Sunday, November 25, 2012

2012 New Zealand Silver Currency Set



Highlights:



  • New Zealand silver proof coin set with a gold-plated ten cent coin
  • Each of the five currency coins is uniquely dated 2012
  • Worldwide mintage limit: 1,000 sets







The five iconic designs in this silver proof coins set are:

New Zealand ten cents

The ten cent coin is pure silver with gold plating and features a Māori carved head or ‘koruru’ with Māori rafter patterns. Koruru are usually mounted on the gables of wharenui (meeting houses) and are referred to as ‘The guardians of the house’.

New Zealand twenty cents

The Māori carving shown on the 20 cent coin is a reproduction of a specific carving of an 18th century Māori warrior leader called Pukaki, who was a rangatira (chief) of the Ngāti Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district. The carving was made in 1836 and today it can be viewed in the entrance to the Rotorua District Council building. The edging of this coin is distinctive and known
as ‘Spanish flower’.

New Zealand fifty cents

The design on the 50 cent coin shows the Endeavour sailing south with Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the distance. The Endeavour was a British Royal Navy research vessel commanded by Lieutenant James Cook on his first voyage of discovery, to Australia and New Zealand from 1769 to 1771.

New Zealand one dollar

New Zealand’s national bird and beloved icon, the kiwi, appears on the $1 coin. This small, flightless bird has been in New Zealand for more than 60 million years, and is largely nocturnal. It has become so much a part of New Zealand’s national identity that New Zealanders overseas (and at home) colloquially refer to themselves as ‘Kiwis’.

New Zealand two dollars

The kotuku (white heron) is shown on the $2 coin. It is one of New Zealand’s rarest birds and is held in particularly high regard in Māori mythology. Kotuku have figured prominently in Māori legend as exemplars of rarity, grace and beauty, and as inhabitants of the spirit world.

New Zealand two dollars (NZD $2)


Composition: Silver proof (0.999)
Weight: 14.12g
Diameter: 26.50mm
Edge treatment: Milled with a channel with ten raised beads
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design: The kotuku (white heron) flying right
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand one dollar (NZD $1)

Composition: Silver proof (0.999)
Weight: 10.73g
Diameter: 23.00mm
Edge treatment: Eight alternate segments, four milled and four plain
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design: The kiwi, bringing to reality the colloquial term 'Kiwi Dollar'
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 50 cents

Composition: Silver proof (0.999)
Weight: 6.59g
Diameter: 24.75mm
Edge treatment: Un-milled
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley England
Reverse design: The Endeavour sailing south with Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the distance
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 20 cents

Composition: Silver proof (0.999)
Weight: 5.30g
Diameter: 21.75mm
Edge treatment: Spanish flower
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design: Māori 'pukai' carving
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 10 cents

Composition: Silver proof (0.999), Gold Plated
Weight: 4.37g
Diameter: 20.50mm
Edge treatment: Un-milled
Shape: Round
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design: Māori carved head or koruru
Mint: Royal Dutch Mint

Sunday, November 18, 2012

2013 Lunar Snake One Ounce Silver Coin Canadian $15 legal tender - RCM




Mintage of only 28,888 coins!

That is 20,000 fewer coins than last year's 1oz silver lunar design! This coin captures the true essence of the Snake’s personality, which is graceful and soft-spoken. Coin comes packaged in an attractive Asian-inspired case - a perfect gift for those born in 2013 or a previous Year of the Snake!

The year 2013 is ruled by the Snake. The Year of the Snake also ruled 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. However, people born in January or February should consult the Chinese lunar calendar. New Year does not automatically fall on January 1st. This celebration is better known as the Spring Festival and coincides with the first day of spring - a date that shifts from year to year depending upon the lunar cycle and solar year.

About the Snake:

People born during the Year of the Snake have a hypnotic beauty and never give themselves totally away. The mysterious Snake is a strategic planner that has everyone guessing its next move. It will keep plotting until it gets what it wants. And when it does, it is not likely to let go. The Snake is a strong individual and is usually destined for great success. Does this sound like someone you know?

Sunday, November 11, 2012

2013 Somalia One Ounce Silver Elephant 100 Shillings Legal Tender




2013 Somalia One Ounce Silver Elephant 100 Shillings Legal Tender Bullion Coin - African Wildlife

This Silver Elephant Coin from the African Wildlife Coin Series appeals to coin collectors all over the world for its depiction of one of the most fascinating animals found in Africa: the Elephant. Minted in Germany by the bavarfian Mint. The Silver Elephant Coin has a denomination of 100 shillings and is struck in .999-fine Silver

Year: 2013
Country: Somalia, Africa
Weight: 31.11 Ounces
Purity: 999/1000 Silver
Legal Tender: Yes, 100 Shilling
Mintage: Low - Unknown

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Birds of Australia – Budgerigar 2013 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin


The second coin in this brand new coin series is inspired by the birds that inhabit the unique continent of Australia.



Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% silver in proof quality.

Magnificent Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse portrays a Budgerigar in colour and delicate representations of Australian vegetation. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also included in the design.

Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 of these coins.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2013 year-date and monetary denomination.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a classic display case with a delicately coloured, illustrated shipper.

  • Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
  • Magnificent Coloured Reverse Design
  • Limited Mintage – 10,000
  • Australian Legal Tender
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging