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RECENT WORLD COIN & CURRENCY ISSUES

GERMAN 2026 2 EURO CELEBRATES KONRAD ADENAUER

Germany celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Konrad Adenauer on this 2026 circulating commemorative 2 Euro coin. Adenauer was the first chancellor of West Germany, serving from 1949 until 1963.  He helped rebuild of the West German following the destruction of World War II and was a leader in European economic integration which lead to the formation of the European Union. Adenauer is pictured on the coin.  On the right is the letter "D" for Deutschland (Germany).  Towards the top is the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).

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GERMANY 2026 2 EURO HONORS BREMEN

Germany continued their second series of annual 2 Euro coins honoring each of the German each of their Bundeslander (states) with this Bremen 2 Euro. The coin depicts the Klimahaus Bremerhaven (Bremerhaven Climate House) science museum.  The museum opened in 2009, the design of which said to resemble the shape of a ship.  The museum allows visitors to take a virtual south to north tour around the world along approximately the 8th meridian east, which is near where Bremerhaven is located.  The temperature, humidity, and sounds of each station is adjusted to reflect local conditions, thus the Niger exhibit is a humid 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35C) while the Antarctic exhibit is a chilly 21 degrees Fahrenheit (-6C).  At the top of the coin is the letter "D" for Deutschland (Germany).  Towards the left is the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg).

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SLOVAKIA 2026 CAPITAL OF EUROPEAN CULTURE 2 EURO

Slovakia commemorated the city of Trencin on this 2026 2 Euro coin.  Trencin was selected to be one of two Capitals of European Culture in 2026.  The Capital of European Culture program "brings Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raising awareness of their common history and values."  Most importantly, it promotes tourism.  The coin features the Trencin castle, which is now a popular museum. Below the castle are an artist palette, movie camera, and a theatrical mask, representing different aspects of European arts.

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CHINA 2026 YEAR OF THE HORSE COIN AND BANKNOTE

China released a 2026 dated bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin and a colorful 2026 20 Yuan polymer banknote to commemorate the Year of the Horse.  The 27mm coin depicts a traditional artistic depiction of a prancing horse, a palace lantern, and plants the reverse.  The denomination surrounded by an intricate etched design is on the obverse. The large number 10 contains latent images, which change from Western to Chinese characters as the coin is moved.  The 20 Yuan note features a stylized prancing horse, the denomination in SPARK optical and a clear window on the front.  The back features three children playing musical instruments and legends in Chinese, Mongolian, Tibetan, Uyghur and Zhang.  The polymer note is 70 x 145mm,

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ILE D'OR

Ile d'Or (Island of Gold) is a small, privately owned island just off the coast of Saint-Raphael in the French Riviera. It was purchased in 1897 by a local an architect for 280 Francs.  In 1909 it was acquired by Doctor Auguste Lutaud, perhaps in a card game.  He declared himself August the First and had a stone tower erected on the island in 1912.  The island was used for sumptuous receptions.  It is said that it was the inspiration for The Black Island in Herge's The Adventures of Tintin series.  This crescent shaped 2025 dated 10 Aurea depicts the coat of arms on the obverse.  A sailboat and a view of the island and tower are on the reverse.  The unofficial silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 110 pieces.

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FREE AND INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC OF FRESTONIA

The Free and Independent Republic of Frestonia was a group of artists, musicians, writers, actors and radical feminist activists who took over a group of government owned, tumbledown terraced Victorian cottages on Freston Road and Bramley Road in London in 1974.  They declared independence in 1977 in an attempt to stave off eviction.  They issued postage stamps and applied for admission to the United Nations. They even won a legal dispute over an unauthorized performance of a play with the court ruling Frestonia was not considered part of the United Kingdom for that purpose.  They eventually negotiated a settlement that involved forming a formal housing cooperative, redevelopment of the housing site and giving up claims of independence.  This unofficial 2025 Frestonia 5 Pound coin depicts the arms and motto of Frestonia "Nos Sumus Una Familia" (We are all one family) on a brick wall on the obverse.  The reverse depicts graffiti street artist Banksy's picture of an angel wearing a bullet proof vest holding a skull.  The work was a tribute to graffiti street artist Ozone who was killed by an underground train in 2007.   The six-sided silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 110 pieces.

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ANDORRA 2 EURO BEARDED VULTURE 2025

Andorra issued a non-circulating commemorative 2 Euro in 2025 featuring a Bearded Vulture. The bird traditionally     inhabited mountainous in Asia, Africa and Europe. Andorra is one of the few places in Europe where the population did not go extinct, though in recent years it has been reintroduced into the Alps and Pyrenees.  Unlike most vultures it does not have a bald head.  It feeds on dead animals, however it primarily eats just the bones, rather than meat or skin.  In Catalan, the official language of Andorra, the bird is called "Trencalos" which means bone breaker.   The coin comes in a coin card and has a mintage of just 60,000 pieces.

