Новости нумизматики и коллекционирования

Never prepared to rest on its laurels, the Austrian Mint has now made its groundbreaking Silver Niobium series even more innovative. Using two different shades of niobium for the first time, the blue/green 2014 Evolution edition ingeniously illustrates the story of the development of Homo sapiens from other species.

Symbolising the origin of Evolution as a whole, an image of the DNA molecule, also known as deoxyribonucleic acid, graces the coin’s obverse. A debate still continues about who exactly should be credited with decoding the molecule, but Francis Crick, James D. Watson and Maurice Wilkins were awarded the 1962 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for their work in this field. 

The coin’s reverse deals with the history of human development and the diversity of forms of life brought about by evolution, with the design making splendid use of the coin’s outer silver ring and inner niobium pill to do so.

Сountry: Austria
Data of issue: January 22, 2014
Face value: 25 Euro
Metal: Silver 900, Niobium
Weight: 16,50 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality: Special uncirculated
Mintage: 65,000 pcs
Designer: Mag. Helmut Andexlinger

This 2014 Year of the Horse lunar release features three horses, layered in gold, chasing the red Pearl of Wisdom. Not only is it wise for you to secure yours now, but it’s also lucky — only 8,888 were minted, an incredibly low number. And the number 8 is the "lucky number" in Chinese culture, so this silver proof is just about as lucky as a coin can get.

The gold layering on the horses is pure 24K. In addition, that’s a genuine red pearl in the center. This is one of the more unique Year of the Horse issues we’ve seen, and it’s also legal-tender on the South Pacific Island of Fiji.

The 2012 Fiji Pearl Year of the Dragon is already selling elsewhere for $149, indicating a strong interest in lunar pearl issues.

Сountry: Fiji
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 10 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,1 g
Diameter: 40 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 8,888 pcs

The third coin in the Royal Canadian Mint’s Great Explorers series highlights the famous explorer Samuel de Champlain; his full-length portrait rendered in exceptional detail in 99.99% pure gold.

Though there is no known confirmed portrait of Champlain, your coin image presents him as he is frequently portrayed in artistic depictions, with long dark hair, long moustache and trimmed beard, sporting a feathered cap and the jacket, hose, and pantaloons of the era. In his right hand, Champlain carries his astrolabe, famously thought to have been lost on a portage through the Calumet rapids near Cobden, Ontario—though this story has been largely discredited. In his left, he holds a notebook, which is believed to have held his maps and drawings. He looks toward the left of the image as he steps forward, his back turned to the waterway and distant tree-lined shore behind him. Just behind this portrait and to the left is Champlain’s birch-bark canoe, replete with supplies and paddles. On the left side of the image, a First Nations guide stands before his own canoe. His long hair sports two feathers and he wears a buckskin loincloth, footwear, and arm straps, and holds a paddle in his right hand. His canoe, like Champlain’s, is filled with supplies.

The Great Explorers Series heralds Canada’s sesquicentennial celebrations in 2017 by featuring the explorers who set this land on its historical path to becoming the nation now known as Canada.

A beautiful and memorable design depicts Champlain at a key moment in his exploration of Canada, while also highlighting the fundamental role and importance of Aboriginal people in Canada in the country’s history and origins.

Coin was designed by Canadian artist Glen Green and depicts Samuel de Champlain and a First Nations guide disembarking from birch bark canoes on a rugged shoreline in Ontario.

Сountry: Canada
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 200 Dollar
Metal: Gold .999
Weight: 15,43 g
Diameter: 29 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2000 pcs

The United States Mint announced the design selections for the upcoming 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar. The coin is issued to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The authorizing legislation provides that the designs for the coin “shall be emblematic of the enactment of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and its contribution to civil rights in America.”

Initially, the US Mint had prepared a wide field of 15 different obverse and 10 different reverse designs. These were reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) and the Commission of Fine Arts (CFA). The two groups made recommendations for different pairs of designs. The final design selections ended up following the CFA’s preferred obverse and the CCAC’s preferred reverse.

Read coverage of the CCAC and CFA’s reviews here and here. The articles both contain images of all of the original design candidates.

The selected obverse design features a depiction of three people holding hands at a civil rights march. The man holds a sign which reads “We Shall Overcome”. This image is intended to be symbolic of all marches that helped galvanize the civil rights movement. Additional inscriptions read “Liberty”, “2014″, and “In God We Trust”.

This was the obverse design candidate endorsed by the CFA as well as the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), which is the beneficiary organization for the commemorative coin program. The CFA did make recommendations that the protester’s sign should be moved from the coin edge and the size of the word “Liberty” should be reduced. It appears that these recommendations were not followed. The UNCF recommended that the diversity of the people depicted should be increased. It appears that this recommendation was followed, as the figure to the right of the composition is changed from the original.

