Monday, June 22, 2015

Marco Polo 2oz Silver Coin - Journeys Of Discovery

Marco Polo 2oz Silver Coin - Journeys Of Discovery

The Marco Polo 2 oz Silver Coin marks the first release in our new Journeys of Discovery Coin Collection, which celebrates exploration and discovery of the unknown.

This proof quality, fully engraved and high-relief coin captures the moment of Marco Polo meeting the great Kublai Khan. The scene is set in a stronghold of the powerful Mongol Empire which Polo marvelled so much at discovering. The packaging of a protective draw string sack has been designed to model the transport materials to trade around the globe at that time.

With a limited mintage of only 2,000 coins worldwide, this would make a special gift for coin collectors and inspire intrepid travellers on their own Journeys of Discovery.




*Please note that the image shown on the website is artwork and may differ slightly from the final product.

Marco Polo:

Marco Polo (1254 - 1324) was an Italian merchant traveller from Venice, who recorded his travels in Livres des Merveilles du Monde (Book of the Marvels of the World, also known as The Travels of Marco Polo). This account did much to introduce Europe to Central Asia and Chinese culture.

Marco Polo learned the mercantile trade from his father and uncle, who travelled through Asia and met Kublai Khan. In 1271, the three embarked on a journey which would lead to 17 years spent in China. From his travels, Polo amassed great knowledge of the Mongol Empire. He marvelled at the use of paper money, and was in awe of its economy and scale of production.

Soon after returning to Venice in 1295, war broke out with the rival city of Genoa. While in command of a ship, Polo was captured and imprisoned. It was during this period of time that he dictated stories of his travels to a cellmate. In 1299 he was released, and went on to become a wealthy merchant. While his writings were published in French, Italian, and Latin, few readers allowed themselves to believe his tales of strange lands far away.

Although he was not the first European to reach China, Marco Polo’s detailed account of his experiences was ground breaking for its time. These writings went on to inspire Christopher Columbus and many other travellers. In the centuries since his death Marco Polo has received recognition that was not given during his lifetime, as much of his journey of discovery has been verified.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
  • Coin Metal: 999 Fine Silver
  • Coin Weight: 2 oz
  • Coin Finish: Proof
  • Coin Diameter: 40mm (Nominal)
  • Coin Edge: Milled
  • Coin Denomination: $5
  • Year of Issue: 2015
  • Coin Mintage: 2,000
  • Effigy : Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
  • Country of Issue : Niue
Purchase at the NZMint

Friday, May 8, 2015

Anzac Circulating Commemorative 50c Coin New Zealand

The Anzac commemorative coin is New Zealand’s first circulating coloured coin, and was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint

Anzac Circulating Commemorative 50c Coin New Zealand

One million Anzac coins have been minted and will be released to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli. This number represents the size of the New Zealand population in 1914, of which 10 percent served in the First World War. The coin was coloured using a revolutionary high-speed pad printing solution, developed by the Royal Canadian Mint and technology partner TECA.

Capable of producing circulation coins with vibrant, photo-quality images, in multiple varieties and blends of colour, and with superior wear resistance, this unique technology is exclusive to the Royal Canadian Mint. 

The high-resolution design of the coin was made possible by an integrated system incorporating specially developed inks, robotics for speed and precision control, as well as advanced vision inspection for quality assurance.


The significance of the Anzac coin

The Anzac coin honours the spirit of Anzac that was formed 100 years ago, and continues to live on today.

The Anzac coin was launched in February 2015, by His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.

It is the first time in New Zealand's history that a coloured circulating coin has been produced. The coin will be in circulation as legal tender and available for collectors.

The Anzac coin design features a New Zealand and Australian soldier standing back to back with their heads bowed in remembrance. The mangopare (hammerhead shark) pattern symbolises strength and determination, and the silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity.

Availability and Distribution

One million Anzac coins have been minted to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli. This number represents the size of the New Zealand population in 1914, of which 10 percent served in the First World War.

The Anzac coin was released into circulation as legal tender on 23 March 2015. It is being sold at its 50 cent face value.

New Zealand Post Group is coordinating the release and distribution of Anzac coins. Coins can be purchased at PostShop or Kiwibank branches, or via NZ Post’s website.