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BULGARIAN 2026 EURO COIN SET

Bulgaria adopted the Euro as their currency on January 1, 2026.  Their new coins reflect the nation's history, culture and faith. This set includes all eight of Bulgaria's new regular issue Euro coins.  The 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 Euro cent coins depict the Madara Horseman.  The Madara Horseman is an impressive life size rock carving, located some 75 feet (23m) from the ground on a high cliff near the village of Madara in Bulgaria.  The carving dates from the early 8th Century, during First Bulgarian Empire. The carving features a horseman spearing a lion.  A dog follows at the horse’s feet.   Exactly who or what it represents is a matter of debate.  The bi-metallic 1 Euro coin depicts Saint Ivan (John) of Rila (Rilski) who is the county's patron saint.  He was an early 10th century hermit who performed many miracles. The 2 Euro depicts Saint Paisius of Hilendar.  He was a 18th Bulgarian monk. His book documenting Bulgaria's rich history helped sparked a nationalist movement and he is considered forefather of the Bulgarian National Revival.  The coins are all struck to the Euro coin standards and include the maps of Europe designs on the reverse. 

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ARGENTINOSAURUS ON ARAUCANIA & PATAGONIA COIN

An Argentinosaurus dinosaur (Argentinosaurus huinculensis)  in a forest is depicted on the unofficial 2025 10 Austral issued for the Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia.  The coat of arms is on the obverse.  The Argentinosaurus is one of the largest land animals of all time.  It is estimated to be about 100 feet long (31m) and weigh 72 to 88 tons (65–80 metric tonnes).  It was first discovered in 1987 and only fragmentary remains have been found so much about it is uncertain.
    The Kingdom of Araucania and    -Patagonia was founded in 1860 when French adventurer Orelie-Antoine de Tounens, was elected King by the indigenous Mapuche.  The Mapuche hoped he would assist in their struggle to retain their independence in the face of military and economic encroachment by Chile and Argentina. He claimed a large territory covering the parts of Chile and southern Argentina.  He was arrested and deported by Argentina and Chile multiple times before being placed in an insane asylum.   His country never received any diplomatic recognition.   He died penniless in France in 1878.  Since then, the throne of Araucania-Patagonia has been passed down.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated brass Proof coin has a mintage of only 115 pieces.


Also see:
ARAUCANIA-PATAGONIA 87 PESOS 2014

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STEGOSAURUS ON SIBERIAN COIN

A Stegosaurus is featured on this unofficial 2025 dated 50 Ruble coin of Siberia.  The dinosaur once roamed Siberia.  One of the oldest stegosaur skeletons dating from the Middle Jurassic period (about 175 million years ago) was found in the Berezovsk Quarry in western Siberia.  The obverse of the coin features the Siberian coat of arms.  Russia gradually took control of Siberia between the late 15th and early 18th centuries.  Since then, there have been various attempts to form an independent Siberia.  It briefly achieved independence after the collapse of the Czarist government in Russia.  Ideas for political independence have resurfaced periodically since the collapse of the Soviet Union.  The odd-shaped 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 115 pieces.

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MULTI-COLORED CHINESE 2025 PEKING OPERA 5 YUAN

China continued their series of partially colored 5 Yuan commemorating the "Art of Peking Chinese Opera". The 2024 issue depicts a DangJiao character.  The Dangjiao is a lively, vivacious young woman.  The 2025 coin depicts a LaoSheng character. The LaoSheng is a dignified older role, usually distinguished by a long, thin beard. They are two of the main categories of characters in Peking Chinese Opera.  Peking Chinese opera combines music, singing, mime, dance and acrobatics with elaborate, colorful costumes on a sparse stage.  The obverse features musical instruments and the emblem of the People's Republic of China.  The 30mm coins are  struck in a brass alloy.

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CANADA’S TOMB OF THE UNKNOWN SOLDIER

Canada featured their Tomb of the Unknown Soldier on colored and uncolored 2 Dollar coins in 2025.  The tomb, located in front of the National War Museum in Ottawa holds the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier who died in France in World War I.  The tomb honors all Canadians who died in combat.  Behind the tomb are the silhouettes of four sentries representing all Canadians. In front is a poppy.  The poppy is red in the colored version of the coin. King Charles III is on the obverse.

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CANADA HONORS 30th ANNIVERSARY OF 2 DOLLAR COIN ON 2 DOLLAR COIN

Canada celebrated the 30th Anniversary of their 2 Dollar coin, known as a Toonie with a non-circulating commemorative 2 Dollar coin. The design is similar to the regular 2 dollar coin, however the double dates 1996-2026 appear above the bust of King Charles III and the "W" mintmark for the Winnipeg mint is below the bust.  The standard polar bear design is used on the reverse. The coin was not struck in color.

