Gold coins

Serbian gold coin on eBay

2011-08-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

1. Yugoslavia, King Aleksandar I, 20 dinara 1925, aUNC, gold coin, starting price USD 0,01, 4 bids, in this moment USD 114.49, four days left to the end
2. Montenegro, Prince Nikola I, 10 perpera 1910, NGC AU53, gold coin, starting price USD 0,99, 11 bids, in this moment USD 222,50, 4 days left to the end
3. Yugoslavia, Sinjska alka, 10.000 dinara 1985, UNC, gold coin, starting price USD 450,00, without bids, time left 8 days
4. Serbia, Dositej Obradovic, 5.000 dinara 2007, Proof gold coin, starting price USD 395,00, without bids, time left 11 days
5. Montenegro, Prince Nikola I, 20 perpera 1910, uncirculated, starting price USD 1.430,00, without bids, time left 11 days
6. Montenegro, 20 perpera 1989, uncirculated, starting price USD 465,00, without bids, time left 14 days
7. Yugoslavia, the commemorative proof gold and silver coin with a mirror like finish of flat surfaces and opaque relief details of the commemorative motives, issued under the decision on the issue of coins for the commemoration of the IX conference of the heads of state or government of non aligned countries held in Belgrade in 1989, uncirculated, starting price USD 650,00, without bids, time left 18 days
8. Yugoslavia, King Aleksandar I, 1 dukat 1933, uncirculated, starting price USD 556,00, without bids, time left 19 days
9. Yugoslavia, King Aleksandar I, 1 dukat 1931, uncirculated, starting price USD 350,00, without bids, time left 19 days
10. Yugoslavia, Mediterranean games, Split, 1979, uncirculated, the commemorative coins, 4 gold and 7 silver coins, starting price USD 6.000,00, without bids, time left 20 days
11. Yugoslavia, King Aleksandar I, 1 dukat 1931, uncirculated, starting price USD 699,00, without bids, time left 21 days
12. Yugoslavia, King Aleksandar I, 1 dukat 1932, about uncirculated, starting price USD 410,00, without bids, time left 27 days

Gold coins

2011-01-12T14:36:00.000-08:00

Today you can find on eBay:

1. Netherlands, 10 gold gulden coin, 1917, uncirculated, a very nice example of a 10g with Queen Wilhelmina on the obverse. Who can forget everybody’s favorite queen from the turn of the century, starting bid $399,99
2. Great Britain, gold sovereign coin, 1908, about uncirculated, starting bid $0,99, actual bid $351,36
3. Swiss, 20 Franc gold Helvetia coin, 1935, uncirculated, starting bid $260,99
4. France, 40 Franc gold coin, 1804, extra fine – about uncirculated, Napoleon Bonaparte, weight 12,83 g, issued during the last year of consulate, starting bid $0,99, actual bid $460,00
5. Sweden, 20 kronor gold coin, 1890, uncirculated, NGC graded MS64, king Oscar II, starting bid $0,99, actual bid $420,00
6. United States of America, Liberty 10 dollar gold coin, 1894, Philadelphia mint, uncirculated, starting bid $800,00
7. Sardinia (Italian state), 20 lire gold coin, 1832, extra fine, scarce, starting bid $9,99, actual bid $256,85
8. Austria, 1 gold ducat, 1915, uncirculated, Franz Joseph I, weight 3,5 g, starting bid $0,99, actual bid $155,50
9. Switzerland, 10 gold francs coin, 1912, mint B, extra fine – about uncirculated, weight 3,23 g, starting bid $160,00
10. Republic de Cuba, 10 gold pesos coin, 1916, uncirculated, NGC graded MS63, weight 16,718 g, starting bid $9,99, actual bid $616,56
11. Russia, 5 gold rubles coin, 1903, uncirculated, NGC graded MS66, weight 4,30 g, starting bid $9,99, actual bid $222,00
12. Austria, 8 gold florin, 1879, extra fine – almost uncirculated, Franz Joseph I, weight 6,45 g, starting bid $1,00, actual bid $246,50
13. Spain, 8 gold escudos (double eagle) colonial doubloon, 1793, extra fine, weight 27,07 g, starting bid $1.750,00

Imagine the stories this coins could tell if it could talk! Rare gold coins continue to be an excellent investment opportunity and are becoming harder and harder to locate!

