Pure Gold and Silver

Royal Canadian Mint Unveils New Gold and Silver Bullion Coins

2012-08-19T17:36:00.001-07:00

The Royal Canadian Mint recently unveiled two new bullion coins at the American Numismatic Association's World's Fair of Money Fair held in Philadelphia. The coins include a 99.999% pure gold bullion coin and the next 99.99% pure silver bullion coin within the popular Wildlife series.

Ian Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint said, "The Royal Canadian Mint understands that best-in-class quality, purity and innovation are essential to sustaining demand for its gold and silver bullion products and it is pleased to offer precious metal investors and collectors world-wide exclusive new gold and silver bullion coins which continue to meet their high expectations."

The gold bullion coin is issued to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint's 100-kilo gold coin with a $1 million face value. This million dollar coin had been certified by Guinness World records as the world's largest gold coin. (The record was later broken by the 1 tonne gold coin created by the Perth Mint of Australia.) The new 2012-dated one ounce gold bullion coin will feature the same design by Senior Mint Engraver Stan Witten found on the original million dollar coin and will be produced to demand.

The silver bullion coin is issued as the next release within the six-coin Canadian Wildlife Silver Bullion Coin series. The coin features an image of the Pronghorn Antelope by Canadian artist and coin designer Emily S. Damstra. The 2013-dated 99.99% pure one ounce silver coin will be produced to a maximum mintage of one million coins.

Previous designs within the Wildlife series have featured the Timber Wolf, Grizzly Bear, Cougar, and Moose. One final design will be unveiled in early 2013.

TUTANKHAMUN Egypt Pharaoh Silver Palladium Gold Red Carnelian Gemstone Coin 2 Oz $50 Fiji 2012

2012-08-18T20:15:00.001-07:00

A numismatic masterpiece, made with two ounces of pure 999 silver, 24 carat gilded Gold , ennobled with and enriched with a red carnelian gemstone considered to be the stone of the life by Egyptians!

Extremely limited mintage of just 999 pieces worldwide!

The coin is issued by the Republic of Fiji and honors the history of Tutankhamun! Second of "Egyptian Jewels" 10 coin series.

Tutankhamun (sometimes called King Tut) was a Pharaoh (like a king) of Ancient Egypt from about 1334 BC to 1323 BC. He became Pharaoh of the 18th dynasty (royal family) during the New Kingdom at 9 years old. Tutankhamun ruled only 9 years and died very young, at 18, so he is known as The Boy King. He was married to his half-sister Ankhesenamun, daughter of Queen Nefertiti,his step mother.

Some scientists and historians think Tutankhamun was killed by someone else. When his mummy was examined by a CAT scan in January 2005, a very bad break in the leg was found. This may have been from a riding accident. Most scientists now think that Tutankhamun died because his broken leg got infected. Others believe that his vizier, Ay, murdered him, because Ay also succeeded him as Pharaoh. Because of this, Tut was buried in Ay's tomb and Ay in his. Other sources say that he had died from a sickness.

The tomb was discovered in March 1922 by the famous British archaeologist Howard Carter.

Egyptian Jewels

The use of gemstones in Egyptian art has a several thousand year old tradition.

Pharaohs and noble people adorned themselves with gold as well liked and respected dignitaries women. Tombs and funerary masks were richly decorated and the deceased were placed with rich treasures to the afterlife.

The whole art of Egyptian jewelers can be found on these coins again. The most famous pharaohs and gods are beautiful minted in high relief 2 ounces of pure silver, embellished with gold and palladium, a high-quality padprinting and a cartouche with an inlaid genuine gemstone, which is printed with the name in hieroglyphics in 24 carat gold.

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ 1/2oz Silver Proof - Perth Mint

2012-08-17T18:48:00.001-07:00

2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin featuring:

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

The FIFA World Cup is the ultimate competition for any football fan. The Perth Mint is thrilled to present this official licensed product for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™.

