Feb 6, 2022 | Announcements, Royal Mint
The Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint have unveiled a commemorative two-coin set in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, on the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952.
Marking an historic 70-year sovereignty over the two nations, the set includes two one-ounce fine silver coins, each baring a unique commemorative design and struck to Proof standard.
The coin from The Royal Mint features a commemorative obverse design of The Queen created by John Bergdahl, who took inspiration from previous equestrian portraits of Her Majesty, adding the royal garter to create a truly unique portrait. The experienced coinage artist also created the coin’s reverse design, which features an elaborate royal mantle design inspired by the coinage of William IV.
-
-
Canadian Platinum Jubilee Celebration coin obverse
-
-
Canadian Platinum Jubilee Celebration coin reverse
-
-
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen 2022 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin obverse
-
-
The Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen 2022 UK 1oz Silver Proof Coin reverse
The coin from the Royal Canadian Mint features a reverse design by Canadian artist Pandora Young, who has captured Her Majesty as she looked in 1952, the year she became queen. Struck on Canadian coins since 2003, the coin’s obverse features the effigy of The Queen by Susanna Blunt, which depicts the experienced and much-loved monarch we know today.
The unique collector’s item, with a limited mintage of 5,500, is presented in packaging featuring English and French to reflect the heritage of the two nations. The release is the second collaboration between the two Mints, following a set to mark the Queen’s 95th Birthday celebrations in 2021, and forms part of The Royal Mint’s international growth strategy – engaging with coin collectors all over the world.
Nicola Howell, Chief Commercial Officer at The Royal Mint said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a once in a lifetime occasion, and we are celebrating with one of the largest ever coin collections made by The Royal Mint. On the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne, we are delighted to reveal a new two-coin set in collaboration with Royal Canadian Mint. The set has been beautifully crafted and offers a unique way for collectors to mark the historic occasion.”
“The Mint is proud to have commemorated many milestones in the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we are awed and honoured to be witnessing history as we join Canadians and fellow Commonwealth citizens in celebrating her Platinum Jubilee,” said Marie Lemay, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “We are delighted to have partnered with The Royal Mint to create a fine silver two-coin set that conveys our two nation’s sincere congratulations on this extraordinary achievement.”
This special collectible is available at The Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint at www.mint.ca.
Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Coin Specification
| Coin |
UK |
Canada |
| Denomination |
£2 |
Can$20 |
| Issuing Authority |
UK |
Canada |
| Alloy |
.999 Ag |
.9999 Ag |
| Weight |
31.21g |
31.39g |
| Diameter |
38.61mm |
38.00mm |
| Obverse Designer |
John Bergdahl |
Susanna Blunt |
| Reverse Designer |
John Bergdahl |
Pandora Young |
| Quality |
Proof |
Proof |
| Maximum Coin Mintage |
5,500 |
5,500 |
Feb 5, 2022 | ANA, Announcements
Submissions for the American Numismatic Association’s (ANA) annual Young Numismatist Literary Awards competition are being accepted through April 1. The awards were established to encourage young writers in three age groups, all of whom will compete for cash awards and numismatic books.
Article submissions will be evaluated by a panel of judges that includes Bill Fivaz, Mitch Sanders and Kenneth Bressett.
Eligibility
To compete in this year’s competition, participants must be ANA members. Submitted articles will focus on a numismatic topic of the competitor’s choice.
- Bill Fivaz Young Numismatist Literary Award
Ages: 8-12
Article should display basic knowledge of a numismatic topic. Creativity and original conclusions are encouraged. Suggested length: 450-900 words.
- Q. David Bowers Young Numismatist Literary Award
Ages: 13-17
Article should display advanced knowledge of a numismatic topic. Logically presented facts and original conclusions are encouraged. A bibliographic list of sources is recommended, but not required. Suggested length: 900-1,800 words.
