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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

FINLAND 2023 2 EURO FOR SOCIAL & HEALTH SERVICES

Finland honored their Social and Health services on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  The coin features a stylized map of Finland (which looks like a labyrinth to me) and word for "well being" in both Finnish and Swedish.  Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health sets policies.  Each county is responsible for providing the services. This includes health care, hospitals as well social services such as mental health, substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation, temporary housing and family counseling.  The coin has a maximum mintage of 400,000 pieces.

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PORTUGAL CELEBRATES 2023 WORLD YOUTH DAY WITH 2 EURO COIN

World Youth Day, a celebration that draws thousands of Catholic youth from around the world, was celebrated August 1 through 6 in Lisbon.  Pope Francis was in attendance.  The design of the coin features a cross encircled by individuals suggesting the shape of a globe which in turn is surrounded by a pair of hugging hands.


Also see:

2019 PANAMA WORLD YOUTH DAY COINS

VATICAN 2 EUROS 2013 RIO YOUTH DAY

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2022 SIERRA LEONE COINS FEATURES MUSICIANS AND THEIR INSTRUMENTS

In July 2022 Sierra Leone did a 1000 to 1 currency revaluation and introduced a new series of coins.  The coins feature popular Sierra Leonian musicians on one side and their instrument on the other.  Sierra Leone is the only country that highlights musicians on all their circulating coins.  I suspect the designs are a lot more popular with the public than live dictators or dead politicians. The bi-metallic 50 Cents features accordionist and singer Salia Koroma.  The 10-sided, bi-metallic 25 Cents depicts blind musician Bassie Sorie Kondi wearing sunglasses and a Kalimba.  The 8-sided 10 Cents depicts Sooliman Ernest Rogers, a highlife and palm wine musician and guitarist and a guitar.   The scalloped edged 5 Cents pictures Jazz and Afropop musician Israel Olorunfeh Cole, popularly known as Dr. Oloh, along with a traditional Djembe drum.  Singer Sullay Abu Bakarr and a microphone are on the 1 Cent coin.

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CANADA CELEBRATES AERONAUTICAL ENGINEER ELSIE MACGILL

Elsie MacGill, born in 1905, was the world's first woman to earn an aeronautical engineering degree in 1929 and was the first woman in Canada to receive a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 1927.  Despite contracting polio and facing discrimination due to her sex, she worked herself up to become the Chief Aeronautical Engineer at Canadian Car and Foundry (CanCar).  While there she designed and tested the Maple Leaf II Trainer. Later she supervised the production of Hawker Hurricane fighters at CanCar  that were needed for Britain's war effort, earning her the title "Queen of the Hurricanes". In addition to her many engineering achievements was an advocate for women's rights.   The eleven-sided 2023 Canadian 1 Dollar coin depicts Elsie MacGill carrying blueprints.  Above is a Maple Leaf II Trainer.  To the left is a Hawker Hurricane.  Two versions of the coin were struck.  One with the Hawker Hurricane in color, the other without color.  Canada has yet to come up with a portrait of Charles III, so Queen Elizabeth is on the obverse with the dates 2003 at the top and 1952 + 2022 at the bottom.

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TRIPLE-DATED CANADA 2023 QUEEN ELIZABETH COIN SET  

Canada minted, but did not release into circulation, 2023 coins bearing the portrait of the late Queen Elizabeth.  The coins only available from the Royal Canadian Mint at a large premium over face value. The designs are the same as the previous issues, however in addition to the regular 2023 date, they have the dates 1952-2022 below the portrait of the Queen, thus making it a triple-dated coin. The six-coin set includes the 5, 10, 25, 50 Cents, 1 and 2 Dollars. 

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2022 & 2023 FRENCH OLYMPIC 2 EURO COINS

France continued their series of 2 Euro coins leading up to the 2024 Paris Olympics.  The coins feature images used on French coins participating in Olympic sports.  The 2022 coin depicts Genius throwing a discus.  The Genius image was first used on various coins during the French Revolution.  It was later used on gold coins the late 19th and early 20th century as well as some modern commemoratives.  The 2023 issue features The Sower as a boxer.  The Sower (La Semeuse) was created by artist and engraver Oscar Roty. It has been used a number of French coins since 1897.  An updated version is on the current French 10, 20 and 50 Eurocent.  The coins were only sold in coin cards at a substantial premium over face value.

