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Garden of Hespirides silver coin (2023 Mint of Poland)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-20T20:46:46+01:00September 20th, 2023|

The Garden of Hesperides is a mythical paradise steeped in ancient Greek lore. Located at the western edge of the world, this garden was said to be home to the Hesperides, nymphs who tended to the exquisite golden apples on a sacred tree. These apples were believed to grant immortality to those who partook of their fruit.

The garden was not only a place of extraordinary beauty but also symbolized the boundary between the mortal realm and the divine. It was guarded by a fierce dragon named Ladon, making access to its treasures incredibly challenging. The tales of Hercules’ eleventh labour are closely associated with the garden, as he was tasked with obtaining one of these coveted golden apples.

The coin is one of this mints classic two-ounce, antiqued silver efforts, replete with high-relief, and depicts Nymphs intertwined with a serpent, laying on the ground of the garden. In an unusual change for the mint, the antique finishing is applied in two shades, with the main characters done in a standard black finish, and the rest done in blue. The apples on the tree are picked out with gilding.

It all looks decent enough, and the mixed antiquing has future potential, for sure. The obverse is a standard one for a Niue issue. The coin comes in a latex-skin ‘floating frame’, and has a mintage of 500 pieces. It’s available to order now.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIMENSIONS	FINISH	MINTAGE
$5 NZD (Niue)	62.2 g of 0.999 silver	50.0 mm	Dual antiqued, gilding	500

MINT OF POLAND

Martini Cocktail 10 gram silver coin (2023 MDM Wholesale)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-19T19:52:47+01:00September 19th, 2023|

While the term had been around in British circles since the 1790’s, the name ‘cocktail’ was finally defined in 1806 by The Balance and Columbian Repository of Hudson, New York, who stated it is “A stimulating liquor composed of any kind of sugar, water, and bitters.”. Since then, it’s developed into a huge cultural phenomenon, with bars creating their own distinctive concoctions, and the industry having their own stars, sometimes called mixologists.

One of the classics of the cocktail world is the Martini, a mix of gin and vermouth, garnished with olives. There are variations, with the most famous, the Vodka Martini, replacing the gin with vodka. That one is famous as James Bond’s tipple of choice. Even the glass is iconic, with a long stem to keep the drink colder for longer, and a deep ‘V’ shape to allow for maximum aeration, allowing it to become more aromatic.

The coin is shaped just like that glass, filled with a frosted drink, and with three enamel-coloured olives on a cocktail stick. We have to admit, it’s a neat way to celebrate a cultural legend, and can see nothing to criticise here, and it has tons of potential to develop into a series. It’s only ten grams in weight, but comes in a themed blistercard, having a mintage of 1,806 pieces. We’ve seen prices under €60, so it won’t break the bank, either. Available to order now, it should ship around the end of October. Bottoms up!

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIMENSIONS	FINISH	MINTAGE
$1 (Samoa)	10.0 g of 0.999 silver	30.0 x 50.0 mm	Proof-like, colour enamel	1,806

MDM WHOLESALE

World of Cryptids 09 Dragon silver coin (2023 Lithuanian Mint)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-15T20:43:04+01:00September 15th, 2023|

The ninth of twelve coins in the very quirky ‘World of Cryptids’ series, based on the work of Lithuanian artist, Laimutė Varkalaitė, debuts this month, carrying the same unusual distinctive artwork. The art is taken from a considerably larger body of work with creatures from almost all continents, included within it. More than enough for a 2024 series, in fact.

We’ve got the dragon this time, which we’re sure you know all about in at least one of its myriad different forms. It’s a striking representation, very attractive and fully in keeping with the style of this series. We thought this one, because of the popularity of the subject, might disappoint, but no such worries have reared their heads.

You can see all nine designs in our full Coin Series Profile. The next issues will be a Jinn, a Wendigo, and the Yeti, rounding out the series over the rest of 2023. They can be bought direct from the Lithuanian Mint HERE, or from various dealers for €119.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIAMETER	FINISH	MINTAGE
$2 NZD (Niue)	31.1 g of 0.999 silver	40.0 mm	Antique, colour	1,000

THE LITHUANIAN MINT

Evolution of Life: Nimravidae silver and gold coins (2023 CIT Coin Invest)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-15T13:58:36+01:00September 15th, 2023|

Now on its ninth incarnation, CIT’s beautiful ‘Evolution of Life’ series of coins takes us on a journey through prehistory, depicting some of the amazing animals that have journeyed upon this planet over the last 500 million years. It does so in smartminted high-relief, using rose-gold gilded fossils still embedded within (antiqued silver) rock,

The 2023 issue features the Nimravidae, a family of false sabre-toothed cats that wandered the Northern Hemisphere for 33.2 million years, going extinct 7.2 million years ago. Ironically, they were likely out-competed by the true-cats, like the more well-known Sabre-toothed cats, Smilodon, for example. Another superb issue in a top-tier nature series.

