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The Coin Analyst: 2011 World Coins of the Year
By Louis Golino on January 11, 2012 11:59 AM
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This article discusses world coins from 2011 that I believe are the best of the year either because they are significant and interesting issues, or because I think they will appreciate in value over time.
It includes numismatic releases and collectible bullion coins with limited mintages. All were issued last year, but some are dated 2012. Australia and some other countries put the following year on coins issued during the last quarter.
Almost all are silver coins, and the lunar dragon releases dominate this survey because they largely dominated the modern world coin scene in the past year.
The selection of coins is also based on in part on the past price performance of similar coins, or coins in the same series. Past performance with coins, as with stocks or anything else, is no guarantee of future performance.
These kind of coins are purchased primarily because the buyer likes the design, or the coin has some other personal significance or resonance for them.
But many also have solid worldwide demand and very low mintages and therefore may increase in value separate from their metal content.
1.) Year of the Dragon releases: Perth Mint coins
The number and variety of dragon-themed 2012 coins is remarkable. It is the “largest annual coin program on the planet” as explained in an excellent recent survey that appeared in Numismaster .
The coins were issued by many countries, particularly in Asia and a number of Commonwealth countries, to mark the 12th and most popular sign of the Chinese Lunar calendar, the dragon. The Chinese Lunar season begins in February.
These various dragon coins have been so popular worldwide that bullion producers have even released a number of dragon-themed silver and gold bars and rounds to cash in on “dragon-mania”.
The coins issued by the Perth Mint in Western Australia have attracted the most interest of all the 2012 dragon coins because of a combination of attractive designs, low mintages, and Perth’s reputation for excellence.
The limited edition sets of proof silver dragons, the dragon lunar type set, and the rectangular colored dragon set elicited the most interest. These sets sold out in hours between September and December 2011.
Prices have moderated after peaking following the sell-outs, as almost always happens with limited issue modern coins – American and foreign.
But they still sell for substantial premiums over issue price, and as those sets change hands from speculators to collectors, prices should eventually go even higher given the limited supply.
American collectors tend to focus so intensely on U.S. coins that I think we can lose sight of what appeals to people in other countries.
Foreign collectors, as John Winkelmann of Talisman Coins explained in my interview with him last year, are much more interested in world coins than Americans are, although the number of world collectors in the U.S. is growing.
Jeff Garrett recently wrote a commentary for NGC in which he predicted that world coins will become more popular and more valuable this year.
The U.S. market for Perth Mint coins is strong. Just be careful to shop around and study e-Bay closing prices over time to get a sense of the real value of an item before purchasing it for an inflated retail price.
For example, a couple months ago I was able to purchase a gilded Perth dragon issued in 2000 and graded MS-69 by NGC (with a very low population) for less than $200 even though the same coin retails for $500 at several major dealers.
The 2012 one ounce silver bullion dragon, limited to 300,000, currently sells for about $90-100. If one looks at the performance of earlier Perth dragon releases from 2000, I think the 2012 bullion coin is worth purchasing.
In addition, the one ounce gold bullion dragon, limited to 30,000 pieces, which sells for about a $300 premium over the gold price also has good long-term potential. There are smaller gold dragons in the same design as well as two ounce and larger coins.
The 2 ounce silver proof Dragon, which was only released as part of a 1,000-edition set, is my favorite coin from the vast Perth 2012 dragon line-up. It is a truly scarce coin with sold demand. It is a larger diameter than most two ounce coins.
Once in a while an NGC-slabbed example is offered on e-Bay, but this does not happen often, and I know of only one U.S. dealer who has carried this coin; John Maben’s Modern Coin Mart.
2.) Other dragon releases
In addition, there are some beautiful and very low mintage dragon issues from other countries. Rather than list them all, I will highlight a couple that readers may not be aware of and which I find to be interesting coins.
France released an attractive lunar coin that has an intricate depiction of a dragon on the obverse, and an image of famous French fable writer Jean de La Fontaine on the reverse, and a mintage of 10,000. The coin is available in the U.S. from Royal Scandinavian Mint .
The Mint of Finland produced what is one of the more unusual dragon releases for the country of Fiji.
Many smaller countries have European mints produce their coins for them. Poland made a color pad dragon for the Asian-Pacific island nation of Niue.
The Fiji release is the Yin and Yang dragon, which uses color pad printing, and consists of two pieces that fit together and which are reversible. It is a very popular coin, but only 4,000 are available, which has already driven prices from about $135 to a current retail value of $200.
