The Austrian Mint has just released the 6th coin in its bi-metallic Silver /Niobium series. The 2008 installment is titled “Fascination Light” in tribute to the 150 anniversary of the birth of the great Austrian chemist and entrepreneur, Dr. Carl Baron Auer von Welsbach (1858-1929).

The use of Niobium makes this coin both unusual and colorful. Niobium is a shiny gray, ductile metal that takes on a bluish tinge when exposed to air at room temperature for extended periods. It can also be “Heat Treated” and oxidized to create a number of different colors as is evidenced on the other five preceding coins in this bimetallic series.

The new € 25 obverse depicts a scene from the late 19th century when Welsbach’s inventions were quite new. The design features a nostalgic gas lamp lighter perched on a ladder, at dusk, in front of the Vienna City Hall, and lighting one of the gas lanterns. This was an everyday occurrence around 1800. This side of the coin also bears the country of issue, “Republik Oesterreich”, Republic of Austria, the face value of 25 euros and the year of issue, 2008.

In the center of reverse of the coin on the niobium core, is depicted a stylised sun, the ultimate source of light. Radiating out from the sun, into the silver ring and starting in the left side of the design field is a three quarter portrait of Carl Auer von Welsbach. (more…)

Celebrating the unique identity of Macau under the influence of East and West culture, this new series of Lunar commemorative coins features the Chinese Almanac animals with a modern touch on the obverse and on the reverse, a different design each year that best represents Macau – the 12 selected heritage sites of Macau. These 12 selected heritage sites of Macau are located in the “The Historic Centre of Macau” which is inscribed in the World Heritage List by UNESCO. The ever-changing designs for both sides of the coins in this series combine the element of Chinese culture and heritage appeal to reflect the unique character of Macau!

The glory of the A-Ma Temple is immortalized on the reverse of the coins for the 2008 inaugural issue. A-Ma Temple already existed before the city of Macau came into being. When the Portuguese arrived in Macau in the early 1550s and asked the locals on the name of the country, the locals gave the name “Ma Gao” which is the name for A-Ma Temple instead. The Portuguese adopted the name which subsequently evolved into the name Macau. (more…)

The Federal Mint Swiss mint, continues its four-part “Swiss National Park” series of commemorative coins. Last year, the series started with the motif of the ibex. The red deer and the marmot with follow in 2009 and 2010.

The designer of the”Golden Eagle” commemorative coin is scientific illustrator Nik-laus Heeb. He shows the bird of prey just coming in to land – a dynamic and vigorous pose that is rarely seen in pictures. The bimetallic coin made of aluminium-bronze and copper-nickel has a face value of 10 Swiss francs and is available in minting qualities “uncirculated” and “proof” in a presentation case. The new commemorative coin also supplements the Swiss coin sets for 2008 (legal tender).

After the bearded vulture, the golden eagle is the largest domestic bird of prey and one of the most powerful predatory birds in the world. Females are always larger than males: the wingspan of the female is around 220 cm, that of the male around 200 cm. Its talons, the size of a man’s hand with rear claws often exceeding 5 cm in length, are an especially impressive feature. (more…)

Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin

WASHINGTON- She was instrumental in refurbishing the White House following its destruction during the War of 1812. The people of France-with whom she and her husband were popular-called her la belle Americaine. A mere visit from her to Madame Lafayette saved the imprisoned woman from the guillotine.

The Nation celebrates the life and work of this woman-Elizabeth Monroe-with the United States Mint’s release of a 24-karat gold coin on February 28 at noon (ET). The Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be available in 1/2-ounce proof and uncirculated versions offered at $619.95 and $599.95, respectively. Mintage is set at 40,000 across both product options. Customer demand will determine the ratio of proof to uncirculated coins produced.

Orders for the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin will be limited to one per product option per household for the first week of sales. The United States Mint will reevaluate this limit following the initial sales period and either extend, adjust or eliminate it.

Bronze medals bearing the likeness of the coin also will be available for $3.50. There is no mintage or order limit for this option.

The obverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin bears a portrait designed by Artistic Infusion Program Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and executed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Don Everhart. Inscriptions on the coin are “Elizabeth Monroe” and “1817-1825,” the years she served as First Spouse. Additional inscriptions on the obverse of the coin are “In God We Trust,” “Liberty” and “2008.”

The coin’s reverse features a portrait of Elizabeth Monroe at a reception marking the 1818 reopening of the White House after it had been burned during the War of 1812. Inscriptions are “United States of America,” “E Pluribus Unum,” “$10,” “1/2 oz.” and “.9999 Fine Gold.” The reverse of the Elizabeth Monroe First Spouse Gold Coin was designed by Artistic Infusion Program Associate Designer Donna Weaver and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers. (more…)

The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is excited to celebrate the year 2008 by offering the 2008 $2 Single Note. This product features a crisp, uncirculated Series 2003A $2 note with a serial number beginning with “2008xxxxD.” Each 2008 $2 Single Note is protected by a clear, acid-free polymer sleeve, in a commemorative 2008 folder.

The second Federal Reserve Bank designation that will be offered for the 2008 $2 Single Note is New York. Other Bank designations will be made available during calendar year 2008. Total quantity available for this product is 10,000 notes.

This product is limited to 100 units per household during the quantity restriction period from February 25 - March 9, 2008. Order Here