Groups representing former and current armed forces, including Returned Services Association members and Defence Force personnel, were given the opportunity to pre-order limited numbers of coins before they were released publicly.

For more information about the Anzac coin and other comemmorative coins available as part of New Zealand Post’s five-year Anzac commemorative stamp and coin programme, see www.nzpost.co.nz.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand does not have Anzac coins available for distribution.

How the Coin is Made

The Anzac commemorative coin is New Zealand’s first circulating coloured coin, and it was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The Anzac circulating coin has the same specifications as the existing 50 cent coin and testing has shown it will be accepted in coin and vending machines.

The coin was coloured using a revolutionary high-speed pad printing solution, developed by the Royal Canadian Mint and technology partner TECA. Capable of producing circulation coins with vibrant, photo-quality images, in multiple varieties and blends of colour, and with superior wear resistance, this unique technology is exclusive to the Royal Canadian Mint.

The high-resolution design of the coin was made possible by an integrated system incorporating specially developed inks, robotics for speed and precision control, as well as advanced vision inspection for quality assurance.


Coin Specifications:

Alloy: Plated steel 
Diameter: 24.75mm 
Weight: 5.00g 
Design: The Anzac coin design features a New Zealand and Australian soldier standing back to back with their heads bowed in remembrance. The mangopare (hammerhead shark) pattern symbolises strength and determination, and the silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity. 
Edge thickness: 1.70mm Edge treatment: Unmilled

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has prepared an Anzac Coin Fact Sheet explaining how the coin is made and detailing its specifications.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

Apollo 2oz Silver Coin Gods of Ancient Greece - Bullion Bar Legal Tender New Zealand Mint




ABOUT THE COIN

A stunning final release in the 5 coin Gods of Ancient Greece Silver Coin collection by New Zealand Mint. The design for this 2 oz rectangular silver coin has been inspired by ancient sculpture, coins and architecture of the classical Ancient Greece which attributes Apollo the highest degree of power and masculine beauty that can be imagined. 

REVERSE DESIGN 

This high relief, rectangular coin, has been inspired by ancient sculpture, coins, vases and architecture, while also channelling classical and renaissance paintings of this iconic God of Ancient Greece. Apollos physique on htis coin face, illustrates an ideal image of health, strength, balance and inspiration. In the coin background, set against a polished sky intersected by rays of sunlight, is the temple of Apollo at Delphi. Next to this is a Laurel tree which was sacred to the God. 
 

OBVERSE DESIGN

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

PACKAGING

The Gods of Ancient Greece Zeus 2 oz 999 Fine Silver coin is displayed inside a coin case styled on a classic Greek temple of the Ionic order. The collection of 5 ‘Gods of Ancient Greece’ coins are designed to line up to represent an Ancient Greek temple. The coin title is Gold foiled on the attractive marblesque outer case. 



TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

Metal999 Fine Silver
FinishProof
Diameter70mm x 34mm
EdgeMilled
Denomination$5
Year of Issue2015
Mintage2,000
Weight2 Troy oz

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Batman 75th Anniversary 2oz Silver Proof $5 Coin - New Zealand Mint



ABOUT THE DESIGN

2014 is the 75th Anniversary of BATMAN, and to commemorate the event, the Island of Niue has authorized a series of legal tender, precious metal collectible coins featuring the Caped Crusader. 
Whatever you know him as, wherever you know him from - the blockbuster movies, TV shows, video games, cartoons, or millions of comics - BATMAN is proof you don’t need superpowers to be a DC SUPER HERO.


REVERSE DESIGN

Each coin features Batman in action, engraved against a polished background. 

OBVERSE DESIGN

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

BONUS FEATURES 

Each spectacular design comes in a Collectible limited edition 4-color tin and a line-up of one-of-a-kind bonus features including: 
A Collectible cloisonne pin for 75 Years of Batman
A Collectible laser etched metal, sequentially numbered Certificate of Authenticity for each coin, including a facsimile signature of FRANK MILLER
An AR Gameboard
Augmented Reality App for mobile devices and tablets that launches from the coin - see an animated 3-D image of Batman and take a "selfie" with Batman!
Technical Specifications:
Metal999 Fine Silver
FinishProof
EdgeMilled
Denomination$5
Year of Issue2014
Mintage7,500
Weight2 Troy oz
Notice: due to a production hold up this coin will now ship from January 5th 2015

