bishoprics and regions of Brittany: Leon, Tregor, Cornuay, the Vannes Rennes, Nantes, Dol, Malouin and Penthievre.   The reverse depicts a knight on horseback with a dog and the Tanti tower.  The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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NEW COINS FROM INDIA

India recently released new 2, 5 10 and 20 Rupee coins.  The 10 and 20 Rupee are bi-metallic. The 1 Rupee was discontinued. All four coins have similar designs.  The obverse features the three-headed lion pillar of Ashoka.  The reverse had the denomination, date and grains.

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NEW EAST CARIBBEAN STATES 2021 SILVER COINS

The East Caribbean Central Bank recently released new 2021 1 troy ounce .999 fine coins for three of its member nations: Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent & The Grenadines.   The 39mm legal tender coins depict Queen Elizabeth on the reverse. The coins are denominated 2 Eastern Caribbean Dollars.  Only 25,000 of each coin were minted. 
Click Here for other coins in this popular series

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2022 SAMOA CHRIST IS LIGHT 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER 2 TALA  

Jesus Christ standing in front of a church’s  rose window is featured on this 2022 Two Tala coin from Samoa.  The Chi-rho Christogram is to the right. The Samoan arms are on the obverse.   The 39mm, 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver coin has a mintage of only 15,000 pieces.  A portion of the proceeds of each coin is donated to charities. 


Note:  Backorders for this coin were mailed December 2.

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CELEBRATES SAILING SHIPS

The British Virgin Islands issued a series of six coins depicting famous sailing ships that had some connection with the British Virgin Islands.  The 2022 dated 1 Dollar coins are 28.4mm and are struck in virenium (a gold colored alloy). Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse. The coins come in capsules and have a mintage of only 1950 pieces each. 

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ERASMUS 2 EURO COIN PROGRAM

In 2022 all members of the Euro were authorized to issue a commemorative 2 Euro coin commemorating the 35th anniversary of the Erasmus Program.  The program allows students to study at a university in another country and often provides them with a stipend to help offset their expenses.  More than 9 million people have participated in the program since its creation.  It is named after 16th century Dutch philosopher and theologian Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam.  All the coins have a similar design, the major difference being the placement of the name or initials of the issuing country.  The coins depict a portrait of Erasmus with the dates 1987-2022 and the name of the program in the language of the issuing nation.  In front of Erasmus are series of interlinking lines, representing the intellectual and human exchanges between the students.  Within the lines the figure "35" appears in raised areas.  We offer a set of all 16 of the Erasmus 2 Euros that were released into general circulation. The set includes coins from Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.  Belgium, Netherlands did not issued coins into circulation, they only sold them packaged for collectors at high prices.   The Malta issue is due to be released in October and will only be available packaged for collectors at a high price.   Let me know if you would like one.

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TRIANGULAR COIN FOR NEUTRAL MORESNET

After the end of Napoleon’s occupation of the Netherlands in 1816, Prussia and the Netherlands could not agree on the borders around Moresnet due to a valuable zinc spar mine in the territory.  Aa a compromise, it was made a neutral area, jointly ruled by both nations.  Belgium replaced Netherlands after gaining independence in 1830. The territory was just a mile (1.5km) wide and 3 miles long (5km.).  The mine was the territories major employer. It operated shops, a hospital, bank and residences.  Residents were considered stateless and had no vote, but did have low taxes and low prices due to the lack of import duties.  After World War I Moresnet became part of Belgium.  This unofficial 2022 5 Franc coin of Moresnet depicts the arms of Moresent on the obverse.  The reverse features a representation of freedom.  The 40mm triangular silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 130 pieces.

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HUNGARY OPENS NEW MONEY MUSEUM

Hungary commemorated their new Money Museum, which opened in March 2022 on this bi-metallic 100 Forint.  The museum, operated by the Hungarian National Bank is designed to focus attention on financial literacy and includes many interactive exhibits oriented towards children.  The coin depicts four stylized coins (the Anjou lily, in a reference to Hungarian gold florins from the Middle Ages, the iconic digit 1 of the 1-forint coin introduced in 1946, a globe, and a pair of scales), the old Postal Palace which now houses the museum and an upward pointing graph.  The 2022 dated bi-metallic coin is 23.8mm.

