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The 2008 UK Queen Elizabeth I £5 Gold Proof Coin

A very unique gold coin has been struck by the British Royal Mint. The 2008 UK Queen Elizabeth I £5 Gold Proof Coin.

In 1558 on the 17 of November, Elizabeth, the 25-year-old daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, was proclaimed Queen of England. She became one of the longest serving, best-loved and influential English monarchs, whose date of accession remained a national holiday for 200 years.

To celebrate the 450th anniversary of her becoming Queen, the British Royal Mint has struck a rather unique £5 crown featuring on its reverse a portrait of Elizabeth I, by the silversmith Rod Kelly. So we have the only coin in the world with two Queen Elizabeths, Elizabeth the first on the reverse and Queen Elizabeth the second on the obverse

As per the Royal Mint, “...the Queen is crowned and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches. A Tudor rose has been placed at each connecting point while the two side arches each contain a beautiful leaf pattern reminiscent of the carvings made by the Queen’s loyal servant and friend, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. The year of her accession and the year of the anniversary are both shown in Roman numerals with the inscription I HAVE REIGNED WITH YOUR LOVES.”

This unique coin is struck in 22 karat gold to proof quality. On the obverse is the portrait of the present Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS, while the reverse design by Rod Kelly bears a stunning portrait of Queen Elizabeth I crowned and set within a mandorla created by four decorative arches.

Only 1,500 gold Proof crowns will be struck to satisfy demand from collectors throughout the world and will be sold at the price of £925.00. (Approx 1825 US Dollars)

The coin is housed in a luxury walnut wood-veneer presentation case and accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity and the Royal Mint logo in gold on the top right-hand corner of the lid.

The product code for ordering is UKQEFGP.

This coin, if only by its uniqueness and limited strike will be sure to increase in value over the coming years.

Gold Sovereigns Celebrating 200 Years of Fine Tradition

To celebrate 200 years of fine tradition of gold sovereigns, the British Royal Mint has issued an impressive two-coin set comprising two magnificent gold sovereigns dated 1948 and 2008

Each coin depicts Benedetto Pistrucci's classic 'St George slaying the dragon' design featured on the reverse.

Product Information
According to the Mint, the 2008 Gold Proof Sovereign depicts St George and the dragon in frosted relief on the reverse. The design stands proud of the brilliant mirror finish achieved by meticulous hand polishing of the die using fine diamond paste.

The obverse carries the familiar portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

The 1948 Gold Sovereign depicts St George and the dragon on the reverse and is guaranteed to be in very fine condition. The obverse bears the young effigy of the Queen by Mary Gillick.

Housed in a luxurious walnut veneer presentation case, the coins are accompanied by an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the Chief Executive of the Royal Mint.

Background
The sovereign was first struck in 1489 on orders of Henry the VII but minting was halted just after James I ascended to the throne in 1603. It was over 200 years before sovereigns were once again struck, this time in the reign of George III in 1817.

It was George Wellesley Pole, Master of the British Royal Mint, who commissioned his protégé, Benedetto Pistrucci, to create the striking image of St George and the dragon. Pistrucci based his design on the legends of classical antiquity, to create a lasting image of courage, virtue and determination.

George Goschen, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer, proudly stated in April 1890, "Nothing, in my opinion, is more handsome than the St George and Dragon."

The US government regularly give their troops gold sovereigns as emergency money in the eventuality they are stranded in a foreign land.

Specifications

Alloy: 22 Carat Gold
Weight: 7.99 gms
Diameter: 22.05 mm
Designer: (Reverse) Benedetto Pistrucci
Designer: (Obverse) Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS
Code: SOV0850
Cost: £395.00 or approx 780 USD. (the price may vary depending on the spot price of gold)

Only 250 sets are available of this delightful and impressive 2 piece gold coin set, celebrating a special 50th anniversary and bringing together 200 years of fine tradition in gold coins

More information is available at the royalmint.com

2008 Year of the Mouse Gold Proof Coin Issue

The Perth Mint have just issued the Australian Lunar Series II 2008 Year of the Mouse Gold Proof Coin Issue from Series II.

These first proof Issue gold coins celebrate the Chinese Lunar Year of the Mouse.