Finland also made a filigree dragon for Fiji. It is a very elegant coin also limited to 4,000 pieces.
3.) Canadian Wildlife Series
This is a new bullion series modeled on the highly successful half ounce wolf coin released in 2006 and featuring animals that live in Canada. Each coin is limited to 1,000,000 pieces, and with worldwide demand most dealers regularly sell out of their relatively limited supply of these coins.
The coins released so far include the grizzly, wolf, and cougar. The first two already carry a premium and sell for about $50 each. The cougar, the most recent issue, is still available for about the same price as an American silver eagle (2011 mintage of almost 40 million), making it an excellent way to purchase silver.
4.) Kookaburras
The Kookaburra is the national animal of Australia. Each year since 1990 the Perth Mint has issued one, two, and ten ounce and one kilo bullion coins depicting kookaburras.
The one ounce coins are limited to 500,000 and carry a premium over silver content. Retail prices for the coins vary a lot depending on the dealer.
From what I have seen the ten ounce coins seem to carry the highest retail premiums for past releases. Even the 2012 ten ounce coin is hard to find and usually sells for a relatively high premium over melt value compared to other large bullion coins.
6.) Italian commemoratives
The Italian Mint issues very attractive 10 euro proof silver coins that are issued in limited numbers. They are among the harder to find world issues. Their level of artistic achievement is extraordinary.
The two from 2011 I would highlight are a coin honoring Amerigo Vespucci, the Italian explorer for whom the American continent is named, and a coin marking the 500th anniversary of the birth of famous Italian painter and architect, Giorgio Vasari, who also founded the field of art history.
The Vasari coin is probably the most attractive world coin issued in 2011, in my view. It is also available from Royal Scandinavian Mint. This coin is part of a series honoring Italian artists.
7.) Silver Britannia
Finally, another well-designed bullion coin to consider is the 2012 silver Britannia from Great Britain. It is the latest in series that started in 1998. It is limited to 100,000 coins, but can be obtained for under $40. Some earlier issues sell for several multiples of that price.
Louis Golino is a coin collector and numismatic writer, whose articles on coins have appeared in Coin World, Numismatic News, and a number of different coin web sites. His column for CoinWeek, “The Coin Analyst,” covers U.S. and world coins and precious metals. He collects U.S. and European coins and is a member of the ANA, PCGS, NGC, and CAC. He has also worked for the U.S. Library of Congress and has been a syndicated columnist and news analyst on international affairs for a wide variety of newspapers and web sites.
The Coin Analyst: Finding the Best Silver Values in Today’s Heated Metals Market
By Louis Golino on September 15, 2011 11:50 PM
by Louis Golino for CoinWeek
Gold and silver have experienced a dramatic bull run this year that probably has more room to go, which is driving the cost of precious metal coins ever higher. But it is still possible to find good value in this supercharged market.
This column address silver bullion coins and a future article will discuss gold and other precious metal coins.
Buying lower mintage bullion and relatively low premium collector coins provides some downside protection against major corrections in silver. If there is a major metals correction, don’t sell in a panic unless you absolutely have to raise funds. Instead, be patient and prices will be back up before long, as has happened twice with gold in the past month. Precious metals are best seen as a long-term investment, not something to trade in and out of.
Premiums for bullion coins have been rising because supplies, especially of silver, are getting tighter as demand continues to rise from investors. I recently came across an interesting comment somewhere which noted that there is not enough silver in the world for every person in China to own a one ounce coin or bar.
Five and ten ounce silver bars are a nice compact way to buy, but with current premiums, I would opt instead for relatively low premium coins, especially those with low mintages, which have the best long-term potential.
Silver eagles vs. ATB coins
In terms of American silver coins, there is no question that the best value in the current market is to be found among the five-ounce America the Beautiful bullion coins, specifically the 2011 issues.
In a recent column, I discussed the pros and cons of the numismatic versions, but investors should not overlook the bullion coins, which currently sell for about the same premium over melt as bars and rounds. Dealers are currently selling the 2011 bullion issues for about $2-$4 over spot per ounce depending on the issue, whereas American silver eagles are going for at least $5 over spot.
And yet the 2011 ATB bullion coins are made in much smaller numbers than silver eagles, providing a potential future price appreciation that silver eagles do not have.