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LOW MINTAGE COLOR BATTLE OF BRITAIN COMMEMORATIVE

Solomon Islands issued this 2025 multi-color Proof-like 50 Cents to commemorate the 85th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.  The 28.5mm, seven-sided, silver-plated coin depicts a multi-color Spitfire and bears the legend "SO MUCH OWED BY SO MANY TO SO FEW".   King Charles III is on the obverse.  The coin has a mintage of only 499 pieces and comes in a presentation card. 

Item SB-BATTLE SOLOMON ISLANDS 50 CENTS 2025 BATTLE OF BRITAIN, PROOFLIKE $19.95

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LOW MINTAGE, ISLE OF MAN GOLD ANGEL

This Isle of Man 2025 1/2 Gram (1/64 troy ounce) gold Angel is a diminutive option in the Isle of Man Angel series.  The design is based original English Angel coin first minted in 1465 featuring Archangel Michael killing a dragon.  The obverse depicts King Charles III.  The 11mm coin was minted by The Tower Mint in .9999 fine gold and has a mintage of only 1000 pieces.

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CHINA CELEBRATES WORLD WAR II VICTORY

China issued this circulating commemorative 2025 bi-metallic 10 Yuan coin to commemorate the "80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War" or what is commonly called World War II.  The coin depicts a portion of the Great Wal of China with the numeral "80" on a guard tower. Below are the dates 1945-2025.  The emblem of the People's Republic of China is on the obverse.

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DISPUTED ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh is a territory in northeastern India controlled by India by claimed by China. Most of China's claims are based on that the territory was once controlled by Tibet and that China did not agree to treaties between the Britain and Tibet.  China and India have clashed over the territory.  In 1962 Chinese forces captured most of Arunachal Pradesh, but after declaring victory, returned control to India. In addition, there are insurgency forces that want to incorporate it into an independent Nagaland.  Access to the region is severely restricted.  The unofficial 2025 Arunachal Pradesh 1000 Rupee coin has the coat of arms on one side and Snow Leopard on the other.  The six sided 39mm silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 115 pieces.

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DISPUTED OGADEN

Ogaden is the eastern portion of Ethiopia, surrounded on two sides by Somalia.  Most of its inhabitants are Muslim Somalis.  Conflict over control of the area between Ethiopia and the Somalis has been going on for centuries.  Both sides have been indiscriminate in their attacks and killings.  The obverse of this unofficial 2025 Ogaden 1000 Lacag features the Ogaden coat of arms. The reverse depicts a warrior with a bow and arrow and the head of a lion.  The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a scalloped edge.  Only 115 pieces were minted.

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2025 ARIZONA GOLDBACK NOTES

Goldback Aurum notes are a voluntary local currency made of 24 karat gold! Each wafer-thin note is coated with a protective plastic coating so it can be circulated without the gold tearing. They are issued in increments of 1/1000 troy ounce of gold in order to allow for small purchases. 1 Goldback is 1/1000 troy ounce of gold.  The 1 Goldback note is approximately 66x117mm.  The notes are printed on one side only, with intricate multi-color allegorical style designs.  2025 dated Goldback notes were recently released for Arizona and Oklahoma.

The 1/2 Arizona Goldback celebrates the virtue of Fides (Faith), honoring the Spanish missionaries. The design features a young woman and two white doves in front of the famed Mission San Xavier del Bac, founded in 1692.  The mission is known as the "White Dove of the Desert."

The 1 Arizona Goldback represents Temperantia (Temperance).  It depicts a woman in front of Mission San Jose de Tumacaroi representing the era following Mexico's independence from Spain in 1821

The 2 Arizona Goldback embodies Exploratio (Exploration) through a vivid tribute to the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition - the first recorded journey through the Grand Canyon by boat.

The 5 Arizona Goldback depicts Lex et Ordo (Law and Order) through an homage to Tombstone’s  legendary 1881 gunfight at the O.K. Corral.

The 10 Arizona Goldback celebrates Virtus (Valor). It depicts the courage and resilient Buffalo Soldiers of the 10th Cavalry Regiment stationed at Fort Huachuca.

2025 OKLAHOMA GOLDBACK NOTES

The 1/2 Oklahoma Goldback celebrates Honestas or Honesty through the determined figure of a young cowgirl guiding her herd along the historic Chisholm Trail near Red River Station.

