The Swiss Confederation is launching a new gold commemorative coin as part of the UN Year of Planet Earth celebration. The gold coin has a face value of 50 Swiss francs, and the mintage is limted to 6000.

International Year of Planet Earth
The United Nations have declared the year 2008 as the “International Year of Planet Earth”. World-wide activities on the subject of earth sciences will be co-ordinated by UNESCO, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and other UN or-ganisations.

What do earth sciences mean to our society? How does the exploration of the earth contribute towards a safer and wealthier world? Geophysicists and scientists will be looking into the answers to these questions during the years 2007 – 2009. In Switzer-land, the Science et Cité Foundation and the Swiss Academy for Natural Sciences are organising BaseCamp09, a road show that will visit six Swiss cities and is in-tended for the general public. The BaseCamp consists of a basic exhibition on envi-ronmental changes and explains the work of the research community. BaseCamp09 visitors will experience the gradual climate change with their own eyes and ears.

The designer of the “International Year of Planet Earth” gold coin is artist Claude Sandoz from Lucerne, who has a wealth of experience in designing coin motifs from past projects for Swissmint. For the Planet Earth, he places mankind in the centre of three globes. The Earth lays at man’s feet and one stands on his head. Man also car-ries it gently in his hands. The gold coin with a face value of 50 Swiss francs is avail-able in “proof coin” minting quality

The proceeds form the sale will go to promote cultural projects throughout Switzer-land, and can be purchased directly from the Swiss Mint

By David L. Ganz for Numismatic News

It seemed like it was raining coinage legislation on Capitol Hill in May as the House of Representatives passed bill after bill that sets up new coin programs. If the Senate concurs, and the President signs the measures into law, the face of coin collecting will likely not be the same. Replacing it will be a quilt work of new programs and directions.

First and foremost on the scene was the double eagle ultra-high relief in gold, and a second version in palladium. See separate story on Page 4.
Other legislation makes for one of the busiest numismatic Congresses in recent memory:

Star-Spangled Banner and War of 1812 Bicentennial Commemorative Coin Act (Under House consideration May 13 when squabbles broke out among the Democrats and Republicans, but passed under unanimous consent May 15. Referred to Senate Banking Committee May 19 after being Received from House) [H.R. 2894.]

• It authorizes 350,000 silver dollars in 2012 and instructs the secretary of the Treasury to mint and issue $1 coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner and the War of 1812. It requires a coin design emblematic of the War of 1812, particularly the battle for Fort McHenry that formed the basis for the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Read the Full Article by Mr. Ganz Here 

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Mint with special commemorative coins! It has been 100 years since Governor General Earl Grey activated the press to strike a fifty-cent piece, Canada’s first domestically produced coin. What would become known as the Royal Canadian Mint was officially open for business.

“Every commemorative coin produced by the Mint expresses a theme or ideal that reflects Canada’s heritage and values,” stated Mr. Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “These magnificent new coins capture the essence of Canada’s world-renowned mint during our centennial year and we are pleased to offer them as part of the celebrations.”

With a proud tradition in both silver and gold coin production, the Mint is issuing four commemorative numismatic coins to celebrate its monumental anniversary, all of which are now available.

5-ounce gold and 5-ounce silver coins

The exquisite craftsmanship and finish of the 5-ounce gold and 5-ounce silver coins enhance its design, the majestic architecture of the Ottawa Mint’s historic building on Sussex Drive. Bearing a face value of $500 and available for $8,159.95, the 5-ounce gold coin has been limited to a mintage of only 250. Its silver counterpart has a $50 face value and also captures the essence of Canada’s world-renowned Mint. Four thousand of these coins have been produced and are available for $369.95 CDN.(*) (more…)

Gold and silver coins featuring the late Sir Edmund Hillary against a backdrop of Mount Everest were released in New Zealand on Thursday, the 55th anniversary of his historic ascent of the world’s highest peak with Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

New Zealand Post, which issued the commemorative coins, said part of the proceeds of their sale would go to the Himalayan Trust that Hillary established for the Sherpa people of Nepal.

One of New Zealand’s best loved national heroes, Sir Edmund Hillary’s life was filled with many great achievements that earned him worldwide fame.

The first man to conquer Mount Everest in 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary went on to devote much of his life to improving those of others, especially the people of his beloved Nepal.

Following his passing in January 2008, and with the exclusive support of Sir Edmund Hillary’s family, this very special New Zealand coin release pays tribute to this extraordinary but humble man who will be remembered for ever. (more…)