The proof quality is 99.99 percent and the 2008 dated coins are stuck in one ounce, one quarter ounce and one tenth ounce gold coins of 99.99 percent proof quality.

The Mouse Design is on the reverse of each coin and depicts a mouse crouching on a bed of stones with chilli peppers clustered in the background. As well as the inscription 'Year of the Mouse' and the Chinese character for 'mouse', the design also incorporates The Perth Mint's 'P' mintmark.

A prestigious new feature is the larger diameter of each coin, providing extra space for the enchanting artistry of Series II.

As with all the Perth Mint gold coins, this one is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act of 1965 with each coin featuring the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse.

There is a limited mintage with only:

3,000 individual 1oz coins
5,000 individual 1/4oz coins
5,000 individual 1/10oz coins
3,000 Three-Coin Sets (1oz, 1/4oz, 1/10oz)

A numbered Certificate of Authenticity accompanies each individual coin and Three-Coin Set.

The Gold Proof Lunar Series II coins are housed in elegant oval-shaped display cases with each case featuring a granite-like base and a glossy timber-effect lid. It comes in an illustrated coloured shipper depicting two mice.

As well as being a great collectors item to proof quality gold coin collectors, the 2008 Year of the Mouse Gold Proof Coin Issue will make great gifts for people born in any year 'ruled' by the Chinese Lunar

2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set

The British Royal Mint has been busy organizing a major design change to their legal tender coins. This will be reflected in the 2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set which will be available in November as part of their prelaunch

As the Mint states, "For the first time since decimalization the legal tender coins of the United Kingdom will undergo a major design change. In the late spring of 2008 the nation will see new designs on the coinage, from the 1p to the £1, reflecting a more modern twenty-first century Britain."

"To mark this watershed in numismatic history, and to commemorate the reverse designs that have served Britain well for almost 40 years, the Royal Mint is producing a limited-edition gold Proof collection. This contains seven coins struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality"

"The Gold Collection comprises seven coins bearing the definitive reverse designs, the portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS on their obverse, and are all dated 2008. Each coin is struck in 22 carat gold to Proof quality. For such a magnificent collection, the Royal Mint has commissioned high-quality hand-crafted oak veneer cases designed exclusively to house the gold Proof coins. An informative booklet featuring a potted history of the iconic designs completes the presentation. Incorporated into each booklet is an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity signed by the Deputy Master of the Royal Mint."

Decimalization was introduced into Britain just 40 years ago. A lot of work went into the design and the production of the coins at that time. In such a change much thought has to go into the design of the new coins so they can be distinguished, not only from each other, but from the existing coins of the day.

For the Portrait of the Queen Arnold Machin RA had been approved and for the reverse designs a competition was set up. Over 80 artists took part with 900 designs and the series by Christopher Ironside was eventually approved and adopted.

All the coins are dated 2008 and there is a limited issue of only 2008 coins which will be available from 19th November 2007

The Code is UKL8GPS and the price set at £2195.00

The 2008 Emblems of Britain Gold Proof Set is set to be a valuable coin set much sought after by coin enthusiasts over the coming years.

Mexican 20 & 50 Pesos Gold Coins

USA Gold has managed to acquire some 200 Mexican 20 pesos, & 300 50 Pesos Gold Coins in excellent condition, some unminted, and these are sure to be grabbed quickly by avid collectors.

USA Gold states, "In the course of acquiring the 50 Pesos, we were also able to acquire 200 20 Pesos coins in brilliant uncirculated condition. The 20 Pesos coin is hands down one of the most visually appealing coins in the historical era, featuring a detailed representation of the Aztec calendar on the obverse of the coin, and the modern Mexican coat of arms on the reverse. It was minted in comparatively low numbers and is a terrific companion to the 50 Pesos coin."

The peso was initially the name of the eight-real coins issued in Mexico by Spain. These were the so-called Spanish dollars or pieces of eight in wide circulation in the Americas and Asia from the height of the Spanish Empire until the early 19th century. After Mexico gained its independence in 1821, the new government continued the Spanish monetary system of 16 silver reales = 1 gold escudo, with the peso of 8 reales the largest silver coin. Paper money was also issued, denominated in pesos.