The 1 Oklahoma Goldback honors Perseverantia, or Perseverance, through a vivid depiction of the Land Run of 1889. A young pioneer woman charges forward on horseback, land stake in hand, driven by the promise of a new beginning. Surrounding her are symbols of resilience from native wildflowers to Oklahoma’s state bird, capturing the daring ambition that built entire towns from dust.

The 2 Oklahoma Goldback features Benevolentia, or Kindness, through the gentle strength of Indigenous motherhood. A Cherokee woman in traditional dress carries a harvest basket filled with corn, beans, squash, and strawberries - symbols of life and renewal. Set in the fertile valleys of Tahlequah, this design honors matriarchs, generational wisdom, and the enduring bond between people and land.

The 5 Oklahoma Goldback honors Industria, or Industry, through the story of the Glenpool Oil Strike of 1905. A young woman walks the oil fields with purpose, her tool belt marked “1905” and her expression filled with pride. Bees hover nearby, symbolizing teamwork and transformation. The image reflects Oklahoma’s rise from farmland to energy powerhouse.

The 10 Oklahoma Goldback celebrates Unitas, or Unity, through the vibrant tradition of an intertribal powwow. A woman performs the Fancy Shawl Dance while a male dancer moves behind her in a whirlwind of color and rhythm. Surrounded by hummingbirds, butterflies, and buffalo, this scene honors Oklahoma’s deep Indigenous heritage and the strength that comes from shared purpose.

Item OK-1GOLD OKLAHOMA 1 GOLDBACK (1/1000 oz. gold) Unc. $13.00

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2025 FLORIDA GOLDBACK NOTES

The popular Goldback series continued in 2025 with the introduction of the Florida Goldback. Goldback notes are a voluntary local currency made of 24 karat gold! Each wafer-thin note has a protective plastic coating. They are issued in increments of 1/1000 troy ounce of gold in order to allow for small purchases. The 1 Goldback note contains 1/1000 troy ounce of gold and measures 66x117mm.  The notes are printed on one side only, with intricate multi-color allegorical designs. 

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KING CHARLES III ON NEW FALKLAND POLYMER 5 POUND NOTE

Falkland Islands released a polymer 5 Pound note featuring King Charles III dated 14 August 2025.  Also on the front of the red note is a map of the Falkland Islands, five black-browed albatrosses in flight, the Falkland coat of arms and the legend "FIRST RECORDED SIGHTING OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS /FROM THE EXPEDITION SHIP DESIRE, 14 AUGUST 1592".  The legend may have included to promote Britain's claim to the Falklands, which are also claimed by Argentina. A triangle of raised dots are at the lower right to assist the blind. The back includes an image of a mountain on Steeple Jason Island a Pale Maiden flower, which is the national flower and five species of penguins.  The note has a clear window depicting a penguin. Due to a minor technicality, the notes were not valid when first issued. According to law, the wording on the note must read "This note is legal tender for the payment of any amount" but the printed notes say "These notes are legal tender for the payment of any amount."  In addition, the notes were to have the serial number twice on the note, but it only appears once.  Falklands is amending their legislation to reflect the actual banknotes.

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NAMIBIA 60 DOLLAR BANKNOTE HONORS PRESIDENT'S 60 YEARS OF SERVICE

In 2025 Namibia issued a circulating polymer 60 Dollar banknote honoring Dr. Hage Gottfried Geingob, who died in 2024.  The 60 Dollar note commemorates his 60 years of "service and steadfast dedication to Namibia's democracy, economic progress, and social inclusion".  He was country's first prime minister from 1990 to 2002, and again from 2012 to 2015.  He was the Minister of Trade and Industry from 2008 until 2012 and President of Namibia from 2015 until his death in 2024.  The front of the note features his portrait.  Behind him is a faint image of the Constituent Assembly of 1990 that drafted Namibia's constitution.  Also included is a SPARK image of the Bank of Namibia logo and two clear windows, one featuring the facade of the Independence Memorial Museum in Windhoek, the other features the Geingob's face and the number "60".  To assist the blind there is a circle of raised dots at the upper right.  Geingob was an avid soccer fan, so the back features him holding a soccer trophy.  Also on the back are wind turbines, a hydrogen tank, biomass and solar panels.  It is an unusual denomination for a circulating banknote.

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GERMAN 2025 REUNIFICATION COMMEMORATIVE 2 EURO

Germany commemorated the 35th Anniversary of its reunification with this 2025 dated 2 Euro coin.  The coin features the legend "35 Jahre Deutsche Einheit Wir Sind Ein Volk" (35 Years of German Unity We Are One People)  broken into two parts, representing the Berlin Wall that divided the nation.  The connecting "D" in the center stands for Deutschland, as does the "D" at the bottom of the coin.   The designers initials and the mintmark (A=Berlin, D=Munich, F=Stuttgart, G=Karlsruhe, J=Hamburg) is at the top of the coin.

