January, 2021
TREASURES OF STANISLAW AUGUST ADDITIONS (2021 NBP)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-19T17:17:56+00:00January 19th, 2021|
TREASURES OF STANISLAW AUGUST ADDITIONS (2021, NBP)
The National Bank of Poland’s ‘Treasures of Stanislaw August series, in progress since 2013, kicks off the banks numismatic program for 2021 in fine style. We’re huge admirers of these medallions (they carry no denomination) and they do what numismatics excel at – bringing national history to life. These are straight reproductions of late 18th century originals and part of a 24 issue set.
They depict a Polish monarch and the 18th medal issued here is John Casimir Vasa, who ruled in the mid 17th century. Each is available as a 2oz silver, or a 2oz gold, the latter obviously the reserve of the lucky few and an explanation of why the initial release schedule was slowed down, no doubt. Available from 26th January, this quite stunning series is fully detailed in our comprehensive Coin Series Profile, where we also reproduce the super background put together by the bank. Mintages are capped at 5,000 silver and 600 gold, both presented in a box with a C.O.A.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS COIN SERIES PROFILE
The Royal Mint is reporting a sharp rise in small gold purchases amongst millennials
Mik Woodgate2021-01-19T14:09:34+00:00January 19th, 2021|
The Royal Mint is reporting a sharp rise in small gold purchases amongst millennials
Interesting statement from the Royal Mint today. An increase in demand for small fractional gold, which also ties in with our observation that 0.5 gram minigold coins continue to be popular as choice expands. Whether based in reality or not, there still seems to be a general acceptance that gold is safe and permanent.
PRESS RELEASE 19.01.2021:
New figures released from The Royal Mint show a rise in people gifting gold for Christmas – with sales of 1g and 5g bars increasing by 53% year on year. As the global pandemic continued to put precious metals in the spotlight, the Mint also recorded a 32% increase in millennial customers during 2020.
Turbulence in 2020 saw the popularity of physical and digital gold increase significantly at The Royal Mint, attracting thousands of new customers to their precious metals division. In the last quarter of 2020, The Royal Mint introduced special edition 1g and 5g gold bars for Diwali and Christmas, which contributed to significant growth as consumers sought out investment gifts.
Precious Metals growth at The Royal Mint:
- The Royal Mint recorded a 53% year on year increase in the sale of its 1g and 5g gold bars during November and December (2020 vs 2019)
- During November and December overall sales of gold increased 510% year on year
- As gold continues to gain mainstream popularity The Royal Mint recorded a 32% increase in millennials buying precious metals in 2020 (customers aged 22 – 37 years old)
Andrew Dickey, Divisional Director of Precious Metals for The Royal Mint said: “Gold continued to shine in the last quarter of 2020 as people looked to precious metals for safe haven investments, but also for savvy Christmas gifts. We saw a 53% increase in customers buying our 1g and 5g gold bars, which are designed as gifts to help people save for their future.
“The Royal Mint has been making it easier to access precious metals online, thanks to the growth of our digital investment products such as DigiGold and Little Treasures. As we go into 2021, various fiscal and monetary policies- both of which are traditional drivers of gold demand – will begin to unfold in an attempt to support the recovery of the global economy. With this in mind, we’re expecting demand for our precious metal products to continue to shine.”
Traditionally known for making coins, The Royal Mint has grown rapidly into the precious metals market over recent years. It is now the primary producer of bullion coins in the UK, as well as offering a range of digital investment platforms which enable investors to buy and sell fractional gold without taking custody of the metal. Its ‘DigiGold’ platform has proved particularly popular with millennials, whilst ‘Little Treasures’ is the UK’s only gold backed savings account for children.
DRAGON DOLLAR RESTRIKES ADDITIONS (2021 LPM HK)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-18T12:50:30+00:00January 18th, 2021|
DRAGON DOLLAR RESTRIKES NEW ADDITIONSE ( LPM HK)
LPM’s very pretty Dragon Dollar Restrike series continues to be filled out to completion with the addition of three new variants. For those unfamiliar, the series reproduces some of the beautiful Chinese trade dollars from the late 19th, to early 20th centuries, and each takes the classic Chinese dragon of lore for its base design. LPM chose eight of them for this limited series of bullion coins.
All eight designs are now available in silver, but there are still a few gaps in the other three variants which cover the three new issues here. The Kwang Tun Dragon is now available in 1oz gold, and that sees this variant come to a finish as well, with all eight now out. The antiqued silver ‘Water Dragon’ is the sixth coin in this format, so two to come. Last, but definitely not least, the chunky one-kilogram silver coin, which was a late arrival to the range, gets its second release, the ‘Reverse Dragon’.
