Monday, September 9, 2013

2014 Year of the Horse 1 oz Silver Proof Coin New Zealand Mint



ABOUT THE 2014 YEAR OF THE HORSE 1 OZ SILVER COIN

The Horse is the seventh animal in the twelve year Zodiac cycle. Exciting and extroverted, vivid and animated, those born during the Year of the Horse are the life of any party they attend. They are bursting with energy, always looking for the next place to kick up their heels and hang loose. New Zealand Mint is happy to release three beautiful Lunar coins to celebrate the Year of the Horse 2014.  

REVERSE DESIGN

This depicts a powerful image of a pair of stunning, pure white horses, captured mid stride in high quality colour. Sunken into this image is the Chinese character for Horse. This image is set against a mirror finish background and encircled by an ornately engraved border design including the words 2014 Year of the Horse.
 

OBVERSE DESIGN

This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.


 

PACKAGING

The 2014 Year of the Horse 1 oz Silver Coin is packaged inside an elegant wooden coloured, lacquered coin box. This sits inside a pure white outer case, matching the colour of the white horses of this coin. The Certificate of Authenticity is displayed inside the inner packaging.

Specifications:

Metal999 Fine Silver
FinishProof
Diameter40.5 mm
EdgeMilled
Denomination$2
Year of Issue2014
Weight1 Troy oz

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Birds of the Pacific Islands 1oz Silver Three Coin Set

 






About the Birds of Pacific Islands 3 x 1 oz Silver Coin Set
 
There are between 20,000 and 30,000 islands situated throughout the Pacific Ocean.
 
The existence of so many islands has created enormous opportunities for evolutionary development due to selective breeding. The result is a fantastic array of birdlife on islands throughout the Pacific, where birds have evolved into slightly different forms resulting in unique and endemic species.
 
New Zealand Mint is releasing this beautiful three Coin Set to celebrate these iconic birds of the Pacific.
 

Reverse Designs

Niue: This coin face features a high quality colour image of the Pacific Pigeon, Ducula pacifica, or ‘Lupe’ in Niuean.
 
This bird is generally acknowledged to be the most widely recognised endemic bird species on Niue. To its left is the Fiti Pua, Fagraea berteroana, the flower of Niue, and the Niuean coat of arms.
 
Fiji:  This coin face features the vibrant colours of the Collared Lory, Phigys solitaries, the National bird of Fiji.
 
Also featured is the native Tagimoucia Flower, Medinilla waterhousei, endemic to the highland rainforests of the Fijian Islands, only growing at an altitude of over 600 metres (656 yards). Above this is the official Fijian National Coat of Arms.
 
Pitcairn Island: 
This final coin features the Henderson Island Fruit Dove, Ptilinopus insularis, an iconic bird endemic to the Pitcairn Islands and listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
 
Below this is the native Yellow Fautu, Abutilon pitcairnense, a critically endangered perennial plant once thought to be extinct until a single plant was discovered in 2003. All elements are set against a finely engraved Pacific Island background, flowing across all three coins and their timber surround.
 

Obverse Designs

Niue: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Fiji: Features the Fijian National Coat of Arms.
Pitcairn Island: Features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. 
 

Packaging

The Birds of the Pacific Islands 3 x 1 oz Silver Coin Set is packaged in a natural-looking wooden coin holder, displaying the 3 coins side by side. The coin holder sits inside a wooden inner case, which is decorated with pacific-style engravings. The inner case sits inside a pacific themed white outer packaging. A Certificate of Authenticity is displayed inside the inner packaging. 
 
 
Technical Specifications:
 
Metal 999 Fine Silver
Finish Proof / Coloured
Diameter 51 mm x 30 mm
Edge Plain
Denomination $2
Year of Issue 2013
Mintage 3,000
Weight1 Troy oz

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Piranha - Real River Monsters 1oz Silver Coin



ABOUT THE REAL RIVER MONSTERS -  PIRANHA COIN

A real river monster, the Piranha is an omnivorous, freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers and is known for its sharp teeth and voracious appetite for meat. 
There are various legends about Piranhas such as how they can dilacerate a human body or cattle in seconds. New Zealand Mint is releasing this striking 1 oz Silver coin, which features a contrast of relief engraving and high quality colour. 