Spain 200 EURO 2010 – Gaudi gold coin

2010-04-01T13:14:00.000-07:00

The obverse portrays the likeness of H.M. King Juan Carlos I, surrounded by the text JUAN CARLOS I REY DE ESPAÑA. On the lower part of the coin, between two dots, is inscribed the mint year, 2010. A border of raised dots surrounds both motifs and text.
The central motif on the reverse features the Sagrada Familia temple in Barcelona. To the left is a depiction of Gaudi inside an oval, underneath which, following the curve of the oval and in upper case letters, is the text ANTONI GAUDÍ. Below this appears the common mark adopted by the countries that will be issuing coins dedicated to this series.
To the right, the value in figures, 200 EUROS, is shown as two lines in large capital letters. Below this is the mintmark. A border of raised dots surrounds both motifs and texts.
Denomination 4 escudos
Face value EURO 200
Metal gold
Fineness 0.999
Diameter 30 mm
Weight 13.5 g
Mintage 3000
Source Royal Spanish Mint

Spanish 100 Euro gold coin 2009

2010-03-11T01:56:00.000-08:00

The 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa is the 19th edition of this competition and the first time that it will be held on the African continent.
The Royal Spanish Mint will launch a very special issue to mark the occasion of this sports event that will be held from June 11 to July 11, 2010.

The obverse of the .999 gold coin portrays the effigy of H.M. King Juan Carlos I.
The reverse shows the image of a football and an outline of the African continent.
Source: Royal Spanish Mint

Latvian Gold Coin Issued within the Program "History of Gold"

2010-02-15T12:50:00.000-08:00

Face value: 10 lats.

Measurements:

diameter 13.92 mm, weight 1.2442 g (1/25 oz. troy).Material: gold, fineness .999.9.Quality: proof.Struck in 1998 by Valcambi SA (Switzerland).Artists: Laimonis Senbergs, Gunars Cilitis (graphic design), Ligita Franckevica-Ulmane, Janis Strupulis (plaster model).

Obverse

A motif of the secret seal of Riga Town Council (1368) depicting the small coat of arms of Riga - the city's keys crowned with the Livonian Order's cross - is featured in the centre of the coin. The year 1998, numeral 10 and inscription LATU (lats) are placed beneath the motif.

Reverse

A motif of the Great Guild's coat of arms (1354) - a golden ship with the city's symbol, two intersected keys topped with a cross, at the top of the mast - is featured in the centre of the coin. The inscription RIGA-800 is placed beneath the motif.

Edge

Reeded.

As the 14th century dawned on Riga, battles commenced in the past century resulted in the Livonian Order gaining rule over the city. At the same time the Hanseatic League, an association of significant trading cities around the Baltic Sea, became the century's paramount economic force. Riga, already a member of the League, was decreed the central harbour for discharging transit goods, as well as the main intermediary for trade between Russia, Lithuania and Western Europe.
By mid-century, Riga's social and spiritual life was dominated by artisans' brotherhoods and traders' guilds. Its prosperous citizens immortalized their success and affluence by constructing the Great Guild Hall, a meeting place for Riga's exclusive guild of wealthy German traders. Influenced by cathedral architecture from Northern Germany, by the end of the century St. Peter's Church was fully renovated with an additional Gothic altar and chapels, and remained distinctly elegant with its 136 meter high steeple, Riga's dominant symbol to date.
The coin's reverse bears the Great Guild's coat of arms: a golden ship with two keys crossed at the top of the mast, representing overseas trading. The coin's obverse bears the secret seal of Riga Town Council depicting Riga's small coat of arms of 1368, where the city's keys crowned by the Livonian Order's cross have replaced the symbol of the bishop's power of the previous century.