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LUXEMBOURG CELEBRATES ITS FLAG LAW

On June 23 1972 Luxembourg passed its Flag Law which officially defined that nations’ flag.  It was done in order to prevent another country from adopting the same flag.  The flag was first used in 1845, but was not officially adopted until 1993.   The red, white and blue striped flag is almost identical to the Netherlands flag but the red and blue stripes are slightly lighter and the flag is slightly longer.  This 2022 Luxembourg 2 Euro commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Flag Law.  The coin depicts Grand Prince Henri and the flag along with the dates 1972 and 2022.

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LUXEMBOURG CELEBRATES WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Luxembourg issued this 2022 dated 2 Euro coin to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the wedding of Guillaume, the Hereditary Grand Duke of Luxembourg, and Countess Stephanie de Lannoy.   The coin depicts the royal couple, a pair of interlocked wedding rings, the emblem of ruling Grand Prince Henri, “2022” and the date of the couple’s Roman Catholic wedding: October 20, 2012.  The couple had a civil marriage ceremony the previous day.

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MACHU PICCHU COIN FEATURES BUTTERFLY

Machu Picchu is located high in the Peruvian Andes.  It is believed to have been constructed as an Incan royal estate around 1450 and abandoned about a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The obverse of this unofficial Machu Picchu 100 Soles coin depicts the ruins of the city and the arms of Peru.  The reverse depicts a native Sylphina Angel butterfly (Chorinea sylphina).  The butterfly has unusual transparent wings.  The silver-plated proof coin is dated 2021 and a mintage of just 145 pieces. 

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ANOTHER AWARD WINNING MEXICAN BANKNOTE

The new 2021 Mexican 50 Peso won the International Bank Note Society (IBNS) prestigious Banknote of the Year award and the 2022 Best New Banknote at the 2022 High Security Printing Conference.   The front of the polymer note features and eagle standing on a cactus with the “Atltlachinolli,” the Aztec symbol for war, in its beak. It is taken from a fragment of the monolith known as Teocallide la Guerra Sagrada.  The image appears almost three-dimensional.  In the background is a scene of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec empire from Diego Rivera’s mural, La Gran Tenochtitlan.  The back features a river scene that includes Mexican, a person in a boat and a corn field in Xochimilco.  It incorporates numerous security features including the denomination which changes from gold to green and a SPARK image.

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ARARAT REPUBLIC

The Ararat Republic was an independent Armenian state proclaimed May 28, 1918 during the Russian revolution and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.  It included most of the Kars region, the city of Van and Mount Ararat.   In 1920, following the Turkish-Armenian War and the invasion by the Red Army the territory was divided between U.S.S.R. and Turkey.  Mount Ararat and the cities of Kars and Van, all of which are of great historical and cultural importance to Armenians were given to Turkey.   The obverse of this unofficial 2021 dated 500 Dram of the Ararat Republic includes the nation’s coat of arms.  The reverse features the Church of the Twelve Apostles in Kars as it appeared in the early 20th century, with Mount Ararat in the background. The church was built during the 10th century as an Armenian Apostolic Cathedral, then abandoned after the Seljuks conquered Kars in 1065. It was converted to a mosque in 1579 after Kars became part of the Ottoman Empire.  The Russians conquered Kars in 1877 and converted it into a Russian Orthodox Church.  The Turks captured Kars in 1918 and converted it back into a mosque.  The Ararat (Armenian) Republic gained control of the city in 1919 and made it into an Armenian Church.  The following year Turkey took control of Kars, briefly operated it as a mosque before selling it to the municipality of Kars which planned to demolish it.  Luckily that never happened.  In the 1950’s the city used it as a petroleum depot.   From 1964 to 1978 it was the site of the Kars museum.   In 1993 it was again converted into a mosque called Kumbet Mosque.  The five-sided silver-plated Proof coin is 37mm and has a mintage of 145 pieces.

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THE COLOSSUS OF RHODES

The Colossus of Rhodes is featured on this unofficial 2021 500 Drachma of Rhodes.  The Colossus was a statue of the Greek sun god Helios that was erected in 280BC at the mouth of the harbor of Rhodes.  It was some 108 feet(33m) high, approximately the height of the Statue of Liberty from head to feet.  It was one of the seven ancient wonders of the world.  It collapsed during an earthquake in 226BC.  The broken statue remained in place until the Arab conquest of Rhodes in 653AD, and it was sold for scrap metal.    Rhodes is an island off the coast of Turkey.  In 1309, the Knights Hospitaller took over the island and made it their headquarters until it was conquered by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1522 after a long siege.  Italy seized the territory in 1912 and in 1947 it was united with Greece.   The obverse of the eight-sided silver-plated brass Proof coin features the Rhodes coat of arms.  The coin has a mintage of only 145 pieces.

