September, 2024
Three new Poker Cards 2 oz cast silver bars (2024 Asturmint)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-10T15:56:13+01:00September 10th, 2024|
Three new Poker Cards 2 oz cast silver bars (2024 Asturmint)
Asturmint’s contribution to the range of two-ounce cast bars under Germania Mint’s new programme has been more extensive than most. They have a seven bar ‘Seven Deadly Sins’ set, an Independence Day range, and a beautiful Day of the Dead bar, but what we have here are the third, fourth and fifth releases in the Poker Cards series.
We think this is one of the best looking series of all the coloured cast bars in this programme, combining some terrific artwork, and an unusual, but strangely obvious theme. These three bring an end to the four kings in the pack, with the fifth of them being the Joker card. That likely means an end to the range, perhaps, which would be a shame.
They come neatly boxed with a Certificate of Authenticity, and only 500 of each design will be produced. If bars are your thing, check out our packed Bullion Profile to the whole programme. Available soon.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 62.2 g of 0.9999 silver | 40.13 x 25.07 mm | Antique, Colour | 500 |
12 Zodiac Signs Capricorn: The Goat 5 oz silver coin (2025 Mint of MK)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-07T15:42:12+01:00September 7th, 2024|
12 Zodiac Signs Capricorn: The Goat 5 oz silver coin (2025 Mint of MK)
The tenth of Mint of MK’s extravagant Twelve Constellations, or Twelve Zodiac Signs series is now available to order, and it’s Capricorn, the goat with the fishtail. The tail originates from the Ancient Greek story of Pan, who, while trying to avoid the monstrous Typhon, began to change into an animal shape. He jumped in the water mid-way through, so the part of him under the water took the shape of a fish, and that above, a goat. Inventive lot, the Ancient Greeks…
This has been a hugely impressive series to date. Each features a classic, high-relief design of the typical symbol, each enhanced with a very vibrant UV and enamel application. As the light dims, you will see the background glow with clouds of colour, mainly blues and greens. This intensifies and star constellations spring to life. It’s the perfect way to use UV for this kind of subject, invoking both the spiritual nature of the zodiac, and its supposed ties to the deep sky. Easily the best coin of its type we’ve seen so far.
Only 99 of each will be struck, and often, half of those are pre-sold, so these are quite the rarity, and very striking visually. Also, recently released were Leo, Libra, and Sagittarius, and all equally impressive. We’ve just produced one of our comprehensive Coin Series Profiles of the range, so you can check out some great images of the ten coins released to date. Just Aquarius and Pisces to come.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $12 NZD (Niue) | 155.5 g of 0.999 silver | 60.0 mm | Antique, UV enamel | 99 |
Australia at Night: Red-Eyed Tree Frog gold and silver coins (2024 Downies)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-05T18:28:43+01:00September 5th, 2024|
Australia at Night: Red-Eyed Tree Frog gold and silver coins (2024 Downies)
Australian dealer and producer, Downies, have issued the 11th design in their very impressive Australia at Night series. The series depicts iconic, and lesser known, native Australian animals, but in a nocturnal environment. It’s a neat twist on a subject that is extensively used on modern coins, and to be honest, Downies have done a terrific job to date with the artwork on them.
This issue features the Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Not to be confused with the ubiquitous South American animal, the Australian species is native to the east coast of the continent. They can reach a length of around 65 mm (females are the larger), and are bright green, with an equally intense yellow underbelly. They are insectivores, but despite their common status in a built-up region, they’re relatively little understood.
The coin design is very attractive, although we’re not surprised by that given the quality of earlier issues. Three of the frogs are depicted in wet foliage, with a moth, captivated by the light of the moon, flies in the background. Simple, but showing a fine grasp of perspective and depth. The silver coin has a black proof finish, except for the moon and the frogs, which remain silver. The gold coin has a standard proof finish, but here, the frogs and the moon are plated with platinum. In both cases, the contrast is effective.
The obverse on both is a bog-standard King Charles III effigy (by Jody Clark), but the presentation is first class, consisting of a gloss-black box, and a themed shipper. There’s a C.O.A. of course. Available to order now,
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 38.6 mm | Black proof | 1,000 |
| $100 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 gold | 38.6 mm | Proof, Platinum plating | 150 |
Barbados Trident gold and silver bullion coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-09-02T12:29:06+01:00September 2nd, 2024|
Barbados Trident gold and silver bullion coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
Scottsdale Mint has added the 2024 issue to its long-running Barbados Trident bullion coin, the eighth to date, and as expected, it’s fundamentally the same design. The trident is the symbol that adorns the national flag of Barbados, representing the three base tenets of democracy: government of the people, government for the people, and government by the people. Principles heavily eroded in today’s world, sadly.