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HUNGARIAN BIMETALLIC COMMEMORATES 175th ANNIVERSARY OF THEIR MILITARY

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

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HUNGARY HONORS THEIR AMBULANCE SERVICE

Hungary issued a 2023 circulating 50 Forint coin to commemorate the 75th anniversary of their National Ambulance Service.  It is the largest ambulance and medical institution in Hungary.  It was formally established in 1948, though traces its roots going back to 1887.  The 27.4mm copper-nickel coin depicts the Rod of Asclepius, depicting a snake coiled on a stick, which symbolizes the healing aspect of medical arts. Beneath the Rod of Asclepius is a six-armed Cross of Constantine. The cross represents the star of life signifying the steps in the process of life-saving: recognition, emergency call, first aid, paramedic care, control during transport and hospital care.  The denomination is on the reverse.

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PEPE THE FROG ON STATE OF JEFFERSON 2023 SILVER COIN

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.  Voters or the Board of Supervisors in 21 northern California counties have approved resolutions in support of seceding from California. That represents over 36% of the state's counties.  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 2023 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 regions' sense of abandonment by their state governments.  The coin commemorates The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, a short story by Mark Twain.  The coin depicts Pepe the Frog, a meme that is used by some right wing movements. The 32mm coin is hand struck in sterling silver.

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SAILING SHIP ON ROCKALL COIN  

Rockall is an inhabitable granite islet in the North Atlantic Ocean. The first recorded landing on Rockwell was done by the crew of the HMS Endymion in 1810 or 1811.  It was ignored until 1955 when the United Kingdom claimed it due to potential oil deposits and fishing rights. That was the last expansion of the British Empire.  The obverse of the unofficial Rockall 5 Pound coin includes the British coat of arms, the cypher of King Charles III, a seated lion, and portions of the Union Jack.  The reverse features the HMS Endymion under sail with Rockall in the background.  The ship, launched in 1797, was the fastest sailing ship in the Royal Navy.  It took part the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, War of 1812, the First Opium War against China and operations against privateers.  She was finally broken up in 1868. The 9-sided, silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 140 pieces.

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Though these once great and powerful nations have long since disappeared, a coin dealer in Russia issued modern unofficial coins for these ancient countries.  All the coins are silver-plated brass Proof with very low mintages.

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ESTONIA 2 EURO HONORS BARN SWALLOWS

The Barn Swallow is the national bird of Estonia.   It is honored on this 2023 Estonian 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts a swallow in flight and two others sitting on a power line. The coin was minted by the national Mint of Finland and has a mintage of 1 Million pieces.

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FRENCH 2023 RUGBY WORLD CUP 2 EURO

France commemorated the 10th Men's Rugby World Cup to be held in France between September 8 and October 23, 2023.  The event features 20 nations playing in nine host cities located throughout France. The design features a stylized Rugby player with a ball running across the globe between two goalposts.  Stars and planets are in the background.  The Rugby Union emblem is at the lower left and RF for the French Republic is at the lower right.

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IRELAND MARKS 50 YEARS OF EUROPEAN UNION MEMBERSHIP

Ireland commemorated their 50th anniversary of membership in the European Union with this 2023 2 Euro coin.  Since joining the European Union the once poor nation has prospered.  The design features the words "ÉIRE"  "eu50" and the dates 1973 2023.  It has a mintage of 500,000 pieces.

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ITALY COMMEMORATES ALESSANDRO MANZONI

Italy commemorated the 150th anniversary of the death of Italian poet, novelist and philosopher Alessandro Manzoni on this 2023 2 Euro coin.  Manzoni's contributed to the standardization of the modern Italian language.  The coin features a portrait of Manzoni derived from the 1967 100,000 Lire note, the dates 1873 - 2023 and the emblem of the Italian Republic.

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LATVIA HONORS UKRAINE

Latvia joined the other Baltic nations, Estonia and Lithuania to issue a circulating 2 Euro coin to honor Ukraine after the Russian invasion.   The Latvian 2023 coin features a Sunflower, the national flower of Ukraine which is a symbol of peace and freedom and the legend "SLAVA UKRAINAI!" which translates as Glory to Ukraine.  The coin has an edge inscription "Dievs, svētī Latviju!" (God, Bless Latvia!) which comes from the national anthem of Latvia.  The coin has a mintage of 415,000.