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FLAMINGOS ON COIN OF NUEVA ESPARTA

Nueva Sparta is an archipelago of three islands located off the coast of Venezuela: Margarita, Coche and Cubagua.  They were discovered in 1498 during the third voyage of Columbus.   Rich pearl deposits were found on Cubagua and it was soon settled by Europeans that exploited the pearls.  By 1537, less than 40 years after the islands were discovered the oyster population had been decimated, the pearl industry collapsed and the island largely abandoned. most of the remaining residents moved to Margarita.  Even today, Cubagua remains largely uninhabited.  The Spanish built a number of forts on islands to protect against French and English navies and pirates.  In 1816 Simon Bolivar proclaimed the Third Republic of Venezuelan and the Assembly of Notables recognized Bolivar as the Supreme Chief in the Church of Santa Ana on Margarita.  The islands were given the name Nueva Esparta (New Sparta) because of the heroism shown by the inhabitants during Venezuela’s war of independence. resembled that of the Spartans of classical Greece. This unofficial 2021 Nueva Sparta 500 Bolivars features the Nueva Sparta arms on the obverse.  The reverse features two flamingos and cattleya flowers along with the denomination, date and the arms of Venezuela.  The six-sided silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of just 145 pieces.

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SERBIA 2022 SILVER TESLA – OZONE GENERATOR

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 annually issues a 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 100 Dinara coin honoring Tesla and one of his many inventions.  The 40.25mm coins are struck by the Serbian Mint.   Tesla’s portrait is on the obverse.  The Serbian arms, weight, purity, silver content, date, denomination and one or more of his inventions are on the reverse.  The 2022 issue depicts his Ozone Generator.  Ozone is a reactive form of oxygen.  It differs from normal oxygen in that it has three oxygen in its molecule rather than the normal two atoms.  Because it is highly reactive, Tesla and many others believed it has natural healing benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-pathogenic, cell detoxification properties and the ability to enhance the immune system.  However, breathing ozone can cause lung irritation, coughing, decrease lung function and aggravate asthma, so the Environmental Protection Agency recommends to avoid breathing ozone. 

CLICK HERE FOR PREVIOUS TESLA COINS IN THIS SERIES

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FIRST COIN OF NORTH MACEDONIA FEATURES A DOG

In 1991 the Republic of Macedonia gained independence in the breakup of Yugoslavia.  Greece, however objected to the name Macedonia, which they saw as part of their ancient Greek heritage and was a region of Greece.  Greece blocked Macedonia's membership to the European Union and NATO.  The countries finally came to an agreement and in 2019 the Macedonia was renamed the Republic of North Macedonia.  This 2020 1 Dinar is the first coin released by the country bearing the new name of the nation.  Other than the revised name, the design and the specifications of the coin are the same as the previous Macedonian issue.  The obverse depicts a Shar Planina Shepherd dog (also called Illyrian or Yugoslavian Shepherd).  The reverse of the 23.8mm brass-plated steel coin depicts 16 sun rays, which are derived from a symbol of ancient Macedonia.

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FIRST BANKNOTE OF NORTH MACEDONIA

In 1991 the Republic of Macedonia gained independence in the breakup of Yugoslavia.  Greece, however objected to the name Macedonia, which they saw as part of their ancient Greek heritage and was a region of Greece.  Greece blocked Macedonia's membership to the European Union and NATO.  The countries finally came to an agreement and in 2019 the Macedonia was renamed the Republic of North Macedonia.  The first banknotes issued under the new name were released in 2020, including this beautiful polymer 10 Denars note. The design was similar to previous issues. The front includes a crescent-shaped gold filigree earring from the 4th century BC and an ancient alabaster statue of the Egyptian Goddess Isidia which was discovered in the city of Ohrid.  In the lower left corner is a 2nd Century AD marble bust of Titus Flavius Philoxenia, the high priest of the city of Heraclea Lyncestis (Bitola).  The reverse features a mosaic of a peacock from the 4th-5th century baptistry of the Episcopal Basilica in Stobi.  The peacock motif is repeated in the see-through window on the right. Peacocks symbolized resurrection, immortality, and eternal life.  

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2022 GERMAN 2 EURO FEATURES WARTBURG CASTLE

Germany continued their annual series of 2 Euro coins honoring each of its states with this 2022 issue for Thuringia, which is located in central Germany.  The coin depicts the famous Wartburg Castle overlooking the city of Eisenach.  The castle is a UNESCO heritage site.  Parts of it date back to the 12th century.  It was the home of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and where Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German following his excommunication by the Pope.  The mintmark appears to the right of the castle.  The "D" below the castle is for Deutschland.