The visual difference every year is the background field. Over the eight years, this has varied from water ripples to geometric patterns, on an alternating basis. For 2024, it’s a relatively subtle ripple. You can see the previous designs as part of our huge guide to Scottsdale Mint’s bullion series.
The same three formats from 2023 return again. Gold is represented by a one-ounce coin, and a tenth-ounce coin, the latter having replaced a fifth-ounce after 2021. The big numbers are made up with a one-ounce silver coin. In 2023, the mintage of this variant jumped from 30,000 units, to 50,000 units. For 2024, the jump is quite extreme, going to one million, cementing the coin’s status as Scottsdale’s core bullion range. Available to order now,
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 (Barbados) | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 38.6 mm | BU | 1,000,000 |
| $5 (Barbados) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 gold | 32.0mm | BU | 1,000 |
| $1 (Barbados) | 3.1 g of 0.9999 gold | 17.3 mm | BU | 10,000 |
August, 2024
Bigfoot 1 oz silver coin (2024 Rogue’s Island Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-26T11:34:59+01:00August 23rd, 2024|
Bigfoot 1 oz silver coin (2024 Rogue's Island Mint)
Rogue’s Island Mint are showing their fascination for the underbelly of our world’s fauna, with a coin depicting one of the most popular cryptids of them all – Bigfoot. This is similar in conccept to Melbourne Coins Fact or Fiction series, which has seen a pair of issues so far, with a Patchwork Platypus, and a Drop Bear Koala, but we believe this is a stand-alone release.
We all know Bigfoot, also called Sasquatch, but if you don’t, it’s basically a huge humanoid, covered in hair, said to inhabit the north-western forests of North America. It’s a myth of course, but continues to engender much interest, no doubt helped by its constant incorporation into TV and film, and by the occasional ‘discovery’ of footprints. Similar myths are not uncommon around the world, like the equally infamous Yeti, for example. If they were real, they’d either have been shot by a pickup-driving hunter, or have a social media channel by now, Mr. Bigbeast, perhaps…
I have to say, that the coin is a brilliant interpretation of the myth. The artwork sums it up perfectly, from the human-like face, the deep forest habitat, and the coloured night sky, lit by a bright moon. Just the name ‘BigFoot’ is inscribed here, and we love the way the F has become a footprint. Overall, it’s a very mature look at the myth, free of nonsensical imagery, and all the better for it. It comes very nicely presented (we love a gloss black box here!), and the mintage of 750 is a balanced number. Available to order now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $1 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 38.6 mm | Proof, Colour | 750 |
Journey Around the World: London 3 oz silver coin (2024 Czech Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-23T14:23:51+01:00August 23rd, 2024|
Journey Around the World: London 3 oz silver coin (2024 Czech Mint)
It’s always great to see the debut issue in a new series from the Czech Mint, who, like the Mint of Poland, have quite an outward looking policy when it comes to subjects. This time we have quite a rarity in that it’s a three-ounce silver range, bigger than the mints usual offerings. The series of six coins is called ‘Journey Around the World’, and each will showcase the landmarks in a major city.
First to launch is arguably one of the most important cities in history – London. The design by a favourite of ours, Asamat Baltaev, manages to create a coherent mélange of architectural landmarks from what at first glance appears a chaotic design. The London Eye, the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament), Tower Bridge, and the modern tower nicknamed ‘The Gherkin’, all have their own scales, orientations and perspectives, yet for me at least, it works splendidly. All the individual elements are recognisable, and the vibrantly coloured Union Flag in the background is the perfect backdrop. A terrific summation of London’s architecture on a 50 mm metal disc.
The obverse, common to the series, is divided into seven segments, with the central one occupied by the Public Seal of Niue, under whom the coin is issued. Surrounding it are small snapshots of iconic landmarks in the six cities in this series. For London, it’s the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben). Following it clockwise, is the Hong Kong Tower, Sydney Opera House, Christ the Redeemer (Rio de Janeiro), the Statue of Liberty (New York), and a castle in Prague. It all comes boxed with a COA, and only 300 will be struck. A fine release.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $5 NZD (Niue) | 93.3 g of 0.999 silver | 50.0 mm | Proof, Colour | 300 |
200 Years of the Swiss Shooting Sports Federation (SSV) proof gold coin (2024 Swiss Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-23T12:23:10+01:00August 23rd, 2024|
200 Years of the Swiss Shooting Sports Federation (SSV) proof gold coin (2024 Swiss Mint)
It’s been a while since we had a look at a Swiss Mint issue, although they aren’t the most prolific producer out there. Here, we have the solitary 50 Franc gold coin they issue annually, and for 2024, it’s to mark 200 years since the Swiss Shooting Sports Federation (SSV) was inaugurated. This is the second of a pair of designs issued to mark the anniversary, the first being a 2023 silver coin of 20 grams in weight.
