When a previously unknown, historically important coin comes up for auction, collectors, dealers and even auctioneers are prone to a little over-excitement. When four such coins are involved in a single lot the anticipation can go off the Richter scale.

Such a scenario is possible in the London auction rooms of Spink on Thursday, Sept. 27, when a unique 1868 Hong Kong proof set is to be offered for sale. It consists of a proof dollar, half-dollar, 20, 10 and 5 cents struck at the defunct Hong Kong Mint.

The set of five silver coins was acquired over 100 years ago by the present owner’s family in the former British Colony. The set has never previously been offered on the market. Until now there was not even a hint of a rumor that such a set existed. Its appearance is both remarkable and totally unexpected being struck at a time the mint was scheduled to close.

In the years since 1991, when the Bureau of Engraving and Printing’s Western Currency Facility began operating in Fort Worth, Texas, collectors of current Federal Reserve Notes have grown accustomed to checking for the facility’s “FW” mark on their paper money. Many collectors now seek examples of both Washington, D.C., and Fort Worth notes from each district or block when available.

Some go even further and try to collect all the serial groups formed when production shifted between the two facilities more than once within a single block.

By Numismaster

In a day and age when there are chronic anxieties about attracting young collectors to the hobby of coin collecting, one organization has found a formula that results in meaningful numismatic connections with young people. Ancient Coins for Education, or ACE, is a non-profit organization that works primarily with middle school and high school students, and their teachers (both public and private), to promote education and cultural appreciation of the classics and the ancient world through the study of ancient coins. Amongst the many numismatic-related activities they facilitate, ACE places primary importance on putting real ancient coins directly into the hands of young people.

Dubai: ‘Visions of Dubai’, the emirate’s first souvenir 22 carat gold coin, will be available in stores by the end of the month and in units ranging from 34 gm to 3.4 gm.

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) said in a release that the coin offers a new gift option for Eid to tourists and residents. The Centre has named Jumeirah Retail and Dubai Duty Free as the first two authorised distributors for the collectible keepsake.

The first coin in the series features the image of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on one side, and the Burj Al Arab engraved on the other side. Other coins in the series will feature landmark images of Dubai.