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ITALY CELEBRATES NATIONAL POLICE FORCE ON 2022 2 EURO

Italy commemorated the 150th Anniversary of their national police force "Polizia di Stato" on this 2022 dated 2 Euro coin.  The force pre-dates the Italian nation, having been formed in 1852 by King Victor Emmanuel II in Sardinia.  With the unification of Italy in 1861 it became a national police force.  It 1981 it was merged with the many civil police services in Italy and made a civil rather than a military force. The coin depicts a female and male police officer in front of a police car.  Less than 15% of the force is made up of females. 

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LITHUANIA 2 EURO COMMEMORATES BASKETBALL

Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania.  This 2022 dated 2 Euro commemorates the 100th Anniversary of basketball in Lithuania.  The design features a basketball court superimposed on a map of Lithuania and the dates 1922 – 2022.  Though basketball was first played by women in Lithuania in 1919, the first official game was played by men on April 23, 1922.  The sport gained widespread popularity after Lithuania won the European championship in 1937. 

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SAVAGE ISLANDS COIN FEATURES BIRDS

The Savage Islands, also known as the Selvagens or Salvage Islands is an uninhabited archipelago belonging to Portugal midway between Madeira and the Canary Islands.  Since 1971 it has been a nature reserve.  This unofficial 8-sided 2022 Savage Islands 200 Escudos depicts two Pink Terns and a Madeira Lizard on one side and the coat of arms on the other.  The 40mm Proof silver-plated brass coins have a mintage of just 145 pieces.

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REINDEER ON COIN OF THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA

The Republic of Karelia is an autonomous republic that remained part of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.  It was originally formed in 1923 as part of the Soviet Union.  Between 1939 and 1944 Finland and the Soviet Union fought over Karelia which resulted in Finland losing large portions of its Finnish Karelia to the Soviet Union.  This unofficial 2021 dated 50 Rubles of the Republic of Karelia features two reindeer on one side and the arms of Karelia on the other.  The six-sided 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of 170 pieces and is Proof.

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BOUVET ISLAND COIN FEATURES KILLER WHALES

Bouvet Island is a small, remote, ice-covered island in the South Atlantic that belongs to Norway.  It was discovered in 1739 by Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, after whom the island is named.  He mislabeled its coordinates, and so it was lost for almost 70 years.  Norway claimed the island in 1927. The first accurate map of the island was not made until 1985. Today the island is a nature reserve that houses a small research station that is inhabited during the summer months.  This unofficial 2021 dated 200 Kroner depicts a mother Killer Whale (Orca) and her calf.  The obverse includes the arms of Norway, denomination, date and a compass rose.  The silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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MODERN COIN FOR ANCIENT NUBIA

Nubia is a region along the Nile River spanning from the confluence of the Blue and White Niles in Sudan to the First Cataract in southern Egypt.   In ancient times it was the home of powerful Black kingdoms, some which conquered ancient Egypt and some were conquered by Egypt.  The obverse of this unofficial 2021 Nubian 5 Sudanese Pound coin features the name NUBIA, ancient hieroglyphics and a Nubian emblem.  The reverse depicts ancient Nubian warrior, a Nubian pyramid and the arms of the Bank of Sudan.   The 39mm silver-plated a mintage of only 150 pieces.

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CANADA 2022 SET INCLUDING SCARCE 50 CENTS

This six-piece Canadian 2022 coin set includes the regular issue 5, 10, 25 50 Cents, 1 and 2 Dollars coin in Uncirculated condition. The 50 Cents is not being released into circulation but is only available from the mint at a substantial premium.  The unpackaged coin sets come from original mint rolls

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IMPRESSIVE 2021 MEXICAN 20 PESO NOTE

Mexico issued this amazing, award winning 20 Peso note in 2021 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the nation's independence.  The front, which is in horizontal format, features The Army of the Three Guarantees peacefully entering Mexico City, the flag of the Army and the current Mexican flag.  The back is in vertical format.  It depicts a crocodile and a chocolate heron in the Sian Kaan Biosphere Reserve.  The polymer note features many sophisticated anti-counterfeiting devices including a window with two color shifting inks: green to gold and red to gold, inks     that glow in three colors when exposed to ultra-violet light, an integrated magnetic design in the shape of a flower, and embossed features to help the blind.   It is an impressive piece of currency.