Also see:
GERMANY 2 EURO 30th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL 2019

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GREECE HONORS COMPOSER ON 2025 2 EURO

Composer and lyricist Mikis Theodorakis is featured on this 2025 Greek 2 Euro commemorating the 100th anniversary of his birth.  Theodorakis is credited with over 1000 works including the scores of Zorba the Greek and Serpico.  In addition to being a composer, he was involved in politics and served multiple terms in the Greek Parliament.  The features Theodorakis conducting an orchestra and a musical staff.

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GREECE CELEBRATES FIRST WOMAN ADMIRAL

Greece commemorated the 200th anniversary of the death of Laskarina Bouboulina on this 2025 2 Euro coin.  Bouboulina and her private navy was instrumental in Greece gaining independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821. She was widowed twice, inheriting a considerable sum of money from her second husband.  Using her fortune, she assembled and built a fleet which she commanded during the Greek war of Independence and formed a private army.  Her reputation as a successful commander spread throughout Europe. She found herself on the wrong side in the Greek Civil War of 1824 she was on false charges of witchcraft and heresy by her opponents before eventually being released.  In 1825 she was murdered in a family feud over her son's choice of a bride.  The coin depicts Bouboulina aboard a ship.

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CONTROVERSIAL NEW YEMEN BANKNOTE WITH UNUSUAL SECURITY FEATURE

Yemen is in the midst of a long civil war.  In July 2025 the Houthi led government in Sana’a issued this 200 Rials banknote in the name of the Central Bank of Yemen.  The internationally recognized Central Bank of Yemen in Aden immediately denounced the issue unauthorized and a "serious escalation" by the Houthis”. It warned that warned that anyone found possessing, using, or trading the new banknotes would face penalties.  The front of the note has a holographic stripe, and depicts the Al Janid Mosque in Ta'izz.  The mosque is the oldest in Yemen dating back to the earliest days of Islam.  The back depicts ships in Al Ma'alla port in Aden.  The port is not currently controlled by the Houthis who issued the note.  The blue water in the harbor scene shows an unusual pattern.  The denomination is in braille to assist the blind.  An unusual security feature is the denomination in Arabic is micro-perforated into the note between the mosque and the watermark.  It is only visible when the note is held up to light. 

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NEW ZAMBIA BANKNOTES

Zambia released a new series of 2024 dated banknotes in 2025.   The notes all feature an African Fish Eagle on the front, along with numerous security devices including a map of Zambia (in what appears to be a shopping bag) that changes from gold to green, a windowed security thread, and a front/back registration device.  The green 10 Kwacha displays the Kariba Dam on the Zambezi river located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe.  The back depicts two pangolins and Kabwelume Falls.  The red 20 Kwacha includes a farm tractor on the front.  Two antelope and Chishimba Falls are on the back.  The notes are printed on a Durasafe composite substrate.

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CANADIAN 2025 DOLLARS HONOR SUPREME COURT

Canada issued two versions of their 2025 1 Dollar coin commemorating the 150th anniversary of their Supreme Court.  One has the court's 150th anniversary logo printed in black and white, the other is a regular, uncolored version of the coin. The reverse depicts front view of the Supreme Court Building, Beneath the maple leaf laser mark is the Court’s 150ᵗʰ anniversary logo; derived from the Court’s historic badge known as the Cormier Emblem.  King Charles III is on the obverse.

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COLUMBUS' SHIP ON MARIE-GALANTE COIN

Marie-Galante is one of the islands that makes up Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.  Christopher Columbus discovered and anchored at the island in 1793 on his second voyage.  He named the island after his flagship Marigalante (gallant Mary), which is pictured on the reverse of the coin.   The French first attempted to settle the island in 1648.  Sugar plantations worked by African slaves became the mainstay of the economy by the late 17th century.  Over they years the island was controlled at various times by the British, French Sweden and the Netherlands.  At the conclusion of the Seven-Years War in 1863 France gave French Canada to the British in exchange for Guadeloupe.  The sugar plantations, run by slaves were seen as having far more value than the wilderness of Canada.  By 1818 there were over 100 sugar mills on the island.   In recent years the population has dropped from over 30,000 in 1953 to less than 12,000 as many emigrated due to the lack of opportunity on the small island.  The obverse depicts the head of an Arawak man as it appeared on Guadeloupe coins issued in 1903 and 1921.  This unofficial 2025 Marie-Galante 750 Franc coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.  The eight-sided, 40mm, silver-plated brass coin is Proof.