The lowest mintage issues of the year are the Chicksaw and Vicksburg coins, which are shaping up as the keys to the bullion and perhaps the overall series.
These coins are an excellent example of a strategy that has worked in the past, which is to not buy what everyone else is buying, and you will reap the rewards later.
While sales of silver eagles continue to hit new records, interest in the ATB series has diminished. Some very low mintage issues are emerging that could well carry substantial premiums down the road. And if they do not, the rising price of silver will increase their value.
Canadian issues
Another approach is to look abroad to our Canadian neighbors and to our allies in Australia.
Within the realm of Canadian coins, most investors purchase maple leafs, which are not a bad choice and which are certainly made in smaller numbers than silver eagles. Some past issues with low mintages carry substantial premiums, and a record number of maple leafs were sold in the past year.
But the best-performing Canadian bullion coins in recent years are the wildlife series coins, which include wolves, grizzly bears, and beginning later this month, cougars. Two new issues are being released each year and each has a mintage limited to one million. The coins have seen strong demand, and the existing issues already carry significant premiums around 50% above melt value.
The wildlife coins have appealing designs and were quite difficult to obtain. They sold out from the Canadian Mint to wholesalers very quickly and retail prices have continued to outpace rising bullion. Canadian bullion is distributed basically the same way U.S. Mint bullion coins are, in other words, though a network of dealers.
The cougar was unveiled by Canadian mint officials at last month’s blockbuster ANA World’s Fair of Money in Rosement, IL, a Chicago suburb (http://www.coinweek.com/news/modern-coins/ana-world-mint-theater-royal-canadian-mint/)
The Perth Mint
The Australian mint is known for making high quality semi-numismatic bullion coins that have solid demand, especially the Kookaburra and the Lunar coins.
Each is made in many different sizes and versions, but within the bullion realm, the ounce versions have limited mintages, but other bullion sizes are made to demand. The one ounce Kookaburras, or Kooks, are limited to 500,000, and the lunar issues, which are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, are limited to 300,000.
The next year’s issues of these coins are always issued earlier than other bullion coins. They are released in September of the previous year. The 2012 lunar issue, the dragon, has been an absolute sensation. I do not recall any bullion or modern mint coin of any country that has seen the kind of demand the 2012 dragons are experiencing.
Within days of an early September release all sizes of silver dragons were sold out by the Perth Mint, although sizes other than the one ounce coins will be minted again later.
The coins are also issued in proof with a one ounce proof coin limited to 5,000 pieces, and a three-coin proof set containing a half-ounce, ounce, and two ounce coin with an amazing 1,000 mintage.
I will probably always regret not purchasing a three-coin proof set on Labor Day weekend. Secondary market values are skyrocketing beyond belief.
When first released the one ounce proofs could be purchased for $120-150. Every retailer in the world is now out of those coins, and e-Bay appears to be the only source for them. A couple days ago one sold for $450 in an auction but since then prices have continued to climb with some buy it now listings in the thousands of dollars. The three coin sets are bringing amazing prices as well.
The bullion uncirculated (actually reverse proof) coins are also doing very well. The one ounce bullion coin sold out right away as well and is currently selling for about $170-200 but was under $100 only a week ago. The larger size coins are also bringing high prices, but I wonder if they will hold when more coins are made available later.
Louis Golino is a coin collector and numismatic writer, whose articles on coins have appeared in Coin World, Numismatic News, and a number of different coin web sites. His column for Coin Week, “The Coin Analyst,” covers U.S. and world coins and precious metals. He collects U.S. and European coins and is a member of the ANA, PCGS, NGC, and CAC. He has also worked for the U.S. Library of Congress and has been a syndicated columnist and news analyst on international affairs for a wide variety of newspapers and web sites.
J&T Coins LLC to Sell 2011 Koala Silver Coins to order on a pre-sale basis call 866-267-6024 or click here.
The Perth Mint of Australia will release next year’s bullion 2011 Koala Silver Coins beginning on October 4, 2010. The 99.9% pure silver coins feature a new design depicting the koala, one of Australia’s most popular animals.
The Australian Koala Bullion Silver Coin series was first introduced in 2007, and has been a popular offering ever since. The 2011 issues include four different sizes — 1 kg, 10 oz, 1 oz and 1/2 oz.
Each size has an unlimited mintage with demand dictating production. But each is limited to a single year of issue and will be discontinued when the 2012s with their new koala design are issued.
