Missing Works of Art- New Niue Series!

Amid the dizzying array of recent new world coin issues is an intriguing new series from the Mint of Poland created for the island nation of Niue, which issues a lot of coins. 

The series is called “Missing Works of Art” and deals with famous paintings and other art works that went missing during World War II, most of which were stolen by the Nazis, and which have never since resurfaced. 

The coins are square-shaped, made of one ounce of .999 silver, 40 by 40 millimeters in diameter, and have a mintage of 1500.

 

The concept reminds me of the recent George Clooney film, Monuments Men, about the efforts of a small group of art experts commissioned by FDR to retrieve the major works of art plundered by the Nazis during the war.
 

The first issue in this series honors the extremely famous Raphael Renaissance painting, Portrait of a Young Man, from 1513-1514, which most experts believe is of the artist himself in his youth. This painting is widely regarded as the most important one stolen by the Nazis.

The coin’s reverse shows the museum in Cracow, Poland where the work was last seen, and the painting in color using digital printing. The obverse cleverly depicts an ornate empty frame and includes Swarovski elements. 

The second coin in the series honors the Gothic sculpture from the turn of the 14th and 15th centuries known as the Madonna of Turin that shows the Madonna with baby Jesus, another historic work stolen by the Nazis.

The series was only announced very recently by the Polish Mint. I have seen it for sale on e-Bay from European sellers. American buyers may want to consider obtaining it from the Mint’s U.S. distributor, First Coin Company. 

It is clearly aimed at art lovers, and numismatists who are fans of great works of art. There seems to be a significant interest in art among collectors of world coins since many of the most popular coin series have artistic themes.

These are coins designed to be enjoyed for their sheer beauty. They should not be purchased as investments, but there are some cases when such coins have done very well, such as the Niue 5 oz Year of the Horse coin that I wrote about last year, which went from a $500 issue price to a current value of approximately three times that amount or more, depending on where purchased.

http://www.coinweek.com/world-mints/perth-mint/coin-analyst-interesting-new-world-coins/

2014 Donald Duck 80th Anniversary Gold and Silver Coins!

The second release within a two year program of Disney collectible coins features the beloved animated character Donald Duck. The coin is issued to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the character’s debut film appearance in The Wise Little Hen.

 

Released on June 9, 1934, the film was based on the fairy tale The Little Red Hen. Donald Duck and Peter Pig try  to avoid doing work by faking stomach aches until the Wise Little Hen teaches them a lesson. 

In the film, Donald wears his trademark sailor’s shirt, cap, and bow tie, while communicating in his quacking style of speech as voiced by Clarence Nash.
 

Throughout the following decades, Donald Duck was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won an Oscar in 1943. Donald’s partner Daisy, his uncle Scrooge McDuck, and his three nephews Huey, Dewey, & Louie, often feature in cartoons alongside him.
Donald Duck Silver Coin
 

The reverse design of the coin features an image of Donald Duck from his debut appearance in The Wise Little Hen with the house and fence from the cartoon forming part of the background. 

The words “Donald Duck 80th Anniversary” appear in the field with the Disney logo. Additional inscriptions along the base read “1 oz 999 Fine Silver” and “©Disney” as an officially licensed product.
 

The obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II with the “2014″ date and monetary denomination. The coins are struck by the Perth Mint and issued by the New Zealand Mint as legal tender of the South Pacific island nation of Niue.
 

The available coins include a 1oz 99.9% pure silver version with a maximum mintage of 10,000 pieces and a 1 oz 99.9% pure gold version with a maximum mintage of 1,000 pieces.
 

Earlier this year, the Perth Mint produced gold and silver coins celebrating the first appearance of Mickey Mouse in Steamboat Willie.
 

For additional information or to place an order for the Disney Collectible Coins, please visit the Perth Mint website.

http://news.coinupdate.com/donald-duck-anniversary-gold-and-silver-coins-3352/

Gold Ends Lower On Subdued Demand - Silver Strengthens!

NEW DELHI: Gold prices fell by Rs 30 to Rs 28,020 per ten gram at the bullion market in the national capital today owing to slackened demand from jewellers even as the metal edged up in global markets.

However, silver continued its rising trend on sustained buying by coin makers and rose further by Rs 200 to Rs 43,100 per kg.

Traders said fall in demand from jewellers and recovery in the rupee's value in the forex market, making import costs cheaper, led to the fall in Gold prices.

Globally, gold was trading at USD 1,278.54 an ounce from USD 1,277.71 yesterday in Singapore.