Source: Latvijas Banka

Polish Olympic Team Vancouver 2010, 200 zl gold coin

2010-02-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

A gold coin devoted to Polish Olympic Team in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver in February 2010.
Obverse:In the central part, a stylized image of a cross-country skier. Below the skier, a stylized image of a snowflake.

Reverse:In the central part, a stylized image of a cross-country skier. Below the skier, a stylized image of a maple leaf.

Coin designer: Ewa Tyc-Karpińska

Face value 200zł
Date of issue 2010-01-20
Metal gold Au 900/1000
Stempel proof
Size 27.0 mm
Weight 15.50 g
Mintage 8 000 pcs

The Olympic Games constitute a great celebration not only for sportsmen. In the ancient times during the sport contests wars were stopped. Unfortunately, the event was mainly for rich people. First of all, preparation for the Games and five days of contests meant the necessity of stopping any work. Secondly, the most popular discipline was horse carts racing and horse maintenance was rather expensive. Moreover, the games could be watched only unmarried men and women. Married women who had been caught watching naked sportsmen were condemned to death. First documented ancient Olympic Games took place in 776 BC. Contemporary summer Olympic Games have been organised since 1896 (they were restarted in Athens), and the winter ones since 1924 (the first took place in Chamonix). At the beginning the sportsmen contested only in 9 sport disciplines: athletics, cycling, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, tennis, weight lifting, wrestling and swimming (rowing was cancelled due to bad weather). Currently according to International Olympic Committee the number of disciplines amounts to 28.

Source: Poland Mint

1 pound 2009 mini English gold coin

2010-02-08T10:29:00.001-08:00

Celebrate this very British anniversary with the 2009 50th Anniversary of the Mini £1 Gold Proof Coin. This affordable gold coin, struck for the Channel Island of Alderney, will make an interesting gift not just for coin collectors but also Mini lovers.
Struck in fine gold the coin features a design on its reverse specially created for the 50th anniversary - a side-view image of the classic Mini, created by David Cornell FRSA, FRBS. The obverse bears the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

The Revolutionary MiniBy the mid-1950s, with Britain starting to recover from the Second World War, fuel was in short supply and petrol rationing was reintroduced. While sales of big cars slumped, there was a boom in more economical vehicles. The British Motor Corporation charged Alec Issigonis with designing something that would actually look like a car, hold four adults, and be small and economical. His design was a revolutionary space-saving front-wheel-drive that for the first time mounted the engine transversely. Virtually all small front-wheel-drive cars that followed employed a similar configuration.
The Racing MiniThe Mini’s popularity soon spread to the world of motor sport when racing driver and carmaker, John Cooper, saw its potential for competition. He developed the Mini Cooper with a racing-tuned engine, twin SU carburettors, a closer-ratio gear-box and front disc brakes. Its superior handling led to 22 victories in important international rallies, including three wins at the famous Monte Carlo Rally. A good number of Mini Coopers are now owned by people of all ages who use them for racing, rallying and stunts, proving that the Mini today is as cool as it always was.
The Swinging SixtiesAlthough many celebrities like The Beatles, Steve McQueen, Twiggy and even Her Majesty The Queen were proud owners of a Mini, its reasonable price tag made it affordable to almost everyone. This was a decade when the number of car owners doubled from 5.6 million to 11.8 million and London saw its first traffic wardens; it was the era of Carnaby Street, mods and rockers, and mini skirts. The Swinging Sixties was the Mini’s heyday and it soon became the country’s most popular car.
A British ClassicThe British Motor Company’s most economical car got its name from an abbreviation of the Latin word for ‘smallest’ – minimus. Within a few years of its launch, the Mini was all the rage, featuring in both big and small screen film productions including The Italian Job, the 1969 movie starring Michael Caine which made international stars of the much-loved British cars, turning them into a motoring icon. The Mini has won many awards over the years including ‘Car of the Century’, ‘Number One Classic Car of All Time’ and ‘European Car of the Century’ in a worldwide Internet poll in 1999.

