January, 2025
Wings of Freedom United Crypto States 1oz silver coin (2025 Mint XXI)
Mik Woodgate2025-01-08T21:46:18+00:00January 8th, 2025|
Wings of Freedom United Crypto States 1oz silver coin (2025 Mint XXI)
Mint XXI are pretty unique in offering a cohesive range of cryptocurrency-denominated silver coins, and the latest issue in their ‘United Crypto States’ (UCS) series is the 13th to date, and weighs in at one-ounce. Some in the wider range, specifically the ‘Binary’ trio, are double that, but this a more affordable proposition.
This producer has always been a strong advocate for Ukraine in their war with Russia, releasing some really outstanding designs, and with all profits donated to Ukraine’s military and humanitarian efforts, and the UCS range is no exception, this being the third such issue, although only the second unique design. A fine design it is, the coin is ruthenium plated for that dark look, and there’s a healthy amount of gilded highlighting on the reverse face.
The design is clever, putting a spin on the Ukrainian trident symbol from their coat-of-arms, using a diving eagle holding a snake in each foot to replicate it. Ironically, the trident symbol was possibly inspired by a white gyrfalcon, so it seems particularly apt. Whatever the origin, it looks great, framed nicely by an ornate, gilded border.
The obverse is a common one to the series, with the unique feature being a hologram on the back, underneath which is a crypto token (private key). They’ve done one with Dogecoin, and one with Ethereum, but the rest have all utilised Bitcoin, and that’s the case here. The coin comes boxed with a COA, and is available to order now, with shipping next month.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 1,000 Satoshi (Crypto) | 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver | 40.0 mm | Proof, Ruthenium, Gilding | 2,000 |
December, 2024
Golden Highlights: Elephant & Dice 0.5 gram minigold shaped coin (2024 CIT)
Mik Woodgate2024-12-16T18:05:48+00:00December 16th, 2024|
Golden Highlights: Elephant & Dice 0.5 gram minigold shaped coin (2024 CIT)
CIT added another pair of shaped minigold coins to their Golden Highlights series as part of their Autumn Launch, which brings the range up to just shy of 50 issues to date, a landmark we expect them to hit by mid-2025. This little half-gram gold coins have been perpetually popular over the years, with many mints dabbling in the market, but CIT have kept them a staple part of their release schedules for many years now, often adding one to sit alongside their flagship coins.
Golden Highlights, however, is a standalone range, and every coin is shaped to fit the subject. The subject range is very wide, from sports and games, to nature and transport. The latest release is an elephant, and a pair of dice, there really isn’t much more to say than that, and you get exactly what you see, free of gimmickry.
The coins are issued for Palau, even though they’re unusual in having a denomination, but not an issue date, allowing them to be sold for longer. The mintage of 15,000 units means availability will be good. A clever range, trying to appeal to the widest range of collectors, perhaps as a gift to get a kid interested in the hobby. They come in a capsule with a COA, and there is an optional box available, although not all dealers offer them.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 (Palau) | 0.5 grams of 0.9999 gold | 13.92 mm | Silk | 15,000 |
| $1 (Palau) | 0.5 grams of 0.9999 gold | 13.92 mm | Silk | 15,000 |
Samoa Seahorse 1oz silver bullion coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-12-16T11:53:02+00:00December 16th, 2024|
Samoa Seahorse 1oz silver bullion coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
One of the most attractive of Scottsdale Mint’s many bullion series, the Samoan Seahorse is, as you no doubt guessed, a seahorse-themed annual release, issued for Samoa. It’s only available as a one-ounce 0.999 silver coin, but since 2019 (the series debuted in 2018), there’s been a choice of two finishes – the standard bullion (Scottsdale call it proof-like), and antiqued. The former has a mintage of 10,000 pieces, with the latter topping out at 1,000.
It’s another fine looking design with a style different to earlier issues, something that’s always made this series so cool. There are two individuals in an almost Yin-Yang homage. As always, for me at least, it’s the antique version that excels, and this one looks great, if still behind our series favourite Hokusai-inspired 2020 design. You can check out the others in our giant guide to Scottsdale Mint bullion series, containing 100’s of images over two pages.