Get behind our Australian team with this fantastic memento, as the world’s best players battle it out for final victory.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

Original Reverse Design

The coloured coin’s reverse depicts a representation of a soccer player incorporating an Aboriginal motif and a map of Australia. The design also includes the inscription 2014 FIFA WORLD CUP BRAZIL™ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Limited Mintage

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

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Souvenir Presentation Packaging

The coin is presented in a prestigious display case and souvenir shipper that includes a specially designed numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Australian Outback 2012 Coloured Kangaroo, Koala and Kookaburra 1/2 Ounce Silver Coin Collection - Perth Mint

2012-08-16T07:08:00.001-07:00

Australian Outback 2012 Coloured Silver Coin Collection at The Perth Mint, featuring:

Original 2012 Kangaroo, Koala & Kookaburra Designs
99.9% Pure Silver
Limited Release – 5,000
Australian Legal Tender
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Presentation Packaging

The kangaroo, koala and kookaburra are the most iconic of Australia’s fauna. For the first time, all three designs are being offered in a prestigious and highly collectable three-coin presentation.

The kangaroo represents Australia all around the world. This magnificent creature is designed to hop great distances required for survival in the outback, where water and vegetation can sometimes be scarce. The kangaroo also comes with a ready-made pouch so that it can carry and nurture its young while on the move.

Like the kangaroo, the koala symbolises all things Australian. Often thought to be a member of the bear family, the koala is really a marsupial, with a pouch for its young. In the outback, this wonderful creature has adapted to the country’s extreme conditions by spending its life in trees and feeding on eucalypt leaves. It’s a little known fact that the koala’s fingerprints are remarkably similar to those of human beings.

The Australian kookaburra is world-renowned for its laughing call, which can be heard usually at sunrise and sunset. The eerie laughing has found its way into popular culture, which makes this bird even more unique. Related to the kingfisher family, the extraordinary kookaburra is actually a carnivore and extremely territorial.
The sound of kookaburras singing in a dawn chorus, in the Australian outback, is a truly incredible experience.

Original 2012 Kangaroo, Koala and Kookaburra Designs

The kangaroo coin’s reverse portrays a coloured image of a kangaroo set against a bush scene and windmill. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KANGAROO.

The koala coin's reverse depicts a coloured image of an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOALA.

The kookaburra coin’s reverse portrays a coloured image of a kookaburra perched on a tree branch with gum leaves. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOOKABURRA.

The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also included on each coin’s reverse design.

99.9% Pure Silver

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

Limited Release

No more than 5,000 of these 1/2oz three-coin collections will be released.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as Australian legal tender, each coin’s obverse bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.

Presentation Packaging

This three-coin collection is presented in a prestigious display case with an illustrated shipper and accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

2013 Pronghorn Antelope - The 5th in the Royal Canadian Mints Wildlife Series

2012-08-12T02:15:00.001-07:00

2013 Pronghorn Antelope - The 5th in the Royal Canadian Mints Wildlife Series

Low mintage of Just One Million

9999 Fine

$5 Legal Tender

Shipping Mid September 2012!

Dragons of Legend St George And The Dragon 2012 1 oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-08-08T02:19:00.001-07:00

Dragons of Legend – St George and the Dragon 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin at The Perth Mint, featuring:

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design
Extremely Limited Mintage – 5,000
Tuvalu Legal Tender
Illustrated Presentation Packaging
Donation to UNICEF-Australia
Commissioned product struck by The Perth Mint

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse portrays a dramatic coloured portrait of St George as he is about to slay the dragon, set against an ancient landscape. Included on the reverse are the words ST GEORGE AND THE DRAGON and the monetary denomination.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

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

Illustrated Presentation Packaging

This coin is housed in a black presentation case and illustrated shipper accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

ANA COIN SHOW SPECIAL 2012 AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK - KOALA 1OZ SILVER COIN - Perth Mint Australia

2012-08-08T01:39:00.001-07:00

ANA Coin Show Special 2012 Australian Outback – Koala 1oz Silver Coin at The Perth Mint, featuring:

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Stunning Coloured Koala Design
Perth Mint ‘P’ Mintmark
Australian Legal Tender
Extremely Limited Mintage – 5,000
ANA Coin Show Packaging
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The Perth Mint are releasing a very limited number of these 2012 ANA Coin Show Specials online.
The coin features the cuddly Australian koala. In the outback, this wonderful creature has adapted to the country’s extreme conditions by spending its life up high in trees, in a cooler more airy habitat. The eucalyptus leaves from the same tree provide its main food source.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Issued at the 2012 ANA World’s Fair of Money in Philadelphia, the coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Stunning Coloured Koala Design

The coin's reverse depicts an adorable coloured image of an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. The design includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN KOALA, the year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

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 and the 2012 year-date.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these ANA Coin Show Specials will be released.