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SAILING SHIP ON SQUARE FRANCEVILLE COIN

Franceville (now Port Vila) was a short-lived self-declared nation on the island of Efate in what is now Vanuatu. In 1887, the Anglo-French Joint Naval Commission took control of the territory, but did not provide a functional local government.  The lack of government and conflicts between French and British laws made life difficult.  In August 1889 it declared itself and independent commune.  It was one of the first nations in history to practice universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race, however only white males (of which there were fewer than 50) could hold office.  The government was suppressed by the following year. This unofficial 2025 Franceville 50 Watue depicts the national emblem of Vanuatu on one side and a sailing ship on the other.  The square, 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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SLOVENIA 3 EURO 2025 EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE

The twin towns of Nova Gorica, Slovenia and Gorizia, Italy were selected to be the European Capital of Culture in 2025. The international border runs through Europe Square between the towns. Since 2011, both towns have been managed by a joint administration board.  Gorizia, Italy includes many historic buildings including a castle that dates back to about 1146.  Nova Gorica, Slovenia was built as a planned community by the Socialist government of Yugoslavia in 1947 and features modernist architecture.  The towns' selection as the2025 European Capital of Culture is commemorated on this32mm, bi-metallic 2025 Slovenian 3 Euro coin.  The obverse includes the denomination and features mosaic pieces "scattered to form a fresh image, symbolizing the emergence of new ideas, cooperation, and creativity."  The reverse includes elements from the circular mosaic in Europe Square between the two towns.  The coin has a total mintage of 68,250 of which 60,000 are circulation strikes.

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CHINA 2025 BI-METALLIC 10 YUAN HAINAN RAINFOREST NATIONAL PARK

China released a 2025 bi-metallic 10 Yuan commemorating the Hainan Rainforest National Park.  The park encompasses about 1650 square miles (4259 sq.km.) of the central part of Hainan, which is an island off the southern coast of China.  The park is noted for its large diversity of plants and wildlife. The 27mm coin features the parks scenery which includes two Hainan gibbons, the Wanquan River and Wuzhi Mountain.  At the bottom is a Hainan peacock-pheasant.

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FINLAND 2025 DIPLOMACY 2 EURO

Finland issued this 2025 2 Euro coin to honor Finland's State Visits and its role in Diplomacy and Foreign Policy.  The coin has a reeded and lettered edge with the name of the country in Finnish and Swedish (SUOMI FINLAND) its two official languages. 

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ITALY COMMEMORATES WORLD TOUR OF SAILING SHIP AMERIGO VESPUCCI

This 2025 Italian 2 Euro commemorates the completion of the around the world voyage of the Italian naval training ship Amerigo Vespucci. The ship visited 35 ports in 30 nations on five continents bringing good will and Italian culture.   The three-masted sailing ship was commissioned in 1931.  The ship is named after the fifteenth century Italian explorer and navigator, for whom America is named. The coin depicts the ship under full sail.

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2025 LUXEMBOURG 2 EUROS

Luxembourg released two commemorative 2 Euro coins in 2025.  One commemorates the 25th anniversary of the reign of Grand Duke Henri. The coin depicts a frontal view of the Duke in front of the Grand Ducal Palace.  The other coin commemorates the 75th Anniversary of the Schuman Declaration.  The Declaration made by French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman was made the day after the fifth anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.  It proposed putting French and West German coal and steel production under a single authority, making war between the two nations "not merely unthinkable, but materially impossible".  Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, and Luxembourg also joined the pact creating the European Coal and Steel Community.  The pact was later expended leading to the creation of The European Union. 

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NEW COINS OF SINT MAARTEN AND CURACAO

After the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2011 the Dutch territories of Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius switched to the United States Dollar for their currency.  Only Curacao and Sint Maarten kept the Gulden. Both are constituent island countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The two countries have nearly full autonomy except for foreign relations and defense.  The Dutch monarch is the head of state, who is represented by local governor.  Curacao has been a Dutch territory since 1634, when the Netherlands took control from Spain during the 80-Years War for Dutch independence.  Sint Maarten shares the tiny island of Saint Martin with the French territory of Saint Martin.  The island has been divided since the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, which is one of the oldest treaties still in effect. Curacao and Sint Maarten formed a joint central bank and finally released new 2025 dated coins and currency in March 2025. Like the Euro, the banknotes are the same for both nations, but each has its own coins, which circulate interchangeably.  The copper-nickel 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 Cents of both nations all have similar designs.  The name of the country and orange blossoms is on the obverse.  The reverses include the denomination, date and three Favored Tellin clam shells (Arcopagia fausta) separated by pearls.   The 1 and 5 Gulden feature Dutch King Willem-Alexander on the obverse.  The reverses of the Curacao issues feature a map of Curacao surrounded by waves created by microlettering.  Below are two Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia mydas).    The 1 Guldens are 28mm bi-metallic coins. The 5 Guldens are unusual tri-metallic coins that are 25.85mm.   Both the 1 and 5 Gulden have lettered edges. The coins were struck at the Royal Canadian Mint. They are the first circulating coins ever struck specifically Sint Maarten and the first coins struck specifically for Curacao since 1948.