2009 Gold Sovereign Coin

2010-02-06T11:52:00.000-08:00

General Coin Information
With a coin that can trace its' history back to 1489, the release of the 2009 Perth Mint Gold Proof Sovereign Coin is slated to be the first of annual versions available with a unique Australian design. The Perth Mint has produced gold sovereigns in the past when it was part of the British Royal Mint, but the reverse design of this coin makes it completely Australian.
Henry VII of England was on the throne when the original sovereigns were first issued by the Royal Mint of Britain. With some gaps in production, the sovereign has been minted off and on since that year.
The first design consisted of an image of the king on the obverse with the royal coat of arms on the reverse. In 1817, the reverse was changed to depict Saint George killing a dragon.
As Australia was a territory of Great Britain, the branches of the Royal Mint located there were used to produce the sovereigns for the British government. The Perth Mint, opened in 1899, was one of these branch mints.
More than a century later, the Perth Mint continues the tradition with this new coin. It is slated to be released annually.
The Perth Mint sovereign is composed of 91.67% pure gold (22 carat) which is also known as crown gold. It is considered legal tender of Australia under the Currency Act of 1965 and will ship in circular presentation case.
A mintage limit of 2,500 units is in place on the sovereign. Original issue price was AUS $590, but could be changed dependant upon gold prices.

Obverse Design
A portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is minted on the obverse. Surrounding her are the inscriptions "Queen Elizabeth II", "Australia", "2009" and "25 Dollars".
Reverse Design
The reverse contains the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, which consists of the six badges of the States of the Commonwealth, all placed on a shield. The Crest of the Arms is shown above the shield with a seven-pointed star. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu. Inscribed are the words "Australia" and "Sovereign".
2009 Perth Mint Gold Proof Sovereign Coin Specifications
Mint: Perth Mint of Australia

Mintmark: P

Finish/Condition: Proof

Metal Content: .9167 Pure Gold

Minimum Gross Weight: 7.9881 grams

Diameter: 22.60 mm

Thickness: 1.75 mm

Edge: Reeded

Mintage Limits: 2,500

Issue Date: 15 May 2009

Issue Price: AUS $590

Face Value: AUS $25

Source: World Mint Coins

$300 Gold Coin - British Columbia Coat of Arms (2010)

2010-02-02T13:34:00.000-08:00

Coats of arms originated in the Middle Ages. They could only be granted by the king, a tradition that led to an intriguing story for the Coat of Arms of British Columbia (BC). While the province requested a coat of arms in 1897 and a Provincial Shield was granted in 1906, the official arms were not granted until 1987, some 90 years later.

Highlights: This series of 14-karat gold coins provides a unique portrait of Canada, made all the more collectible with a limited mintage of just 500 coins for this latest issue. With a fascinating history and unique status as the first provincial arms to include the Royal Crest, this coin is an absolute must for collectors.

Reverse: A faithful reproduction of BC’s Coat of Arms, the first arms to be granted the Royal Crest. It appears above the Shield with one distinguishing mark; the lion features a garland of dogwoods, BC’s floral emblem. Below the Crest is the golden helmet of sovereignty with other heraldic elements. The elk and bighorn sheep represent the former colonies (Vancouver Island and mainland respectively) while the wavy lines in the Shield reflect BC’s location between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains.

Mintage Limited to 500 coins worldwide
Composition 14-karat gold (58.33% gold, 41.67% silver)
Finish proof
Weight (g) 60.0
Diameter (mm) 50
Edgeserrated
Certificate serialized
Face value $300
Artist Royal Canadian Mint engravers (reverse), Susanna Blunt (obverse)