REVERSE DESIGN

This striking coin features a contrast of relief engraving and high quality colour. A Red-Bellied Piranha swims aggressively out of the coin while others swim in the background. z
Spanning the coin is a tear symbolizing the power and aggression of this species, while also dividing the water from a polished mirror surface against which is set the engraved words Real River Monsters Piranha.

OBVERSE DESIGN

This features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

PACKAGING

The Real River Monsters Piranha 1 oz 999 Fine Silver coin is packaged in a classic matte black coin gift box and an outer packaging which features an underwater river scene. When opened, the coin and Certificate of Authenticity are displayed. 

Technical Specifications:

Metal999 Fine Silver
FinishProof / Coloured
Diameter40.7 mm
EdgeMilled
Denomination$2
Year of Issue2013
Mintage3000
Weight1 oz

Sunday, August 18, 2013

2014 $8 Year Of The Horse 5oz Silver Proof With Selective Gold Plating Niue Legal Tender




Capturing the strength, movement and grace of this majestic animal, the reverse is distinguished by a magnificent design of three horses in full-stride, complemented by a distinguished representation of the traditional Chinese character for the word ‘horse’.

 According to the Lunar Zodiac tradition, those born in the Year of the Horse are often seen as generous, fun and decisive, with a relaxed attitude, a sharp mind and a penchant for travel.

 Measuring a gigantic 65mm in diameter, and struck from a full five troy ounces of .999 fine silver, this official $8 legal tender issue forms a truly magnificent tribute to the upcoming year in the Chinese Lunar Calendar.

Selectively gold-plated, to highlight the powerful galloping horse motif, the coin is beautifully presented within a superbly crafted timber case, and is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity confirming the extremely exclusive nature of this memorable release.

 The worldwide mintage is strictly limited to a mere 500, which, once the quality of the strike and the strong lunar theme are taken into account, means that this coin is set to be a galloping success!

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Feng Shui - Cranes Silver One Ounce Proof Coin - New Zealand Mint




About The Coin
Humans have always seen birds as symbols of inspiration and freedom. The ability to fly and to soar high up in the sky is closely associated in Feng Shui with the ability to serve as messengers from heaven. Birds are considered powerful symbols of new opportunities that are there for you, even in times of adversity. Their songs are inspirational in their beauty and complexity, which adds the primal power of sound to this Feng Shui symbol. 
Images of Cranes may often be found in Feng Shui clothing or art. Known as the prince of all birds, the Crane has come to symbolize longevity, energy and even immortality because of its long lifespan and untiring strength in flight. In ancient Chinese legends, Cranes carried the spirits of the departed to heaven. Thus, the symbol of cranes is used in Feng Shui to bring the energy of a long, noble and peaceful life that will eventually lead the human soul to heaven.
Reverse 
This delightful coin shows two Cranes captured against a mirror finish, proof quality background with one bird looking upwards, symbolizing authority and wisdom. As in traditional Chinese paintings, these cranes are surrounded by reeds and pine tree branches representing constant friendship. Both Cranes are also shown in the wild, illustrating their freedom and endless opportunity to develop.
Obverse
The coin’s obverse features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Packaging
The Feng Shui Cranes 1 oz 999 Pure Silver Coin is packaged inside a beautifully decorated lacquered red wooden box, which sits inside an outer box featuring an ancient ornate Chinese-style design. When the inner packaging is opened, the 1 oz coin and Certificate of Authenticity are displayed. 
Specifications:
Metal999 Fine Silver
FinishProof
Diameter40.7 mm
EdgeMilled
Denomination$2
Year of Issue2013
Mintage8000
Weight1 Troy oz 

Saturday, July 20, 2013

The Land Down Under – Captain James Cook 2013 1/4oz Gold Proof Coin



  • Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold
  • Stunning Reverse Design
  • Australian Legal Tender
  • Australian Map-Shaped Display Case
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
  • Extremely Limited Mintage – 1,000

The third design from the iconic Land Down Under program depicts famed explorer, Captain James Cook. Captain Cook’s place in Australian history cannot be underestimated.  On his first voyage alone, he charted thousands of miles of Australia’s coastline with astonishing accuracy.  He is remembered as a courageous individual and one of the foremost navigators of his age.

PROOF QUALITY 99.99% PURE GOLD

The Land Down Under – Captain James Cook 2013 1/4oz coin is struck from 99.99% pure gold in proof quality.