The obverse or heads side of the silver coins continue to bear the image of the Queen which was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley. Surrounding the Queen’s portrait are the inscriptions ‘ELIZABETH II,’ ‘AUSTRALIA,’ ’2011′ and the denomination.
The reverse or tails side of each portray an adult and a young koala in the fork of a tree. Inscriptions include ‘AUSTRALIAN KOALA’, ’2011′, the size in ounces, and ’999 SILVER.
2011 Silver Koala Coin Specifications
The Koala Silver Coins are all considered legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965. As such, their weight and purity are guaranteed by the Australian government.
| Size | 1 Kilo | 10 oz | 1 oz | 1/2 oz |
| Silver Content (Troy oz) | 32.151 Troy oz | 10 Troy oz | 1 Troy oz | .5 Troy oz |
| Face Value (AUD) | $30 | $10 | $1 | $.50 |
| Minimum Gross Weight (g) | 1,001.002 | 311.347 | 31.135 | 15.573 |
| Maximum Diameter (mm) | 100.60 | 75.60 | 40.60 | 36.60 |
| Maximum Thickness (mm) | 14.60 | 8.70 | 4.00 | 2.30 |
About the Perth Mint
The Perth Mint (http://www.perthmint.com.au/), wholly-owned by the State Government of Western Australia, is the official issuer of the Australian Federal Government’s Gold and Silver Bullion Coin Program. The Mint opened in 1899 in response to the discovery of rich gold deposits in Coolgardie and Kalgoorlie. It was Australia’s third branch of Britain’s Royal Mint – the others being the Sydney Mint and the Melbourne Mint (both closed).
The Perth Mint remained under Britain’s jurisdiction until 1 July 1970, when ownership transferred to the State Government of Western Australia.
In 2003, The Perth Mint officially opened an 8,400 square metre state-of-the-art manufacturing facility next door to its original limestone building. Dominating the Mint’s heritage precinct, these two important buildings are powerful symbols of more than 100 years of minting excellence in Western Australia.
Perth Reports Gold Coin Sellout
 |
By World Coin News June 09, 2010 |
Other News & Articles
This article was originally printed in World Coin News.
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The Perth Mint reported May 12 that its bullion sales are “on a golden run” with the sellout of the 30,000 mintage of its 1-ounce Year of the Tiger gold bullion coin.
The popular release is one of eight gold bullion coins released as part of the 2010 Australian Lunar Coin Series II. Offering buyers a choice of eight sizes from 1/20-ounce to a huge 10 kilos, each gold coin portrays a design of a tiger’s head.
Interest in the annual Australian Lunar Series II has been very strong since it was launched in 2008, according to the mint. Both the 2008 1-ounce Year of the Mouse and 2009 1-ounce Year of the Ox gold bullion coins also sold their full 30,000 mintages.
 Standard Catalog of Modern World Gold COins Zero in on the most popular and market-sensitive coins of the last 200 years. Buy the book today! |
“That’s a lot of gold!” said Ron Currie, sales and marketing director. “Like other mints, we benefitted from the dramatic pick-up in gold bullion during the world financial crisis. Since then our objective has been to maintain sales at a much higher level than pre-WFC. We’ve had a close look at our production and international distribution strategy with the result that we’re now much better placed to satisfy demand.”
The Perth Mint recently announced that it had taken a 100 percent interest in Australia’s only gold refinery, it would be complementing its secure storage hub for bullion in the U.S. with a new facility in Europe and that it has plans for a new online distribution channel.
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J&T Coins LLC is now selling a very limited amount of Australian 1 oz Lunar Gold 12 Coin Sets,
1996-2007. To order please call J&T Coins LLC at 866-267-6024 or visit our website www.jtcoins.com.
J&T Coins LLC bringing you the finest in modern US and world coins. Est. 2001.
Coins Proclaim Year of the Tiger
16/01/10
Coins Proclaim Year of the Tiger
| By Kerry Rodgers, World Coin News January 14, 2010 |
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It’s that time of the year again, the lunar new year, in fact. On Feb. 14 of solar year 2010 the new lunar year will dawn. It is a Year of the Tiger, the third aspect of the 12-year lunar cycle. For those who really need to know, it is the 27th year of the 79th 60-year zodiacal lunar cycle. And, if you insist on getting picky, it is a metal tiger or G?ngyín year.
Over the last couple of decades collecting lunar zodiacal coin issues has become a major sub-field of numismatics, and the world’s mints have had no intention of upsetting the punters this time around. Issues galore have been appearing over the past eight months.