In 1910 Mexico celebrated the Centennial of the beginning of its War of Independence with Spain. To commemorate the event, a giant column was erected in the middle of Mexico City with a statue of "El Angel de la Independencia" ("The Angel of Independence") sitting atop. This 6.7-meter statue, constructed of Bronze and Gold, represents the "Winged Victory", a Greek symbol for the goddess Nike (Victory). In her right hand the Angel holds a laurel crown, symbolizing Victory, while in her left she holds a broken chain, symbolizing Freedom.

First minted in 1921, the 50 Pesos gold coin honors the Centennial of the successful end of Mexico's War of Independence. "El Angel" is pictured on the coin opposite the national coat of arms. The Mexican coat of arms depicts the Mexican golden eagle devouring a snake while perched atop a cactus, an antiquated version of the coat of arms developed in the French Style in the late 1800's.

The Mexican Gold Coin 50 Pesos is a beautiful gold coin and is larger than the one ounce Gold Eagle. The 1821 on the lower left commemorates the year of Mexico's independence. The date on the right indicates year of mintage.

USA Gold have often managed to locate Mexican 20 and 50 gold pesos but never in such a large quantity as this.

For those interested in collecting this rare and valuable coin now is the time to step up to USA Gold! and buy now.

2007 £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Coin

The most recent issue from the British Royal Mint is a striking 2007 £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Standard Gold Coin. This is one of the most highly anticipated annual issues from the Royal Mint and there is a low worldwide issue limit of just 1,000 coins available

Each coin measures an impressive 36.02 millimeters in diameter and weighs a hefty 39.94 g – the equivalent in gold content to five individual gold sovereigns.

Benedetto Pistrucci’s dramatic portrayal of St George and the dragon appears on the reverse, while the obverse features the traditional portrait of the Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. The exceptional combination of beauty, rarity and high gold content means the £5 Brilliant Uncirculated gold coin will be highly sought after by numismatics worldwide.

According to the Royal Mint, "In the 19th century, coinage reform re-introduced the gold sovereign and also saw the origin of what was destined to become one of the most enduring of all numismatic designs – the acclaimed rendering of St George and the dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci – and a subject that has inspired and fascinated artists and sculptors for centuries."

"While the new sovereign made its debut in 1817, it was 1820 before the first £5 coin was struck. It was a magnificent coin suitable more as a presentation piece rather than for general circulation and it was not until 1887 that the £5 coins were at last issued to the public. The enormous demand was such that the Chancellor of the Exchequer felt obliged to assure the House of Commons that the Mint would eventually satisfy every request and, in the event, more than 53,000 pieces were struck."

"With very few exceptions, Pistrucci’s St George has dominated the sovereign family ever since and has been beautifully restored to how it was seen almost 200 years ago especially for this year’s coin. Using a combination of traditional hand-engraving skills and state-of-the-art technology, the result is indeed remarkable, bearing witness to the special care that has been taken over one of the greatest coin designs in world history."

Each gold coin is housed in a stylish green presentation case complete with an individually numbered Certificate of Authenticity, signed by the Chief Executive of the Royal Mint and is priced at £745.00.

The 2007 £5 Brilliant Uncirculated Gold Coin from the British Royal Mint will make a fascinating and valuable addition to any coin collection.

2007 14-Karat Gold Coin—140th Anniversary of the Dominion of Canada

The Canadian Royal, Mint recently issued the 2007 14 karat gold coin to celebrate the anniversary of the Dominion of Canada.

This is an important occasion and an important coin for collectors. There are only 500 of these coins issued.

According to the Canadian Royal Mint, i the middle of the 19th century, the industries that had long defined Canada were slowly giving way to a new economy of manufactured goods. This gradual move towards industrialization heightened the need for a continental infrastructure-communications and an effective means to transport people and goods to wider markets.

On March 29, 1867, the "...Union of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, and the Government thereof;..." signed the British North America Act to create the Dominion of Canada and to establish its constitution. One hundred and forty years later, this Act remains a cornerstone of the celebrated nation the world knows today.

This striking gold coin features Queen Victoria’s coat of arms as it appeared in the British North America Act passed by British Parliament on March 29, 1867, as well as an excerpt taken from that document. In addition, beneath the words are the original shields of the four founding provinces Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The entire design was expertly created by Bonnie Ross.