STUNNING REVERSE DESIGN

The coin’s reverse depicts a seated portrait of Captain Cook with HMS Bark Endeavour in the background.  The inscription THE LAND DOWN UNDER and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark also appear in the design. 

AUSTRALIAN LEGAL TENDER

Issued as Australian legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the coin’s obverse depicts the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the year-date and the monetary denomination.

AUSTRALIAN MAP-SHAPED DISPLAY CASE

Housed in a unique Australian map-shaped latex case with a stylised shipper, this beautiful coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

EXTREMELY LIMITED MINTAGE

The Perth Mint will release no more than 1,000 of these Captain James Cook 1/4oz Gold Proof Coins from The Land Down Under series.

Technical Specifications:
Gold Content (Troy oz)0.25
Monetary Denomination (AUD)25
Fineness (% purity)99.99
Minimum Gross Weight (g)7.777
Maximum Diameter (mm)20.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)2.00
Maximum Mintage1,000
DesignerTom Vaughan

Sunday, March 17, 2013

2013 Fiji Taku (Turtle) Silver Bullion Issue - New Zealand Mint





The 2013 Fiji Taku (Turtle) Silver Bullion Issue - from the New Zealand Mint

The 2013 Issue features a new Reverse depiciting the Fiji Coat of Arms.. changed from the traditional Queen Elizabeth Effirgy.




  • Contains 1 oz of .999 ($2 fiji legal tender) and 1/2 oz of .999 ($1 fiji legal tender) fine Silver
  • Strict limited mintage of only 350,000 coins or less.
  • Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
  • Obverse: stylized design of a Hawksbill turtle, also known as the Taku, swimming along the ocean floor amidst tiny bubbles.
  • Reverse: Fiji coat of arms and 2013 date.

  • Produced by the New Zealand Mint under the authority of Fiji.

  • The Taku coin combines the appeal of 1 oz of pure Silver with an elegant design that captures the beauty of the ocean! Nearly 3,000 of these critically endangered Takus (Hawksbill turtles) call the island nation of Fiji their home.

    Osprey - Birds of Prey One Ounce (1oz) Silver Coin - New Zealand Mint




    About the Design:

    New Zealand Mint is proud to issue the Birds of Prey 1oz Silver coin series. Each of the coins within the series celebrates the beauty and power of these magnificent creatures.

    Reverse Design:

     This dramatically captures an Osprey diving upon a fish with claws and wings outstretched to receive its prey. The power and magnificence of this bird is wonderfully captured in this detailed colour image. The Osprey is vividly set against an engraved natural landscape of great detail.

    Obverse Design:

     This features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of Niue Island.

    Packaging:

     The coin is presented in an attractive wooden case with removable insert. Insert can be positioned so the coin is displayed upright.

    Specifications:

    Metal .999 Silver
    Finish Proof
    Diameter 40.7 mm
    Edge Milled
    Denomination $2
    Year of Issue 2013
    Mintage 5,000

    Monday, February 18, 2013

    Robert Falcon Scott One Ounce Silver Coin - New Zealand Mint



    About The Coin:

    This striking 1oz Silver coin commemorates the life and achievements of explorer and Royal Navy officer Captain Robert Falcon Scott. Scott led two expeditions to the Antarctic:  the Discovery Expedition (1901–04) and the ill-fated Terra Nova Expedition (1910–13).

    Scotts status as a British hero has at times been called into question over the past century, however, his personal bravery and stoicism have won him a place in history.

    The modern day Scott Base in Antarctica was named in his honour.

    Reverse Design:

    This depicts an engraved portrait of Captain Robert Falcon Scott set against an image of his ship, the Terra Nova in the icy waters of the Antarctic.

    On the left of the coin is a final excerpt from Scott’s journal written on his ill fated Terra Nova Expedition to the South Pole.

    The coins border is engraved with a dedication to the bravery of Captain Scott in the words ‘to strive, to seek, to find and not to yield’ along with the years of Scott’s birth and death.


    Obverse Design:

    This features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of Niue Island.

    Packaging:

    This beautiful coin comes packaged in a wooden collector box, fashioned in the shape of a sea chest. 