- Kenneth E. Bressett Young Numismatist Literary Award
Ages: 18-22
Article should display in-depth knowledge of a numismatic topic. Logically presented facts and original conclusions are required, as is a bibliographic list of sources. Inclusion of charts, graphs, tables or other illustrations is encouraged. Suggested length: 1,800-3,600 words.
Guidelines for Submissions
When submitting articles:
- Provide ANA-member number, category of submission and contact information (email, phone number and address) on the first page.
- Include author’s name and award category in the file name.
- Submissions are accepted in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.
- Up to three submissions per author are allowed.
- Submissions previously published in The Numismatist will not be accepted.
Award Structure
The following prizes will be awarded in each of the age categories:
- First Place
Certificate and $500 cash prize, plus a $500 voucher to help build a personal library of numismatic books produced by Whitman Publishing. (International winners will be required to pay book shipping costs.)
- Second Place
Certificate, plus a $200 book voucher from Whitman Publishing.
- Third Place
Certificate, plus a $100 book voucher from Whitman Publishing.
Completed entries should be emailed to sstewart@money.org.
For additional information, please contact sstewart@money.org.
Feb 3, 2022 | Announcements
The Royal Mint has released Platinum Jubilee coins marking the 70-year reign of Queen Elizabeth II. NGC and its affiliate, NGC UK, are celebrating this historic milestone with special labels to complement these coins.
The Platinum Jubilee coins include a Brilliant Uncirculated 50 Pence coin — the first to celebrate a royal event — a Brilliant Uncirculated and Silver £5 Proof, a Silver £10 Proof and a Silver £500 Proof. Large-denomination silver and gold Proofs are also being offered by the Royal Mint, a storied and innovative institution that NGC is proud to count among its Strategic Partners.
NGC’s Queen Elizabeth II special label and Great Britain special label are available for standard size holders; the Great Britain label is also available for Oversize Holders. These NGC special labels are available by request for an additional fee to those submitting coins for NGC certification.
Learn more →
Feb 3, 2022 | Announcements
On February 14, 2022, NGC will reveal 123 coins recovered from the SS Central America, now certified and preserved for posterity.
Known today as the “Ship of Gold,” the SS Central America sank during a hurricane in 1857 while carrying an enormous treasure of gold bars and coins from the height of the California Gold Rush. More than 9 tons of gold went down with the ship, causing panic on Wall Street.
The treasure was eventually recovered in deep-sea expeditions over the last few decades, and the gold was conserved, graded and sold. However, one great mystery remained — a box of gold coins from the San Francisco Mint, its contents lost to time, unseen since it was packed in 1857.
NGC was presented with the incredible opportunity to examine and grade these coins for the first time. Visit NGCcoin.com on February 14, 2022, for a stunning reveal, see the video below for a sneak peek.
Feb 3, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
“Remind Me” alerts are strongly advised in case of canceled enrollments.
Since last year’s historic design change, American Eagle enrollments have more than doubled. Currently, 100% of available units of the 2022 American Eagle Silver One Ounce Proof Coin (S) and the 2022 American Eagle Silver One Ounce Uncirculated Coin (W) have been reserved through enrollments. If you would like to be notified if either of these coins become available again, please sign up for a “Remind Me” alert.
Limited quantities of the 2022 American Eagle One Ounce Silver Proof Coin (W) remain available, but are selling rapidly. If you wish to add this coin to your collection, the U.S. Mint strongly recommends you register for an enrollment today, while inventory is still available and enrollment remains open.
Enroll now in the American Eagle Silver One Ounce Proof Coin Enrollment
Additional American Eagle products are available at: https://catalog.usmint.gov/coins/coin-programs/american-eagle-coins/
Feb 3, 2022 | Announcements, U.S. Mint
Proof Silver Dollar and Jackie Robinson Silver Medal Set Still Available
2022 Negro Leagues Baseball Commemorative Silver Proof reverse
In addition, the limited edition of 20,000 Proof Silver Dollars with the obverse privy mark (22CS) commemorating the 100th anniversary of Negro Leagues Baseball in 2020, on sale during a 30-day window, has already sold out.