The CCAC had recommended an alternate obverse design depicting the March on Washington inside a silhouette of the Liberty Bell with reverberating bands and the inscription “Let Freedom Ring”. The group had specifically shifted their focus away from the designs depicting protests since the design requirements from the authorizing legislation called for the designs to commemorate both the act and its contribution to the nation and the contribution is something that could not have happened prior to its enactment.

The selected reverse design for the 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollar features three flames intertwined to symbolize freedom of education, freedom to vote, and the freedom to control one’s own destiny. The design was inspired by a quote from Martin Luther King Jr., “They get the fire hose. They fail to realize that water can only put out physical fire. But water can never drown the fire of freedom.” Inscriptions read “Civil Rights Act of 1964″, “Signed into Law July 2, 1964″, “E Pluribus Unum”, “One Dollar”, and “United States of America”.

This was the reverse design candidate recommended by the CCAC. They did suggest that the cauldron at the base of the flames should be enlarged or emphasized. This suggestion was followed, as the cauldron appears larger than in the original design candidate image.

The CFA and UNCF had recommended a different reverse design featuring a graduation cap and tassel, intended to represent the initial thrust of the civil rights movement when the NAACP challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine with Brown vs. Board of Education. A partial quote “…for All of God’s Children.” appears in reference to Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

The 2014 Civil Rights Act of 1964 Silver Dollars carry a maximum mintage of 350,000 across proof and uncirculated versions. The coins are scheduled to go on sale January 2, 2014. Additional coverage will be provided prior to the release.

The Mint of Poland is delighted to present the first coin of the fabulous "Forest Babies" series dedicated to the youngest collectors.

The highest aesthetics and out-of-ordinary theme of the coin, along with the spellbinding natural charm of the baby bear, makes it an unforgettable gift and remarkable collector’s item.

Reverse: The reverse depicts a multi-coloured image of a baby bear in the bosom of nature. Above, along the rim – an inscription "BROWN BEAR" (the name of the coin). Below – the name of the series "FOREST BABIES".

Obverse: The obverse of the coin depicts an image of a tree and images representing animals, which are the themes of the coins of the series. On the left side of the coin – a miniature profile portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the mint mark: m/w. Along the rim – inscriptions: "ELIZABETH II", "NIUE ISLAND" (the issuer), "2014" (the year of issue), "1 DOLLAR" (the face value).

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 1 Dollar
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 17,50 g
Diameter: 38,61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 3000 pcs

Each coin is offered in a packaging in the form of a colourful cardboard book, designed specifically for this extraordinary series.

Welcoming a newborn baby into the world is a time for celebration and joy. The Perth Mint is proud to release the 2014 Newborn Baby coin in a stunning gift card, the perfect gift to mark this special occasion.

Each coin is issued as Australian legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. The Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2014 year-date, the monetary denomination and the coin’s weight and fineness are shown on the coin’s obverse.

In Western folklore, parents have been telling their children for centuries that babies are delivered by a stork. As an Australian take on this legend, the coin’s reverse depicts a cute Australian kookaburra carrying a sleeping newborn baby in a swaddling cloth. A representation of Australian vegetation, the inscription "CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR BABY" and The Perth Mint’s "P" mintmark are also incorporated into the design.

The 2014 Newborn Baby coin is housed in an elaborate Australian themed gift card, with room to write the babies details, a family tree and a place to house a photograph.

Сountry: Canada
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 50 cents
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 15,591 g
Diameter: 36,60 mm
Quality: Proof

The Canadian winter is a time of celebration and outdoor fun. This beautiful full-colour coin features an original artwork by Canadian artist Tony Harris and captures the joy of a Canadian rite of passage: learning to skate on one of the country’s thousands of outdoor rinks.

Your beautifully finished full-colour coin makes a lovely holiday gift, a marvelous keepsake or a stunning addition to your existing coin display.

Designed by Canadian artist Tony Harris, your coin features a portrait of a man teaching a young child to skate on an outdoor rink in winter. A young girl in a dark pink coat and helmet, bundled in her mitts and snow pants and donning her first pair of skates, smiles widely as the man behind her holds her hands to keep her upright. The man, dressed in dark blue outerwear, a red toque and white-laced black hockey skates, bends gently over his charge, coaxing her shakily forward on the smooth surface of the outdoor rink. Behind the skaters, we see the rough wooden side boards of the rink. A small orange hockey ball sits at the base of the boards. In the background is a snowy street lined with brick houses rendered in beautiful detail and full colour, and dotted with snow-covered evergreens. A bright blue sky dotted with soft grey clouds rises above the heart-warming scene.

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.

Сountry: Canada
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 10 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 15,87 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 10 000 pcs

Special thanks to Skate Canada for assistance with this coin and congratulations on celebrating 100 years of figure skating championships in Canada.

Your coin is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who answered the call of duty, and their loved ones who remained on the home front. Time stands still for this couple as they savour one last embrace before his departure, both of them uncertain of the future that lies ahead.

