2012 New Zealand Silver Currency Set

Highlights:

• New Zealand silver proof coin set with a gold-plated ten cent coin
• Each of the five currency coins is uniquely dated 2012
• Worldwide mintage limit: 1,000 sets

The five iconic designs in this silver proof coins set are:

New Zealand ten cents

The ten cent coin is pure silver with gold plating and features a Māori carved head or ‘koruru’ with Māori rafter patterns. Koruru are usually mounted on the gables of wharenui (meeting houses) and are referred to as ‘The guardians of the house’.

New Zealand twenty cents

The Māori carving shown on the 20 cent coin is a reproduction of a specific carving of an 18th century Māori warrior leader called Pukaki, who was a rangatira (chief) of the Ngāti Whakaue iwi of Te Arawa in the Rotorua district. The carving was made in 1836 and today it can be viewed in the entrance to the Rotorua District Council building. The edging of this coin is distinctive and known
as ‘Spanish flower’.

New Zealand fifty cents

The design on the 50 cent coin shows the Endeavour sailing south with Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the distance. The Endeavour was a British Royal Navy research vessel commanded by Lieutenant James Cook on his first voyage of discovery, to Australia and New Zealand from 1769 to 1771.

New Zealand one dollar

New Zealand’s national bird and beloved icon, the kiwi, appears on the $1 coin. This small, flightless bird has been in New Zealand for more than 60 million years, and is largely nocturnal. It has become so much a part of New Zealand’s national identity that New Zealanders overseas (and at home) colloquially refer to themselves as ‘Kiwis’.

New Zealand two dollars

The kotuku (white heron) is shown on the $2 coin. It is one of New Zealand’s rarest birds and is held in particularly high regard in Māori mythology. Kotuku have figured prominently in Māori legend as exemplars of rarity, grace and beauty, and as inhabitants of the spirit world.

New Zealand two dollars (NZD $2)

Composition:	Silver proof (0.999)
Weight:	14.12g
Diameter:	26.50mm
Edge treatment:	Milled with a channel with ten raised beads
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design:	The kotuku (white heron) flying right
Mint:	Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand one dollar (NZD $1)

Composition:	Silver proof (0.999)
Weight:	10.73g
Diameter:	23.00mm
Edge treatment:	Eight alternate segments, four milled and four plain
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design:	The kiwi, bringing to reality the colloquial term 'Kiwi Dollar'
Mint:	Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 50 cents

Composition:	Silver proof (0.999)
Weight:	6.59g
Diameter:	24.75mm
Edge treatment:	Un-milled
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley England
Reverse design:	The Endeavour sailing south with Mount Taranaki (Egmont) in the distance
Mint:	Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 20 cents

Composition:	Silver proof (0.999)
Weight:	5.30g
Diameter:	21.75mm
Edge treatment:	Spanish flower
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design:	Māori 'pukai' carving
Mint:	Royal Dutch Mint

New Zealand 10 cents

Composition:	Silver proof (0.999), Gold Plated
Weight:	4.37g
Diameter:	20.50mm
Edge treatment:	Un-milled
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, England
Reverse design:	Māori carved head or koruru
Mint:	Royal Dutch Mint

2013 Lunar Snake One Ounce Silver Coin Canadian $15 legal tender - RCM

Mintage of only 28,888 coins!

That is 20,000 fewer coins than last year's 1oz silver lunar design! This coin captures the true essence of the Snake’s personality, which is graceful and soft-spoken. Coin comes packaged in an attractive Asian-inspired case - a perfect gift for those born in 2013 or a previous Year of the Snake!

The year 2013 is ruled by the Snake. The Year of the Snake also ruled 1905, 1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989 and 2001. However, people born in January or February should consult the Chinese lunar calendar. New Year does not automatically fall on January 1st. This celebration is better known as the Spring Festival and coincides with the first day of spring - a date that shifts from year to year depending upon the lunar cycle and solar year.

About the Snake:

People born during the Year of the Snake have a hypnotic beauty and never give themselves totally away. The mysterious Snake is a strategic planner that has everyone guessing its next move. It will keep plotting until it gets what it wants. And when it does, it is not likely to let go. The Snake is a strong individual and is usually destined for great success. Does this sound like someone you know?

2013 Somalia One Ounce Silver Elephant 100 Shillings Legal Tender

2013 Somalia One Ounce Silver Elephant 100 Shillings Legal Tender Bullion Coin - African Wildlife

This Silver Elephant Coin from the African Wildlife Coin Series appeals to coin collectors all over the world for its depiction of one of the most fascinating animals found in Africa: the Elephant. Minted in Germany by the bavarfian Mint. The Silver Elephant Coin has a denomination of 100 shillings and is struck in .999-fine Silver

Year: 2013
Country: Somalia, Africa
Weight: 31.11 Ounces
Purity: 999/1000 Silver
Legal Tender: Yes, 100 Shilling
Mintage: Low - Unknown

Birds of Australia – Budgerigar 2013 1/2oz Silver Proof Coin

The second coin in this brand new coin series is inspired by the birds that inhabit the unique continent of Australia.

Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver

The coin is struck by The Perth Mint from 1/2oz of 99.9% silver in proof quality.

Magnificent Coloured Reverse Design

The coin’s reverse portrays a Budgerigar in colour and delicate representations of Australian vegetation. The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark is also included in the design.