    Specifications:

    Metal. 999
    Finish
    Proof
    Diameter
    40.7mm
    Edge
    Milled
    Denomination
    $2
    Year of Issue
    2012
    Mintage
    5000
     

    2013 Kiwi Treasures Quarter Ounce Gold Proof Coin - New Zealand Mint

    Minted from 0.9999 gold, this $10 coin has a worldwide mintage limit of only 950, and promises to be extremely popular.

    Tane Mahuta has been rendered in three-dimensional relief, and the frosted finish makes it stand out beautifully against the polished sky behind.

    The frosted kiwi looks stunning alongside the impressive stature of Tane Mahuta, and has also been meticulously rendered in three dimensions. It is a timeless collectable for coin enthusiasts and makes a special gift for young and old.




    Coin Highlights:
    • The second gold coin in the 'Kiwi Treasures' series
    • Minted from 0.9999 gold
    • Combines the kiwi with Tane Mahuta - New Zealand's largest living kauri tree
    • Low worldwide mintage of just 950

    Technical Specifications:

    Denomination: Ten New Zealand dollars
    Finish: Proof
    Composition: 0.9999 gold
    Weight: 1/4 troy oz
    Diameter: 26mm
    Edge treatment: Milled
    Shape: Round
    Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
    Reverse design: Kiwi with Tane Mahuta
    Mint: BH Mayer's Kunstprägeanstalt GmbH
    Worldwide mintage limit: 950 coins

    Saturday, February 9, 2013

    Birds of Prey - Great Horned Owl One Ounce Silver Coin

    About the Design:

    New Zealand Mint is proud to issue the the Birds of Prey 1oz Silver coin series. Each of the coins within the series celebrates the beauty and power of these magnificent creatures.

    Reverse Design:

    This dramatically captures a Great Horned Owl in high quality colour set against the mirror like finish of a proof coin. The bird is immediately recognisable by the tufts of feathers or ‘horns’ on its head.

    Obverse Design:

    This features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin is issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of Niue Island.

    Packaging:

    The coin is presented in an attractive wooden case with removable insert. Insert can be positioned so the coin is displayed upright.


    Specifications:

    Metal .999 Silver
    Finish Proof
    Diameter 40.7 mm
    Edge Milled
    Denomination $2
    Year of Issue 2013
    Mintage 5,000

    Gilded Fiji Double Taku One Ounce Silver Coin - New Zealand Mint


    ABOUT THE DESIGN

    New Zealand Mint is proud to launch a new Silver Gold Gilded coin, celebrating one of the most unique and rare animals in the South Pacific, The Hawksbill Turtle- or the locally named 'Taku'.

    Marine turtles have traveled the sea for over 100 Million years. Today, six of the seven species of marine turtles are listed as endangered or critically endangered. Hawksbill Turtles are commonly observed on coral reefs where they feed on Sponges, Seagrass, Ascidians and Soft Corals.

    A thousand Hawksbills are thought to nest in the Pacific Ocean, which includes a Fijian breeding population of 120-150. The estimated numbers of adult Hawksbill Turtles for Fiji is estimated at 2-3,000.

    OBVERSE

    The obverse of the coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    REVERSE

    The reverse features a gold gilded Taku and baby with a stylized shell pattern swimming through the waters of the Pacific Ocean along with an engraved heading and the coin's metal quality and weight.

    LIMITED MINTAGE

    No more than 5,000 Fiji Taku gilded silver coins will be issued by New Zealand Mint.

    PRESENTATION

    The coin comes encapsulated in a striking cylindrical display case with a transparent lid filled with aquamarine liquid.


    SPECIFICATIONS:

    Metal: .999 Silver Gold Gilded
    Finish: Proof
    Diameter: 40.5mm
    Edge: Milled
    Denomination: $2
    Year of Issue: 2012
    Mintage: 5,000

    Monday, January 28, 2013

    Doctor Who 50th Anniversary One Ounce 999 Silver Coin - New Zealand Mint



    About the Coin:

    Doctor Who is currently the longest running and most successful science fiction television series of all time. Produced in Great Britain by the BBC, the programme depicts the adventures of a time traveling, humanoid alien known as the Doctor.

    He explores the universe in his TARDIS, a telepathic travel machine that’s bigger on the inside than the outside, and outwardly appears to be a blue 1960s British police box. Along with a succession of companions, the Doctor faces a variety of foes while working to save civilizations, help those he comes in contact with, and right wrongs across the universe.