Of course, for the Chinese the main significance of the coins is in giving – and receiving – them as gifts known as lai see, particularly the giving by adults to children.
The dosh commonly arrives in red envelopes that symbolize good fortune. Ideally the total amount of lai see cash involves numerous auspicious eights, and today smart mints package their lunar coins in red and/or involve “8” in one way or another, often either in the presentation or in the coin mintages.
The amount of money tells a recipient the depth of the donor’s feelings. Of course, these days folding money is the sole acceptable currency for teens. However, I am assured that a $10 coin will cut the mustard among most junior relatives, and I would except that any of the gold or silver coins described here would prove a most suitable lai see gift for those with a Tiger in their life.
This time around, the happy coincidence of the Lunar New Year with the Western world’s Valentine should represent a substantial money-saving bonus for some of us.
The Tigers Among Us
The Tiger got the bronze medal in the Great Race organized by the August Personage of Jade to determine the order of the lunar zodiac. He arrived at the finish line exhausted, panting out his pardons. He had found it difficult to cross the heavenly river. Strong currents kept pushing him downstream. It was only the power of his muscles that enabled him to reach the furthest shore in time for him to take his place as the third animal of the zodiacal cycle – after the Rat and the Ox.
The Tiger has come to be revered in many Asian societies. He is regarded as a mythical god-like being, a symbol of power and good fortune who protects people from evil, especially little children. His approximate Western counterpart is Aquarius.
The Tigers of our world score high in the popularity stakes. They are lively and engaging people. On their good days they come across as powerful, passionate and stimulating. They are intelligent, thoughtful, alert and farsighted, with a strong sense of their own dignity. They have little value for power or money. Those close to them find them sincere, affectionate and sensitive, being both generous and displaying great sympathy.
In general they are totally open and honest about their feelings, but they also expect the same from you. Then again, Tigers can be somewhat unpredictable. Never try and second-guess a Tiger. They may appear laid back but can strike without warning – and their claws are sharp.
They are naturally suspicious and, at worst, can be extremely short-tempered. Far too often they come into conflict with their elders or authority figures. The upshot is that they can appear intolerant, stubborn, aggressive, impulsive, rebellious and selfish.
Despite these shortcomings, Tigers are natural leaders, capable of inspiring great respect. They have their fingers on the pulse and are good strategists. Yet part of the package is a pig-headedness that can make them difficult if inspirational bosses. Beware their hidden agendas. Oddly, Tigers have trouble making decisions. Too, too often they rush off half-cocked with some ill-conceived notion or make the appropriate choice far too late.
Importantly, Tigers are incorrigibly competitors. They cannot pass up a challenge. They display courage to the point of recklessness but can afford the luxury of doing so, having been born lucky. As such, whatever the outcome, their natural good fortune ensures they land on their feet ready to pursue life with energy. In particular, expect Metal Tigers to stand out in a crowd.
New Zealand Mint’s Charismatic Cats
The newest member of the lunar coin club, New Zealand Mint, beat all other contenders when it released details of its first lunar issue in July of solar year 2009.
Following on from last year’s highly successful Year of the Ox coin, the New Zealand Mint has produced a matching Year of the Tiger 40 mm, 1-ounce, .999 fine silver $2 for Niue. Mintage is just 20,000 with an issue date of November 2009.
The reverse design shows a selectively-gilded, traditional tiger scaling a hill, signifying the animal’s readiness to scale the heights in its on-going quest for personal improvement. The evergreen pine trees around the hill’s summit invoke longevity.
The Tiger coin comes in an identical packaging to last year: a Lucky Blessings Gold Ingot that resembles a traditional boat-shaped gold sycee, a symbol of prosperity. The Chinese characters at top, front and back offer felicitations for success, longevity and happiness. In short, “Live long and prosper.” The auspicious peonies denote wealth, distinction, happiness and peace; a pair of magpies conveys joy and good fortune.
And the mint has produced its third lunar silver $2 for Pitcairn Islands. Mintage details are the same as for Niue except the coin’s diameter is 40.7 mm. The colorized reverse design shows a proud adult tiger prowling the alpine snows – which is just a tad incongruous given Pitcairn’s subtropical clime.
If your local dealer cannot supply either coin, try www.nzmint.com.