Source: Royal Canadian Mint

Hungary 2009 gold coin

2010-01-19T15:57:00.000-08:00

On 27 October 2009, the Magyar Nemzeti Bank issued a gold collector coin with a face value of HUF 50,000 and a silver collector coin with a face value of HUF 3,000, under the name ‘Kazinczy’. The collector coins were issued in the Year of the Hungarian Language, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ferenc Kazinczy.
The gold collector coin was designed by Enikő Szöllősy. In addition to the standard design elements (the denomination: 50000, the legend: Republic of Hungary, the mint mark: BP and the date of issue: 2009), the obverse of the coin features the building of the Kazinczy Memorial Hall at Széphalom, with the inscription ‘Széphalom’.
The reverse bears the portrait of Ferenc Kazinczy after an engraving by J. V. Kiminger, with Kazinczy’s signature, as well as the inscription reading ‘1759-1831’. The reverse also features the designer’s signature mark.
The collector coin is struck in .968 fine gold. It is 25 mm in diameter and weighs 10 grams, and has a smooth edge.
A total of 5,000 pieces were produced using a special proof technology.

Source: National Bank of Hungary

Croatia 1000 kuna 1995 gold coin

2010-01-16T07:11:00.001-08:00

THE 1700th ANNIVERSARY OF DIOCLETIAN'S PALACE AND THE FOUNDING OF THE CITY OF SPLIT (SPALATUM) - Gold Coin

Denomination: 1000 kuna

weight: 7 gr

diameter: 22mm

metal: gold 0,986

issued: 3000 peaces

The gold coin were designed by Kazimir Hraste, the sculptor.The coin was made by the Croatian Monetary Institute in association with Austrian Mint, Vienna.

Georgia 500 lari gold coin 1995

2010-01-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

A 500 lari gold commemorative coin was issued in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the World War II and the victory over fascism. It was produced by the French Mint.
The coin is for numismatic purposes and is not legal tender in Georgia.

Date of issue: 1995

Weight: 17 g

Diameter: 31 mm

Alloy: Gold 920° (22K).
Designed by Mr. Nodar Malazonia.

OBVERSE: The obverse of the gold coin features the symbol of the sun and life, and the year of issue "1995" in the upper part, the denomination value "500" in the center and the inscription "ლარი LARI" below. The perimeter of the coin is stamped with the inscription "საქართველოს რესპუბლიკა REPUBLIC OF GEORGIA" below.

REVERSE: The reverse of the gold coin features the bas-relief profiles of the anti-fascism coalition leaders - Stalin, Roosevelt, Churchill and De Gaulle with the date of the end of the World War II, 1945, below and their names "STALINE - ROOSEVELT - CHURCHILL - DE GAULLE" on the perimeter.
The rim of the coin features each gold coin's serial number, from 0001/2000 to 2000/2000.

Source: National Bank of Georgia

Bulgaria 100 levs 2007 gold coin

2010-01-04T14:44:00.000-08:00

Bulgarian Iconography • St. George the Victorious

The obverse of the gold coin features the logo of the Bulgarian National Bank, with the year ‘1879’ inscribed on the ribbon. In circumference go ‘БЪЛГАРСКА НАРОДНА БАНКА’ (BULGARIAN NATIONAL BANK), the nominal value ‘100 ЛЕВА’ (BGN 100), and the year of issue ‘2007’.

The reverse of the gold coin features Saint George the Victorious, an icon image from ‘St. Nickolas’ Church in the village of Zheravna. The wording „СВ. ГЕОРГИ ПОБЕДОНОСЕЦ” (ST. GEORGE THE VICTORIOUS) goes in circumference.

TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Year of issue 2007
Nominal value 100 levs
Type of metal Gold 999/1000
Quality proof
Weight 8.64 g
Diameter 24 mm
Edge flat
Mintage 1,500
Minted in Sofia, Bulgaria
Artistic design Plamen Chernev

Source: Bulgarian National Bank

Armenia gold coin Chess Olympiad

2009-12-25T14:39:00.000-08:00

The gold coin issued by the Central Bank of Armenia is dedicated to the victory of the Armenian male team in the 37th World Chess Olympiad. The 37th World Chess Olympiad in which 143 countries have participated was hosted by Torino, Italy from May 20 to June 4, 2006. Winning a glorious victory, the Armenian male team earned the World Cup for a two-year period.