ANA Coin Show Packaging

The coin is housed in a classic display case and shipper, identifying the coin as The Perth Mint’s official 2012 Philadelphia ANA World’s Fair of Money Show Special.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

2011 Silver Canadian Grizzly Bear One Ounce 9999 Pure

2012-07-26T05:12:00.001-07:00

These magnificent new silver bullion coins are an extension of the Royal Canadian Mint Silver Maple Leaf Program.

This is the second coin in a 6-coin series being released over the next 3 years; Each new coin will have a wildlife theme.

The Grizzly Bear design by Senior Mint Engraver William Woodruff depicts a growling Grizzly Bear alongside water with magnificent wildlife scenery behind it.

The maximum mintage is 1 million coins making them 30 more rare than an American silver eagle. They are more pure than an eagle at .9999 fine silver and have a legal tender face value 5 times than an silver eagle. These coins are in high demand with bullion buyers and collectors worldwide.

2012 Crux Southern Sky $5 Silver Proof Colour Printed Domed Coin - Royal Australian Mint

2012-07-24T01:45:00.001-07:00

The Crux constellation, otherwise known as the Southern Cross, is among the smallest and brightest of the eighty eight modern constellations.

One of the most visible features of the southern night sky, its name is the Latin word for cross as it is predominantly a cross-shaped cluster. Its famous shape now adorns Australia's first domed coin, crafted by the Royal Australian Mint.

This innovative dome-shaped coin is packaged in a presentation tin. The insert for the case has been designed in such a way that the coin can be presented standing upright for all to see.

Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Special – Australian Lunar Series II – 2012 Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Edition

2012-07-23T15:33:00.001-07:00

The Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Special – Australian Lunar Series II – 2012 Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Edition - The Perth Mint Australia featuring:

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Coloured Reverse Design
Extremely Limited Edition – 5,000
Australian Legal Tender
Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Packaging

The 2012 Melbourne ANDA Coin Show Special features the spectacular Year of the Dragon 1oz Silver Coloured Coin.

Embracing this year’s fantastic design from the Australian Lunar Silver Coin Series II, this coin celebrates the dragon, the fifth of the twelve animals associated with the ancient Chinese Lunar Calendar. The coin is pad printed in yellow, one of the nine auspicious colours featured on the Nine Dragon Wall in China.

In Chinese culture, people born in the Year of the Dragon – 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 and 2012 – are regarded as confident, enterprising, independent, self-assured, brave and passionate.

Specimen Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in specimen quality.

Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a yellow dragon with purple detailing and a representation of a ‘pearl of wisdom’. The Chinese character for ‘dragon’ and the inscription YEAR OF THE DRAGON also appear in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark.

Extremely Limited Mintage

Only 5,000 coins will be released by The Perth Mint.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as Australian legal tender, the obverse of the coin bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the monetary denomination.

ANDA Presentation Packaging

Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the coin is housed in a display case and wonderfully illustrated shipper featuring the ANDA logo alongside the dates of the Melbourne show.

2012 Kangaroo at Sunset - One Ounce Silver Proof Coin

2012-07-23T07:27:00.001-07:00

The contemporary design of the Kangaroo at Sunset coin has made it one of the most sought-after collector pieces from the Royal Australian Mint. Reproduced on this fine silver $1 coin, the image of a lone kangaroo bounding across the plains against a setting sun is one that is truly Australian.

The reverse design was created by award-winning Mint sculptor Wojciech Pietranik and captures the spirit of Australia. The obverse features Ian Rank Broadley's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II accompanied by the $1 denomination.

With a mintage of 5000 this coin is a must for collectors of previous releases of the silver Kangaroo at Sunset coin.