The design, in typical Swiss Mint style, is clean, and stylised, featuring a view of a target through a rifled barrel. The inscriptions state the dates of the anniversary, and who it’s for. The mix of mirror proof, and frosted finishes is effective, and there are shades of 007 about it. The obverse is so much more attractive than the usual clinical one the mint uses, and is a modernised version of the original 1842 design used at the Chur tournament, where it was struck into silver coins that led to Shooting Thalers. These were struck to celebrate the tournaments held up until 1885, although some were also struck in 1934 and 1939.
The coin is struck in 11.29 grams of 0.900 gold, so around a third of an ounce of pure gold, and has a mintage of 5,000 units. Of these, all of which come boxed with a certificate, 200 units will have the certificate signed by the artist, Vito Noto. In typical Swiss Mint style, these seem to have already sold out! Available now, they can purchased in the Swiss Mint estore.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 50 CHF (Switzerland) | 11.29 g of 0.900 gold | 25.0 mm | Proof | 5,000 |
History of Polish Coin 16: Copper Grosz of King Stanislaw August silver coin (2024 National Bank of Poland)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-20T20:35:32+01:00August 20th, 2024|
History of Polish Coin 16: Copper Grosz of King Stanislaw August silver coin (2024 National Bank of Poland)
Poland’s national bank has a fine portfolio of coins taking inspiration from this Central European nation’s long and eventful past. At times a major European power, Poland also has a significant history in the world of numismatics. A fine example of this is one of our all-time favourite series, Treasures of Stanislaw August, and another is this one.
Called History of Polish Coin, that title will tell you all you need to know. Each of the issues in this range, of which this, after a three-year hiatus, is the sixteenth, features a design that takes elements of a historical coin, and expands and modernises them somewhat. Best of all, there’s a reproduction of the original coin on both faces, mostly cleanly struck, but occasionally gilded, or, in this case, copper plated. That’s particularly appropriate given the original coin this is bringing to life, is the Domestic Copper Grosz of King Stanislaw August, from 1786.
Struck in a standard ounce of sterling silver, and to a proof finish, this is a fine addition to a series that should have special appeal to the numismatist that like coin history over modern themes. A pretty coin by any standards, in my view. We do have a full Coin Series Profile to them all, which was refreshed to our more modern format a while back, and reproduces the superb backstory text that the bank provides. They’re well worth a read, so be prepared to spend an hour working through Polish numismatic history. Available now
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| 20 Zloty (Poland) | 28.28 g of 0.925 silver | 38.61 mm | Proof, Copper plating | 10,000 |
Star Trek: USS Enterprise NCC-1701D 1 oz silver coin (2024 Agoro by NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-20T11:37:14+01:00August 20th, 2024|
Star Trek: USS Enterprise NCC-1701D 1 oz silver coin (2024 Agoro by NZ Mint)
The third in the Agoro’s ‘Star Trek Vehicles’ range of one-ounce silver coins is out now, and after the original Starship Enterprise, and Deep Space 9, we’re seeing possibly the most popular vessel in all of Star Trek canon, the USS Enterprise D. This ship debuted in the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation back in 1987, and most recently having a terrific swansong in the final episode of Picard. I thought it was quite ungainly from some angles, but it’s grown to be an awesome bit of design by Andrew Probert, who originally penned it for Star Trek: The Motion Picture. A legend in sci-fi circles.
The coin is struck in an ounce of fine silver, and like the previous issues, depicts the subject over a coloured space scene, enhanced with some design iconography from the show. The ‘datachip’ design returns, although it’s important to note that it differs in outline for every release, tuned to suit the subject’s shape. Likewise, the obverse has a common theme, but differs in the placement of the imagery.
