Новости нумизматики и коллекционирования

Spanning some 80 million years, the Cretaceous period ended 66 million years ago when an asteroid collided with Earth. The period’s high sea levels meant that large portions of the landmass were under water, but on dry land dinosaurs such as struthiosaurius austriacus thrived. Protected by body armour, this small yet fearsome creature is brought to life on the third coin in our fascinating Prehistoric Life: Back from the Dead series.

The dinosaur’s remains were discovered in a coal mine south of Vienna in 1855 by geologist Eduard Suess and palaeontologist Ferdinand Stoliczka, along with those of a pterosaur and a raptor. These are shown on the coin‘s obverse above the timeline, which both links the coin to the other four geologic periods explored in the series and provides a sense of continuity.

The coin’s reverse is illustrated with a typical landscape from the period, in which a zalmoxes protects its eggs from a hungry struthiosaurius austriacus.

Сountry: Austria
Data of issue: March 19, 2014
Face value: 20 Euro
Metal: Silver .900
Weight: 20,0 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 50,000 pcs

On 3 March 2014 Central Bank of Poland (Narodowy Bank Polski) is putting into circulation coins with the face values of 1 grosz, 2 grosz and 5 grosz. The coins are minted in brass-plated steel and the image of their obverse has been changed. The coins of 1 grosz, 2 grosz and 5 grosz denomination put into circulation in 1995 will remain in circulation as legal tender, parallel to the new coins. Technical parameters and images of the remaining denominations will be unchanged.

Coins put into circulation in 2014:

Face value: 1 grosz
alloy: brass plated steel 
diameter: 15.50 mm 
weight: 1.64 grammes 
edge (rim): milled
Reverse: A large digit: 1, below – a horizontal inscription: GROSZ, above the digit – a twig with an oak leaf.

Face value: 2 grosz
alloy: brass plated steel 
diameter: 17.50 mm 
weight: 2.13 grammes 
edge (rim): plain
Reverse: A large digit: 2, below – a horizontal inscription: GROSZE, above the digit – a twig with two oak leaves.

Face value 5 grosz
alloy: brass plated steel 
diameter: 19.48 mm 
weight: 2.59 grammes 
edge (rim): alternately plain and milled
Reverse: On the left-hand side, a large digit: 5, next to it – a horizontal inscription: GROSZY, underneath – a composition of five oak leaves.

Сoins have the same obverse: Image of the eagle established as the state emblem of the Republic of Poland. Below the eagle, in a semi-circle, from left to right, the inscription: RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA. Within the rim, stylised rings, intersecting in the top part, split underneath with the year of issue. Below the eagle, on the right-hand side, the mint mark.

The popular and successful Masterpieces of Art series of silver coins by Cook Islands has been replenished with a new piece of art.

The obverse of the Cook Islands coin traditionally bears the portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Along the rim of the silver coin, there are the inscriptions denoting the name of the Queen, the face value of the coin and the name of the issuing country.

The reverse of this gorgeous coin is embellished with a full-color reproduction of Vermeer's painting decorated on both sides with sixteen genuine Swarovski crystals. Depicting a beautiful young girl dressed in an exotic turban that gazes at the viewer, it is one of the author’s most engaging images.

The painting was originally titled "Girl with a Turban" and it wasn't until the second half of the twentieth century that the name was changed. The upper part of the reverse contains the legend indicating the name of the series.

Сountry: Cook Island
Data of issue: 2014
Face value: 20 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 93,3 g
Diameter: 55 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 1,665 pcs

This small silver masterpiece is a must-have for any serious collector as well as a great gift idea!

First coin of the "Protection de la Nature" series from Benin. Every year only one issue. Dedicated to the African elephants. They are listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), while the Asian elephant is classed as endangered.

Elephants are large mammals of the family Elephantidae and the order Proboscidea. Traditionally, two species are recognised, the African elephant (Loxodonta africana) and the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). Elephants are scattered throughout sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Elephantidae are the only surviving family of the order Proboscidea; other, now extinct, families of the order include mammoths and mastodons. The largest living terrestrial animals, male African elephants can reach a height of 4 m and weigh 7,000 kg.

Сountry: Benin
Data of issue: 2014
Face value: 1,000 CFA Francs
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 29,57 g
Diameter: 38,61 mm
Quality: Prooflike
Mintage: up to 5,000 pcs

The Official Sales Agency for Collector's Coins of the Federal Republic of Germany (VfS) issued (6^thFebruary) a new coin "Hansel & Gretel" which highlights one of the most well-known children’s fairy tale as well as its author.