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

1965 Decimal New Zealand Coins - Uncirculated or Better Image Set

1965 Decimal New Zealand Coins - Uncirculated or Better Image Set




















Thursday, July 31, 2014

2014 Hawksbill Turtle 1 oz Silver New Zealand Mint $2 Niue

This coin is a continuation of the silver Taku series from the New Zealand Mint that has grown tremendously in popularity in its brief existence. 
The coin combines the appeal of 1 oz of pure Silver with an elegant design that captures the beauty of the ocean! With a sleeker design and low mintages for bullion, these coins move very quickly.

Coin Highlights:
  • Contains 1 oz of .999 fine Silver.
  • Coins come packaged in protective plastic flips.
  • Strict limited mintage of only 200,000 coins.
  • Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
  • Obverse: New stylized design of a Hawksbill turtle, also known as the Taku, swimming in shallow waters amidst tiny bubbles.
  • Reverse: Effigy of Queen Elizabth II and 2014 date.
  • Multiples of 20 will come in plastic tubes; individual coins will come in protective slips.
  • Produced by the New Zealand Mint.
The Story:

Hawksbill turtles are found throughout the tropical waters of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Named for their narrow, pointed beak, they are also recognizable by a distinctive pattern of overlapping scales on their exquisitely colored and patterned shells. 

This species typically avoids deep waters, preferring coastlines and coral reefs where they can find sponges, a primary food source for these omnivores. Beautiful creatures, they make incredible migrations in order to move from feeding sites to tropical beaches that often serve as nesting grounds. 

Hawksbill turtles come to New Zealand every year from Fiji; although they’ve been sighted as far south as Cook Strait, they are mostly seen in the upper North Island of New Zealand in the clear, shallow waters of the island shelve. 

Like many sea turtles, hawksbills are a critically endangered species due mostly to human impact. Hawksbill eggs are still eaten around the world despite the turtle’s international protected status, and they are often killed for their flesh and their stunning shells that are highly valuable in some marketplaces. 

A fantastically designed bullion item, this product has grown tremendously in popularity among investors in each of the four years that it’s been produced because of its intricate design.

New Zealand Mint:

The New Zealand Mint is a privately owned company in Auckland, New Zealand. It is the only privately owned mint in New Zealand, purchasing refined gold from international sources to produce coins. They have established their reputation over the past four decades for their high quality design as exhibited by their innovative commemorative gold and silver bullion products. 

The only precious metal mint in New Zealand, the mint uses the tag-line “Minters of the South Pacific” and produces collector and bullion coins for a number of pacific nations, including Fiji, the Cook Islands, Niue and Tuvalu.

Easter Island Silver CombiCoin 1gram x100 'Cook Islands' Legal Tender Silver Block

1gram silver divisble block of 100 each 10c Cook Island's Legal Tender
Valcambi's innovative, divisible bar format turned heads in the bullion market when the first 1g x 50 gold bar was released, giving investors an accessible and flexible option for managing their physical gold holdings.

Valcambi's latest version of the CombiBar is the CombiCoin; the famous snap-apart bar made from pure silver and issued as legal tender of the Cook Islands.




Legal tender status can offer significant benefits when transporting or trading. Classified by many tax authorities around the world as "currency" rather than "valuables", investors may have the option of declaring legal tender bullion products at face value rather than market (metal) value. 

In addition to extra privacy, legal tender status can reduce or eliminate liabilities for sales tax (VAT) in many jurisdictions - recognition that money is essential to travel and commerce.

Breaking up the CombiCoin is a simple matter of bending the strips along their break lines until the weakened metal gives way and snaps apart. The predefined breaking points ensuring that there is no loss of metal.

Located in Balerna, Switzerland, Valcambi is certified by the London Bullion Market Association as a Good Delivery Refiner and serves the LBMA's wholesale clients including banks, investment firms and governments across the globe.

Technical Specifications:




Denomination:NZD/COK $0.10 (x 100)
Minimum Gross Weight:1g (x 100)
Dimensions (mm):74 mm x 105 mm x 1.5 mm
Fineness:99.9%
Packaging:Single - sealed hard plastic pouch