2012 Britannia Silver One Ounce Fine Silver Bullion Coin

2012-07-21T05:38:00.001-07:00

The Royal Mint is delighted to confirm that the 2012 Britannia Silver Bullion coin, in honor of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee for 2012, will feature Philip Nathan’s original, breathtaking portrait of Britannia on the reverse. This famed design has been chosen for 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Philip Nathan’s design is beautifully complemented by the current portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on the obverse.

In keeping with tradition that dates back to the late 17th Century, the 2012 £2 Silver Britannia is struck in the Britannia standard of silver 0.958 Ag.

Obverse Design

The obverse of the 2012 Britannia range bears the current portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

Reverse Design

The 2012 coin reverse features Philip Nathan’s original, breathtaking portrait of Britannia framed in the crenallated border peculiar to Britannia coins.

Britannia; An Enduring Icon of Britain

The figure of a woman, called Britannia, has long been a symbol of British national pride. She first appeared on British coins in the seventeenth century and has subsequently graced the coinage of every monarch to the present day.

She made her debut on the coins of the Romans and has, from Tudor times, beautifully symbolized an empire based on maritime power. Great and free, she has fascinated artists and sculptors throughout her history and remains a favourite icon for British stamps, medals and coins.

In 1696 the Britannia standard of silver was introduced as part of the recoinage of William III in an attempt to limit the clipping and melting of sterling silver coins, it being reasoned that there would be little incentive to melt sterling silver when a higher standard was used for wrought plate.

By the time the Queen came to the throne in 1952, Britannia had assumed the status of an immortal, having featured on British coinage for almost 300 years. In 1987 she was elevated to the new gold bullion coinage and today appears on the highest value coins of the realm. The silver version was launched during 1997.

2012 Year of the Dragon Coin with Bavarian Lion Privy 1oz Silver Bullion Coin

2012-07-20T23:48:00.001-07:00

These Silver 1 oz Dragons are true treasures: crafted to perfection and boasting an image of the most sought-after sign of the Chinese Zodiac with an exclusive privy mark of the majestic Bavarian Lion.

2012 1oz Silver Lunar Dragons have a limited mintage and are retailing anywhere from $75-$125. These limited edition privy Lunar Dragons have a much lower mintage capped at 200,000 units worldwide and offer an even more attractive opportunity for capital appreciation.

The Perth Mint is world renowned for its superior minting technology, and creative handcrafted designs. Custom-minted and selling out fast, these coins are a prized item in any collection.

Available this year only. Get them today or wait another 12 years for the next Year of the Dragon!

Details:

Metal Content (Troy oz)	1.0
Fineness (% purity)	99.90
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1.00

The Perth Mint 2012 Year of the Dragon (Lion Privy) 1oz silver bullion coin comes encapsulated

Mintage: Just Two Million of these Limited Lion privy bullion coins were minted.

Wombat 2012 Opal series 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-20T23:39:00.001-07:00

The Wombat 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin fromThe Perth Mint features:

New and Innovative Coin Design
Authentic Australian Opal
Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Limited Mintage – 8,000
Australian Legal Tender
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Beautiful Presentation Packaging
Second of New Series Featuring Australia's Wombat

The second release in this stunning new series depicts the Wombat, An animal native to Australia

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

New and Innovative Coin Design

The coin’s reverse incorporates an inner panel design of a koala in a gum tree, detailed in pure Australian opal. The outer panel of the coin depicts Eucalypt leaves and blossoms, a new moon and the Southern Cross – a renowned star group which is only visible in the Southern hemisphere.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 8,000 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint.

Australian Legal Tender

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

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Beautiful Presentation Packaging

Presented in a prestigious display case, a light turns on as you open the case, highlighting the opal design and symbolising moonlight, shining down on the nocturnal Wombat

About this Set:

This stunning new coin program is inspired by many of Australia’s famous animals and will feature eight coins in total, with two releases each year. These unique creatures are nocturnal, which prompted the final spectacular designs.

Each coin in this very limited mintage series is struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality and comes presented in a prestigious display case with a light that turns on as you open the case, highlighting the opal design and symbolising moonlight.