SINGLE COINS FROM THE ABOVE SETS:

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NEW CARIBBEAN GULDEN NOTES

After many years of delays, the Central Bank of  and Sint Maarten has finally released its first banknotes.  The bank is the successor to the Bank of the Netherlands Antilles.  The fronts of the new notes feature vibrant sea life, while the backs depicts important landmarks on both countries.  The notes include many advanced security features, including 3D moving stripes, optically variable ink, watermark and a windowed security thread. The notes were printed by Crane Currency.    The 10 Gulden features an Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) on the front and the Klein  lighthouse on the back.  The 20 Gulden has two Spotted eagle rays (Aetobatus narinari ) on the front.  The back depicts a Pelican in flight with Simpson  Bay Lagoon and Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten in the background.  The airport is famous for its landing pattern which takes jets low over the beachgoers on Maho Beach. 
 We expect to have the coins soon. Contact us if interested.

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UNUSUAL PALAU GOLD COINS

The Pacific Island nation of Palau authorized a series of tiny legal tender gold 1 Dollar coins in rather unusual shapes: a steam engine, football, basketball and a beer mug (probably need the beer to go with the sports themed coins).  Each coin contains 1/2 gram of .9999 fine gold and is approximately 14mm in diameter. The obverse includes Palau's coat of arms and the denomination.  The coins are undated. The coins were struck by the renowned German mint of B. H. Mayer in Proof.  Only 15,000 of each were minted. Each coin comes in a protective capsule. The unique, fun designs make them excellent gifts for both collectors and non-collectors.

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SAARLAND HONORED ON 2025 GERMAN 2 EURO  

Germany continued their annual series honoring each of their states with this 2025 dated 2 Euro for Saarland.  Saarland is located on the border of Germany, France and Luxembourg.  It has long been contested between France and Germany.  It gained importance in the 19th century due to its rich coal deposits and heavy industrialization.  France tried to establish it as an independent entity after both World War I and World War II, and both times Saarland voted overwhelmingly to become part of Germany.  The coin features a birds eye view of the Saarschleife, which is a big bend in the Saar river.  It is a major tourist attraction. At the bottom is a "D" for Deutschland and the date.  The mintmark is on the middle right side of the coin.


COMPLETE SET OF SCARCE SAARLAND COINS: 10-100 FRANKEN 1954-55  KM1-4

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COINS OF UPPER AND LOWER LUSATIA

Lusatia is an historical and geographic region on the border of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. Upper Lusatia is the hilly southern part. Lower Lusatia, the flat northern part. It is the home to the Slavic Sorbs, one of Germany’s four officially recognized indigenous ethnic minorities. Upper and Lower Sorbian are spoken in the German parts of Upper and Lower Lusatia respectively, and the signage there is mostly bilingual.  Over time portions of the regions have been ruled by Meissen, Saxony, Prussia, Poland, Bohemia, the Hapsburgs, Germany and Czechoslovakia. Following World War II an unsuccessful attempt was made to create an independent Sorbian state.  The name Lusatia is derived from the Sorbian word for swamps.  Today the region is the home of Lusatian Lakes District. It is Europe's largest artificial water landscape, which was created by filling abandoned open pit coal mines with water. Some of the largest lakes are connected by navigable canals.  The five-sided Upper Lusatia 25 Mark coin depicts a swan in front of the Muskau castle.  The eight-sided Lower Lusatia 25 Mark features a pair of cranes caring for their chick in a nest. The regions respective coat of arms is on the obverses of the coins.  The coins were privately issued.  They dated 2025, have a mintage of only 120 pieces each, are silver-plated and are Proof.

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COIN FROM THE STATE OF NUMISMA

The State of Numisma is a virtual state created by Russian numismatist Vladimir Startsev that was founded in 2000.  Its citizens live all over the world and every citizen may call himself or herself a citizen of Numisma.   In 2025 Numisma issued a 60 Numismaru coin for its 25th anniversary and the 60th birthdays of Vladimar and Elena.  One side features a sailing ship and a map of the world. At the bottom is Vladimir's monogram.  The other depicts a silhouette of Vladimir and Elena. Below them is the river cruise ship "Alexander Green" of the Mosturflot travel company.  Vladimir and Elena are big fans of river cruises.  At the bottom are monuments and buildings from important cities in their lives:  born in Lugansk, studied in St. Petersburg and live in Moscow. The 39mm silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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OSPREY AND DUGONG ON HAWAR COIN