• Your beautifully detailed coin commemorates the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War.
• World-class engraving on your coin brings added dimension to this image of a couple’s last embrace–a reminder of the sacrifices made 100 years ago.
• Your coin features a brilliant uncirculated finish that allows the rich engraving details to shine through.
• Your coin’s design is a tribute to those who helped Canada rise to nationhood through their bravery and resolve.

Designed by Canadian artist Bonnie Ross, your coin depicts a couple’s emotional farewell at a train station, where the first wave of volunteers is boarding a train bound for the Valcartier camp.

Your coin is encapsulated and presented in a Royal Canadian Mint-branded maroon clamshell with a black beauty box.

Country: Canada
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 1 Dollar
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 23,17 g
Diameter: 36,07 mm
Quality: Proof / Brilliant
Mintage: 40 000 pcs / 20 000 pcs

The Mint of Poland is delighted to present the coin of the enchanting "Man’s Best Friends" collection designed for all Siamese cat enthusiasts in whose hearts and minds these pets hold a special place.

This stunning coin with a multi-coloured image of the Siamese set with crystals will be a gift which cannot be forgotten. The dazzling beauty of the Siamese cat and the magical aura that this cat has make this coin an item that will add splendour to each collection.

Obverse: In the central part of the coin – a profile portrait of  Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below – inscriptions: Ag 999 (the hallmark), m/w (the mint mark). Along the rim – inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (the issuer), 1 DOLLAR (the face value), 2014 (the year of issue).

Reverse: In the central part – a multi-coloured image of a Siamese cat. In the background – an image of a Siamese cat recreated in relief. Above – inscriptions: SIAMESE CAT / KOT SYJAMSKI (the name of the breed in English and Polish). Along the rim – decorative elements depicting cat paw prints.

The Siamese cat comes from the Far East. The first mention of this breed was made in the 16th century. Legend has it that the eyes of Siamese cats are a gift given to them by gods, who wanted to thank them for protecting their altars from a robbery. They are often called the royal cats of Siam (the current area of Thailand) where they used to play the role of guards of royal palaces and temples. These cats, cherished so much by female lovers of beauty, for centuries have been accompanying people, being for us a charming symbol of pride and elegance.

Reverse: In the central part – a multi-coloured image of a Maine Coon. In the background – an image of a Maine Coon recreated in relief. Above – inscriptions "MAINE COON" (the name of the breed in English and Polish). Along the rim – decorative elements depicting cat paw prints.

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats coming from North America. The first specimen of the breed was found in Maine, hence the name. Legend has it that there were Maine Coons in the wild in the state of Maine from which their name was taken. The second part of the name is a colloquial term defining a common raccoon. However, the folk tale of Maine Coons descending partially from raccoons is just a legend. The second myth relates to Vikings, who apparently took Norwegian forest cats on board of their vessels. These cats may have crossed with local cats, thus giving birth to the breed.

Country: Niue Island
Data of issue: January 2014
Face value: 1 Dollar
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 17,50 g
Diameter: 38,61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 1,500 pcs

Mint of Poland is delighted to present the second coin of the "Mysteries of History" series.

Within the series there will be issued the following coins, featuring images of the Amber Room, the Holy Grail, the Treasure of the Admiral and the Templar Legacy. The coins of the series are the perfect combination of art achievements and mint skills. They owe their originality to the highest craftsmanship and spellbinding decoration in the form of a lapis lazuli insert.

Obverse: The obverse depicts a biblical scene of king David dancing in front of the Ark of Convenant during  bringing the ark to Jerusalem. In the upper part of the coin – a profile portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Along the rim – inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, NIUE ISLAND (the issuer), 2013 (the year of issue) and the face value: 2 DOLLARS.

Reverse: The painting by Jean Fouquet depicting the taking of Jericho (1420–1480). Along the rim – an iscription: ARK OF THE CONVENANT (the name of the coin).

Design: Dobrochna Surajewska, Tadeusz Tchórzewski

Country: Niue Island
Data of issue: December 2013
Face value: 100 Dollars / 2 Dollars
Metal: Gold .999 / Silver .925
Weight: 28,35 g
Diameter: 40 mm / 50 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 150 pcs / 1,500 pcs

The Ark of the Covenant – one of the most significant objects of worship of the ancient Israelites. According to the Old Testament, the legendary Ark of the Covenant was the chest made of shittim wood measuring about 140 x 80 x 80 cm. According to tradition, made of — as related in some accounts – lapis lazuli Tablets of Stone on which Ten Commandments were inscribed used to be kept inside the chest. The Ark of the Covenant was built around the 13th century BC. It was the centre of worship during the journey of Israelites from Egypt to the Promised Land. After the conquest of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar II in 587 BC, the Ark of the Covenant got lost.