As well as the usual coins, Scottsdale Mint also makes available ‘Alpha Strike’ versions, which are the first struck. They’re supplied in serialised ‘Certi-Lock’ packaging, and only 249 proof-like, and 49 antique versions were offered this way. They sold out quickly at the mint, so the aftermarket is your only hope now. A terrific addition to a fine series.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 (Samoa) | 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver | 39.0 mm | Proof-like | 10,000 |
| $2 (Samoa) | 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver | 39.0 mm | Antique | 1,000 |
Human Body 01: Head Muscles 1oz silver coin (2025 Czech Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-12-15T18:08:53+00:00December 15th, 2024|
Human Body 01: Head Muscles 1oz silver coin (2025 Czech Mint)
We like a good Czech Mint series for a number of reasons. There are a pre-set number of coins in each one, usually issued over three years, they’re relatively affordable, well-designed, and there’s often a collector’s binder/tin to keep it all in. We’ve covered several of them in our Coin Series Profiles, such as Prehistoric World, Armoured Vehicles, and Mythical Creatures, amongst others, and their latest, ‘Human Body’, will no doubt join them in time.
This sticks to the proven formula – an ounce of silver, coloured highlights, proof finish, and a 12-coin series issued over three years. It will take us on a journey around the bodies various systems, like the nervous system, and the respiratory system, starting off with the muscular. In an unusual choice of location, they’ve chosen the head to depict it, but it makes perfect sense when you realise the 43 muscles (although some can be missing in many people) express 21 emotions, something you could argue is the basis for human culture.
The depiction by Jan Štekel is a fine one, with the head being cleanly struck, and the internal muscle structure being coloured. The text inscription is Latin for ‘head muscles’. The obverse, which will adorn all twelve coins, features the Public Seal of Niue, the issuer, surrounded by a DNA double-helix, which is also partly coloured.
The coin comes neatly boxed with a coloured sleeve, but as has been the practice in the past, there’s also a collector’s binder that holds all twelve coins. It’s full of information (in Czech and English) and makes a super way to keep it all together. This will set you back 40 Euro, which is quite a chunk of change, but as the set will set you back over €1,000, it’s not a huge hit in the bigger scheme of things. Available now for €92, with a mintage of 1,000 pieces, it’s a terrific idea for a new series.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver | 37.0 mm | Proof, Colour | 1,000 |
November, 2024
Mysteries of the World: Maya Mask 2oz silver coin (2024 World Coin Appreciation)
Mik Woodgate2024-11-27T17:29:38+00:00November 27th, 2024|
Mysteries of the World: Maya Mask 2oz silver coin (2024 World Coin Appreciation)
An interesting series of coins, and a very specifically themed one, World Coin Appreciation’s’ Mysteries of the World series is an archaeology series, but just featuring those civilisations that sit on the North Latitude at 30 degrees. The latest coin in this series is the third to date, following 2021’s Chinese Shu culture, and 2022s Ancient Egypt.
This third issue jumps across the Atlantic to Mesoamerica, specifically the Mayans, with this dimensional coin shaped like a ceremonial mask. Like the first two coins, this is antique finished with selected gold colouring. It’s a superb realisation of one of the most vibrant, and bloody civilisations in history, expertly utilising high-relief to bring the mask to life. The obverse has a similar map to previous issues, indicating that there is one more release to come, featuring a culture from the Indian subcontinent.
Only 199 of these two-ounce coins will be produced, and they come boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity. A terrific representation of a fascinating culture, this has turned into a first class coin series. Available to order now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 NZD (Niue) | 62.2 grams of 0.999 silver | 50.0 x49.0 mm | Antique, Colour | 199 |
Armoured Vehicles: IS-2 gold & silver coins (2024 Czech Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-11-07T21:28:32+00:00November 7th, 2024|
Armoured Vehicles: IS-2 gold & silver coins (2024 Czech Mint)
The Czech Mint’s three-year, twelve-coin, showcasing the of the great tanks of the Second World War, has, sadly, come to an end with the release of the final design, the Soviet IS-2 heavy. The coins have been released four per year, one each from the Soviet Union, Britain, the US, and Germany, and in 1oz silver, and 1/10oz gold variants.