Customers still have the opportunity to add the Negro Leagues Baseball 2022 Proof Silver Dollar Coin and Jackie Robinson Silver Medal Set (22CR) to their collection. The Jackie Robinson silver medal carries the same design as the Jackie Robinson Congressional Gold Medal produced by the Mint in 2003 in accordance with Public Law 108-101, which honored Robinson as a baseball great, civil rights leader, and political activist. Priced at $135, and also only on sale until February 7, The Coin and Medal Set is limited to 15,000 units.
Please visit the U.S. Mint website to add this set to enhance your collection.
Surcharges in the amount of $35 for each $5 gold coin sold; $10 for each silver dollar sold; and $5 for each half dollar sold, are authorized to be paid to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to aid in its mission to promote tolerance, diversity, and inclusion.
The Mint accepts orders at catalog.usmint.gov/ and 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468). Hearing- and speech-impaired customers with TTY equipment may order at 1-888-321-MINT. Visit catalog.usmint.gov/customer-service/shipping.html for information about shipping options.
Feb 1, 2022 | Announcements, Shows & Conventions
Expansion means additional dealer tables are now available
(Schaumburg, Illinois) January 31, 2022 – Visitors to the April 2022 Central States Numismatic Society (www.CentralStatesNumismaticSociety.org) convention will find an expanded bourse area with more dealers and more exhibits. Additional dealer tables are now available, according to CSNS convention organizers.
The show will be conducted April 27-30, 2022 at the Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr., in the Chicago suburb of Schaumburg, Illinois. That state-of-art convention facility and hotel, located only 13 miles from O’Hare International Airport, have been the site of CSNS conventions in recent years.
“We’ve had extremely high demand for tables for the upcoming April show, so we have added additional space in the convention hall and redesigned the floor plan to add more than 80 additional tables. This is shaping up to be the largest Central States convention in over 30 years and could be the largest in its 83-year history,” said CSNS Convention Manager Larry Shepherd.
“Although we were nearly sold out before the expansion, we now have tables available in all floor sections: U.S., World and Ancient, and Currency. I encourage dealers to act quickly to sign up for available space,” he emphasized.
The Central States convention is the home show for the Professional Currency Dealers Association (www.PCDAonline.com).
This past October, CSNS officials announced that Professional Coin Grading Service (www.PCGS.com) is now the Official Grading Service for the Central States Numismatic Society.
“This involves all categories of numismatic coins and paper money, including U.S. and world coins, ancients, and U.S. and world banknotes,” according to Shepherd. “PCGS and Collectors Universe will also be the Official Supplier of Grading and Authentication for sports-related items as well as numismatic items for the CSNS convention.”
With the expansion of floor space, there will be several exhibit areas including special displays of superb-quality U.S. Large Cents by PCGS and 240 showcases of collectors’ exhibits. Some of the exhibit owners will be available for meet-and-greet sessions to answer visitors’ questions.
There will be a 2022 PNG Day on Wednesday, April 27, for the Professional Numismatists Guild and its invited guests, and the CSNS show will be open to everyone, April 28-30.
Official auctions will be conducted by both Heritage Auctions (www.HA.com) and Legend Rare Coin Auctions (www.LegendAuctions.com) in conjunction with the convention. Positive Protection, Inc. will be providing security at the show.
Dealers can obtain a bourse application online at www.CentralStatesNumismaticSociety.org/bourse-applications.
Hotel reservations with a special CSNS convention discount can be made online at https://book.passkey.com/go/CentralStatesNumismatics2022.
For additional information, contact CSNS Convention Manager Larry Shepherd at 719-464-8801 or visit www.convention@CentralStatesNumismaticSociety.org.