As well as the silver coin, there’s also CIT’s signature 0.5 gram minigold offering, where the design is obviously more basic, but still fully recognisable. Both are available to order now, and we’ve added them to our comprehensive Coin Series profile of the range.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIAMETER	FINISH	MINTAGE
1,000 Togrog (Mongolia)	0.5 g of 0.9999 gold	11.0 mm	Proof	15,000
500 Togrog (Mongolia)	31.1 g of 0.999 silver	38.61 mm	Antique, gilding	999

The Colourful World of Gaudi silver coin (2023 Mint of Poland)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-13T08:57:15+01:00September 13th, 2023|

Born in 1852, Catalonian, Antoni Gaudí, is one of those practitioners of his art, in this case architecture, that stands apart from almost everyone else within the same field. He did most of his work, an intoxicating blend of the natural and the spiritual, in Barcelona, combing flowing lines, bright mosaics, and soaring towers. His crowning achievement is, without question, the Sagrada Familia, a cathedral quite unlike any other.

Still in the throes of construction, the building is quite literally, a work of art, with a breath-taking interior. Understandably, capturing that magnificence on a coin is no easy feat, and while some have tried previously, none have really managed it. To be honest, the Mint of Poland haven’t either, but this isn’t a high-end numismatic, just a simple coloured one-ounce coin. The mix of the building, Gaudi’s signature glass mosaic, and some other works in the background, is pleasant enough, and captures the essence of the man.

This is actually the second issue in ‘The Colourful World of Gaudi’ series, following a release in May last year, and follows an identical style, down to the common obverse, and Gaudi signature. An affordable series tackling a fascinating subject.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIAMETER	FINISH	MINTAGE
1,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon)	31.1 g of 0.999 silver	50.0 mm	Proof, colour	999

MINT OF POLAND

Dutch Castles: Kuinderburcht Bridge Silver Ducat (2023 Royal Dutch Mint)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-11T21:01:34+01:00September 11th, 2023|

It was in 1586 the Ducat coin in the Netherlands had its debut, followed in 1659 with a silver version. The Royal Dutch Mint has produced many coins inspired by the original, including the ‘Twelve Provinces’ series, that ran from 2015 to 2019, and in 2020, following that with ‘Dutch Castles’. What we’re looking at here, is the twelfth and final issue in that series.

Called Kuinderburcht Bridge, it’s the only one of the twelve not to depict an actual castle or stronghold. The bridge did, however, exist as part of one, the foundations of which were exposed during land reclamation works in 1942. The first castle on the site was built in the late 12th century, while a second one was built in the late 14th century after the first one was abandoned.

This has been a neat series, each issue depicting a provincial stronghold, in front of which is the required (to be a Ducat) armoured knight. All twelve coins depict Godard de Ginkell, rocking a world-class mullet, but the shield in front of him carries the coat-of-arms of the province specific to the coin, in this example, Flevoland. The obverse is a common one we’ve seen for years, but a good-looking one regardless. Presented in a themed tin with a COA, it has a mintage of 2,000 units. We’ll do a companion profile to the series soon.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: Just over the border of the youngest province in the Netherlands, Flevoland, is a bridge. And it’s not just a bridge. There are sources from the 12th century that speak about a bridge, the stronghold in Kuinre. In the 15th and 16th century, the area around the stronghold is referred to as “canals, a bridge, several living quarters, a gate, outbuildings and various defenses”. During a big investigation in the 40’s of the 20th century, the foundations of a stronghold are found. This stronghold was the home of many different lords, known as the Lords of Kuinre. One of the first known residents of Kuinderburcht was Hendrik the Crane, a lord that executed raids in Friesland, resulting in various conflicts.

The Kuinderburcht Bridge was mostly known for the swampy ground in the area. That is why the lords manly lived from hunting and fishing. The hunting area got significantly smaller during the years, which caused the lords to shift their attention to levy toll on shipping on the Zuiderzee (the southern sea). The lords of Kuinre then proceed to control several trading routes that would go through the rivers Kuinder, de Vecht and de IJssel. Since 2020, many spots in the area of the bridge have special transparent panels with drawings on them. This makes it possible for people to see an object or happening that took place in the past and is no longer visible.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIAMETER	FINISH	MINTAGE
Undenominated	28.25 g of 0.873 silver	38.6 mm	Proof	2,000

ROYAL DUTCH MINT

The Courage To Be. UA. silver coin (2023 National Bank of Ukraine)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-11T18:01:55+01:00September 11th, 2023|

Despite everything currently going on in this vast European country, Ukraine is still producing numismatics. The theme has, quite understandably, veered towards the current conflict, with other issues this year featuring the Armed Forces, and events, such as the criminal destruction of the Mariupol Drama Theatre.