Good-looking presentation and a 2,000 mintage round out what is a neat addition to the Star Trek coin world. It’s good to see this mint move away from a standard round or rectangular coin, and experiment a little. Available now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 g of 0.9999 silver | 33.9 x 53.0 mm | Proof, Colour | 2,000 |
Biblical Series 55 & 56: Jericho & Christ Fainting silver coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-13T20:01:08+01:00August 13th, 2024|
Biblical Series 55 & 56: Jericho & Christ Fainting silver coins (2024 Scottsdale Mint)
The 60-coin, 10-year Biblical Series program of two-ounce silver coins, continues its inevitable march to completion with the debut of the first pair of 2024 issues. Scottsdale Mint is maybe on track to finish this hugely ambitious series before the year is up. This new pair represent the 55th and 56th releases to date, so there are just four issues to complete a series, we suspected when it started, would never see completion. We’re glad to be wrong.
The whole series is a close reproduction of the Gustave Dore Biblical woodcuts, and given the sheer number of them, finding sixty to do service on coins couldn’t have been too difficult. The latest pair depicts the famous fall of the walls of Jericho, and the story of Christ fainting under the cross. Boxed with a COA, they each have a mintage of 1,499 pieces. Check out our comprehensive Coin Series Profile for a look at all the releases to date, and more in-depth background information.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 NZD (Niue) | 62.2 g of 0.9999 silver | 39.0 mm | Antique | 1,499 |
Discovering Dinosaurs: Royal Horned Face 1 oz silver coin (2024 Royal Canadian Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-12T10:37:47+01:00August 12th, 2024|
Discovering Dinosaurs: Royal Horned Face 1 oz silver coin (2024 Royal Canadian Mint)
The Ceratopsids are some of the most recognisable of all the dinosaurs, typified by Triceratops, famously depicted in battle with T. Rex. While Triceratops is the most well known, the family is diverse, having a wide range of different frills and horns, and new species are continually being unearthed. One of those is Regaliceratops (Royal horned face), an almost complete skull found in the St. Mary River Formation in Alberta, Canada, in 2005.
Nicknamed ‘Hellboy’, the skull was lacking a lower jaw, but it was clear this was a large animal, estimated at around 5 metres in length, and massing 2 metric tons. It lived in the Late Cretaceous period, not long before the asteroid hit that many suggest ended the reign of the dinosaurs.
The coin is the third in the Royal Canadian Mint’s ‘Discovering Dinosaurs’ series, and continues the style of previous issues. The coin is almost completely plated with black rhodium, including the RCM’s standard obverse. The reverse side is simple enough. The background has a light rock texture, but pride of place goes to an unplated depiction of the skull, by famed Paleoartist, Julius Csotonyi. His work has always resonated here, and some of his books are quite superb.
Outside of that, it is, as we said, a simple enough coin, neatly packaged. The extreme contrast between the rhodium and the silver works extremely well. We like this one.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $20 CAD (Canada) | 31.39 g of 0.9999 silver | 38.0 mm | Matte proof, Rhodium plating | 8,000 |
Star Wars: A New Hope Erik Tan Poster 3 oz silver coin (2024 Agoro by NZ Mint)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-07T13:19:05+01:00August 7th, 2024|
Star Wars: A New Hope Erik Tan Poster 3 oz silver coin (2024 Agoro by NZ Mint)
As we reported just yesterday, the New Zealand Mint has rebranded their collectible coin division as Agoro, and the first new issue to take advantage of that is in what we’d argue has been their flagship series for a decade – Star Wars. We’ve often been a little critical of the mint’s poster/comic cover ranges for their repetition, releasing the same design in multiple formats, but we’re extremely pleased to see Agoro kick off with a new, and very well done take on a genre we thought done to death.
Instead of yet another reproduction of one of the many original posters, we get one of Disney artist, Erik Tan’s, brilliant extended portrait format designs. We’re kicking it all off with Episode IV, which confusingly was the first film released back in 1977, and the stylised artwork is quite sublime. Fortunately, Tan did similar artwork for the others in the nine-film sequence, so here’s hoping we get to see the others in the coming years.
The obverse carries a particularly neat reproduction of the opening text from the film, that iconic mini-backstory that appears to be rolling into the background. All told, a surprisingly fine addition to the Star Wars movie poster coin selection. It has a mintage of 800 pieces, which Agoro classify as ‘Legendary’. We won’t be using these classifications in our future coverage, as they make no sense, given absolute numbers have little meaning on differing formats. Available to order now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $5 NZD (Niue) | 93.3 g of 0.999 silver | 100.0 x 34.64 mm | Proof, colour | 800 |
Jukebox 1 oz silver coin (2024 Spectres)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-07T10:51:36+01:00August 7th, 2024|
Jukebox 1 oz silver coin (2024 Spectres)
While it was the post-WW2 period that saw an explosion in the popularity of the Jukebox, they can trace their heritage back to 1889, when Louis Glass and William Arnold invented the nickel-in-the-slot phonograph. Progress from there was measured, but in 1946, Wurlitzer launched the 1015, that went on to sell a phenomenal 56,000 units in its first 18 months. Playing from a selection of 24 x 78 rpm vinyl records, it redefined the idea, and bars and clubs around the world.
