2014-2017 AUREUS by International Coin House For all the Computer Aided Design, laser-etching, complex finishes and intricate shapes used on modern coins, there’s no finer coin to hold in your hand than something steeped in the history of the greatest empire of the ancient world, Rome. Of those coins the Aureus is amongst the most sought after, both for its relatively large size and for its scarcity, especially prior to the reign of Julius Caesar. The Aureus was valued at 25 silver denarii and was about the same diameter, but heavier due to the differing densities of [...]

Without doubt the most prolific releasers of commemorative coins, the Royal Canadian Mint issues more series of coins that anybody else on the market. They specialise in three main subjects; nature, history and maple leaves. This series sits firmly in the first category and features five of the most well-known and loved Songbirds that populate Canadian skies. There's nothing particularly different about the format used as it's a standard RCM style, that is a 34mm half-ounce fine silver round with selective colouring. As it's a common RCM style, it goes without saying that quality is high and the design excellent, [...]

One style of numismatic that seems to be particularly prevalent in Europe are bullion coins that have been subject to aftermarket modifications. This could take the form of selective gilding or colouring to the relief, or especially the background of a coins face. Rarely there might be holograms or inserts, perhaps even combinations of the different processes. What is true is that the majority of them are simply hideous. Ill conceived and poorly realised, there are some true horrors out there, admittedly along with some that are decent enough if that's your thing. Standing out from [...]

Most well known for their flagship coin series featuring Tiffany Art and Mongolian Wildlife, the Liechtenstein-based coin producer, Coin Invest Trust (CIT) has carved out quite a name for themselves on the back of them. They're quite prolific releasers of coins under their own name and are admired for their willingness to experiment and do the unusual. While they aren't always successful, they've inspired many within the industry to follow their lead and give us the breadth of choice we have today. Alongside all the flash and high profile releases, they do maintain several series of coins that [...]

There are few series of collectible coins around that number more than ten entrants, and even fewer that number more than twenty, Coin Invest Trusts 'World of Wonders' and 'Mountains and Flora' series immediately springing to mind. Even rarer are coin series with over twenty pieces in them that are released in one chunk, and the Royal Australian Mints (RAM) new 'Alphabet Coin Collection' series of frosted silver coins is just such a series. With a name like that it doesn't take a genius to work out there are 26 coins in the series, each [...]

From the dawn of recorded history, mankind has waged war upon itself, and as time has passed, nothing has eaten up more of mans genius than his ability to do so in ever more inventive and deadly ways. The advent of the Industrial Revolution made possible rapid advances in technology, but underneath it all, at least until the end of the Second World War, the capital warship has always been one of the ultimate statements of a nations ability to project it's power and forge an empire. With only a few exceptions, the Mongol hordes being a prime one, [...]

Japan has a history of doing things its own way and with a sense of style and design different from any other country. As a result, the fascination with Japanese culture is endemic in the West, but not many people know about the country itself. The Japan Mint has gone a long way to correcting that lack of knowledge, amongst coin collectors at least, with a terrific series of coins being released over eight years, starting back in 2008. Each coin showcases one of the 47 Prefectures that make up mainland Japan with an image that best illustrates what [...]

Over the last decade we've seen an ever growing competition between the mints to stand out from the pack, and that's led to coins with wild designs, inserts made from glass, minerals, gems or oddities, as well as strange shapes and gimmicks. What we have here with 'From Clovis to the Republic', is the absolute antithesis of that approach. Brilliantly clean and simple design, beautiful artwork and impeccably struck, this series exhibits a conceptual purity missing from much of todays products. Designed by famed French fashion designer Christian Lacroix, the 15 coins in the series trace the line of key [...]

Buddhism as a religion has a long and varied history, with some fascinating tenets and a following of over 350m. With the religion being based, and very popular in Asia, a region in which collecting gold and silver coins is common, it was only a matter of time before the two combined. The coins each have upon their reverse a symbol representing one of the “Eight Auspicious Symbols”, also known as “Tashi Tagay”, which form the most well-known group of Buddhist emblems and are quite prolific in Bhutanese tradition and culture. They are believed to bring good luck and [...]