The obverse of the gold coin depicts the symbol of the 37th World Chess Olympiad and the reverse depicts an inscription 'Gold Team of Armenia' and contains names of the chess-players: L. Aronyan, V. Hakobyan, K. Asryan, G. Sargsyan, S. Lputyan and A. Minasyan. Designed by E. Kurghinyan. Minted in Jablonex Group a.s., Division Czech Mint.

Nominal value: 10000 drams
Metal: gold 900
Weight: 8,6 gr
Diameter: 22 mm
Quality: proof
Edge: milled

Source: Central Bank of Armenia

Europe’s Largest Gold Coin

2009-12-18T14:34:00.001-08:00

The EUR 100.000 Vienna Philharmonic, the largest gold coin in Europe and second largest in the world today, produced by Austria’s Mint, Munze Osterreich AG, to mark the 15th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic gold bullion coin is now on display at the OeNB’s Money Museum. Only 15 such gold coins with a diameter of 37 cm and weighing 31 kg each have been struck.Source: National Bank of Austria

Argentina 5 gold pesos 2006

2009-12-15T14:35:00.000-08:00

Obverse: The center features the picture of a headscarf, symbol which identify the Mothers and Grandmothers of May Square. The image is encircled above by the inscription “DERECHOS HUMANOS” (“human rights”) and below, by the legend “MEMORIA, VERDAD Y JUSTICIA” (“memory, truth and justice”).
Reverse: The upper part bears “REPÚBLICA ARGENTINA” (“Argentine Republic”), below the face value “5” and the word “PESOS” and the exergue, the year of minting “2006”.
Face value: 5
Weight: 8,064 g
Diameter: 22mm
Quality: proof
Composition: 900 gold / 100 cooper
Presentation: 1,000 individual boxes and 500 dual boxes (gold/silver), with acrylic case and authenticity certificate
Mint: Monnaie de Paris
Number of pieces: 1.500
Human rights are inherent to people, regardless of sex, race, age, religion, political party or social, cultural or economic condition. In the Argentine Republic, the military junta that took control of government from 1976 to 1983 left thousands of detainee-missing people as a consequence of a policy of terrorism of State.
In addition, many children, who were snatched from hundreds of mothers and pregnant women, were born in captivity and deprived of their right to know their true identity. These developments were a flagrant violation of Human Rights.
In 1976, a small group of mothers and grandmothers decided to raise their voices to the world in search of their missing children and grandchildren, identifying themselves with white scarves over their heads. From then on, and even though many Agencies for the Defence of Human Rights have denounced these crimes against humanity, this kind of scarf became the supreme symbol of this struggle.
The issuance of this series of commemorative coins, quality “Circulated” in copper-nickel and quality “Proof” in gold and silver, pays homage to both the victims of this genocide and those who have showed their commitment, effort and hope in the search of MEMORY, TRUTH, and JUSTICE over the last thirty years.
Part of the circulated pieces -5,000- come in cardboard packs with a short history and the issue specifications. Coins in these packs have a special characteristic they have a milled edge.

Source: Central Bank of Argentina

South Africa 2010 Gold coins for World Cup

2009-12-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

South Africa has unveiled a set of new gold coins with the emblem of the 2010 World Cup. The coins are decorated with both the South African and German Coat-of-Arms a symbol of the hand-over from the 2006 German World Cup to South Africa. The coins can be bought at the Mint’s coin world shop in Midrand, for $599 each.
Deputy General Manager Natanya Van Niekerk of South Africa Mint said the quarter ounce (OZ) gold coins formed part of a special launch set for the FIFA World Cup coin series. The miniature image of Soccer City that was recently renamed and reconstructed to become one of the most artistic football venues on the African continent has been placed in the reverse of the gold coin.
The stadium will host the first and final match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. A one oz gold coin will be added on next year’s 2010 FIFA coin series as well as a series of pure silver medallions. Van Niekerk said in 2007 South Africa Mint added another coin to the series to celebrate the 2010 South African World Cup by adding a 1/10 oz coin. In 2008 three coins were introduced and in 2009, the World Cup mascot, Zakumi took centre stage on all three coins.
Source: Africa News