    Doctor Who first aired in 1963, and to date the title role has been played by eleven different actors. The program has received recognition from critics and the public as being one of the finest British television series ever produced and is aired around the globe.

    Reverse Design:

    This depicts an engraved relief of the iconic TARDIS used by the Doctor to travel through time and space.


    This bursts forth out of a dynamic high quality colour printed background representing time travel. The coins border features the finely engraved words Doctor Who 50th Anniversary 1963 – 2013.

    Obverse Design:

    Each coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The coin enclosed is issued by New Zealand Mint as legal tender, under the authority of Niue Island.

    Packaging Design:

    Please note – this packaging is subject to final licensor approval.  The final product may vary slightly from what is shown. 

    The 50th Anniversary coin is packaged in the iconic Doctor Who TARDIS, the telepathic travel machine.  The doors of the TARDIS slide open to display the 1oz coin and certificate of authenticity inside.

    Technical Specifications:

    Metal: 999 Silver
    Finish: Proof
    Diameter: 40.1 mm
    Edge: Milled
    Denomination: $2
    Year of Issue: 2013
    Mintage: 10,000

    Saturday, January 19, 2013

    TRANSFORMERS One Ounce 999 Silver Two Coin Set - New Zealand Mint






    About the Design:
    'More that meets the eye'
    New Zealand Mint is thrilled to launch one of the world’s most successful toy franchises as a legal tender coin set. 
    With their ability to change in a moment from a car, airplane, truck, camera or stereo into a giant extraterrestrial robot, the TRANSFORMERS capture the imagination of both young and young at heart. This two coin set is beautiful presented in a TRANSFORMERS themed display cube.  Get your set today, and transform your collection.
    Reverse Design:
    Each coin dramatically depicts Optimus Prime and Megatron in high quality colour. These are set against an engraved relief background along with the iconic TRANSFORMERS logo.
    Obverse Design:
    Each coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
    Packaging:
    The coins are presented in a TRANSFORMERS themed display cube featuring silver embossed Decepticon and Autobot insignias.
    TRANSFORMERS and all related characters are trademarks of Hasbro & are used with permission. © 2012 Hasbro. Inc. All rights reserved.
    Specifications:
    Metal.999 Silver
    FinishProof
    Diameter40.7 mm
    EdgeMilled
    Denomination$2
    Year of Issue2013
    Mintage5,000

    MONOPOLY One Ounce Silver 999 Two Coin Set - New Zealand Mint



    About the Design:

    'Pass Go' with NZ Mint
    New Zealand Mint is delighted to introduce the MONOPOLY 1 oz Silver legal tender coin set and custom molded Mr MONOPOLY Top Hat display case. MONOPOLY is currently the most famous board game in the world with over 275 million sets having been sold globally.

    To date it is available in 111 countries, and in 43 different languages including a large range of specialised editions representing countries, brands or being manufactured from various materials.

    Reverse Design:

    Each coin depicts a selectively engraved and colour printed artwork featuring the MONOPOLY logo and the iconic four corner designs of the game board.

    The first coin features the MR. MONOPOLY character in high quality colour set against an engraved cityscape. The second coin depicts the game tokens engraved against a background of the MONOPOLY logos.

    Obverse Design:




    Each coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

    Packaging:

    Packaging for this set includes a MONOPOLY themed outer box and coins are presented in a custom molded MR MONOPOLY Top Hat.


    Specifications:

    Metal: 999 Silver
    Finish: Proof
    Diameter: 35mm x35mm
    Edge: Plain
    Denomination: $2
    Year of Issue: 2013
    Mintage: 5,000

    Sunday, January 13, 2013

    Giant Coconut Crab 1oz Silver - Pitcairn Islands Legal Tender Coin

    Giant Coconut Crab 



    1oz Silver This 2013 coin features a coloured image of the Giant Coconut Crab printed on the finely engraved silver background of a beach. Each coin is presented in a delightful coconut shaped case scented with a distinctive coconut oil fragrance.

    The obverse of the coin features the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Giant Coconut Crab, also known as the robber crab or palm thief, is a species of terrestrial hermit crab and largest land-living arthropod in the world.

    Found on islands across the Indian Ocean and parts of the Pacific Ocean, the species is widely reported to climb trees to pick coconuts, which it then opens to eat.