This one, follows the same design ethos as the earlier one, with a simple depiction of the tank, a silhouette at the top, and a border of track links around the bottom. It’s all very neat, if hardly pushing boundaries. It is a tank, however, so who cares? I love it anyway!
We’ve added this one to our now complete Coin Series Profile of this range, and also updated it with better images of the PzKpfw IV and Crusader tanks in both gold and silver. The mints own coin descriptions are there, as well as lots of images of the custom, themed packaging. This one is available to order now, and there appear to be a few of the earlier designs still available.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 grams of 0.999 silver | 37.0 mm | Proof | 1,000 |
| $5 NZD (Niue) | 3.11 grams of 0.9999 gold | 16.0 mm | Proof | 250 |
Van Gogh Self Portrait with bandage 1889 Tri-metallic silver coins (2024 Precious Metal Collectors)
Mik Woodgate2024-11-07T14:21:13+00:00November 7th, 2024|
Van Gogh Self Portrait with bandage 1889 Tri-metallic silver coins (2024 Precious Metal Collectors)
Precious Metal Collector’s continues to add classic art pieces to their range of coins using their innovative Tri-Metal production process. Basically, this utilises a 750 gram zinc core, over which is laid 120 grams of copper, which is topped by 2.5oz of fine silver. What we end up with is a thick, and wide coin at a relatively affordable price, compared to a kilo of silver alone. It also allows copious high-relief, although this range is considerably more subtle than that, for obvious reasons.
The latest is part of the Vincent van Gogh Collection, and depicts the great artist in another of his self-portraits, this time with a bandage over his ear. Kind of like a 19th century Donald Trump… It uses his iconic style of brushstroke, so would be instantly recognisable as his work. The obverse is pretty cool, featuring three portraits of the artist at different stages of his life.
Just 399 of these will be produced, and they’re usually beautifully packaged, making fine gifts for the art enthusiast. We’ve added this one to our full Coin Series Profile of this outstanding range, so please check that out.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 10,000 Francs CFA (Chad) | 2.5oz 999 Ag, 750g 999 Zn, 120g 999 Cu | 165.0 x 125.0 mm | Antique, Colour | 399 |
October, 2024
Kama Sutra I 1 oz silver coin (2025 Mint XXI)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-23T16:29:35+01:00October 23rd, 2024|
Kama Sutra I 1 oz silver coin (2025 Mint XXI)
The seminal Indian work on sex, The Kama Sutra (Principles of Love’, is an ancient text, tracing its roots back well over 2,000 years, and sets out the ways to garner maximum pleasure from life, including the art of procreation, for which it’s most famous. The work, spread over seven volumes, is actually much wider than that in its coverage of the human condition, but let’s be honest, we all know what it’s noted for, and here is where Mint XXI found inspiration for its 3 oz series of silver coins between 2019-2022.
The original series ended at four issues, but for 2025, the mint is reissuing the designs in modified form, using one ounce of silver instead of three. The background is simplified, but no less attractive, with a greater use of gilding, and a reorientating of the title. The main image looks unchanged. The obverse is little changed. A much more affordable way to get this range, and one that keeps the essence of the originals with little compromise.