All are available to order now from LPM and you can see the whole range in our comprehensive Bullion Coin Profile at the link below.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS BULLION PROFILE TO THIS SERIES
DINOSAURS: 05 BRONTOSAURUS (2021 NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-14T22:14:56+00:00January 14th, 2021|
DINOSAURS: 05 BRONTOSAURUS ( NEW ZEALAND MINT)
The fifth of the New Zealand Mint’s neat little Dinosaur coins is launched today and features the controversial Brontosaurus. This poor beastie was a thing, then wasn’t a thing for decades (it lost its name to Apatasaurus), and then became a thing again as the type specimen was reclassified. Whatever the case, it’s one of the most well known and iconic of the dinosaurs.
As before, this is a coloured and antiqued one-ounce fine silver coin. The Brontosaurus is highlighted with colour, and it sits in a depiction of its habitat. Neat presentation, and a pricetag around $89.00 USD mean the 2,000 mintage is a realistic number. We like these. Not a series that pushes any boundaries, but a solid, attractive set. We don’t yet know how many more are coming, but you can see the range to date in our Coin Series profile of it.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS COIN SERIES PROFILE
HARLEY QUINN CHIBI (2021 NEW ZEALAND MINT)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-12T11:43:56+00:00January 12th, 2021|
HARLEY QUINN CHIBI (2021 NEW ZEALAND MINT)
Chibi is back bright and early in 2021 with the launch of the 7th in the DC Comics sub-series, Harley Quinn. Coming to fame as The Joker’s main love, Harley Quinn is now one of the most popular DC characters of them all, with both a hit animated series, and the Margot Robbie headlined movie appearances. She also makes a super Chibi coin.
One of the more eclectic looking pieces in the collection to date, so its one that makes the move to Chibification with particular ease. A must buy for the Chibi coin collector in our view, it’s the same 1oz silver format as before, very nicely presented and with a 2,000 mintage. Our only concern with the series is the fast rate of release and the potential for collector burnout, which would be a shame given how original and brilliantly done these are. Check out our full profile to see all the releases to date. Available from today.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS CHIBI COIN SERIES PROFILE
DC COVERS: ACTION COMICS #7 (2021 NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-08T12:39:11+00:00January 8th, 2021|
DC COVERS: ACTION COMICS #7 (2021 NZ Mint)
The third time Action Comics has appeared in this series, issue #7 is a strange choice. A very sought after issue because of its rarity, it continues the style of the time in having a mix of small stories inside. in this case there are seven overall, with six being essentially throwaway stories. The headliner is Superman and this is the second time the character had ever appeared on a comic cover.
The Superman story is a pretty stupid one, revolving around the attempted sabotage of a circus, of all things. The legendarily powerful Superman of the modern time is clearly yet to develop. Nevertheless, probably one of the ten most valuable DC Golden Age comics of all time.
For the uninitiated, this series of ‘Premium SIlver Foils’ is comprised of relatively huge silver foils of 35 grams in weight. They reproduce classic DC Comics covers and do so very well, we have to say. They are easy to display and good value compared to an original. One of these in a very average condition would make $30k with relative ease. Available now and added to our guide to the series.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS DC COMICS FOIL SERIES PROFILE
UNESCO PRAGUE HISTORICAL CENTRE (2020 Czech Mint)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-07T12:22:23+00:00January 7th, 2021|
UNESCO PRAGUE HISTORICAL CENTRE (2020 Czech Mint)
The Czech Mint has issued the 12th in its series of platinum coins depicting Czech UNESCO sites. When the series kicked off in 2017, there were 12 UNESCO sites in the Czech Republic, and the mint even went to the trouble of creating a wooden box to hold the set. However, in 2019, two more sites were added to the UNESCO list and these will be released as coins in 2021. To paraphrase the movie Jaws, they’re going to need a bigger box…
This issue depicts the famous Historical Centre of the capital, Prague. A compacted view of several important buildings dominates the reverse face, like the Charles Bridge, the Church of St. Nicholas and the Cathedral of St. Wenceslas. The St. Wenceslas Crown, held by the St. Vitus Cathedral, joins the architectural structures. The common obverse incorporates the effigy of QEII into a ‘collage of architectural elements’ taken from the UNESCO buildings. This is an issue for Niue.
A neat series, they’re struck to a proof finish in an ounce of 0.999 platinum, and have a mintage of just 100 pieces per design. They come cased with a C.O.A. and there’s a collection box to hold 12 of them. The last two additional coins to round out the series will drop in February and August 2021. Available now.