In Delhi, gold of 99.9 and 99.5 per cent purity declined by Rs 30 each to Rs 28,020 and Rs 27,820 per ten gram respectively. It had gained Rs 150 yesterday. Sovereign, however, held steady at Rs 24,600 per piece of 8 gram in limited deals.

On the other hand, silver (ready) advanced by Rs 200 to Rs 43,100 per kg and weekly-based delivery by Rs 310 to Rs 42,480 per kg. The white metal had gained Rs 300 in yesterday's trade.

Meanwhile, silver coins continued to be sought after at the last level of Rs 77,000 for buying and Rs 78,000 for selling of 100 pieces.

http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2014-06-19/news/50710876_1_silver-strengthens-buying-and-rs-rs-200

Collecting Silver Coins As A Pastime!

Men and women frequently have various varieties of hobbies, which they favor to indulge in from time to time. An old, and traditionally followed, hobby is gathering outdated or exceptional cash. Even even though a lot of reference guides try to explain this particular hobby, significantly of the data pertaining to coin selection is acquired verbally, on a personal basis.

For novice collectors who do not have much experience in purchasing and promoting of aged and uncommon cash, it is significantly tough to adjudge the accurate well worth of the coins, and label a value for their purchase or sale. The details may demonstrate to be of worth to hobbyists who have just embarked upon their coin collection pastime.

90% Pure Silver Cash

Silver coins, which have a purity of 90%, are significantly desired for getting and selling functions. They type the bulk, or the bulk of coin industry.  image They are also referred to as "junk silver" coins, and generally consist of American dimes, 50 percent bucks, and quarters which had been minted in 1964 or previously.

The most widespread cash are Mercury and Roosevelt dimes, Standing Liberty and Washington quarters, and Franklin, Kennedy, and Going for walks Liberty fifty percent dollars. Besides a few important dated coins, most of the silver coins are offered and purchased for their silver content. They are generally is fifa coin trader safe offered based upon the value printed on the confront of the coins - $fifty, $hundred, $250, $500 or $1,000 denominations.

American Silver Eagles

The American silver eagles are the most identified, and the most stunning, of all government issued silver coins at any time minted and in existence these days. Minted for just 27 many years, over the years thousands and thousands of these kinds of cash have been made by the govt, and are in significantly demand from customers by the coin collectors. Originally, the 1996 silver eagle is deemed to be of a lot worth, but in the recent instances, the 1986 silver eagle has acquired

considerably reputation, and sells at a considerably increased quality as compared to other American silver coins. The silver eagles are usually bought in rolls of twenty coins. The silver eagle proof coins market for one particular and a 50 percent instances their face value. The American silver eagles are commonly marketed with unique federal government packaging.

Morgan Silver Bucks

A single can't afford to disregard Morgan silver pounds whilst discussing about silver dollar cash. They are the most beloved of all silver cash in The united states. Minted amongst 1878 and 1904, and as soon as again in 1921, Morgan pounds are ninety% pure silver coins and they incorporate.774 troy ounces of fantastic grade silver.

They a considerably far more collectible price, aside from their silver worth, which makes them special collector's items. In contrast to other silver cash, they had a constrained complete manufacturing of one,000,000 cash.

The Morgan bucks minted in Carson Metropolis can be discovered with a "CC" mintmark, which seems on the face of the cash. The Morgan silver dollar minted in 1895-P is famed for being the "king of all silver dollars," and effortlessly sells for as higher as 5 figures, even in normal conditions.

http://uatae.org/relevosocial/blog/view/34750/the-amateurs-information-to-accumulating-silver-coins-as-a-pastime

Prince George's First Birthday Celebrated With New Royal Mint Coin!

Before he can even spend his own money, baby Prince George already has coins under his name.

The Royal Mint is celebrating the upcoming first birthday (July 22) of Prince of Cambridge with this specially designed sterling silver coin in his honour. 

The coin, which retails at $147, features the U.K.'s traditional royal arms with a "modern twist." Along with the silver five pound currency, coin collectors can also pick up a 22-carat gold coin worth $736 or a double-sovereign gold edition worth over $950. Fancy.

Only 7,500 limited-edition silver coins have been made, and according to the Royal Mint, the demand for Prince George coins have been high. It also received the royal seal of approval by mom and dad — the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge — along with the Queen herself. But seriously, what else can you give to the kid who has everything?

Last year, right after the Prince was born, the Royal Canadian Mint celebrated the occasion by releasing their own set of coins in his honour, starting at $25.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/06/19/prince-george-birthday_n_5512599.html

Russia's Central Bank Issues Memorable Coins With New Ruble Emblem!