We have a full Coin Series Profile of this outstanding range, which we’ve refreshed to include these latest additions, so please check that out if you want to know more. Available to order now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 1,000 Francs CFA (Cameroon) | 31.1 grams 0.999 Silver | 40.0 mm | Antique, Colour, Gilding | 1,000 |
The Storm 1880, Van Gogh Self Portrait 1887, Tri-metallic silver coins (2024 Precious Metal Collectors)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-17T15:44:15+01:00October 17th, 2024|
The Storm 1880, Van Gogh Self Portrait 1887, Tri-metallic silver coins (2024 Precious Metal Collectors)
Precious Metal Collector’s return to their core range of classic art pieces using their innovative Tri-Metal production process. This entails a 750 gram zinc core, over which is laid 120 grams of copper, all of which is topped by 2.5oz of fine silver. The end result is a relatively affordable coin, considering what an issue of these dimensions would cost in silver alone. It really is a beast, and a thick one at that, replete with high-relief.
The two classics brought to numismatic life here are Vincent van Gogh’s ‘Self Portrait’ from 1887, and the gorgeous ‘The Storm’ by Pierre Auguste Cot. The latter artist is particularly under-served in our little world, and has quite an exceptional body of work, especially considering he died at just 46 years old.
If you’re an art fan, this range is the perfect way to get something easy to display, and true to the original. We actually have a full Coin Series Profile of this outstanding range, to which we’ve added this pair, so please check that out if you want to know more. We’re having an update’s day here.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 10,000 Francs CFA (Chad) | 2.5 oz 999 Ag, 750g 999 Zn, 120g 999 Cu | 165.0 x 125.0 mm | Colour | 399 |
| 10,000 Francs CFA (Chad) | 2.5 oz 999 Ag, 750g 999 Zn, 120g 999 Cu | 165.0 x 125.0 mm | Colour | 399 |
Americana: Uncle Sam 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint/GovMint)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-08T16:35:14+01:00October 8th, 2024|
Americana: Uncle Sam 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint/GovMint)
The Germania Mints two-ounce coloured cast silver bar program has turned into quite a hit, encompassing quite a few third party producers, like Asturmint, for example. One of those is a joint venture between Germania Mint and US dealer GovMint, called ‘Americana’. This is an increasingly popular theme in a US election year, which for some inexplicable reason seems to go on for ages, so we have no problem saying this second bar will find plenty of admirers.
Uncle Sam is an American icon, and he’s depicted here in a grunge style, something I personally love, and something that works especially well in this context. Other than the artwork, this is a straight-up cast bar in the Germania Mint style, with an antique-finish, and an inscribed composition on the back. It comes neatly boxed and with a 999 mintage. We’ve added it to our full profile of the program, where you can see lots of these bars.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 62.2 g of 0.999 silver | 40.13 x 25.07 x 7.5 mm | Coloured | 999 |
Christmas Silver 1oz coloured minted silver bars (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-04T00:04:45+01:00October 4th, 2024|
Christmas Silver 1oz coloured minted silver bars (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
A heads-up that we’ve just added Scottsdale Mint’s new 2024 Christmas bars to our full Bullion Profile of their expansive coloured silver minted bars range. These will sit alongside the recent Halloween range, and the USA Patriotic bars, bringing the total selection up to 51 designs.
This latest batch is an eclectic mix of Christmas themed designs, and there are 19 of them in total. They all have an unlimited mintage, and weigh one troy ounce, so they’re all relatively affordable. We’ve added them to the profile, so head on over there to see them all, as well as the other offerings in this program.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 50.0 x 29.0 mm | B/Unc, Colour | Unlimited |
Australian Emu gold & silver bullion coins (2024 Perth Mint/Metal-Market EU)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-01T14:54:16+01:00October 1st, 2024|
Australian Emu gold & silver bullion coins (2024 Perth Mint/Metal-Market EU)
The Australian Emu is one of the Perth Mint’s numerous animal-themed bullion coin ranges, although this one is exclusively distributed by European dealer, Metal Market EU. It first launched in 2018, and 2024 sees the seventh annual design, launching with the same options of gold and silver one-ounce formats, and with the same mintages of 30,000 and 5,000 respectively.
The 2024 design, by Ing Ing Jong, moves away from the emu family-orientated themes of recent years for a closer look at a single adult bird. Here, it’s depicted on a beach, with the waves crashing ashore in the background, and there’s a P125 privy mark to celebrate the mints 125th anniversary. It’s quite a pleasant design, in our view.