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CHINA 2022 OLYMPIC BANKNOTES  

China released two circulating vertical 20 Yuan banknotes to commemorate the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.  A polymer note depicts a pair of figure skaters on one side and a skating pavilion on the other.  A paper note depicts a free style skier on the front.  The unusual Olympic ski jump ramp and the Great Wall of China are on the back.  Both notes incorporate the emblems of the Beijing Winter Olympics the People's Republic of China on the front.

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PORTUGAL COMMEMORATES FIRST FLIGHT ACROSS THE SOUTH ATLANTIC

Portugal issued this 2022 2 Euro coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first flight across the South Atlantic.  The flight left Lisbon on March 30, 1922 in a specially outfitted Fairey III seaplane which included a revolutionary artificial horizon for aeronautical use.  After several stops for refueling and repairs their aircraft crashed at the e Saint Peter and Saint Paul Archipelago in the mid-Atlantic.  A second plane was sent for them to continue the journey, but it too crashed.  They finally made it in a third airplane, arriving in Rio de Janeiro on June 17, 1922.  The journey lasted 79 days, of which 62 hours and 26 minutes were spent flying.  The coin depicts the Fairey III seaplane.

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SPAIN COMMEMORTES 500th ANNIVERSARY OF FIRST CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF THE EARTH

Spain commemorated the 500th anniversary of  Juan Sebastián Elcano's circumnavigation of the earth.   He was a member the Magellan's expedition.  The expedition started in 1519 with five ships and 270 men.  After numerous disasters, mutinies - including one led by Elcano, and Magellan's death, Elcano eventually took command of the expedition.  Elcano and just 17 other survivors of the original crew finally arrived in Spain in 1522 aboard the smallest and last remaining ship of the expedition, becoming the first people to circle the globe.  The coin depicts the bust of Elcano. 

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SPANISH 2 EURO FEATURES GARAJONAY NATIONAL PARK

Spain honored its Garajonay  National Park on this 2022 circulating commemorative 2 Euro.  It is UNESCO heritage site on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.  The 15 square mile (40 sq.km.) park is the home to numerous species of plants and animals.  The coin depicts a forest scene and the distinctive Roque de Agando peak.

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SLOVENIA 2022 2 EURO HONORS ARCHITECT JOZE PLECNIK

The 150th anniversary of Slovenian architect Jose Plecnik is commemorated on this bi-metallic 2022 2 Euro coin from Slovenia. He had major impact on the modern architecture of Vienna, Prague and Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, giving that city much of its modern identity.  He was associated with the Vienna Secession style of architecture, a type of Art Nouveau.  The design features the large reading room window in the National and University Library in Ljubljana, with a column in front of it. The letters A R H. P L E C N I K are built into the window space and is a metaphor for the architect’s signature.

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FRANCE CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE TIGER

France celebrated the Chinese Year of the Tiger with this 2022 Nordicgold (copper-aluminum-nickel alloy) 1/4 Euro.  One side of the 31mm coin features a child-like tiger surrounded by plum blossoms.  The other side depicts all 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac surrounding a ying-yang symbol, the denomination and "RF" for Republique Francaise.

ALSO SEE:  
CHINA 10 YUAN 2022 YEAR OF THE TIGER

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SAILBOATS ON ANGUILLA 2021 SILVER COIN

Sailing is the national sport of Anguilla.  Its roots go back deep into the Caribbean island's history.  Many of the island's towns sponsor their own boats.  The Anguilla 2021 silver 2 Dollar coin features three sailboats in a regatta.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The 39mm Proof-like coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and has a mintage of only 25,000.  The coins were issued under the authority of the East Caribbean Central Bank which provides coins and currency for a number of Caribbean nations.

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PAIR OF PARROTS ON 2021 DOMINICA SILVER COIN

A pair of Sisserou parrots, also known as Imperial Amazon parrots, are featured on the Dominica 2021 silver 2 Dollar coin.  The Sisserou is the national bird of Dominica.  It is a critically endangered species that is only found on Dominica and it is estimated that there are only about 50 mature Sisserous in the wild.  Sisserou parrots mate for life and are extremely faithful to each other.  These  two look like they are very much in love.  The 39mm Proof-like coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and has a mintage of only 25,000.  The coins were issued under the authority of the East Caribbean Central Bank which provides coins and currency for a number of Caribbean nations.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.