This Tuesday, the Central Bank of Russia issued two memorable coins in the denomination of one and three rubles with a new graphical emblem, which is Russian capital letter P with a horizontal line, representatives of the Central Bank of Russia say.

The Central Bank of Russia issued 1,500 silver coins at the face-value of three rubles that contain 31.1 grams of silver. A graphical emblem of the currency is engraved on the back side of the coin.
Moreover, 100 million coins at face-value of one ruble were issued. 

The coin has an engraved graphical emblem of the currency at its back side and an inscription "ruble" with a conventionalized vegetative ornament. These coins can be used to make payments, the Central Bank of Russia said.

http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2014_06_17/Russias-Central-Bank-issues-out-memorable-coins-with-new-ruble-emblem-6477/

Silver Coin Collecting!

Coin collecting is a thing that goes back to the when coins were first issued for trade. It was only in the Middle Ages that folks turned this into a interest because of the historical value and the artwork. 

high deductible health planCoin collecting today continues to be a spare time activity that many people enjoy. One of the most valuable and most costly selections that anyone can actually have are those of gold coins. 

One of the most expensive gold coin ever bought was worth around eight million dollars. Visit visit my website to compare the inner workings of this view. This was the American 1933 Gold Eagle. This is the reason the collecting of gold coins deserves to be called the interest of kings.

Gold coins were one of many oldest types of money. This was later followed by silver coins. Gold coins were in circulation in the United States from 1838 to 1933. The style was the Liberty Head break but this was only made until 1907. 

When the Great Depression began the look was then changed for the Saint Gaudens motifs and Indian Head and was used until 1933. This caused the recall of gold coins making them very difficult to get today.

Because these are no longer in blood circulation, the cost for among this rare commodity is quite high. Gold has become used for other items such as jewelry or bars being an investment that individuals keep.

South Africa minted its first gold coin named the Krugerrand in 1967. This coin does not have any face value but only stands as symbolic. It is for investment purposes and can be made from 1 ounce of gold.

Since that time other nations also minted bullion coins. Canada made the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979 and the Nugget was made by Australia in 1981. Those two are a great deal more popular compared to the South African coin due to its 24 carat purity.

A lot of people retain silver today as an investment because they suppose that the demand may cause its market price to boost. Others hold it being a kind of insurance if the financial situation become worse. 

There was a point in time once the more paper money that was made, the larger the price of gold which managed cash and gold as equal value. After this standard finished in 1971, this enabled government to create more paper currency without increasing the purchase price of gold.

Since coins could longer be used to get merchandise many money lovers only keep them to remember that people once used them.

http://gaworldofbeverage.com/index.php?document_srl=53006&mid=testimonial

Anglo-Saxon Coin Fetches Four Times Expected Auction Price!

An Anglo-Saxon silver penny that could be linked to the beheading of an East Anglian king has been sold at auction for £78,000.

The coin, which was expected to fetch between £15,000 and £20,000, was found by a man using a metal detector in a field in Sussex in March.

An anonymous internet bidder bought the penny at an auction in London.

Will Bennett, from auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb, described the sale as "a fierce contest to earn a unique coin."

Ethelbert's Story:
St Ethelbert with Christ - stained glass in St Ethelbert's Church, Alby, Norfolk
Ethelbert's reign is thought to have begun in 779.

In 794 Ethelbert agreed to marry Offa's daughter and set off to visit her at the Mercian king's villa in Herefordshire.

While there, he was beheaded. The murder of a king was rare even in those days

According to legend, Ethelbert's head fell off a cart and after being found in a ditch, restored a blind man's sight and he was declared a saint.

Many churches in Norfolk and Suffolk are dedicated to him.

Fantastic Result:
The 1,200-year-old coin, minted during the reign of Ethelbert II in the 8th Century, is only the fourth found from the time he was on the throne.

The penny is engraved with Ethelbert's name and the word Rex on the same side of the coin.

It is believed that may have led to Ethelbert's beheading by Offa, King of Mercia, as it was intended by the East Anglian king as a sign of independence.

The auction saw bids from internet users, those in the room and people who had left written bids.

The hammer came down when bids reached £65,000, but the addition of auctioneer's commission means the artefact's new owner will pay £78,000 in total.

Mr Bennett said "This is a fantastic result, and shows the market for coins such as this is very strong indeed."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-suffolk-27795641

Dig Team Uncovers Coins, Ceramics & 2000 Year Old Tweezers!