There’s also usually a special, in the early days a proof silver coin, but the last few years, a coloured silver. These run a year behind, so the 2024 issue has a coloured version of the 2023 design by Sean Rogers, and it will come boxed with a COA, and with a 2,500 mintage. All are available to order now. I’ve added these to our summary guide to the Perth Mint’s bullion ranges, and to the Bullion Profile of the Australian Emu range, which has also been updated with a revised appearance.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 AUD (Australia) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 40.9 mm | B/Unc | 30,000 |
| $100 AUD (Australia) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 gold | 32.6 mm | B/Unc | 5,000 |
| $1 AUD (Australia) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 40.9 mm | Coloured | 2,500 |
Gods: Widar 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-10-01T13:13:11+01:00October 1st, 2024|
Gods: Widar 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint)
A quick heads-up that the fourth in Germania Mints popular ‘Gods’ range of two-ounce cast silver bars is now making an appearance. This time we have Widar, also known as the ‘Silent God’. This series, like it Goddesses predecessor, lives or dies on the quality of the imagery on the face of the bar, and yet again, there are no concerns on that front.
Widar is depicted in an almost Conanesque pose, covering the face of the bar. A fine-looking piece for a god famed for his strength, and a penchant for vengeance. Widar was the god that killed the wolf, Fenrir, during Ragnarök, and was one of only a few to survive the apocalyptic event. As before, this has a 999 mintage, and comes in the card box with a Certificate of Authenticity. A fine addition, we’ve also added it to our big bullion profile of the mints program, so go check that out for a fuller look.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 62.2 g of 0.999 silver | 40.13 x 25.07 x 7.5 mm | Antique, Colour | 999 |
September, 2024
Goddesses: 05 Gefion 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-13T23:01:24+01:00September 13th, 2024|
Goddesses: 05 Gefion 2oz cast silver bar (2024 Germania Mint)
Launched early this year, Germania Mint had a surprise hit on its hands with a new range of two-ounce cast silver bars. They were consistently sized and shaped, with the big differentiator being some sublime colour artwork on one side. In try Germania Mint style, they were themed around the numismatic world they’ve created based on the old Roman-era provinces of Germania.
Their first series was Goddesses, featuring six of the old Germanic/Norse female deities, and the artwork on these has always hit the mark. The fifth of the six coins has just been revealed, at it’s Gefion, the Norse goddess of ploughing. She is depicted in that ethereal style that’s characterised this series, highlighted this time with orange colouring. Beautiful.
The back of the antique-finished bar has that Germania Mint glyph inscribed in it, along with the bars’ composition. They come in a neat little card box, with a certificate, and a mintage of 999. They should be available to order any time now. Check out our extensive guide to the whole Germania Mint cast bar programme, that’s been utilised by a number of other producers, like Asturmint, for example.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 62.2 g of 0.999 silver | 40.13 x 25.07 x 7.5 mm | Antique, Colour | 999 |
Investment Kangaroo 1oz silver bullion coin (2024 Royal Australian Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-13T16:12:28+01:00September 13th, 2024|
Investment Kangaroo 1oz silver bullion coin (2024 Royal Australian Mint)
Having developed quite a wide and impressive range of bullion coins over the last few years, so wide that we felt a Bullion Round-up was a good idea, the Royal Australian Mint is finally starting its own Kangaroo themed silver bullion coin series. At present, it’s just the solitary one-ounce silver format, but that’s the most popular anyway.
The design by Serbian native, Aleksandra Stokic, is a good one, and makes a nice change from the competition’s perpetually unchanging version of the same coin. The animals are done in a simplified natural style, while the background is more stylised. It’s an aesthetically pleasing coin, in our view. The obverse is the usual Dan Thorne effigy of King Charles III, without any further customisation.
A nice debut, the coin has a mintage of 50,000 pieces, and is available to order now from the usual Royal Australian Mint stockists.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 AUD (Australia) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 40.00 mm | B/Unc | 50,000 |