"Hansel & Gretel", the story of two precocious children – a brother and sister who stumble upon a Gingerbread House owned by a witch who is intent on “eating” them for dinner! The story’s outcome proves that by outwitting one’s opponent one can prevail.

Originally written in 1812 by Brothers Jacob (1785–1863) and Wilhelm Grimm (178–61859), the tale also focused on the economic times of the day as the children are brought to the woods where they stumble upon the gingerbread house – by their evil step-mother who convinces their father this is the best measure. She takes this drastic measure as there is famine in the region and she fears that she and her husband will starve – as the children eat too much. In an attempt to return home, the children leave a trail of pebbles and bread crumbs to follow – but the birds have eaten the crumbs! Deep in the woods, the children then stumble upon the Gingerbread House and as both are hungry & tired, they begin to eat pieces of the house before an old woman emerges. With the promise of more food and a cozy bed, the children are lured into the house, unaware that the old woman – a witch – plans to cook the children – and eat them! As the witch prepares to stoke the coals in her oven in preparation to cook her captives – the children push the old witch into the oven and slam the door shut – escaping with their lives and eventually return home to their father whose wife has died.

The collector coin, which is the third year in a six-year series is struck by the State Mint located in Baden, Württemberg and carries a “G” mintmark. The first 10 EURO coin, issued in 2012 included a conjoined portrait of the Brothers Grimm. 

The second coin featured the tale of Snow White. Designed by artist Marianne Dietz, the obverse depicts the children at the moment they encounter the old woman as she emerges from her gingerbread house. The text “HANSEL UND GRETEL” is placed above the primary design while the remaining text “GRIMMS MARCHEN” is placed just below – both along the rim of the coin.

The reverse includes a stylized eagle along with the coin’s denomination of 10 EURO and the mintmark just to the right of the eagle’s head.

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: February 2014
Face value: 10 Euro
Metal: Silver .625 / Cupro-nickel
Weight: 16 g
Diameter: 32,50 mm
Quality: Proof / FDC

The Mint of Poland presents the coin of the “Endangered Animal Species” series, designed to draw attention to preservation and protection of the Grevy’s zebra being the world’s greatest species of the zebra.

The essence of the modern approach to contemporary mint art – the combination of a crucial theme, innovative technologies and novel design.

The coin abounds in a multitude of decorations. The colourful images of zebras were printed digitally. Above and beyond that, a magnifier on the coin reverse depicting the region of the zebra’s habitat has been embellished with one of made by SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystal.

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 of the coin – two multi-coloured images of the Grevy’s zebra in the bosom of nature. Above – an image of a map, showing the location of occurrence of the zebra. Along the rim – inscriptions: ENDANGERED ANIMAL SPECIES (the name of the series), GREVY’S ZEBRA (the name of the coin).

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: March 2014
Face value: 1 Dollar
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 17,50 g
Diameter: 38,61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: up to 4,444 pcs

What focuses attention is its out-of-ordinary packaging, presenting outlines of animals that are the themes in the series with an emphasized silhouette of a Grevy’s zebra, designed specifically to house this coin.

A new one-half ounce 2014 Doctor Who Silver Proof Coin is now available from the Perth Mint of Australia. Depicting a struck Dalek, it is the first issue from the Doctor Who Monsters series dedicated to some of the most memorable foes encountered in the fifty years of the television program.

Dr. Who is the longest running and most successful science fiction television series of all time. Throughout its fifty-year history, the program has pitted a time traveling, humanoid alien known as the Doctor against many formidable adversaries including the Dalek. The Daleks first appeared in 1963 where they waged war on the inhabitants of the planet of Skaro. In the show, they followed Dr. Who to Earth only to eventually be annihilated in, "The Last Great Time War."

The coin’s reverse depicts a struck Dalek set against a dramatic colour background, surrounded by a finely struck border design. The inscription "DOCTOR WHO" also features in the design. "EXTERMINATE EXTERMINATE EXTERMINATE" is found inscribed to the left along with, "1/2 OZ 999 FINE SILVER."

Issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender of the South Pacific island nation of Niue, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II& Obverse inscriptions include "ELIZABETH II," "NUE," "ONE DOLLAR" and "2014." The artist’s initials appear below the portrait.

Each coin is housed in a classic presentation case, inside an illustrated shipper featuring an image of a Dalek. Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, which is displayed inside the case.