LINKS: BUY FROM THE CZECH MINT
DOUBLE PIXIU GOLD BULLION COIN (2021, Perth Mint/LPM)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-06T12:09:54+00:00January 6th, 2021|
DOUBLE PIXIU GOLD BULLION COIN (2021, Perth Mint/LPM)
The legendary Chinese Guardian Lions, also called Foo Dogs, are often seen placed outside Chinese homes and temples. Set as a pair, a male looking outwards and a female inwards, they take the form of winged lions (a bit like an ancient Sharknado…). Perth Mint designer, Ing Ing Jong, has done a good job depicting the two beasts in their traditional guise. The male on the left has his paw on an embroidered ball, while the female has her paw on a balled-up cub. The pile of Chinese currency, with its distinctive square hole, is a nod to the guardians role in protecting wealth.
We’ve already covered the initial release of these coins in an article back in June, but the exclusive distributor, LPM in Hong Kong, have now released the gold bullion coin variant. Struck in an ounce of 0.9999 gold, it has a pretty healthy mintage these days of 5,000 pieces. Gold bullion is very popular in the Asian market, so these will no doubt fly out in short order. A pretty and traditional design that will appeal everywhere. Available now.
LINKS: IN DEPTH DOUBLE PIXIU COIN ARTICLE
DONALD AND DAISY DUCK BULLION (2021, NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2021-01-05T22:25:51+00:00January 5th, 2021|
DONALD AND DAISY DUCK BULLION (2021, NZ Mint)
US dealer APMEX has now launched the 13th of the NZ Mints Disney bullion series with a coin that apes the style of the Mickey & Minnie in love coin, but with Donald & Daisy Duck. One for the Disney fan and a good fit with the style of the earlier releases.
Just the two formats are on offer again, both an ounce in weight. The 0.999 silver coin will be the stackers choice and has a mintage of 15,000 pieces. The 0.9999 gold coin is eminently collectable with its microscopic mintage of just 100. Expect to pay a little above the norm in terms of premium, but with a subject so incredibly popular and seemingly timeless, combined with that rarity, it remains a sound buy. Available now.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS BULLION SERIES PROFILE
December, 2020
PREHISTORIC LIFE: MAMENCHISAURUS BULLION (2020,)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-18T21:39:09+00:00December 18th, 2020|
PREHISTORIC LIFE: MAMENCHISAURUS BULLION (2020)
Sneaking in just before Christmas, the third Prehistoric Life bullion coin has been added to the range just a month after the Plesiosaurus debuted. We’re heading to sauropod territory this time with a species found in China that possessed a quite epic neck.Living during a part of the Jurassic Period, from 160-145 mya, the largest species reached a possible 35 metres in length, and weighed from 50-80 tonnes. Half of that length was neck!
This looks to us to be the best of the three designs issued to date, featuring a terrific scene of Jurassic life over the reverse face. How this translates from the artowrk to reality is yet to be seen, but it’s certainly very promising, especially after the disappointing Plesiosaurus issue. A 1 oz fine silver bullion coin with a 10,000 unit mintage, it ticks a lot of boxes in the limited-mintage bullion coin market.
Also in accompaniment is a minigold gold. If it debuts with the level of detail promised by this image, we’ll consider ourselves impressed, especially with the tiny 11 mm diameter canvas. This variant tops out at a relatively tiny 2,000 pieces. Available to order now, the coin is an APMEXclusive in North America, but more widely available elsewhere.
LINKS: PREVIOUS COIN IN THE SERIES
STAR WARS VEHICLES: TIE ADVANCED (2020, NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-18T20:10:29+00:00December 18th, 2020|
STAR WARS SHIPS: TIE ADVANCED X1(2020, NZ Mint)
Very much at the niche end of the New Zealand Mints copious Star Wars coin output, ‘Star Wars Ships’ is a series of 1 oz gold issues that, like the title suggests, feature the various legendary vessels from the Star Wars franchise. By its very nature, coins for this movie behemoth would have more appeal at the lower end, so it’s rare to see an expensive offering like these.
The Tie Advanced, Darth Vader’s ship, is the subject of this sixth issue to date and sticks firmly to the previously defined visual style. A clean depiction of the ship against an equally clean background field is used again. No design envelopes being pushed here, but a solid enough effort regardless. These are a little too expensive to embrace gimmickry, we think.
Not only the sixth issue, it’s also the last. The mintage of 50 pieces remains as tight as ever, and the packaging is of a high quality you would expect from the NZ Mint. So, a neat enough coin for the classicist with deep pockets (circa €3k). An EMK exclusive, US buyers can also pick up one up from APMEX. Available now.
LINKS: STAR WARS COIN SUPERGUIDE
THE JOKER CHIBI (2020. NZ MINT)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-11T23:58:15+00:00December 11th, 2020|
THE JOKER CHIBI (NEW ZEALAND MINT)
The last Chibi coin of 2020 is now amongst us and is a departure from the norm, featuring a villain from the DC Comics Universe instead of the superheroes that have populated the first five spaces in this collection. If you’re going to start with a big bad, pick the biggest one, and that would be the ever-popular The Joker.