Emu 2012 Australia Shaped 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-20T22:53:00.001-07:00

Struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver, a limited worldwide mintage of only 6,000 coins has been applied. As with all our coins, presentation is paramount. This release comes in a display case and colourful, themed shipper with numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Emu 2012 1oz Silver Coin from The Perth Mint, featuring:

Innovative New Shape
99.9% Pure Silver
Limited Mintage – 6,000
Australian Legal Tender
Presentation Packaging
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
First Coin in Series

99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 99.9% pure silver in the distinctive shape of Australia.

Unique Coloured Design

The coin’s coloured reverse depicts a kookaburra resting on a fence, against the background of a bush scene. The inscription EMU also appears in the design with The Perth Mint’s traditional ‘P’ mintmark and year-date.

Limited Mintage

No more than 6,000 of these coins will be issued worldwide.

Australian Legal Tender

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

Presentation Packaging

Accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity, the coin is housed in a display case and custom-designed shipper.

ARABIC DANCE - Magic Of The Dance Belly Silver Coin Belarus 2011

2012-07-14T09:01:00.001-07:00

First coin of the series "Magic of the Dance" dedicated to the dances from different regions of the world. Issued by the National Bank of the Republic of Belarus and it honors Arabic Belly Dance, one of the oldest dances in the world!

The Arabic Dance

Arabic Belly Dance is one of the oldest dances in the world that combines elements and techniques of different countries in the Middle East and North Africa, although their precise origins have primary origin as ancient Egypt.

There are historical documents that prove that this sensual dance was used by the priestesses of the banks of the River Nile.

In Arabic countries this dance is called Raks Sharki that literally means Oriental Dance.

The name of the belly dance is beginning to be used in the nineteenth century by Europeans who travelled to exotic lands in search of new cultures, customs and landscapes. These travellers coined this term caught up in the belly and hip movements that did not exist in European dances. We have to distinguish between Raks Sharki (Oriental dance) and Raks Baladi (Dance of the People).

The Raks baladi dance is a more elemental, almost without movement, and predominant hip movements. Raks Sharki is the most refined and rich. It includes movements of Egyptian folklore, classical ballet and contemporary dance, with large movements, revolutions and movements for all parts of the body, although the hip ones are the most important.

Country
Belarus
Year
2011
Face Value
20 Rubles
Metal
Silver
Fineness (purity)
925/1000
Weight (g)
28.28
Diameter (mm)
38.61
Quality
Proof
Mintage (pcs)
6.000
Certificate (COA)
Yes
Presentation case (box)
No

Australian Kangaroo 2012 1oz Silver Proof High Relief Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-14T06:59:00.001-07:00

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
High Relief Design – A Stroke of Genius
Mintage – 20,000
Australian Legal Tender
Presentation Packaging
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

High Relief Design

For outstanding impact, the coin is made with an extra-deep blank to accommodate its superbly detailed high relief design. This great annual release gets better every year, and this year’s unique design features a kangaroo set in the outback with a bush scene and windmill. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark and the 2012 year-date are also incorporated into the design.

Limited Mintage

No more than 20,000 of these coins will be issued worldwide.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a display case and beautifully illustrated shipper.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Dragons of Legend - Special Edition 2012 5oz Chinese Dragon Coin - Australia Silver Perth Mint

2012-07-12T03:36:00.001-07:00

Dragons of Legend - Special Edition 2012 5oz Chinese Dragon Coin

Featuring:

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design
Strictly Limited Mintage – 1,000
Illustrated Presentation Packaging

A magnificent airborne creature of the reptile kingdom, the Chinese Dragon rules over the elements of air and water. Struck by The Perth Mint from a hefty 5oz of pure silver, the coin’s dragon emblem is believed to bring power, prosperity and good luck.

For those born in the dragon year, the year 2012 celebrates the qualities of this fantastic beast. Other year dates of people ruled by this ancient lunar sign include 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988 and 2000.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia from 5oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Spectacular Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts two spectacular coloured dragons with a representation of a pearl, signifying eternal wisdom. The design also includes a fish motif, representing abundance and harmony.