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: February 2014
Face value: 1 Dollar
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 15,591 g
Diameter: 32,60 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: up to 5,000 pcs

When completed, the Doctor Who Monsters series will include a total of five coins. Forthcoming releases: Weeping Angels (March), Cybermen (April), Silurians (May) and Sontarans (June).

Previous Doctor Who coins have proven popular with collectors. They include the Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Silver Coin which launched last June and a special 11-coin Doctor Who Anniversary Set that followed in October.

The Mint of Poland is delighted to present the exquisite collector coin “Kiwi”, depicting the statuette of the kiwi.

Thanks to the magnificent design, high relief, selective gilding and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS decoration, this spellbinding coin will be appreciated by each and every coin collector. The wonderful craftsmanship of the coin, which symbolizes extravagance and luxury, will satisfy the most demanding connoisseurs of mint art.

Obverse: In the central part of the coin – an image of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II framed with decorative motifs. Below – an inscription: m/w (the mint mark). Along the rim& – inscriptions: NIUE ISLAND (the issuer), 2014 (the year of issue), Ag 999 (the hallmark), ELIZABETH II, 2 DOLLARS (the face value).

Reverse: In the centre – a high-relief image of the Kiwi statuette embellished with selective gilding (a beak, legs). Above – an inscription: KIWI (the name of the coin). Along the rim – a stylized ornaments decorated with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: February 2014
Face value: 2 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 78 g
Diameter: 41,56 x 55,56 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: up to 4,444 pcs

The Mint of Poland is jubilant to announce issuing the “Saint John Paul II” coin to honour the memory of the Pope, who went down in history as a great philosopher, influential preacher and devoted fighter for peace and justice.

This spellbinding coin captures the memorable figure of Saint John Paul II due to which he will dwell in our hearts and minds one more day till the world ends. The second-to-none craftsmanship of the Mint of Poland and stunning adornments have made this coin a wonderful complement to any collection and a precious  gift for every follower of Pope John Paul II.

Obverse:  In the central part of the coin – an image of the papal coats of arms of John Paul II. In the background – an image of the Saint Peter’s Basilica. Below – inscriptions: NIUE ISLAND (the issuer), 2 DOLLARS (the face value), Ag 999 (the hallmark), m/w (the mint mark), ELIZABETH II and a miniature profile portrait of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Reverse: In the central part of the coin – a high-relief image of John Paul II surrounded by a gold-plated halo. Along the rim – an inscription in Latin: SANCTUS IOANNES PAULUS II (Saint John Paul II).

Сountry: Niue Island
Data of issue: February 2014
Face value: 2 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 56,69 g
Diameter: 45 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: up to 5,555 pcs

This year, 2014, is the bicentenary year of the signing of the Norwegian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly at Eidsvoll. To mark this important event in Norway's history, Norges Bank is issuing a 20-krone special edition circulation coin on 16 February 2014. The coin is legal tender and will be issued at face value.

The Norwegian Constitution of 17 May 1814 laid the foundations for the development of democracy in Norway and has proved to be more durable than other constitutions drawn up at the same time in Europe. Today, the Norwegian Constitution is a unifying symbol of freedom, independence and democracy.

The commemorative coin issue is a collaboration between Norges Bank and the Storting's bicentenary organising committee. The aim of the bicentenary celebration is to raise awareness of what the Constitution means today and its importance for the development of democracy in Norway, to encourage participation and involvement in democratic institutions and to be an occasion for popular celebrations throughout Norway.

The coin's obverse was designed by Ingrid Austlid Rise, designer at Mint of Norway. The obverse features a portrait of H.M. King Harald V facing right. Around the portrait: HARALD V NORGES KONGE. At the lower left edge of the portrait, the artist's signature: IAR. Below the portrait, the year 2014 with the Mint of Norway's mintmark, the crossed-pick-and-hammer.

The anniversary motif on the coin's reverse was designed by the painter and illustrator Esther Maria Bjørneboe. The motif features Christian Magnus Falsen, in front and in profile, resting his gaze on successive, future generations of women, men and youth. They are portrayed in simplified profile, and symbolise the Norwegian Constitution's long history and the numerous modernisations it has undergone. The coin's denomination (20 KR) is placed to the right, with the text GRUNNLOVEN 1814 – 2014 (Constitution 1814-2014) at the bottom. At the lower left on Falsen's lapel, the artist's signature (EMB). 20-krone coins in the standard design will not be issued in 2014.

Сountry: Norway
Data of issue: February 16, 2014
Face value: 20 Kron
Metal: CuZnNi
Weight: 9,9 g
Diameter:  27,5 mm
Quality:  Proof