Also see:  
LITHUANIA 2023 2 EURO SUPPORTS UKRAINE

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LUXEMBOURG HONORS GRAND DUKE HENRI & OLYMPICS COMMITTEE

Luxembourg issued this 2023 2 Euro coin to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Grand Duke Henri's membership in the International Olympics Committee.  Luxembourg is a small country with few important events to commemorate, but finds it profitable to sell 2 Euro coins to collectors.   The coin depicts Grand Duke Henri and pictograms of various Olympic sports. The coin has a total mintage of only 133,500 pieces.

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SPAIN COMMEMORATES ITS PRESIDENCY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION COUNCIL

Spain issued this 2023 circulating 2 Euro to commemorate Spain taking over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1 to December 31, 2023.  The mostly ceremonial position is rotated every six months between members of the European Union.  This will be the fifth time Spain has held the position since becoming a European Union member in 1986. The coin depicts the logo of the Spanish Presidency of the Council.

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2023 CANADA INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY TOONIES

Canada released both color and un-colored versions of their 2023 Two Dollar coin for Indigenous Peoples Day which fell on June 21, 2023. The day celebrated the achievements of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples in Canada.  The reverse of the coin was designed by female First Nation, Inuit and Metis artists.  The three artists combined images representing their three respective cultures into a single design.  The Canadian mint has not yet created a Charles III portrait, so the coins continue to use the Susanna Blunt portrait of Queen Elizabeth along with the dates 1952-2022, thus making them triple-dated coins.

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2023 GERMAN 2 EURO CELEBRATES CHARLEMAGNE

Germany celebrated the 1275th anniversary of the birth of Charlemagne with this circulating 2023 2 Euro coin. Charlemagne is known as Karl the Great in Germany.  He unified central and western Europe for the first time since the fall of the Roman Empire centuries earlier.  He was crowned King of the Franks, King of the Lombards and Emperor of the Romans, and started what became known as the Holy Roman Empire.  He ruled from his capital in Aachen, Germany.  The coin depicts Charlemagne's monogram over the octagon of Aachen Cathedral.  At the lower right is the "D" for Deutschland followed by the mintmark A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).  At the bottom are the dates of his birth and death: "748-814". 

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SAILING SHIPS ON COINS OF PANTELLERIA AND PELAGIE ISLANDS

Pantelleria and the Pelagie Islands are Italian controlled islands located between Sicily and Tunisia in the Mediterranean.  Pantelleria shows traces of human inhabitation dating back 35,000 years. During Roman times it was used as a place for exile of important officials and members of the imperial family.  It was heavily bombarded during World War II in 1943 in Operation Corkscrew.  Most of the buildings on the island were destroyed before the Italian garrison surrendered. After that it became a vital airbase for the invasion of Sicily.    The three small islands of  three small islands of Lampedusa, Lampione, and Linosa make up the Pelagie Islands.  The islands have been inhabited on and off since ancient times.   Today they are mostly barren due to wanton deforestation.  Today they support a population of about 6500 who are dependent on fishing, canning and tourism.  The islands are the home of two of the last nesting sites for the endangered Loggerhead Turtle.   Because seafaring was important to both Pantelleria and the Pelagie Islands these unofficial coins each feature sailing ships.  The obverse of the triangular 500 Lire of Pantelleria features the islands coat of arms which includes an ancient sailing ship and the ancient name of the island: Cossyra.  A Loggerhead Turtle is on the reverse of the odd-shaped 500 Lire of the Pelagie Islands. The coins are Proof and are struck in silver-plated brass.   Both are dated 2023 and have a mintage of only 135. 

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HEDGEHOG ON BORHOLM COIN

Bornholm is a Danish island in the Baltic Sea with an area of about 227 square miles (588 km²) and a population of about 40,000.  For many centuries the island was passed between Denmark, Sweden and Lubeck. At the beginning of World War II, it was occupied by Germany.  Bornholm was heavily bombed by the Soviet Air Force in May 1945. The commander of the German garrison refused to surrender to the Soviets, as his orders were to surrender only to the Western Allies. The Germans sent several telegrams to Copenhagen asking for at least one British soldier to be transferred to Bornholm so that the Germans could surrender to Western Allied forces instead of the Soviets. On May 9, Soviet troops landed on the island, and after a short battle, the German garrison of about 12,000 surrendered.  Soviet troops left the island in 1946 as part of agreement that Denmark was to be Western aligned in exchange for Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania remaining under Soviet control.  The obverse of this unofficial 2023 triangular 50 Kroner of Bornholm features the old Bornholm coat of arms and the Danish coat of arms.  A hedgehog is on the reverse. The 36mm silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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SNAIL ON COIN OF SAAREMAA