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AFRICAN LEOPARD ON GHANA 2021 SILVER 5 CEDIS

A fierce African Leopard is featured on this 2021 silver 5 Cedis of Ghana.  The obverse features the bust of Queen Elizabeth against a leopard skin pattern.  The 39mm Proof-like coin contains 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and has a mintage of only 20,000. The coin comes in an Airtight Capsule.  In 1957 the British African colonies of Gold Coast, Ashanti, British Togoland and Northern Territories were joined together to form the indpendent nation of Ghana.

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EAST INDIA COMPANY SILVER 1 POUND COIN FOR ST. HELENA HONORS NAPOLEON

The East India Company issued this 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1 Pound coin for Saint Helena in 2021 to mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Napoleon Bonaparte.  Napoleon died in exile on the tiny island in 1821.  His body was returned to France in 1840, however the elaborate tomb was not completed until 1861, some 40 years after his death.  The reverse of the coin depicts one of the twelve marble angels that guard Napoleon's tomb in Paris.  Below is the privy mark of the East India Company.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The East India Company has an historic connection to St. Helena dating back to 1658 when the company was granted a charter to govern the island.


ALSO SEE:

ST. HELENA COMMEMORATES THE BATTLES OF THE NAPOLEONIC WARS

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CHINA CELEBRATES YEAR OF THE TIGER

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


ALSO SEE:  
FRANCE 1/4 EURO 2022 YEAR OF THE TIGER

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2022 AUSTRALIA SILVER KANGAROO

A hopping Kangaroo is featured on this 2022 1 troy ounce .9999 fine silver Dollar of Australia.  The coin has an intricately detailed engraved design to thwart counterfeiting and allow the coins to be easily stacked.  A further anti-counterfeiting device is a microscopic "A" within the letter "K" in Kangaroo. The Perth Mint's P mintmark is in the engraving at the right of the Kangaroo. The obverse features the Jody Clark portrait of Queen Elizabeth.  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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2022 AUSTRALIA SILVER KOOKABURRA

Australia's Perth Mint continued its popular Kookaburra series with this 2022 issue.  The reverse depicts a kookaburra perched on an ornamental bird bath among Agapanthus, flowering plants regularly seen in Australian gardens.  Also on the reverse is The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mint mark, the 2022 date, the weight and purity and a secret micro-laser engraved security letter that is only visible under a magnifying glass.  The 40.9mm coin contains 1 troy ounce of .9999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.  Jody Clark's portrait of Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse.  The coin is denominated 1 Dollar. 

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MALTA 2021 TARXIEN TEMPLES 2 EURO

Malta continued their series of circulating 2 Euros honoring its Megalithic temples with this 2021 issue depicting the Tarxien Temples.  The Tarxien temples consist of three separate but attached structures that date from 3600 to 2500BC.  The temple was discovered in 1914 by farmers whose plow would strike its large stone blocks.  Excavation of the temple complex started soon thereafter.

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2022 SILVER COIN OF GREATER IDAHO

Greater Idaho is a secessionist movement in rural areas of Oregon, northeastern California and southeastern Washington to become part of Idaho.  The conservative rural areas are unhappy about the liberal policies and politics imposed on them by the more heavily populated cities in their states.  They feel their rural culture and values would be respected and better preserved by becoming part of Idaho.  Thus far eight Oregon counties have voted in favor of leaving Oregon and becoming part of Greater Idaho. Regardless of the wishes of the people, it is unlikely to ever happen.  Recently Smallforest, a private mint in Oregon, hand struck sterling silver coin for Greater Idaho.   The 32mm coin is struck in .925 fine silver is dated 2022 and is denominated as 25 Greater Taters.  One side features the proposed map of Greater Idaho inside the outline of a potato.  The other side depicts the Mister Potato head with his nose forming the numerals 25.  Total mintage is expected to be less than 300 pieces.

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2021 SILVER COINS OF ANTIGUA & BARBUDA AND GRENADA

The East Caribbean Central Bank issued these 2021 dated 2 Dollar coins for the British Overseas Territory of Antigua & Barbuda and for Granada.   The 39mm Proof-like coins contains 1 troy ounce of .999 silver and have a mintage of 25,000 each.   The Antigua & Barbuda coin depicts the nations's national bird, the Frigate bird, looking out over English Harbour on Antigua.   The Grenada coin depicts Granada's coat of arms which is supported by an armadillo and a pigeon.  At the center of the arms is a small image of Columbus's ship Santa Maria.  Both coins feature Queen Elizabeth on the obverse. They are attractive coins from tiny Caribbean nations that issue few coins of their own.  