Russian Gold 10 Ruble 1911

2009-12-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Czar Nicholas II design (Minted 1897-1911)

Russian 10 Ruble gold coins are fascinating relics of Imperial Russia. Minted from 1897 to 1911, they are equivalent in size to British gold sovereigns of the same era, yet they are many times scarcer than sovereigns. Prior to the discovery of the Nordic Gold Hoard in the early 1990s, these coins were almost impossible to find in mint condition!
The Last Czar
Nicholas II (1868-1918), the last Czar of Russia, ruled from 1896 to 1917. Studious and well educated, Nicholas was widely considered to be the most intelligent of his contemporary European monarchs, but contradictions in his character led to inconsistency in his reign. Although gentle, approachable, and undemanding in private life, as a ruler he was arbitrary, unyielding, and almost completely unable to relate his subjects, setting the stage for the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917.
The Mad Monk!
Nicholas’ reign also saw the rise to power of Grigory Rasputin, the Mad Monk, one of the most scandalous figures in Russian history. A drunken, womanizing Siberian mystic, Rasputin arrived in St. Petersburg in 1911 and quickly became one of the most influential men in Russia, virtually ruling while Nicholas was away at war. Rasputin’s rise was due to his close relationship with the Empress Alexandra and his unique ability to staunch the bleeding of her hemophiliac son, Alexei. In late 1916 a group of aristocrats, believing that only Rasputin’s death could save Russia from revolution, had him poisoned, bludgeoned, shot, and stuffed under the heavy ice of a frozen river. Nonetheless, Russia was soon lost. Forced to abdicate March of 1917, Nicholas II and his family were shot to death in Yekatinburg on July 16, 1918.
Easily matched in sets with Nicolas II 5 ruble gold coins, these Russian 10 ruble gold coins are a wonderful tribute to the glory of pre-communist Russia, and deserve a place in every collection!

French 20 Franc Gold Angel

2009-11-26T10:51:00.000-08:00

In 1871, the French 20 Franc Gold Angel design was resurrected from the 1793 “Guardian Angel” design was originally created during the French Revolution by Augustine Dupré. On the obverse, a winged angel inscribes the inspired French Constitution, set on a pedestal above Dupré’s signature. To its left is a fasces, the ancient Roman symbol of authority later used on the U.S. Mercury dime. To its right a proud rooster symbolizes the fighting spirit of the Republic. The reverse displays a laurel wreath of peace and achievement.

The Legend of the “Lucky Angel”

Gold Angels were nearly always regarded as lucky. During the Reign of Terror in the mid-1790s, the coin’s designer, Augustus Dupré, claimed to have been saved from the guillotine by the lucky Angel gold coin in his pocket. Dupré is said to make a quick prayer as he knelt beneath the deadly blade. A bolt of lightning then struck nearby, igniting a panic and halting his execution. Within six months Dupré was released, after which he always remained thankful for protective the coin’s protection.
The Angel’s reputation for good luck stuck. Mid-19th century Captains seldom went to sea without one. French pilots in World War I rarely took flight without a gold Angel coin in their pocket. During World War II, the chief of Hitler’s Luftwaffe, Hermann Goering, presented them to ace German fighter pilots as rewards for every fifth Allied plane shot down.
These lovely coins are an excellent choice for coin collectors and gold bullion investors alike. Minted from 1871 to 1898, “Angels” remain a high value for the price.