Saaremaa, located in the Baltic Sea, is the largest island in Estonia, with an area of 1,032 square miles (2673 sq.km.) and a population of less than 30 thousand. It has been inhabited since at least 5000 BC.  Over the centuries it was attacked by Vikings, was the home of notorious pirates, conquered by the Livonian Order in 1227, sold to Denmark in 1559, ceded to Sweden in 1645, ceded to Russia in 1721 and finally became part of the newly independent Republic of Estonia in 1918. Estonia was annexed to the Soviet Union in 1940 before regaining its independence in August 1991. The obverse features the arms of Estonia.  A Roman Snail (known as escargot in France) is on the reverse of this unofficial 2023 50 Krone coin of Saaremaa. It is one of the few coins to depict a snail.  The eight-sided, 39mm, silver-plated brass Proof coin has mintage of just 125 pieces.

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NEW DIGITAL BOLIVAR COINS FROM VENEZUELA

On October 1, 2021 Venezuela again revalued their currency. One new Digital Bolivar was equivalent to 1,000,000 Sovereign Bolivars. Though called a Digital Bolivar, there is nothing digital about it, other than knocking 6 zeros off the previous denominations. This was the third major revaluation of Venezuela's currency.  One Digital Bolivar is equivalent to 100,000,000,000,000 of the original Bolivars used prior to 2008.  New coins and banknotes were issued.  The new coins were 25 Centimos, 50 Centimos and 1 Bolivar.  All three coins were struck in nickel-plated steel and have similar designs with Simon Bolivar on one side and the denomination and date on the other.  Because of continued inflation the coins did not circulate for long.

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INDIA CELEBRATES 75 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE

This 2023 Indian 1 Rupee commemorates the 75th Anniversary of its independence from Great Britain.   The 20mm stainless steel coin depicts the emblem of the celebration, which is called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.  The obverse features the three lions from the Sarnath pillar of Ashoka, which serves as the national emblem of India.

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AUSTRALIA 2023 SILVER KOALA

The 2023 Australian 1 troy ounce silver Koala will be the last to feature Queen Elizabeth.  The coin features Jody Clark's portrait of the Queen wearing the George VI State Diadem.  The reverse depicts a mother koala clinging to a gum tree while her joey hangs on her back.   The 40.9mm .9999 fine 1 troy ounce silver coin is struck with a distinctive reverse frosting (fields are frosted, relief is bright) and comes in a protective capsule.  The coin was struck by Australia's Perth Mint and has a nominal face value of 1 Dollar.

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NEW BRITISH 2022 CHARLES III 50 PENCE  

The first circulating coin of Great Britain to bear the portrait of King Charles III is this 2022 dated 50 Pence.  Queen Elizabeth II died September 8, 2022 and the coin bearing the new king's portrait was released into circulation in December.  King Charles III is depicted on the obverse.  The reverse is dedicated to "the life and legacy" of Queen Elizabeth. The design is derived from the first two British 1 Crown coins of Queen Elizabeth:  the 1953 issue commemorating her coronation and the 1960 New York British Exhibition.  It depicts the badges of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland and national flower emblems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland surrounding the royal crown.  Because Wales was formally incorporated into England, the arms of England is depicted twice rather than the arms of Wales.

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CHINA 2022 WORLD HERITAGE SQUARE 5 YUAN COINS

China released two 2022 dated square brass 5 Yuan coins featuring two UNESCO World Heritage sites. One depicts the Mount Emei and the Leshan Giant Buddha.  Mount Emei, at 10,167 feet (3,099m) is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China.  It is the location of the first Buddhist temple built in China during the first Century AD.  Nearby is the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 233 foot (71m) carved stone statue of Buddha. In comparison the statues on Mount Rushmore are only about 60 feet high.  It was built between 713 and 803AD and is still the largest and tallest stone Buddha in the world.  It was started by a monk who believed that the Buddha would calm the turbulent rapids that plagued boats traveling down the adjacent river.   So much stone was removed from the cliff face and deposited in the river that the currents were altered, making it safe for boats.   The other coin depicts of Mount Huangshan, which means Yellow Mountain.  It is often described as the “loveliest mountain of China”, and has played an important role in the history of art and literature in China since the Tang Dynasty in the 8th century.  Today it is a popular tourist destination with numerous trails and walking paths.