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2022 CHINESE SILVER PANDA 

The 2021 Chinese Silver Panda features two young pandas playing in the snow.   Next to them is a privy mark featuring the numeral 40 and the head of a panda.  2022 is the 40th anniversary of this popular series of coins. The coin was designed by Chinese coin designer Huang Qin.  The obverse includes the date, denomination and the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coins have a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and come in a protective capsule.

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FRANCE 2021 OLYMPIC 2 EUROS

France issued this non-circulating 2021 2 Euro coin to help celebrate the 2024 Olympic games which will take place in Paris.  It is the first of four 2 Euro coins France plans to issue for the games.  The coin features Marianne, the personification of the French Republic running in front of the Eiffel Tower.  In the background is the Olympic stadium and the emblem of the Paris Olympic games.  The coin comes sealed in a serially numbered coin card.  Color of the card may vary from the picture.

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SEMINOLE INDIAN ON 2021 FLORIDA 20 DOLLAR COIN

A Seminole warrior holding a rifle and a tomahawk is featured on this six-sided unofficial Florida 20 Dollar coin.  The obverse features the historical Florida coat of arms.  The historical coat of arms includes a steamboat, female Indian, cocoa palm and mountains (mountains in Florida?!)   The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin is dated 2021 and has a mintage of only 140 pieces.

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OTTAWA INDIAN IN CANOE ON 2021 MICHIGAN 20 DOLLAR COIN

This unofficial odd-shaped 2021 20 Dollar coin of Michigan featuers an Ottawa in a canoe.  The coat of arms of Michigan is on the obverse.  The six-sided coin measures 40mm x 30mm.  The silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 140 pieces.  

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CROATIA 2021 CHILDREN'S DAY COIN

Croatia celebrated International Children's Day, November 20, 2021 with this 32mm, 12-sided bi-metallic 25 Kuna coin.  The design is done in with child-like art and lettering.  The obverse includes a marten and the arms of Croatia.  The denomination Kuna is derived from the term for a marten pelt, which was used as money in medieval times. The reverse features a circle of children connected together around the outer rim, symbolizing their cooperation and togetherness.  The center includes the date, a house, an apple, the sun, a butterfly and flowers, symbolizing some of the needs of the child: a safe home, food and playing freely in the nature.   It is one of the few coins that is dated the exact day of issue.   It has a mintage of only 50,000 pieces.

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CROATIAN ASSOCIATION OF TECHNICAL CULTURE 75th ANNIVERSARY

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

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SILVER 50 DALA COIN OF THE HAWAIIAN KINGDOM

The Hawaiian Kingdom is one of many Hawaiian sovereignty movements.  They contend that because the United States illegally overthrew the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893, the United States occupation of Hawaii is illegal and Hawaii is still an independent kingdom.  The 2021 Hawaiian Kingdom 50 Dala coin features the bust of a Hawaiian Koa warrior, denomination and date on one side and a map of Hawaii on the other.  Unlike most coins the design is incuse rather than raised.  The 30mm coin contains 1/2 troy ounce of .999 silver and is approximately 2.5mm thick.  The coin is hand struck, so each coin is slightly different.  It has a total mintage of just 97 pieces.

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CUTTY SARK ON 2021 GOLD, SILVER & COPPER-NICKEL COINS

The British Indian Ocean Territory honored the ship Cutty Sark on 2021 gold, silver and copper-nickel coins.  All three have similar designs featuring the famed ship under full sail on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth on the obverses. The 11mm gold coin contains a half gram of 24 carat gold.  It has a reverse frosted Proof finish and comes in a red presentation box with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.  Only 69 gold coins were struck with the reverse frosted Proof.  It is denominated as 1/64 Royal.  The 38.6mm reverse frosted 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1 Royal has mintage of 10,000 pieces.  The 38.6mm copper-nickel 1 Royal has a mintage of only 4,750 pieces.  The Cutty Sark was one of the last, fastest and most famous British Tea Clipper Ships ever built. She was launched in 1869, the same year the Suez Canal was opened.  Though steam ships had much higher fuel costs, they proved more reliable, had lower insurance costs, and had a substantially shorter journey by using the Suez Canal, which was not suitable for sailing ships. The Cutty Sark sailed just eight tea trips from China before being moved to the Australia wool trade, then to other cargos. By 1922 she was the last clipper ship operating in the world.  Today she is a popular museum ship in permanent dry dock in Greenwich, England.