Serbian 1882 gold coin

2009-11-21T08:13:00.000-08:00

In 1882, Serbia was proclaimed Kingdom, and King Milan its king. To mark that, and with a view to showing the new status of the state and its ruler on money as well, gold coins in 10- and 20-dinar denominations were issued the same year. At that time, in the absence of their own mint, the Obrenovićs used the services of the Royal Mint in Vienna. The 20-dinar gold coin, which in its production technique, appearance and value corresponded to the gold “Napoleon d’or” French coins, is popularly called “Milan’s coin” or “milandor” (Milan d’or). The recto features the King’s portrait with the inscription MILAN I KING OF SERBIA and the signature of A. Scharff, the engraver, whereas the verso bears the inscription of the value (20 dinars), year of issue (1882) and a wreath of laurel and oak leaves, with the Serbian royal crown on top. GOD SAVES SERBIA is inscribed on the rim of the coin.

Russia 200 Rubles Gold coin

2009-11-05T02:31:00.000-08:00

The gold coin of 200 Rubles denomination "Figure-Skating" (fine precious metal content 31.1 g, fineness 999/1000, catalogue number 5219-0015, diameter 33.0 mm, mintage 500 pcs.).
The rim is raised on both sides of the coin.
The obverse: the relief picture of the Emblem of the Bank of Russia - the two headed eagle with wings down, and the semicircular inscription under it – "БАНК РОССИИ" (BANK OF RUSSIA). The inscriptions along the rim divided by dots indicate the denomination of the coin "ДВЕСТИ РУБЛЕЙ" (TWO HUNDRED RUBLES) and the year of issue "2009", between them – the indication of the metal sign in accordance with the D.I. Mendeleyev Periodic System of Chemical Elements, the fineness, the trade mark of the St. Petersburg Mint and the fine precious metal content.
The reverse: stylized relief image of a female figure-skater.

The edge of the coin is corrugated.

Source National Bank of Russia

Romanian 500 Lei gold coin

2009-10-31T08:04:00.000-07:00

The 170th anniversary of the birth of King Carol I
Gold Coin
Face Value: 500 LEI;
Type of Metal: Gold 999/1000;
Weight: 31.1030 grams;
Dimension: Diameter 35 mm;
Edge: smooth;
Quality: proof;
Issue volume: 250 ;
The coat-of-arms of Romania; the year of issue - 2009 and the face value of the gold coin - 500 LEI; Peleş Castle in a laurel garland and the inscription "ROMANIA" engraved circularly.

At the centre, the portrait of King Carol I and the great coat-of-arms of the Kingdom of Romania; to the left and to the right, the years 1839 and 2009; on the outer ring, the circular inscriptions "NIHIL SINE DEO" above and "CAROL I REGE" down.

Source National Bank of Romania

Jamaica 250 $ gold coin

2009-10-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

The Bank of Jamaica has authorised the Pob Joy Mint to manufacture a limited number of superb Gold Proof $250 coins as a tribute to Jamaica’s outstanding performance at the 29th Olympiad of the modern era. The Olympic Games of 2008 were held in Beijing, China and millions of spectators around the world watched the very best of the world’s sportsmen and sportswomen win a deserved place in sporting history.
Jamaican athletes once again displayed excellence in track and field by winning 6 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals at the same time establishing three World and two Olympic records.
The reverse of this exquisite proof Commemorative Gold Coin, modelled by PobJoy Mint engraver, Barry Stanton, displays Jamaica’s seven gold medal winners, cum record breakers, Usain Bolt, Michael Frater, Asafa Powell, Nesta Carter (4 x 100m relay), Veronica Campbell-Brown (200m), Melaine Walker (400m hurdles) and Shelley-Ann Fraser (100m).
The obverse bears the Jamaica Coat of Arms.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Denomination: $250
Alloy: 0.916 AU ( 22 Carat Gold)
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Weight: 31.103 gms
Shape: Round
Edge: Milled
Minting Limit: 2,000

Source: Bank of Jamaica

1 Deutsche mark 2001 gold coin

2009-09-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Germany has recently released 1 million gold one mark coins to commemorate the retirement of the mark currency. This used 12 tonnes of gold. Apparently the whole issue sold out within an hour. We are currently trying to get more details, and will publish them here when we get further news.

Specifications

Diameter 23.5 mms.
Weight 11.85 grams
Alloy .999 Gold
Issue Limit 100,000