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PAPUA NEW GUINEA 2021 50 TOEA COIN FEATURES BUTTERFLY  

Papua New Guinea introduced a new circulating 50 Toea in July 2021.  The reverse depicts a male Paradise Birdwing butterfly (Ornithoptera paradisea).  The large, rare, native butterfly can have a wingspan of up to 4.7 inches (12cm). The design was adopted from the now demonetized 1 Toea coin.  The obverse depicts the coat of arms of Papua New Guinea which features a Bird-of-paradise over a traditional spear and a kundu drum.  The 2021 dated copper-nickel coin is 30mm in diameter.

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2023 HANKO COIN FEATURES POLIKARPOV I-15 BI-PLANE

A Russian Polikarpov I-15 bi-plane fighter is featured on this unofficial 2023 dated 50 Markka coin of Hanko (Hango). The plane was used between 1939 and 1944 in the two wars between Finland and the Soviet Union. The Hanko peninsula is the southernmost point of mainland Finland and is the home of the port and city of Hanko.  During the 19th and early 20th centuries while Finland was under Russian control, Hanko was the port of choice for emigrants leaving Finland for a new life in North America and a popular resort of Russian nobility.  After the 1939 Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union, Finland was forced to lease the peninsula to Russia for 30 years as a naval base.  Finland regained control of the peninsula in 1941 during the second Soviet-Finnish war.   The obverse of the coin depicts the heraldic Finnish lion.   The Proof silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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BEE AND NOAH'S TOMB ON 2023 NAKHCHIVAN REPUBLIC COIN

The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic (Naxcivan Respublikasi) is a landlock exclave of Azerbaijan bordered by Armenia, Iran and Turkey. Historically it was part of the Armenian homeland and had a large Armenian population, however most Armenians fled or were massacred during and after World War I.  On January 20, 1990 Nakhchivan became the first part of the Soviet Union to declare independence.  After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 it became an autonomous part of Azerbaijan, with its own constitution, legislature and is ruled by a corrupt, authoritarian family.   The emblem of Nakhchivan is on the obverse of this unofficial 2023 50 Manat of Nakhchivan Republic.  The reverse features a bee with what is claimed to be the tomb of the biblical prophet Noah.  The Proof silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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SCORPION AND CAMEL ON MASIRAH COIN

Masirah is an island in the Arabian Sea off the east coast of Oman. It has an airbase for the Royal Air Force of Oman and a fish factory, and several small towns.  During the summer it is popular with kite surfers due to its strong, steady winds.  Much of the interior of the island is desert.  The obverse of this unofficial 2022 20 Rials coin of Masirah depicts Haitham bin Tariq, the Sultan of Oman, and the Oman coat of arms.  The reverse features a scorpion, camel and a palm tree.  The 37mm Proof silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 145 pieces.

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PIGS ON BIG MAJOR CAY COIN

Big Major Cay, also known as Pig Island, is uninhabited by humans, however it does have a population of about two dozen swimming pigs. It is located in the Exuma district of the Bahamas.  The pigs are a popular tourist attraction.  The feral domestic pigs are not afraid of people.  They love to take to water and lay in the sun on the beach.  The pigs are fed by tourists and from passing yachts, and if the boat gets close enough to the shore, the pigs can jump in on their own, begging for food.  Drinking water is provided by small lakes on the island.  No one is quite sure how the non-native pigs got there.  Some claim they were left by sailors who planned to later pick them up and eat them, but never returned.  Others say they survived a shipwreck, or were brought to the island to attract tourists.   This odd-shaped 2023 20 Dollar coin of Big Major Cay has an unusual design, the design on the front wraps over to the back.  The design includes the Bahamas coat of arms and two pigs, half of one of the pigs is on the front of the coin with the other half is on the back.  The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin is 39mm and has a mintage of just 125 pieces.

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TORY ISLAND COIN FEATURES RAVEN

Tory Island (Oilean Thoraigh in Irish) is a remote island off the northern coast of Ireland inhabited by less than 150 people.  It is about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) long and 1 kilometer (.6 miles) wide.  The northern coast is heavily indented by bays and bays, the coasts are rather steep and steep.  Tory is mentioned in a number of Irish legends. Today it is noted for its rugged beauty and an artist colony.  This unofficial 2023 six-sided 10 Pound coin of Tory Island features a Celtic Cross and an Irish Harp on the obverse.  The reverse depicts a raven on the handle of a sword. Morrigan, the goddess of war in Irish mythology would often take the form of a raven.  Morrigan would not take part in the battles, but she would be present on the battlefield and used all her power to help one side or another.  The 39mm silver-plated brass coin has a mintage of only 125 pieces.