Jan 28, 2022 | Announcements, Royal Mint
The Royal Mint, Original Maker of UK coins, has today unveiled an exclusive 8kg gold proof coin to celebrate the Year of the Tiger as part of its Masterworks coin range and popular Shēngxiào collection. The 8kg gold proof coin featuring a design to celebrate Chinese New Year is a one-of-a-kind collector’s item made using a combination of traditional skills and innovative technology and is the largest coin ever produced as part of The Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào collection.
Reverse of The Royal Mint Year of the Tiger 8 kilo gold coin proof
The impressive 8kg gold proof coin was created by a team of master craftspeople at The Royal Mint, using traditional minting skills alongside the latest innovative technology. Modern techniques are called upon in the beginning with engraving machines being used to carefully cut the design onto the 8kg coin over a period of 200 hours.
A uniquely titled ‘Master Toolmaker’ then hand works the coin, carefully papering and burnishing the surface of the metal to remove any marks made by the cutting process to elevate the finish of the design, before undergoing 100 hours of hand polishing. Finally, the 185mm coin is laser frosted for 50 hours using the latest picosecond laser technology, to selectively texture the surface giving it a matt finish showcasing the detail of the coin design.
The Lunar Year of the Tiger 8kg coin blends elements of traditional British design and craftsmanship with ancient Chinese culture. The coin design depicts the tiger face on, and its Chinese character positioned to the right. When inspecting the design closely an additional Chinese character can be seen on the tiger’s forehead. It represents the Chinese character for king – ‘王’ – which is said to originate from the pattern on the tiger’s head. The weight of the coin, 8kg, was selected due to the number 8 being considered the luckiest number in Chinese culture and one associated with wealth and prosperous.
Clare Maclennan, Divisional Director of Commemorative Coin at The Royal Mint said: “The Royal Mint began the Shēngxiào Collection in 2014, combining centuries of British craftsmanship and artistic skills with Chinese tradition – creating the first official UK Lunar coins. Ahead of Chinese New Year, we are thrilled to introduce the first ever 8kg coin as part of the collection celebrating the Year of the Tiger and the latest in our ‘Masterworks’ series which offer unique works of art for collectors, exclusively from The Royal Mint. The coin design is a beautiful fusion of British craftsmanship and Chinese tradition featuring the tiger prominently in the centre of the design.”
The Royal Mint’s Shēngxiào Collection is a celebration of the UK’s diverse multi-cultural society, lending a unique British angle to this ancient custom. The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle with each year characterised by a different animal. Ancient legend tells of a Great Race between the animals. Several variants of the story exist, but in one popular interpretation the Jade Emperor, ruler of the heavens, declared that the first 12 animals to sign up would be eligible to take part, and the order they finished in would determine the order of the lunar calendar.
The tiger is considered one of the most beloved and respected creatures in Chinese culture. Characteristically brave and unyielding, the tiger is one of the most significant symbols in Chinese culture. Hailed for symbolising power, strength, and bravery, the animal also represents majesty and righteousness. Those born in the Year of the Tiger are thought to possess many of these traits and are said to be confident and courageous, meaning people born under this sign are thought of as natural leaders.
In addition to the 8kg gold proof coin, The Lunar Year of the Tiger collectable coins are also available in a range of precious metals and base metal finishes from £13. Visit www.royalmint.com/lunar to view the full collection.
Jan 28, 2022 | Announcements, CCAC
Dr. Lawrence S. Brown
(Linkedin Photograph)
Dr. Brown was appointed to the CCAC in 2019 as one of three members representing the interests of the general public in the coinage of the United States.
A life-long numismatist, Dr. Brown traces his fascination with coins back to his adolescence in Brooklyn, New York, where he found himself fascinated with the various ways in which history could be captured on such a small canvas. His focus is on modern circulating and commemorative coins.
A Vietnam veteran, Dr. Brown serves as Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Healthcare Policy and Research, Weill Medical College, Cornell University. He is Chief Executive Officer at START Treatment and Recovery Centers in Brooklyn, New York. The CCAC was established by an Act of Congress in 2003. It advises the Secretary of the Treasury on theme or design proposals relating to circulating coinage, bullion coinage, Congressional Gold Medals, and other medals produced by the United States Mint. The CCAC also makes commemorative coin recommendations to the Secretary and advises on the events, persons, or places to be commemorated, as well as on the mintage levels and proposed designs.