Strictly Limited Mintage

No more than 1,000 of these coins will be available.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

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

Illustrated Presentation Packaging

This coin is housed in a black presentation case and illustrated shipper accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	5
Monetary Denomination (TVD)	5
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	155.673
Maximum Diameter (mm)	65.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	5.80

PURPLE FROG Atelopus Certus World Of Frogs Silver Coin $2 Palau 2011

2012-07-11T07:25:00.002-07:00

Beautiful coin issued by the Republic of Palau in 2011 belonging to new series: World of Frogs. It depicts the purple Atelopus Certus, also known as toad mountain harlequin frog. In 2004 it has been inserted in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Toad Mountain Harlequin Frog (Atelopus Certus)

Atelopus certus is a species of toad in the Bufonidae family. It is endemic to the Darien Region of Eastern Panama, and its type locality is Cerro Sapo, giving it its common name of the Toad Mountain Harlequin Frog.

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montanes, and rivers. It is threatened primarily by the advancing wave of chytridiomycosis moving through central America, and secondarily by habitat loss, although much of its range falls with in the Darien National Park, a protected area and world heritage site.

The Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease of amphibians, caused by the chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, a fungus. Chytridiomycosis has been linked to dramatic population declines or even extinctions of amphibian species in western North America, Central America, South America, eastern Australia, and Dominica and Montserrat in the Caribbean.

Because so many other Atelopus species are in steep declines this amphibian is seen as a priority species for ex-situ conservation. In June 2010, a team of conservation partners working under the banner of the Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project mounted an expedition to the Darien and brought back a founding population of these frogs to begin an ex-situ conservation program at the Summit Municipal Park near Panama City.

Specifications
Metal	Silver
Metal Composition (Troy OZ)	0.5
Fineness (% purity)	92.5
Denomination (USD)	2
Weight (g)	15.55
Diameter (mm)	35.00
Year of Issue	2011
Country	Palau
Quality	Proof
Mintage	500
Exterior Decoration	Partly colore

Wildlife in Need – Siberian Tiger 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-10T05:07:00.001-07:00

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

Siberian Tiger Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a magnificent Siberian Tiger and cub in colour, set against a winter forest landscape. The lower reverse comprises a struck design showing a pair of supporting hands. The inscription WILDLIFE IN NEED – SIBERIAN TIGER is also incorporated into the design.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2012 year-date.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be released.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Each coin is housed in a display case with illustrated shipper.

The Siberian Tiger is considered among the largest of cats, and lives primarily in Eastern Russia and limited areas of China and North Korea. This imposing animal is easily recognised by its magnificent striped coat, which is used as camouflage. No two tigers will have the same patterning.

Females give birth to litters of two to six cubs, which they raise without the male mate. Cubs cannot hunt until they are approximately 18 months old, and remain with their mothers for two to three years, after which, they disperse to find their own territory.

Sadly, poaching is still a threat to Siberian Tigers, as they are prized by trophy hunters and their body parts are still used in traditional Chinese medicine. Increased logging, construction of roads, forest fires, and inadequate law enforcement, also continue to threaten the survival of this species.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (TVD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00

Australian Antarctic Territory Series - Emperor Penguin 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-10T04:47:00.001-07:00

Features:

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Stunning Coloured Reverse Design
‘P’ Mintmark
Limited Mintage - 7,500
Australian Legal Tender
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Presentation Packaging

This fabulous release features the Emperor Penguin, a species popularly depicted in the Happy Feet movies. Don’t get left out in the cold, as previous coins in this series are no longer available!

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

Stunning Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a coloured image of Emperor Penguins and two chicks standing on ice floes, which appear within the outline of Antarctica. The Perth ‘P’ mintmark is included in the design.

Limited Mintage

No more than 7,500 of these coins will be issued by The Perth Mint.

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 and the monetary denomination.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a charcoal-coloured presentation case, which comes with a stylish outer shipper.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00
Designer	Wade Robinson

Distinguished by a bright red-orange bill and white eye patches, the Emperor Penguin is the largest of 17 penguin species, the deepest diver of any bird, and the only animal to winter on Antarctica's open ice.

In order to survive the biting cold, Emperor Penguins are very social creatures that huddle together to conserve warmth. Each penguin spends time in the middle of the huddle to stay warm, but accepts when it is his time to move to the perimeter.

Female Emperors lay a single egg in autumn before heading to sea to hunt krill and squid. Depending on the extent of the ice pack, they may be forced to trek long distances to reach the ocean. During the separation, males envelop the egg in a brood pouch above their feet.