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TURKEY CONVERTS MUSEUM INTO A MOSQUE

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

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100th ANNIVERSARY OF THE ITALIAN AIR FORCE

Italy issued a circulating commemorative 2 Euro in 2023 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force.  The design features an antique and modern airplane with the numeral 100.

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LITHUANIA AND ESTONIA 2 EUROS SHOW SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE

Lithuania and Estonia each issued 2 Euro coins to show their support for Ukraine. The 2023 Lithuania 2 Euro shows a sunflower, the emblematic plant of Ukraine. The petals of the flower are in the shape of human figures holding hands. The legend "Kartu su Ukraina" means "Together with Ukraine".   The 2022 Estonia 2 Euro features a girl protecting a small bird in her hand and ears of wheat. The legend "Slava Ukraini" means Glory to Ukraine in Ukrainian.  The coin was designed by a Ukrainian refugee studying in Estonia.  Both coins have the standard Map of Europe 2 Euro reverse.

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RECENT SRI LANKA COMMEMORATIVES

Sri Lanka recently released three commemorative 20 Rupee coins. They are the highest denomination in circulation in that country.  The seven-sided 28mm coins are stuck in nickel-plated steel.  The 70th Anniversary of the Central Bank is commemorated on a 2020 issue depicting the bank's head office. It is a bit ironic that the Central Bank commemorates itself on a new high denomination coin which was needed due to the Bank's inability to control inflation.  A second 2020 20 Rupee coin was issued marking the 150th anniversary of the Colombo Medical Faculty. The coin features the school's emblem and "150".  The 2021 20 Rupee commemorates the 150th anniversary of its Ceylon's first census of population and housing.  The design includes the census logo and "150".   The coins have a common obverse that features a large numeral 20 and inscriptions in Sinhala, Thamil and English. 

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2019 RUSSIAN REGIONS & HISTORIC TOWN BI-METALLIC 10 RUBLES

Russia continued their series of bi-metallic 10 Rubles celebrating their regions and historic towns.  The region's emblem is on the region coins.  A view of the town and the town's coat of arms is on the Historic Town series.  The obverses feature the denomination with a shifting image within the “0” that changes from "10" to "РУБ" (Ruble) as the coin is turned.  Kostroma Oblast is on the 2019 Region coin.  The cities of Klin and Vyazma are on 2019 Historic Town series.   See our website or request a list of earlier coins in these series.

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2023 COCOS (KEELING) COIN SET FEATURES BIRDS & SEA LIFE

The Cocos (Keeling) Islands, also known as the Keeling-Cocos Islands are a group of 27 small islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  It was first settled in the 1820's by English adventurer Alexander Hare, his Malay harem, Scottish trader Capt. John Clunies Ross and his family.  After initial difficulties, Hare moved on leaving the Ross family in possession of the Islands.  They brought in Malay laborers, cleared almost all native vegetation and planted Coconut palms.  Ross made himself and his descendants King of the Cocos.  In 1978 Australia purchased the islands from the family.  This 2023 dated set of six copper-nickel coins for the Cocos (Keeling) Islands features native fish and birds.  The 100 Rupees has a Great White Shark. A wedge-tailed shearwater bird is on the 50 Rupees.  A Black-crowned night heron is on the 10 Rupees. An Ornate Butterflyfish is on the 5 Rupees. A Lionfish is on the 2 Rupees and a Yellow-bellied sea snake on the 1 Rupee.   The obverse of all the coins depict the emblem of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands and the legend "Bukan Wang Tunai", which translates as "No Cash Value".

