Great Cities from the NZ Mint visits Shanghai and Copenhagen on its world tour
Great Cities, a series of proof silver coins from the New Zealand Mint has recieved its fourth member and it’s a city that rarely features on commemorative coins, Copenhagen. Following on from New York, London and Shanghai (also featured here), Copenhagen is depicted as a selection of the cities most recognisable architectural highlights.
Struck in an ounce of fine silver, the design is relatively free of inscriptions, just the city name and a very small composition description being present. The obverse carries the usual effigy of Queen Elizabeth II along with the denomination, date etc. Packaging on these is excellent – solid and attractive, and there’s a serialised certificate of authenticity included. Selling for $80.00 USD and with a mintage limited to 3,000 pieces each, they’re available to buy now. Site sponsors PowerCoin and Minted-UK both stock them, amongst others.
SPECIFICATION
| NAME | 2017 GREAT CITIES |
| DENOMINATION | $1Â New Zealand |
| COMPOSITION | 0.999 silver |
| WEIGHT | 31.1 grams |
| DIAMETER | 40.0 mm |
| FINISH | Proof |
| MODIFICATIONS | None |
| MINTAGE | 3,000 |
| BOX / COA | Â Yes / Yes |
MINTS DESCRIPTION
SHANGHAI: Literally ‘Above the Sea’, is a port city on the estuary of the famed Yangtze River, and has been around as a village since the Song Dynasty, a thousand years or so ago. Originally a fishing and textiles town, Shanghai is now the commercial and financial centre of mainland China after rapid re-development began in the 1990s. It is China’s largest metropolis on the mainland with a population of more than 24 million.
Shanghai is a fascinating mix of East and West. Across from the original settlement of Puxi is the Pudong New Area. Its modern and ever-expanding skyline includes the emblematic Orient Pearl Tower, while The Shanghai Museum has one of the best collections of Chinese historical artifacts in the world. Easily China’s richest city and the leading trendsetter in fashion, design and the arts, Shanghai is the best city in the country for shopping and dining. It has been described as the “showpiece” of the booming economy of mainland China.
COPENHAGEN is a coastal town and was originally a Viking fishing village founded in the 10th century. It became the royal capital of Denmark in the early 15th century. It is the cultural, economic and governmental centre of Denmark – as well as the most populated. It has an urban population of over 1.2 million.
Copenhagen’s compact dimensions are perfect for exploration on two feet (or two wheels). With bridges connecting various districts, the cityscape is characterized by parks, promenades and waterfronts. Landmarks such as Tivoli Gardens, the Little Mermaid Statue and the Christiansborg Palace are significant tourist attractions.
It has been nominated the best city by several organizations for liveability and sustainability. Famous as a gastronomic city, it has more Michelin stars than any other city in Northern Europe. And, with the country’s reputation for design, it is no surprise that Copenhagen has the longest car-free shopping area in Europe, Strøget, with a wealth of design shops.
Leave A Comment