On the reverse there is an excerpt from the British North America Act with Queen Victoria’s Coat of Arms above and the shields of the four founding provinces below (Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick).

On the obverse an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Susanna Blunt.

The coin specifications are shown below:

Face Value: 100 dollars
Mintage: 5,000
Composition: 58.33% gold, 41.67% silver
Weight (g): 12
Diameter (mm): 27
Edge: Reeded
Finish: Proof
Certificate: Serialized
Artist: Bonnie Ross

The 2007 14-Karat Gold Coin—140^th Anniversary of the Dominion of Canada will be a very important addition to any coin enthusiasts collection.

The Vittorio Emanuele II 20 lira gold coin

The Vittorio Emanuele II 20 lira gold coin (picture from usagold.com) is a rare coin with just a few thousand being produced.

Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy, better known as Vittorio Emanuele II, lived from March 14, 1820 to January 9, 1878 and was the King of Piedmont, Savoy, and Sardinia from 1849 to 1861. On February 18, 1861, he assumed the title King of Italy to become the first king of a united Italy, a title he held until his death in seventeen years later.

He was born in Turin, the eldest son of Charles Albert, King of Sardinia, and Mary Therese of Hapsburg-Lorraine. He lived a few years of his youth at Florence with his father. Victor Emmanuel showed an early interest for politics, the military, as well as a certain aptitude towards sports.

Upon the creation of the Kingdom of Italy under Vittorio Emanuele II, a unified lira was established, at 4.5 grams of silver or 290.322 milligrams of gold. This was a direct continuation of the Sardinian lira.

There is an interesting old world European history which these types of coins represent and many people love to collect them, not just for the antique or rarity value but also for the historical interest.

The Vittorio Emanuele II 20 lira gold coin is a rarity these day as was its successor coin the Umberto I 20 lira simply because there are so few. Many were hoarded at the time and during the unification of Italy and became lost. From time to time a collection comes to light and there is usually a flurry of interest and buying until that hoard is split up and sold.

USAGold manages to acquire some from time to time for those interested. As they point out on their web site, "Scarce pre-1933 gold coins, like the Vittorio Emanuele II 20 lira, offer a largely unplumbed area of the gold market for appreciation potential. They offer two avenues for potential profit -- one should the price of gold rise, and another should the premium increase due to the trade off between scarcity and demand."

Seeking out and acquiring a Vittorio Emanuele II 20 lira gold coin is one of the truly great pleasures of rare coin collecting!

1oz Gold Proof Locket Coin with Sapphires

The Perth Mint has just introduced the unique 1oz Gold Proof Locket Coin with Sapphires

This stunning coin is the first of a beautiful series of “Treasures of Australia” locket coins celebrating Australia’s abundance of natural riches. This first release contains stunning blue sapphires, which are found in major accumulations in Queensland and New South Wales.

The 2007-dated coin is struck from 1oz of 99.99% pure gold in proof quality and the reverse design portrays an abstract interpretation of Australia’s stark and beautiful landscape.

The design surrounds a transparent half-circle locket containing approximately 1-carat of sapphires. Linked through time with many special properties, including wisdom, loyalty and healing, sapphires are also the birthstone of people born in September.

As with all coins issued by the Perth Mint, this coin is issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965. The coin bears the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on its obverse and is house in a presentation case with a jarrah timber lid featuring a circular viewing window. The case comes in a stylized box shipper.

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The Perth Mint will release no more than 1,000 of these gold proof locket coins.
Scheduled for release between 2007 and 2011, the “Treasures of Australia” celebrates five glittering prizes found in Australia: Sapphires, Opals, Diamonds, Gold, and Pearls.

Specifications:

• Proof Quality 99.99% Pure Gold
• Striking Reverse Design
• Contains 1-Carat of Sapphires
• Australian Legal Tender
• Presentation Packaging
• Limited Mintage
• Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
• Cost is AUD $1,595.00

In addition, for a limited time only, collectors who purchase this Treasures of Australia gold proof locket coin will automatically receive a pure silver version absolutely free! This offer will end 31 October 2007 or when the full mintage of just 1,000 gold proof locket coins has been taken up. Silver proof coins will be available individually for $99 according to the Mint.

The 1oz Gold Proof Locket Coin with Sapphires will make an excellent addition to any coin collection.