The classic Batman nemesis, the character is easily the most widely known villain in DC Comics, having been portrayed many times on TV and silver screen by such actors as Cesar Romero, Jack Nicholson, Jared Leto, and Joaquin Phoenix, although the version by actor Heath Ledger remains the outstanding one for me. The coin is very much the cartoon character style that suits Chibi so well.
As always, a 1oz silver coin with a 2,000 mintage and some neat packaging. This one will likely sell just as fast as all the others have, and as it’s the last one before Christmas, maybe faster than usual (usual is about 48 hours!). Never fear, there are at least 11 new Chibi coins due in the first quarter of 2021, across the DC Comics, harry Potter, and Star Wars franchises. We wouldn’t be surprised to see at least one new franchise added next year if the popularity of these remains high.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS CHIBI SERIES PROFILE
TREASURES OF STANISLAW AUGUST: LADISLAW VASA (2020, NBP)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-09T07:29:57+00:00December 9th, 2020|
TREASURES OF STANISLAW AUGUST: LADISLAW VASA (2020, NBP)
As well as the Enduring Soldiers series we looked at earlier today, another long-running favourite of the National Bank of Poland, ‘Treasures of Stanislaw August’ has also seen a new addition. In this case, it is the 17th of 24 coins that make up this beautiful series. They are quite unique in being reproductions of an actual late-18th century set of medallions created by Stanislaw August, to depict the great kings and queens of Poland.
The latest in this 2 oz silver or gold series is Wadislaw Vasa, who ruled from 1632 to 1648. Another terrific piece, collectors of the series will snap it up, for sure. Check out our full Coin Series Profile to the range to date. A quite superb series.
LINKS: COIN SERIES PROFILE TO ‘STANISLAW AUGUST’
ENDURING SOLDIERS MIECZYSLAW DZIEMIESZKIEWICZ (2020, NARODOWY BANK)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-09T03:27:05+00:00December 9th, 2020|
ENDURING SOLDIERS MIECZYSLAW DZIEMIESZKIEWICZ
A quick heads-up that the latest coin in the National bank of Poland’s long-running ‘Enduring Soldiers Accursed by the Communists’ is now available. We’ve been following this series for some time, including a Coin Series Profile, not because they are boundary-pushing coins, or even anything particularly unusual numismatically, but because the subject matter is so compelling.
The series looks at some of the figures that fought for Polish integrity after the fall of the Nazi’s in 1945. Many forget that for the people in many Eastern European countries, they’d just swapped one lunatic for another. Poland was hit hard during the war, and that continued under Soviet occupation for many years after. Each of these one ounce sterling silver coins highlights one of the many that fought and often died, in the fight for Polish independence. This one features the tragic story of Mieczysław Dziemieszkiewicz, alias Rój, who was murdered by a Soviet-backed militia aged just 26, after years of fighting to avenge the death of his brother, also killed by the Soviets in 1945.
The NBP does a great job.with the backstory on each issue, which we’ve reproduced in full in our profile. History buffs will find the stories powerful and offering a great insight into a difficult, and overlooked period in European history. The coins have done a fantastic job in bringing some of this into the light. Boxed with a C.O.A., it’s available now.
LINKS: COIN SERIES PROFILE TO ‘ENDURING SOLDIERS’
BOBA FETT CHIBI (2020, NEW ZEALAND MINT)
Mik Woodgate2020-12-08T00:39:35+00:00December 8th, 2020|
BOBA FETT CHIBI (NEW ZEALAND MINT)
A blistering hit, we thought Chibi would be popular when we saw the prototypes back in Berlin in January, but never to this degree. Now being released almost on a weekly basis, these $99.00 USD, 1oz silver coins have really struck a chord with collectors and sell out very quickly.
Case in point is this brilliant Boba Fett coin, which has already sold out at the mint after just a couple of hours. We’re expecting aftermarket appreciation to be high on this one, given the characters appearance in the smash-hit Mandalorian TV series. The fifth Star Wars Chibi coin, and the fifteenth overall, we had another four coins listed to come, but that’s now been expanded to another twelve (I’ll update the profile soon)
New additions look to include Princess Leia, Yoda, Catwoman, Robin, and more. One more due before the end of the year (probably The Joker), with three in January, before settling down to the release of two pairs per month, one on the 9th and one on the 23rd. How long this keeps up before we get collector fatigue is anybodys guess, but for now, enjoy what has become one of the quirkiest and most popular coin programmes of 2020.
LINKS: AgAuNEWS CHIBI SERIES PROFILE