Perth’s Purrfection
Perth Mint may not have been first cab off the rank in the lunar coin game this year, but once again this mint has produced a vast array of lunar coins, with its first issues in the third part of its Lunar Series II released last August. Along with proof and common-or-garden bullion issues, there are several of those extra-special items.
Check out Perth’s Web site for details: www.perthmint.com.au. If your local dealer can’t supply, that is the place to buy.
Proofs: The reverse of the .9999 fine gold proofs all show a magnificent tiger’s head full frontal, its eyes focused on something just above the viewer’s left shoulder. The image is accompanied by the Chinese character for tiger, the inscription “Year of the Tiger” and the Perth Mint’s “P” mintmark.
The coins include 3,000 1-ounce ($100), 5,000 1/4-ounce ($25) and 5,000 1/10-ounce ($15) coins plus 3,000 three-coin sets containing one of each denomination housed in a oval timber and metal presentation case. The diameters and thickness of the three coins are: $100, 38.80 mm and 2.50 mm; $25, 22.60 mm and 2.20 mm; and $15, 18.60 mm and 2.00 mm.
The reverse of the .999 fine silver frosted proofs depicts a tiger in repose, perhaps contemplating a recent satisfying meal or lazily eyeing a prospective fatted calf, along with the Chinese character for tiger and Perth’s mintmark.
These silver coins come as 5,000 1-ounce ($1) and 500 1-kilo ($30) coins. In addition 2-ounce ($2) and 1/2-ounce (50 cents) proofs are available solely within 1,000 three-coin sets that include the 1-ounce ($1) proof. The diameters and thickness of the four coins are: $30, 100.60 mm and 14.60 mm; $2, 55.60 mm and 3.60 mm; the $1, 45.60 mm and 2.60 mm; and 50 cents, 36.60 mm and 2.30 mm.
Lunar bullion: Perth’s .9999 fine gold YoT bullion is the 15th such lunar issue with coin denominations similar to earlier years: 1/20 ounce ($5), 1/10 ounce ($15), 1/4 ounce ($25), 1/2 ounce ($50), 1 ounce ($100), 2 ounce ($200), 10 ounce ($1,000), and 1 kilo ($3,000). This year the 10 kilo ($30,000) has returned. The design is as for the gold proofs, showing a tiger full frontal.
No mintage limits exist for the $3,000, $1,000, $200, $50, $25, $15 and $5 gold bullion coins but production will close at the end of 2010. In the case of the $100, mintage is limited to 30,000 and production will cease when the mintage is fully sold or at the end of the series, whichever comes first. A maximum of 100 $30,000 coins will be produced on a made-to-order basis.
For the .999 fine silver bullion it is the 12th year of issue. The reverse design is that of the tiger-in-repose. Issues are identical to last year: 1/2 ounce ($0.50), 1 ounce ($1), 2 ounce ($2), 5 ounce ($8), 10 ounce ($10), 1/2 kilo ($15), 1 kilo ($30) and 10 kilo ($300).
Mintage limits are similar to last year’s Year of the Ox issues. No mintage limit applies to the $30, $15, $10, $8, $2 and 50-cent coins. With the exception of the $30, production of these coins will close at the end of 2010. Production of the 1 kilo coin will cease at the end of the series. In the case of the $1 coin, a maximum of 300,000 will be struck with production ceasing when that mintage is fully sold or at the end of the series, whichever comes first. A maximum of 500 $300 coins will be produced on a made-to-order basis.
Perth’s transmogrifications: As in past years, the $1 (1-ounce) .999 fine silver coin comes in Perth’s popular colored and gilded versions.
The tiger-in-recline come gilded in 24 karat with 50,000 of these coins struck in specimen BU quality. A colored version has a mintage of 170,000 with just 3,800 available in Australia, as was the case in the past two years.
All four proof, gilded, colored and bullion versions of the tiger-in-recline are available as a single packaged set. Mintage is 1,500 sets.
And this year’s colorized $30 1-kilo .999 fine silver gemstone issue comes complete with a golden topaz for the tiger’s eye.
The obverse of all of Perth’s coins shows the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, the 2010 solar year-date, the monetary denomination and, where appropriate, the weight, composition and fineness of the precious metal.