Limited Mintage

The Perth Mint will release no more than 10,000 of these coins.

Australian Legal Tender

Issued as 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 2013 year-date and monetary denomination.

Numbered Certificate of Authenticity

The coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

The coin is housed in a classic display case with a delicately coloured, illustrated shipper.

• Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
• Magnificent Coloured Reverse Design
• Limited Mintage – 10,000
• Australian Legal Tender
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Stunning Illustrated Presentation Packaging

How Silver Protects Ones Purchasing Power Over Time

It is hard to find a better example of how silver protects purchasing power over long periods than to look at the story of the Australian 1966 “round” 50 cent piece.

 

1966 was the first year of Australia’s new decimal currency having changed form using pounds and pence. As in most other countries in the 1960’s silver was being removed from circulating coinage and the same was true in Australia. However the decision had been made to make the 50 cent piece the showpiece of the new coins and against advice from some officials at the time, the decision was made to mint the coin from silver and around 36 million pieces were struck.

Soon after the coins release, the price of silver started rising and it was no longer feasible for the government to make the coins from silver. No 50 cent coins were struck in 1967 and 1968, and the next 50 cent coin was issued in 1969 with the same design, but instead of being round it was a copper-nickel dodecagonal (12 sided) coin.

 

Back in the late 1960’s 50 cents was a good sum of money. In both 1966 and 1969, 50 cents could buy you a decent lunch. Fast forward to today and let’s see how the coins have held up.

An average circulated “round 50 cent piece sells for its silver value of between $11.50 and $12.50 which is still good enough to buy a decent lunch with maybe a little change. The 1969 copper-nickel 50 cent piece in average circulated condition is worth its face value only. It is hard to buy anything for 50 cents in Australia these days and you certainly can not get a lunch at all.

 

So here we have a simple real life example of how silver has protected ones purchasing power over time.

1966 “round” 50 Cents Nominal Specifications

Denomination:	50 cents
Metal:	80% Silver 20% Copper
Silver Content:	0.3416 oz
Mass:	13.28 grams
Diameter:	31.50 mm
Reverse:	Stuart Devlin
Obverse:	Arnold Machin

Article Written By Paul Behan

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Silver Coin Set - New Zealand Mint

This set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond. Available from mid November 2012.

 

Highlights

• Low worldwide mintage of just 1,000 sets
• Each coin is minted from 0.999 silver
• The rim of each coin is inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand'
• Features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond
• Packaged within a beautiful carved wooden case featuring the official The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey logo and a silhouette of the travelling party
• Individually numbered certificate

Each coin in this silver proof set portrays an important character in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Along with Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield, the set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Radagast - an eccentric wizard and friend to Gandalf, Elrond - one of the wisest and most ancient elves in Middle-earth, and Gollum - a mysterious creature that will change Bilbo’s life forever.

This set of precious coins and the accompanying certificate are presented within a carved wooden case - featuring the official logo and a silhouette of the travelling party.

Technical specification 

Each coin in this silver proof set portrays an important character in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Along with Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield, the set of six 1oz silver proof coins features Radagast - an eccentric wizard and friend to Gandalf, Elrond - one of the wisest and most ancient elves in Middle-earth, and Gollum - a mysterious creature that will change Bilbo’s life forever. This set of precious coins and the accompanying certificate are presented within a carved wooden case - featuring the official logo and a silhouette of the travelling party.

Denomination:	One New Zealand dollar
Finish:	Proof
Composition:	0.999 silver
Weight:	1 troy oz
Diameter:	40mm
Edge treatment:	Milled
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
Reverse design:	Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, Gollum, Radagast and Elrond
Mint:	Royal Australian Mint
Worldwide mintage limit:	1,000

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Silver Coin with Gold Plating

This 1oz silver proof coin with selective gold plating is sure to be a favourite. Featuring Bilbo Baggins with Bag End in the background, this coin is a must for any Hobbit fan..

Highlights

• Worldwide mintage of 20,000
• Minted from 0.999 silver
• Gold plated rim inscribed in both English and Dwarvish with the words 'Middle-earth - New Zealand'
• Features Bilbo Baggins with Bag End in the background
• Individually numbered certificate

The 1oz silver proof coin with gold plating is sure to be a favourite worldwide. It features selective gold plating around the rim, where the words ‘Middle-earth - New Zealand’ are inscribed in both English and Dwarvish. The depiction of Bilbo Baggins embarking on his journey captures the theme of the film and the individually numbered certificate adds to the collectability of this timeless coin.

Technical specification
 

The 1oz silver proof coin with gold plating is sure to be a favourite worldwide. It features selective gold plating around the rim, where the words ‘Middle-earth - New Zealand’ are inscribed in both English and Dwarvish. The depiction of Bilbo Baggins embarking on his journey captures the theme of the film and the individually numbered certificate adds to the collectability of this timeless coin.

 

Denomination:	One New Zealand dollar
Finish:	Proof
Composition:	0.999 silver with selective gold plating
Weight:	1 troy oz
Diameter:	40mm
Edge treatment:	Milled
Shape:	Round
Obverse design:	Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
Reverse design:	Bilbo Baggins leaving Bag End
Mint:	Royal Australian Mint
Worldwide mintage limit:	20,000