Called ‘The Courage To Be’, it celebrates the bravery shown by the people of Ukraine during this appalling invasion. The reverse depicts a shattered stone, torn apart by the gilded star of Ukraine. The rock is meant to symbolise the Russian military, previously thought unstoppable, but now revealed to be gutted by corruption and a lack of modernisation, which has been shattered by Ukrainian will.

The obverse has the Ukraine shield perched atop a blade of the national trident. The sharp blade is said to symbolise the cutting edge nature of Ukraine’s efforts to fully become a modern state in the European sense, with an open society, and a global outlook. Both faces are striking, and very symbolic. The coin is struck to a special uncirculated finish, has a mintage capped at 5,000 pieces, and is available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The aggressor country had planned to capture Ukraine in three days, but the Ukrainians thwarted these invasion plans. Incredibly, they were able to resist the enemy, and to show what courage means! Ukrainians stopped tanks with their bare hands, participated in rallies and demonstrations, and defended their self identity and independence. They rescue people and animals day and night, and work tirelessly every day, under fire, without power, for their future, for a new life, for the prosperity of their country, and for victory – the victory of light over darkness!

Soldiers and police officers, doctors and rescue workers, energy workers and utility workers, salespeople and drivers, volunteers, children and their mothers, old men and old women – all of us possess this unique feature – courage! The courage of Ukrainians inspires and unites ordinary people and politicians, countries and continents. People quote Ukrainians and are inspired by them. They applaud while standing and saying in unison: “Glory to Ukraine! – Glory to the Heroes!” Now, everyone knows that courage is about being Ukrainian. Courage is to be the Ukrainian people.

DENOMINATION	COMPOSITION	DIAMETER	FINISH	MINTAGE
10 Hryvnia (Ukraine)	31.1 g of 0.999 silver	38.6 mm	Sp/UNC	5,000

NATIONAL BANK OF UKRAINE

Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area silver coin (2023 National Bank of Slovakia)

Mik Woodgate2023-09-11T12:51:10+01:00September 11th, 2023|

The small national mints are often the source of some really outstanding coin designs, and this new coin from Slovakia is a fine example of a nature coin. Released to celebrate Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area, essentially a National Park, it features some of the flora and fauna indigenous to the region, and artist Roman Lugár, has done an exceptional job, in our view.

The reverse face is outstanding, and depicts a European tree frog clinging on to water reeds, while gazing hungrily at a dragonfly alighted close by. We particularly love the subtle use of perspective, creating a depth of field, and without the use of any trickery, like colour. It’s very clean, and natural. The obverse carries most of the inscriptions in a border, but the scene of a deer drinking water from Morské oko lake is another fine one, set amidst the mountains, and replete with neat touches, like the water ripples, and the reflections. The coin edge is inscribed with OCHRANA PRÍRODY A KRAJINY (Nature and countryside conservation), with a stylised flower at the start and end of the text.

The coin is struck by the Kremnica Mint, and is available in either a brilliant uncirculated finish (3,200 mintage), or a proof finish (6,900 coins). The proof seems to sell for about 10% more, at around €55.00. Available to order now.

MINTS DESCRIPTION: The Vihorlat Mountains are the easternmost of Slovakia’s volcanically formed mountains. The Vihorlat Protected Landscape Area (PLA) was created in 1973. Although not large in terms of their area and height above sea level, the Vihorlat Mountains are impressive. The dominant rock is andesite, and in many places there are rock cliffs formed by ancient lava flows. The Vihorlat Mountains are one of the most forested mountain ranges in Slovakia, with 80% of their area covered by forest ecosystems. These include areas of primeval forest that are largely untouched by human activity.

A highlight of the mountains is Morské oko lake, one of the largest non-karst lakes in the Carpathians. When viewed from Sninský kameň hill, it has the shape of an irregular five-pointed star. Straddling the border between the Pannonian and Carpathian bioregions, the Vihorlat PLA features around 400 species of fungi, 60 lichens, 110 bryophytes and 600 species of higher plants. The local fauna is also diverse, with around 100 species of birds nesting in the area and various carnivorous mammals inhabiting its dense forests.