By the time the eggs hatch, male Emperors have not eaten for several months. When the females return with food for their chicks, hungry fathers head to sea. From then on both parents attend the young. In summer, when the ice around the breeding colony breaks up, the young learn to swim and fish by themselves.

Australian Bush Babies II - Kookaburra 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin - Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-10T04:28:00.001-07:00

Coin Features:

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
Baby Kookaburra Reverse Design
Australian Legal Tender
Extremely Limited Mintage – 10,000
Certificate of Authenticity
Presentation Packaging
First Coin in New Series

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

Baby Kookaburra Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts an irresistible coloured image capturing the curiosity and mischievousness of a beautiful baby kookaburra. As well as The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark, the design features a friendly Australian insect and delicately frosted representations of Australian bush flowers.

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.

Extremely Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 Australian Bush Babies II – Kookaburra coins.

Certificate of Authenticity

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Presentation Packaging

Each coin is housed in a presentation display case and superbly illustrated shipper.

Technical Specifications

Silver Content (Troy oz)	0.50
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	0.50
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	15.591
Maximum Diameter (mm)	36.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	2.30
Designer	Elise Martinson

Anyone who has heard the kookaburra’s famous call will tell you how uncannily like human laughter it is. This heartfelt design of an adorable baby kookaburra captures all the character and charm of this unique creature.

This beautiful coin is the first release from a sublime new series for lovers of cute and cuddly Australian animals.

Forthcoming Releases: Possum, Platypus, Echidna, Wombat

Deadly and Dangerous - Funnel Web Spider 2012 1oz Silver Proof Coin Perth Mint Australia

2012-07-07T03:14:00.001-07:00

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

Coloured Reverse Design

Extremely Limited Mintage – 5,000

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

Seventh Coin in the Series

If there’s one spider you really don’t want to meet it’s the Funnel Web Spider. Considered one of the world’s most deadly spiders, one sight of this big black baddie will evoke fear in even the bravest of souls.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

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

Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse depicts a deadly Funnel Web Spider against a coloured background of its web and leaves. The inscription AUSTRALIA’S FUNNEL WEB SPIDER is included in the design.

Tuvalu Legal Tender

Issued as legal tender of Tuvalu, the coin depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the monetary denomination.

Extremely Limited Mintage

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be released.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a high-gloss timber presentation case and shipper emblazoned with the warning ‘DANGER’.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Silver Content (Troy oz)	1
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1
Fineness (% purity)	99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.00

Australian Koala 2012 Gold Proof Coins Released by Perth Mint

2012-07-02T20:03:00.001-07:00

These four strikes are featured in different sizes but all contain the same reverse image chosen by the Perth Mint for use on its series of 2012 koala coins.

Sizes for the Koala Gold Proof Coins include 2 ounces, 1 ounce, 1/10 ounce and 1/25 ounce. The 1 ounce strike is featured in high-relief. All four are struck to proof quality from 99.99% pure gold.
Coins of the series debuted in 2008. They followed a companion series of silver coins which made their first appearance the previous year.

The Perth Mint changes the reverse design of the koala coins annually. In 2008, an adult koala was depicted sitting on a eucalyptus tree branch with its young clinging to its back. In 2009, a single koala was shown sitting on one branch while using its front paws to grasp another. They followed that design in 2010 with a koala clinging to a branch with all fours as it munched on eucalyptus leaves. Last year’s 2011 image depicted an adult koala in the fork of a eucalyptus tree as its young clings to one of the branches.

The design chosen for 2012 shows an adult koala sleeping on the branch of a eucalyptus tree. It was designed by Perth Mint artist Alesha Howarth.

Reverse inscriptions on the coin include the size of the strike along with "9999 GOLD." The Perth Mint’s historic ‘P’ mintmark is also shown on the reverse.

The obverse contains Ian Rank-Broadley’s effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. It is surrounded by
the inscriptions of "ELIZABETH II," "AUSTRALIA," the year and the face value of the coin.

Each of these Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins is struck as legal tender of Australia. The associated face value is AUD $200 for the two ounce coin, $100 for the one ounce, $15 for the 1/10 ounce and $5 for the 1/25 ounce.