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CANADA CELEBRATES BLUENOSE WITH 2021 DIMES

Canada celebrated the 100th anniversary of the schooner Bluenose with three 2021 dimes.  Bluenose was launched as a fishing and racing schooner in 1921.  Bluenose had long been a nickname for Nova Scotians.  The ship repeatedly won the International Fisherman's Cup and other important competitions.   In 1937, when she was at the height of her fame, she was placed on the reverse of the Canadian dime.  It was the year she won her final race.  Fishing schooners were replaced by motorized trawlers.  Bluenose was motorized and in 1942 was stripped of her masts and rigging and converted to a costal freighter working in the Caribbean.  In 1946, while carrying a load of bananas, she struck a reef in Haiti and was abandoned.  The three versions of the 2021 Bluenose dime include one with the traditional design with the dates 1921 2021, one with an updated version showing the ship cutting through the waves, and a colorized version showing the ship cutting through the waves. All three have the Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the obverse.

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CASTLES AND BEETLES OF LIECHTENSTEIN

Two unofficial 2021 Liechtenstein coins featuring historic castles of the House of Liechtenstein and native species of beetles (or perhaps the castles are infested with beetles) have been released.  The House of Lichtenstein was a wealthy Austrian family with extensive holdings in central Europe.  In the late 17th and early 18th century the family purchased what is now the Principality of Liechtenstein in order to gain the prestige and power having a seat in the Imperial Diet (Reichstag) and being a member state of the Holy Roman Empire.  Until World War II the ruling family rarely visited Liechtenstein, instead lived in their castles in what is now the Czech Republic.  In 1939 Nazi Germany seized their castles and land and the family fled to Liechtenstein.  Their property was nationalized by the communists following World War II.  Today the castles are museums and are UNESCO world heritage sites.  Valtice Castle was founded in the 12th century and extensively updated in the 17th and 18th centuries.  Lednice Castle is one of the most beautiful examples of English-Neo Gothic architecture in the world.  100 Franc coins were made featuring each castle.  A Rhinoceros beetle is on the coin depicting the Valtice castle.  A Stag beetle is on the coin depicting the Lednice castle.  The obverse of each coin depicts the castle's coat of arms. The eight-sided silver-plated Proof coins have a mintage of only 160 pieces each.

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CANADA 2021 KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH DOLLAR

Canada celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Klondike Gold Rush with circulating color and uncolored 1 Dollar coins. Both coins have the same design. The design depicts the four who discovered gold at Rabbit Creek in August 1896, panning for gold: Keish (Skookum Jim Mason), K̲áa Goox̱ (Dawson Charlie), Shaaw Tláa (Kate Carmack) and her husband, George Carmack. The discovery had a major economic, social and environmental impact on the isolated region.  On a hillside is an image representing the Moosehide Gathering place, where the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation people relocated when they were displaced by the influx of gold rushers.  The color version of the coin depicts the Moosehide image in red. Above is the Canadian Maple Leaf within an image of the sun.  The portrait of Queen Elizabeth by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt is on the obverse.

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LITHUANIA'S HILL OF CROSSES ON 2020 2 EUROS   

We offered these a few months ago, and immediately sold out. The Hill of Crosses carries great significance with Lithuanians as well as Christians of all nationalities.  Lithuania featured its Hill of Crosses on its 2020 2 Euro coin.  The first crosses were believed to have been placed on the hill in 1831 after an uprising against Russia.  The site took on special significance during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania from 1939 and 1991.  Praying and placing crosses on the hill became a way of demonstrating peaceful resistance against the Soviets and to reaffirm Lithuanian culture, heritage and religion.  The Soviets worked hard to remove new crosses, and bulldozed the site at least three times, but even more crosses would appear after the old ones were removed.  Today there are well over 100,000 crosses, crucifixes and statues on the hill.  It has become both a major pilgrimage site and a tourist site

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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS SILVER MORGAN-PEACE DOLLAR

The 100th anniversary of the last Morgan dollar and first to the Peace dollar is captured on this 2021 British Virgin Islands .999 fine 1 troy ounce silver dollar. In 1921 two types of silver dollars were struck by the United States, one using the image of Liberty created by George T. Morgan in 1878 and a new design representing Peace done by Anthony de Francisci. Like the U.S. 2021 commemorative Morgan and Peace dollars, the British Virgin Islands silver dollars quickly sold out at the mint as only 5000 pieces were struck.  Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse of this beautiful reverse-frosted silver dollar.

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