The latest issue from Spectres is the perfect homage to the industry, and to the Wurlitzer 1015. Struck in the shape of the iconic jukebox, it has high-relief in all the right places, and the kind of bright, rich colouration you’d expect on one of these gaudy devices. It’s hard to pick fault with it, to be honest, especially given they’ve managed to do it with just an ounce of silver. A fine effort.
The obverse has some neat touches, with faux loudspeaker grills, and panels, along with a little Spectres privy at bottom-left. A coin-shaped area with a polished finish holds all the issue details. As expected, there’s a neat themed box, and the mintage is set at 1,000 units. Available to order now.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 FJD (Fiji) | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 27.0 x 50.0 mm | Proof, colour | 1,000 |
Kings of Sting! Tarantula Hawk 1 oz silver coin (2025 Melbourne Coin Company)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-07T10:00:06+01:00August 7th, 2024|
Kings of Sting! Tarantula Hawk 1 oz silver coin (2025 Melbourne Coin Company)
Just a couple of days ago, Forbes published a small article on the Tarantula Hawk, that appeared in my feed for some reason. Coincidentally, the Melbourne Coin Company has just released the first in a fascinating new one-ounce silver coin series called ‘Kings of Sting’, looking at insects on the Schmidt sting pain index, and the subject is that same incredible insect.
It’s hard to believe that this giant wasp, they can grow to 6.5 cm in length, feeds on nectar. They are big, and have a stinger that injects a level of pain described by the inventor of the Schmidt sting pain index as “blinding, fierce[, and] shockingly electric”, and by a researcher as “…immediate, excruciating, unrelenting pain that simply shuts down one’s ability to do anything, except scream. Mental discipline simply does not work in these situations.” . Fortunately, the sting is fairly harmless otherwise, and they are not aggressive. They are found everywhere, except Antarctica, and equally fortunately, Europe. This video is of a nutter getting deliberately stung by one.
So why does a nectar feeder need this? Basically, their life cycle is the stuff of nightmares if you’re a tarantula. These huge spiders are considered apex predators in their environment, but a female Tarantula Hawk finds one, paralyses it with her stinger, drags it to a burrow, and then lays an egg on it. When the larva hatches, it eats the spider alive!
The coin is antique finished and depicts the kind of deep gorge valley environment found in places like Arizona and New Mexico, where they are widely known. A tarantula is seen in the distance, exaggerated in scale for effect. The Tarantula Hawk is coloured, and raised in relief. The series title, and subject name is inscribed in a banner below. It comes boxed with a COA, and only 300 will be struck. A fantastic idea for a coin series, there are two other Level 4 (the maximum) insects on the pain scale, and they are the Bullet Ant (described by Schmidt as “pure, intense, brilliant pain…like walking over flaming charcoal with a three-inch nail embedded in your heel.”), and a species of Warrior Wasp (“Torture. You are chained in the flow of an active volcano. Why did I start this list?”). Available to order now direct from MCC.
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| $2 NZD (Niue) | 31.1 g of 0.999 silver | 40.0 mm | Antique, colour | 300 |
Ice Cream Cone shaped silver bar (2024 Coins Today)
Mik Woodgate2024-08-06T23:20:58+01:00August 6th, 2024|
Ice Cream Cone shaped silver bar (2024 Coins Today)
The latest release from Coin’s Today is another of those weird ones. We have an ice-cream shaped silver piece with an identical design on both faces (it isn’t a denominated coin), and in three different colours. It really is as simple as that! Each cone weighs in at half an ounce, and is struck to a proof finish.
The packaging is a work of genius, with the three cones laid out in a box shaped like an ice-cream truck, complete with a window you can see the cones through. One side opens up for easy access to them. At present, the only way to get this is in one of the 500 sets, although they’re considering selling them individually at some point depending on popularity. Perhaps some different colours (mint choc chip!) would be the way to go. Available to order now, it’s another in a genre that seems to be gaining in popularity for some strange reason, and why not…
| DENOMINATION | COMPOSITION | DIMENSIONS | FINISH | MINTAGE |
| Undenominated | 15.55 g of 0.999 silver | 17.5 x 35.0 mm | Proof, colour | 500 sets |