Specification for 2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins

	2 oz	1 oz	1/10 oz	1/25 oz
Gold Content (Troy oz)	2	1	1/10	1/25
Face Value (AUD)	200	100	15	5
Fineness (% purity)	99.99	99.99	99.99	99.99
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	62.215	31.107	3.111	1.244
Maximum Diameter (mm)	41.10	27.30	16.60	14.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)	3.90	5.00	1.50	1.40
Mintage	250	2,000	5,000	15,000
Price (AUD)	$5,250.00	$2,990.00	$329.00	$145.00

Each coin is presented in a display case with a numbered certificate of authenticity indicating the maximum mintage of the strike. The coin, case and certificate are presented inside an illustrated shipper.

2012 Australian Koala Gold Proof Coins are available worldwide directly from the Perth Mint of Australia with the exception of the two ounce and one ounce coins for purchasers from the United States. These must be purchased from an authorized distributor.

TULIP LADYBUG Venetian Glass Murano Silver Coin $20 Canada Mint 2011

2012-06-10T03:59:00.001-07:00

This is the first coin ever to be embellished with Venetian glass, a world-renowned glass prized for its clarity and extremely vibrant colours.

Each glass ladybug was handcrafted by a master-glassmaker in Murano, Italy. They combined Venetian glass with a unique coloured design to deliver a coin that boasts new and unrivalled dimension. Crafted to perfection, each is an eye-catching work of art.

Ladybug

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (UK, Ireland, Australia, Pakistan, South Africa, New Zealand, India, Malta, some parts of Canada and the US), or ladybugs (North America). Scientists increasingly prefer the names ladybird beetles or lady beetles as these insects are not true bugs.

Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, and lady fly. Coccinellids are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, head and antennae. A very large number of coccinellid species are mostly, or entirely, black, grey, or brown and may be difficult for non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids.

Conversely, there are many small beetles that are easily mistaken for coccinellids, such as the tortoise beetles. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. A few species are considered pests in North America and Europe, but they are generally considered useful insects as many species feed on aphids or scale insects, which are pests in gardens, agricultural fields, orchards, and similar places. Harmonia axyridis (or the Harlequin ladybug) was introduced into North America from Asia in 1988 to control aphids but is now the most common species as it is out-competing many of the native species. A common myth is that the number of spots on the insect's back indicates its age.

Tulip
The tulip is a perennial, bulbous plant with showy flowers in the genus Tulipa, which comprises 109 species. Tulips are spring-blooming perennials that grow from bulbs. The tulip's large flowers usually bloom on scapes or subscapose[further explanation needed] stems that lack bracts. Most tulips produce only one flower per stem, but a few species bear multiple flowers on their scapes. The showy, generally cup- or star-shaped tulip flower has three petals and three sepals, which are often termed tepals because they are nearly identical. These six tepals are often marked near the bases with darker colorings. Tulip flowers come in a wide variety of colors, except pure blue (several tulips with "blue" in the name have a faint violet hue).

Tulip stems have few leaves, with larger species tending to have multiple leaves. Plants typically have 2 to 6 leaves, with some species having up to 12. The tulip's leaf is strap-shaped, with a waxy coating, and leaves are alternately arranged on the stem. These fleshy blades are often bluish green in color. Although tulips are often associated with The Netherlands, commercial cultivation of the flower began in the Ottoman Empire.

The tulip, or lale as it is also called in Iran and Turkey, is a flower indigenous to a vast area encompassing arid parts of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The word tulip, which earlier appeared in English in forms such as tulipa or tulipant, entered the language by way of French tulipe and its obsolete form tulipan or by way of Modern Latin tulipa, from Ottoman Turkish tülbend ("muslin" or "gauze"), and is ultimately derived from Persian dulband ("turban").

Country Canada
Year 2011
Face Value 20 Dollars
Metal Silver
Fineness (purity) 999/1000
Weight (g) 31.39
Diameter (mm) 38
Quality Proof
Mintage (pcs) 5.000
Certificate (COA) Yes
Presentation case (box) Yes

TULIP LADYBUG Venetian Glass Murano Silver Coin $20 Canada Mint 2011