A pair of 2,000-year-old tweezers has been found during an archaeological dig at a Roman villa in Leicester. The centuries-old artefact was part of a haul of buried treasures, including copper brooches, medieval coins, ceramics and pottery found last week in Blackfriars.

The tweezers are believed to date back as far as the first century AD and would have been used to pluck stray hairs from the brows of Roman ladies – and possibly men, according to Philip Briggs, of Wardle Armstrong Archaeology, which carried out the dig.

Iron Age, medieval and Roman items have been uncovered during the excavation.

Work started in January and has just finished.

Philip said: "The tweezers are copper and copper alloy. It was common for such tweezers to be part of a toiletry implements set.

"Often they would be used for beauty-related situations, sometimes more practical functions.

"They are usually associated with female owners, but they have been discovered in male, as well as female, graves in the past."

Archaeologists uncovered the pieces ahead of a students flats development at the site.

Leicester City Council archaeologist Chris Wardle said the excavation had revealed the settlement would have been one of the most significant sites in Iron Age Corieltauvi – which covered most of the East Midlands.

He said: "It had been realized for some time that Leicester began to emerge as an important tribal centre before the arrival of the Roman legions in the mid-first century AD.

"The findings on the site add considerably to this picture."

In April, the team of 15 archaeologists also found ceramic tiles and coin moulds.

The coin moulds help confirm the site was home to a 2,000-year-old mint which experts believe created part of the Hallaton Treasure.

The 5,000 silver and gold coins were found in 2000, near the Leicestershire village of Hallaton, the largest haul of gold and silver found in the UK.

Mr Wardle said: "One of the more pleasing aspects of the dig has been the discovery of the Roman bricks and tiles bearing the imprint of animal hooves and paws.

"These are glimpses of fleeting moments that took place many centuries ago, when animals wandered across the site where the bricks and tiles had been laid-out to dry in the sun.

"This was after the bricks had been formed, but before they had been fired in a kiln. Firing the bricks preserved these fleeting moments for the archaeologists to unearth centuries later.

"However, the place where the bricks and tiles were laid out all that time ago may have been tens or hundreds of metres away from the site excavated."

All of the pieces have been sent away for dating and analysis.

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Dig-team-uncovers-coins-ceramics-2-000-year-old/story-21210344-detail/story.html

OTTAWA, June 3, 2014 /CNW/ - To mark the upcoming 70(th) anniversary of D-Day, the Royal Canadian Mint has produced a heartfelt tribute to Canada's veterans of the Second World War and their enduring legacy of service and sacrifice in Normandy and beyond. 

The silver collector coin was unveiled today by Erin O'Toole, Member of Parliament (Durham) and Carman Joynt from the Royal Canadian Mint's Board of Directors at a special send-off for Canadian Second World War veterans who will attend D-Day memorial events in Normandy, France later this week.

"On June 6, Canadians from coast to coast to coast will pause to remember the 70th anniversary of the Allied landing in Normandy, which was an important offensive which allowed Allied forces to establish a foothold in Western Europe and open up another battlefront, thus paving the way to Allied victory," said the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of Veterans Affairs. "Lest we forget the 340 Canadian heroes who gave their lives on this day, ensuring that future generations would enjoy peace and freedom."

"The Mint has a long history of commemorating Canada's veterans and their sacrifices," said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "On the eve of the 70(th) anniversary of D-Day, Mint employees have proudly produced a special silver coin to honour their bravery in the face of peril, in a pivotal battle that changed the course of the Second World War."

Crafted from 99.99% pure silver, the coin's reverse image was designed by Canadian artist Maskull Lasserre and features a unique first-person perspective, depicting Canadian infantry soldiers in full battle gear as they disembark from a Landing Craft Assault vehicle and make their way to what's become known as Juno Beach. 

The angled horizon in the background recreates the rough sea conditions, as the transport vehicle and its occupants are tossed about by tall waves just off the shores of Normandy. The obverse of the coin features the effigy of the reigning monarch during the Second World War, King George VI.

The 2014 $10 fine silver coin 70(th) anniversary of D-Day has a limited mintage of 8,000 and retails for $49.95. It can be ordered today by contacting the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or online at www.mint.ca. 

The coin is also available at the Royal Canadian Mint's boutiques in Ottawa, Winnipeg and Vancouver, as well as through the Mint's global network of dealers and distributors, including participating Canada Post outlets.

http://online.wsj.com/article/PR-CO-20140603-908972.html