RAM’s Terrific Tortoiseshells
For the Royal Australian Mint the Year of the Tiger brings the fourth issue of their regular lunar series designed by Vladimir Gottwald. However, unlike the last three issues, this year there are just two coins: a 17.53 mm, 1/10-ounce .9999 fine gold $10 proof with a mintage of 2,500; and a 25.00 mm, 9.00 g BU aluminum-bronze with an unlimited mintage. No lunar silver proof in this series will be available in solar year 2010. If your local dealer cannot supply, these coins can be sourced from the mint’s Web site: www.ramint.gov.au.
In addition, it is the RAM’s second year for its second lunar series struck specifically for the Asian market and designed by Shang Erji. Last year’s Ox coins proved a great success and are matched by corresponding proof Tiger issues. These include a 40 mm, 1-ounce .999 fine silver dollar with a mintage of 30,000, a 17.53 mm, 1/10-ounce .9999 fine gold $10 with a mintage of 10,000, and a similar 30 mm, 1/2-ounce gold $25 with a mintage of 3,800. The silver dollar can be bought on its own or paired in sets with either of the gold coins. The gold $10 and $25 come solely in the sets.
At the time of writing, supplies of these coins in Australia were available from Downies at www.downies.com.
China’s Marvelous Moggies
The People’s Bank of China released 15 different .999 fine gold and .999 fine silver coins in October to celebrate the upcoming G?ngyín year. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. All are legal tender of the People’s Republic of China.
The reverse of 11 of the coins shows a crouching tiger backed by tiger mask along with the face value and “G?ngyín” in Chinese characters. Nine of the obverses show the national emblem of the PRC either enclosed in a wreath of lotus and fish or flanked by lotus and fish to denote the upcoming year as one of abundance.
Four of these coins are conventional circular proofs: a 40 mm, 1-ounce silver ¥10 with a mintage of 100,000; a 100 mm, 1-kilo silver ¥300 (mintage 3800); an 18 mm, 1/10-ounce gold ¥50 (mintage 80,000); a 180 mm, 10-kilo gold ¥100,000 whose mintage is just 18 pieces.
Three are plum-blossom-shaped proofs: a 40 mm, 1-ounce silver ¥10 with a 60,000 mintage; a 27 mm, 1/2-ounce gold ¥200 (mintage 8,000); a 100 mm, 1-kilo gold ¥10,000 (mintage 118). Spring blossom is a potent symbol of the New Year. In general it signifies good fortune, but traditionalists consider the blooming of a seemingly dead branch as symbolizing hope. For those looking for love, plum blossoms are where it’s at.
Two coins are rectangular: a 80 by 50 mm, 5-ounce silver ¥50 (mintage 1,888) and a 64 by 40 mm, 5-ounce gold ¥200 (mintage 118).
Two BU strikes are fan-shaped: a 1-ounce silver ¥10 (mintage 66,000) and a 1/2-ounce gold ¥200 (mintage 6,600). Their reverses show the crouching tiger but their common obverse depicts the Drum Tower in Jiuquan, Gansu Province. In China fans represent prosperity and good fortune.
Four selectively colored coins have a reverse showing a traditional Chinese folk tiger design prancing in a field of auspicious peonies, along with the face value and the words G?ngyín in Chinese: a 40 mm, 1-ounce silver ¥10 (mintage 100,000); a 70 mm, 5-ounce silver ¥50 (mintage 8,800); an 18 mm, 1/10-ounce gold ¥50 (mintage 30,000); a 60 mm, 5-ounce gold ¥2,000 (mintage 1,500). The obverses of these coins are same as the round proofs.
Canada’s ‘Kaptivating’ Kitties
As in previous years, the Royal Canadian Mint launched its YoT coins in October and November. Last year was the 12th and last of the $15 bimetallic lunar series designed by Harvey Chan. This year the mint has inaugurated a new Lunar Lotus series, the work of Three Degrees Creative Group. The $15 .925 silver coin has a distinctive eight-fold scallops reminiscent of a lotus flower. On the reverse a restless tiger lashes its tail as it prowls through a bamboo grove. The plain-edged coin has a diameter of 38 mm and weighs in at 26.29 grams. As with Harvey Chan’s bimetallic lunar issues, the mintage is an auspicious 48,888.
Meanwhile, Harvey’s $150 18 karat (0.750 gold, 0.250 silver) extremely popular holographic lunar series continues on its most colorful way. As with the earlier nine coins in this series, the diameter is 28 mm and its weight 11.84 grams. Mintage is 4,888. The overall quality and colorfulness of this issue makes it an ideal Lunar New Year gift.