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BERDOO 66 CENTS - SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SECESSION COIN

In November 2022 San Bernardino County voted to secede from the State of California.  San Bernardino, often called the "Inland Empire", is the largest county in California.  Like many regions of California, they were fed up with the liberal big city politicians that control California.  To mark the event the Small Forest Mint issued a copper 66 Cent coin for Berdoo.  Berdoo is what locals call San Bernardino. The historic Route 66 runs through the county, hence the denomination of 66 cents. The denomination is within an arrowhead shaped like the Arrowhead Geological Monument at Arrowhead Springs.  The reverse depicts the date and a Joshua Tree which is common in desert areas of the county, which is home to Joshua Tree National Park.  The Highway Gothic font was used on old highway signs.  The hand-struck coins are Uncirculated but may have minor dark areas.  Mintage is limited to a maximum of 200 pieces or when the dies wear out, whichever comes first.

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RARE KINGDOM OF HAWAII SURFING COMPETITION COIN

The Kingdom of Hawaii, a modern Hawaiian sovereignty movement, commemorated the 2023 Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational Surfing competition on this ultra-low mintage sterling silver 25 Dala coin.  It has a mintage of only 46 pieces!  As a lifeguard Eddie Aikau saved over 500 lives, sometimes braving 30-foot waves.  He died trying to rescue his crewmates in an attempt to reenact a canoe voyage from Hawaii to Polynesia.  The surfing competition was started in 1984 in his honor.  It is held at Waimea Bay on the north shore of Oahu, Hawaii, where Eddie was a lifeguard.  Because the competition is held only when ocean swells reach a minimum of 20 feet, (6.1m) it has been held just 10 times since its inception.   During the 2023 competition surfers braved waves 30 to 50 feet (9.1 to 15.2m) in height.  The coin depicts an incused image of a Hawaiian Koa warrior on the obverse and a surfer on the reverse.  

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LIBERIA'S FIRST CIRCULATING COINS IN OVER 20 YEARS!

Liberia released two new circulating coins dated 2022.  They are the first coins made for circulation by Liberia since 2000.  The 20mm nickel-plated steel 5 Dollar coin depicts Edward James Roye.  Roye was born in Ohio in 1815 and emigrated to Liberia in 1846. He was Liberia's Chief Justice from 1865 to 1868 and President from 1870 until he was overthrown in 1871, He died under mysterious circumstances a few months later.  The 23mm nickel-plated steel 10 Dollar coin depicts Joseph Jenkins Roberts.  Roberts was born free in Virginia in 1809.  He was a successful merchant, but facing discrimination, he emigrated to Liberia in 1829.  He served as a Bishop in the Liberian Methodist Church. "He was the first President of Liberia from 1848 to 1856 and its seventh President from 1872 to 1876.  His birthday is a national holiday in Liberia.  Both Roye and Roberts emigrated to Liberia from the United States as part of the American Colonization Society's plan to send Black Americans to Africa.  Below the portraits of the two Presidents is a latent image that changes from stars to the denomination as the coin is moved.  The reverses feature the denomination and a map of Liberia.  The inscription "LONE STAR FOREVER" refers to the one star on the Flag of Liberia.

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FIRST NORTH MACEDONIA COIN SET FEATURES ANIMALS

This three-coin set features the first coins issued by North Macedonia. The country was previously known as Macedonia, but Greece forced it to change its name.  Other than the revised name, the design and the specifications of the coins are the same as the previous Macedonian issue.  The coins feature native fauna.  The 2022 5 Dinari features a Macedonian Lynx. The 2022 2 Dinari depicts a Lake Ohrid brown trout.  A Shar Planina Shepherd dog (also called Illyrian or Yugoslavian Shepherd) is on the 2020 1 Dinar.  The reverses of the coins depict 16 sun rays, which is derived from a symbol of ancient Macedonia.  All three coins are brass-plated steel. Also available is the beautiful 2020 North Macedonia polymer 10 Denai banknote.

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2022 UKRAINE COINS HONORS MILITARY

Ukraine released three 2022 dated 10 Hryven coins honoring their military which is fighting against the Russian invasion.  A 33mm coin honoring the Special Operations Forces depicts the emblem of the forces on one side and a Special Ops soldier on the other.  Behind the soldier is an outline of Svyatoslav the Brave with a sword and a shield. Svyatoslav ruled Kievan Rus from 945 until he was killed in an ambush in 972.  Another 33mm coin honors the Navy.  One side depicts three naval ships and a map of southern Ukraine and Crimea, which is currently ruled by Russia.  The other side features the emblem of the Navy.  The third is a 23.5mm 10 Hryven honoring the Territorial Defense Force.  Male and female soldiers with guns and the force's emblem are on one side of the coin.  The other side features the denomination and the small Ukrainian coat of arms.