The CCAC is subject to the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury. The United States Mint is responsible for providing necessary and appropriate administrative support, technical services, and advice. The CCAC submits an annual report to Congress and the Secretary of the Treasury, describing its activities and providing recommendations.
Jan 26, 2022 | Announcements
(Pelham, Alabama) — Whitman Publishing announces the upcoming release of Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame, by Kenneth Bressett. The new 224-page hardcover book will debut in March 2022, available from booksellers and hobby shops nationwide. In the meantime, it can be preordered at www.Whitman.com and online bookstores.
Author Ken Bressett is well known to the collecting community as an expert on American coinage. Active in numismatics since the 1940s, he has written many articles and is author or editor of more than two dozen related books.
Although he is most famous as Editor Emeritus of the Guide Book of United States Coins (popularly called the “Red Book”), Bressett is also a longtime student of the ancient world. He is editor of the Handbook of Ancient Greek and Roman Coins (1994), a popular reference that builds on the work of Zander H. Klawans. His Money of the Bible was first published in 2005 and subsequently updated in new editions. And his book Milestone Coins: A Pageant of the World’s Most Significant and Popular Money has chapters on the ancient world and Biblical currency.
In Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame, Bressett creates an archaeological roadmap of the Old and New Testaments, from the earliest cuneiform writing to pottery, oil lamps, glass—and, of course, money. The Roman denarius, the Tyrian shekel, the first coin to feature an image of Jesus, and hundreds of other coins help provide a glimpse into daily life and trade, starting with ancient Israel and continuing through Jesus’s lifetime to the early years of the Christian church.
David Hendin, First Vice President and Adjunct Curator of the American Numismatic Society, who wrote the book’s foreword, describes Bressett as “a teacher and a motivator” who “links the modern reader to antiquity through the study of coins and other artifacts.” He calls Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame “a fun and fascinating book.”
“Money has long been an important part of human civilization,” said Whitman publisher Dennis Tucker. “The Bible tells the parable of the widow’s mite, and stories of the coin in the fish’s mouth, the thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas, and other ancient money. By studying the coins and artifacts still with us, thousands of years later, Ken Bressett guides us to a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations.”
Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame was reviewed by the Rev’d Lawrence C. Brennan, Censor Liborum of the Roman Catholic Church. Brennan certified the manuscript with Nihil Obstat, the Church’s official declaration that a book is unobjectionable on doctrinal or moral grounds. It was then granted Imprimatur, the Church’s formal approval for publication, by the Most Rev’d James R. Golka, Bishop of Colorado Springs.
The full-color, hardcover book retails for $19.95.
-
-
-
Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame is Kenneth Bressett’s latest numismatic book.
-
-
Bressett shines light on the archaeological record as a means of understanding human civilization.
-
-
For historians, coins are among the most informative artifacts surviving from ancient times.
-
-
Bressett explores the history of the written word—“the most important of all inventions”—and its connections to money and religion.
-
-
“The transfer of goods from one person to another is as old as mankind,” writes Bressett, “and an important part of even the most primitive civilizations.”
-
-
Bressett peppers his narrative with interesting “Facts & Folklore” sidebars.
-
-
In Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame, Ken Bressett connects coins to other artifacts of the ancient world.
-
-
Coins are mentioned many times in the Bible’s parables, stories, and lessons.
Bible Lore and the Eternal Flame, first edition.
By Kenneth Bressett; foreword by David Hendin.
ISBN 0794849768. Hardcover, 6 x 9 inches, 224 pages, full color.
Retail $19.95 U.S.
The Royal Mint and the Royal Canadian Mint have unveiled a commemorative two-coin set in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, on the 70th anniversary of The Queen’s accession to the throne in 1952.