Both coins feature RCM’s distinctive, uncrowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt. Prospective purchasers can try www.mint.ca if their friendly neighborhood dealer proves unable to supply.
Singapore’s Fabulous Felines
This will be the 29th year Singapore Mint has issued its lunar coins. The first series ran from 1981 through 1992 and featured realistic representations of the 12 lunar animals. The second series from 1993 to 2004 depicted the animals as traditional Chinese cut-paper effigies.
Since 2005 the designs for the third series by Xu Yunfei of the Shanghai Mint has drawn its inspiration from traditional Chinese calligraphy. His Year of the Tiger coins were released on Nov. 21, 2009. The coins themselves are available from www.mint.com.sg or with a bit of tiger luck, from your favorite coin dealer.
As in recent years, three 0.9999 fine gold proof coins are available: $5 (1/4-ounce, 21.96 mm, mintage 2,000), $100 (1-ounce, 33.00 mm, 2,000) and $200 (5-ounce, 60 mm, 200).
In addition a tiny, 7 mm, 0.3 gram $1 gold coin comes mounted on a gold-colored card featuring a tiger family portrait. Singapore Mint claims this to be the smallest 0.9999 fine gold coin in the world. With a mintage of 3,000, it makes an ideal lai see gift for a junior relative.
The massive 5-ounce 0.999 fine $25 silver coin is the largest coin issued by Singapore Mint. The diameter is 65 mm and mintage of just 250 pieces. It is complemented by a small 20-gram $2 silver coin with a 6,000 mintage. But the prize of the silver collection is the 2-ounce, 45 mm, .999 fine silver $10 piedfort on which the tiger burns bright in full glorious color. Mintage is 20,000.
For those not into precious metals, as in past years a cupronickel proof-like, 38.70 mm $2 is available with an 80,000 mintage.
Once again these coins are available singly or in sets. The three-in-one set contains the $100 gold, the colored $10 silver piedfort and the $2 cupronickel coin, as well as an additional eight-sided, floral-shaped ingot featuring a tiger family taking their ease. The painting is the work of tiger artist Mr. Tan Seng Yong. Only 500 of these sets are available.
This year there is also a two-in-one set that contains the colored $10 silver piedfort, the $2 cupronickel coin and the eight-sided, floral-shaped tiger family ingot. Three-thousand sets have been produced.
And the regular circulating coin sets of the Singapore Mint for 2010 are available in bright red tiger-embellished packs accompanied by an auspicious Chinese New Year blessing. The obverse of all coins bears the Singapore Arms and 2010 solar date.
Once again the Singapore Mint has struck the lunar commemoratives for the Monetary Authority of Macau, as has occurred in the Year of the Rat and Year of the Ox. In keeping with these earlier issues, the designs blend of Western and Eastern cultures as happens in the melting pot of Macau itself.
The obverse of each 2010 coin features a stylish tiger crouching amidst pine trees depicted in brilliant red and green and symbolizing longevity. On the reverse is the Mandarin’s House built in 1881. A World Heritage Site, this was the home of the distinguished scholar Zheng Guanying, whose writings on economics influenced both Mao Tse Tung and Sun Yat Sen.
Mintages, denominations and metals are as for last year’s issue: 21.96 mm, 1/4-ounce (7.776 grams) .9999 fine gold colorized proof 250 patacas with a mintage of 3,000; a 65.0 mm 5-ounce (155.52 grams) .999 fine colorized silver proof 100 patacas with a mintage of just 500; and a 40.70 mm, 1-ounce (31.10 grams) .9999 fine silver colorized proof 20 patacas with a mintage of 6,000.
The coins along with those from Year of the Ox and Year of the Rat are available from www.mint.com.sg.
But There’s More!
Regrettably, back in November 2009 Mongolia’s designs were unknown but, as in recent years, The Big Cat will likely stalk this country’s second lunar cycle series on its 500, 1,000, and massive 2,500 tugrik silver issues, as well as the 10,000 and 50,000 tugrik gold coins.
Nor had anything come in from Monnaie de Paris, who became a fully paid-up member of the lunar coin club in 2007. If the last three years are anything to go by, it can be assumed they will be issuing their silver 1/4-euro and gold 10-euro lunar coins with their distinctive, if somewhat unusual, bicultural designs: the obverse with Jean de La Fontaine, the 17th century French fabulist, and all 12 lunar zodiacal animals; the reverse bearing a tawny cat.
And I am sure there are others out there. Kung hei fat choi!