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BICENTENNIAL OF THE MEXICAN NAVY

Mexico celebrated the 200th anniversary of their Navy with this 12-sided, 30mm, bi-metallic 20 Peso coin.  The coin depicts the schooner Iguala which in 1822 was the first ship to hoist the Mexican flag. Also depicted is Lieutenant José Antonio de Medina Miranda, who was the first commander of what is now the Mexican Navy; and the long range ocean patrol ship Patrulla which was launched in 2018. Above is a latent image of an anchor.   Below are the dates "1821" "2021" separated by the denomination.  The obverse of the coin depicts the Mexican eagle and snake coat-of-arms.

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2023 AUSTRIA 1 OUNCE SILVER PHILHARMONIC

Austria celebrates the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on this 2023 1 troy ounce .999 fine silver 1.5 Euro coin called the Philharmonic.   The obverse of the 37mm coin depicts the Great Organ of the Golden Hall in Vienna’s Musikverein concert hall.  The reverse features a cello, violins, harp, Vienna horn and a bassoon.  The coins make a wonderful gift for classical music lovers.

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2023 CHINESE SILVER PANDA

China continues their popular annual silver Panda coin series with this 2023 issue depicting two young pandas playing in a tree.  They are facing each other, one in the tree and one below, extending their paws as if one is offering the other a “hand” up in the tree.  The coin was designed by China Mint's coin designer Tong Fang, who designed many of the previous coins in the acclaimed Panda series.  The obverse features the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, the denomination and date.  The Brilliant Uncirculated 40mm coin has a nominal face value of 10 Yuan, contain 30 grams of .999 fine silver and comes in a protective capsule.   

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LITHUANIA HONORS SUVALKIJA REGION

Lithuania continued their 2 Euro series honoring each of its five ethnographic regions.  The 2022 issue commemorates the Suvalkija region, located in the south-western portion of the country.  It is smallest of the regions.  The once heavily forested region as largely deforested during the 16th and 17th centuries due to the demand for wood and illegal tree-harvesting incursions by Prussia, opening the region to farming.   Even today it is the least forested region of Lithuania. The coin depicts the arms of Suvalkija which depicts a bull, which were once found in abundance in the forests, before they were cut down.  The coin has the standard map of Europe reverse.

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ODD SHAPED SAINT-CASTIN COIN FEATURES FLYING SQUIRRELS

Saint-Castin is a self-declared micronation that claims several enclaves within the Province of Quebec.  It is named after Jean-Vincent d'Abbadie de Saint-Castin, a 17th century French-Canadian military office and an Abenaki chief.  It was founded as a monarchy on June 24, 2014. Since then, it had a republican coup, been annexed by, then seceded from the Federal Republic of St. Charlie, re-established as a republic and in 2020 restored the monarchy.  This odd-shaped 2022 100 Piastres of Saint-Castin depicts the coat of arms on the obverse and two Northern Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) on the reverse.  The 42mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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SHACKLETON'S SHIPS

British Antarctic Territory and South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands each issued a 2022 dated 50 Pence coin to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of British Antarctic Explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.  The Endurance trapped in sea-ice is featured on the British Antarctic Territory 50 Pence.  In 1914 Shackleton and a crew of 27 sailed for the Antarctic on the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition.  The sailing ship became trapped in sea-ice on January 19, 1915 and drifted for months before being abandoned and sinking.  The exhausted crew eventually made it to Elephant Island, 346 miles (557km) from where the ship was abandoned.  From there Shackleton navigated an open lifeboat across 800 miles (1300km) of treacherous ocean to South Georgia, then hiked across the island to a whaling station, arriving on May 20, 1916 where he was able to finally obtain help.  His remaining crew were rescued from Elephant Island on August 30, 1916.  In 1921 Shackleton began another Antarctic expedition, this time using the schooner-rigged steamship the Quest.  The crew included members of his previous expedition. Unfortunately, Shackleton died of a heart attack aboard the vessel on January 5, 1922, the day after reaching Grytviken, South Georgia.  The ship is pictured on this 50 Pence coin of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands.   Both coins are seven-sided, 27.3mm copper-nickel with a "diamond finish" and have a limited mintage of just 2,750 pieces each.  The coins come in presentation cards.

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ALEXANDER GRAHAM BELL HONORED ON 2022 CANADIAN DOLLARS

Canada issued both colored and uncolored versions of their 2022 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 kph), 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 coin 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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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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