Hawar is an archipelago in the Persian Gulf just off the coast of Qatar.  It was settled by a Bedouin clan in the early 19th century.  Ownership of islands were the center of a territorial dispute between Bahrain and Qatar that was finally settled by the International Court of Justice in 2001, with control of the islands going to Bahrain.  The islands are now uninhabited other than a hotel and a police station on the main island.  One side of the this unofficial 5 Dihars of Hawar features an Osprey and a Dugong.  The coat of arms is o the other side.  The 2025 dated six-sided silver plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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LOYALTY ISLANDS COIN FEATURES WHALE AND WHALER

This 2025 dated 500 Francs of the Loyalty Islands (Iles Loyaute) depicts a breaching whale as seen from the deck of a whaling ship.  The first recorded contact with the West was by British captain William Raven of the whaling ship Britannia in 1793.  The obverse of the coin features a Fleche faitere, which is a carved rooftop spire that adorns houses of Loyalty Island natives. The unofficial eight-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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BOAT AND DOLPHINS ON MOOREA COIN

Moorea is a volcanic island that is part of French Polynesia about 11 miles (17km) northwest of Tahiti.  The obverse of this 2025 dated 500 Poe Rava of Moorea features a camakau sailing by a village nestled below the mountains. A camakau is a large sailing outrigger that was often used to travel long distances between islands.  The reverse features a pair of dolphins leaping from the ocean,   The unofficial silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of just 120 pieces.

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COIN OF SANUSIYYA

Sanusiyya was a political and religious order that that exerted control over parts of north Africa in the 19th century, and led to the creation of the Kingdom of Libya.  It was founded in Mecca in 1837 by Muhammad ibn Ali as-Sanusi to overcome what he believed was the decline of Islamic thought and spirituality and to strengthen Muslim political unity. After being forced our of Mecca it moved to Cyrenaica (eastern Libya) and spread its influence over a significant part of North and Central Africa.  It fought against French, Italian and British colonial rule.  In World War II it assisted the British in their fight against German and Italian forces in north Africa. In 1951, the head of Senussi, Muhammad Idris (Idris I), the grandson of Muhammad ibn Ali as-Senussi, became the King of Libya.  This unofficial Sanusiyya 2025 dated 70 Pounds coin features the Sanusiyya coat of arms of on the obverse. The reverse depicts a lion and Omar al-Mukhtar, who led the Sanusiyya resistance against the Italians in the early 20th century and who is a national hero of Libya.  The six-sided silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of 120 pieces.

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UNUSUAL VIEW ON SINT MAARTEN COIN

Sint Maarten is the Dutch portion of the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin. In 1648 the French and Dutch decided the island was not worth fighting over, so divided it, with the northern portion going to France and the southern portion to the Netherlands.  The tiny island has remained divided ever since.  This unofficial square 2024 Sint Maarten 10 Gulden depicts Netherlands King Willem-Alexander and the coast of arms on the obverse.  The reverse features a view of an island and a cruise liner from an airplane window.  The silver-plated Proof coin has a mintage of only 120 pieces.

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BELGIUM HONORS NATIONAL LOTTERY ON 2025 2 EURO

Belgium commemorated their national lottery on this 2025 dated 2 Euro coin. The state-run lottery runs a variety of games including EuroMillions, Lotto, Pick 3, scratch cards, and Keno.  A significant portion of the lottery's profits (the public's losses) go towards public welfare projects.  The coin features the Belgium National Lottery emblem which depicts the Roman goddess Fortuna holding a cornucopia and four leaf clovers.  Each coin is packaged in a coin-card that includes six unique lottery numbers.

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ESTONIAN 2025 2 EURO COMMEMORATES FIRST BOOK IN ESTONIAN

Estonia issued a 2025 dated 2 Euro commemorating the 500th anniversary of the first book printed in the Estonian language. The book, published in 1525 in Wittenburg, Germany featured Lutheran texts - but was immediately destroyed.  The design features four stylized books forming the letter "E".  The surrounding text translates as "Estonian written language 500  1525 - 2025"  The coin was minted at the Lithuanian Mint with a mintage of 850,000 pieces.

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ITALY 2025 2 EURO CELEBRATES JUBILEE YEAR

Italy commemorated the 2025 Jubilee Year or Holy Year with this circulating 2 Euro coin.  The coin depicts the Holy Door in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican.  Around it are a series of fish, an early symbol of Christianity. The Holy door is normally sealed, and is opened only during a Jubilee Year. The origin of the Jubilee dates back to ancient Biblical times (Leviticus 25:8-53) which included the forgiveness of debts, freedom to all prisoners and slaves and the redemption of property.  In the Catholic Church the tradition dates to 1300 and focuses on the forgiveness of sins.  In usually takes place only once every 25 years and includes pilgrimages to sacred sites.

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