Sunday, January 15, 2017

Poland 5 Zlotych 2016 The Story of the Warsaw Mint

Poland 5 Zlotych 2016 - 250th Anniversary of the Foundation of the Warsaw Mint

        Nominal Valuce  
Metal
    Weight 
     Diametr
     Mintage         Year
         5 Zlotych
Silver
     28.28 g
  40 mm
    20 000       2016

Currency reform in 1765, made by King Stanislaw August Poniatowski as an attempt to rescue the impoverished economy has become the reason for the opening of the Warsaw Mint, The coins were minted  250 years ago - 10 February 1766 year. The coins and medals was made of gold, silver and copper.Their high artistry assured the court medalist - Jan Filip Holzhausser. 
  
The partitions of Poland end  in 1795 all activities of Stanislavian Mint and after fifteen-year break, in the era of the Duchy of Warsaw, it opens its doors again with a huge number of coins for the purpose of ongoingNapoleonic wars. The coins have coat of arms of the Duchy of Warsaw and a portrait of the ruler - Frederick Augustus. The Treaty of Vienna of 1815 closes this chapter of Warsaw Mint. 
 
Tsar Alexander I, which formally Polish king, introduces the Polish Kingdom new monetary system, linked to the Empire system. In 1820, in connection with the development of monetary circulation, it is completed a new, imposing building mint, standing next to the old building. After the fall of the November Uprising, in the years 1832-1842, the kingdom mint, mints only bilingual coins - Polish-Russian.Then comes the total Russification and in the years 1842-1867 the mint, mint only Russian copper coins.
In 1907 Warsaw Mint building is demolished, and in its place created the magnificent building of the Bank's Empire.
 
Rebirth of Polish statehood after World War I is combined with the reform and unification of the monetary system of the Republic. In 1924 it is built the new building of the Warsaw Mint  Now are mint a whole series of circulation coins and trials, designed by the great Polish medalists. The outbreak of World War II and the Nazi occupation brutally ends this good run of polish mint -
occupant allows to strike coins perfunctory and in 1944 blew up the building of mint.
 
After the war, the building mint is rebuilt, but in 1952, in connection with major needs , is created a new building of the National Mint. Currently operating the Mint of Poland SA is a legacy of 250 years of activity of the Warsaw Mint. In January, 2016 began production in new manufacturing facility in Warsaw
 
Source :http://www.nbp.pl/ own

Saturday, January 7, 2017

Jordan ¼ Dinar 1977 - H.M King Hussein bin Talal - Silver Jubilee

Jordan ¼ Dinar 1977 - The Silver Jubilee

25th Anniversary of the Accession to The Throne

                     Nominal Value 
Metal  
 Weight
  Diameter
   Mintage    Year
               1/4 Dinar
Cu-Ni
17g
  34 mm
   200.000    1977

 


The coin commemorates the Silver Jubilee (25 years reign) of His Majesty King Hussein bin Talal - the ruler of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The ceremony took place in 1977 and lasted from May to November. The program had a number of events as the anniversary of the Day of Independence, the Great Arab Revolution, the Arabization of the Jordanian army,  the king's accession to the throne and King's birthday.


On the obverse you can see the head of King Hussein in the center of the emblem. The crown symbolizes the monarch system. Wing, on which is placed a crown symbolizes the Hashemite throne.

On the back you can find famous Petra a historic town and archaeological site in southern Jordan. The city is known for its architecture and water pipe system rock.  In 1977 there was also the anniversary of the 25 years Nation Bulilding and progress. I believe that is the reason why  we see Petra on the reverse.


In 1977 there was another Silver Jubilee - The 25 reign of  Queen Elizaberh II.


Source: wikipedia.com / own/ Structures of authority : a sociopolitical account of architectural and urban programs in Amman, Jordan (1953-1999) by  Read Al Tal - 2006 / kinghussein.gov.jo

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

Venezuela 1973 10 Bolivares The commemorative coin with varietes and Iran trial strike ?

Venezuela 1973 10 Bolivares ( Simon Bolivar )

100th anniversary of Simon Bolivar’s depiction on Venezuelan coinage

                     Nominal Value 
Metal  
 Weight
  Diameter
 Mintage         Year
               10 Bolivares 
Ag  
30g
  39 mm
   2 000 000       1973




Simon Bolivar in full Simón José Antonio de la Santísima Trinidad Bolívar y Palacios (24 July 1783 – 17 December 1830), was a Venezuelan military and political leader who played a leading role in the establishment of Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Panama as sovereign states, independent of Spanish rule. Bolívar's life was the basis of the 2013 film Libertador, starring Édgar Ramírez and directed by Alberto Arvelo.
 That was in short but let focus on the coin. First ever coin with Bolivar effigy was  in 1827 from Bolivia while Bolívar was still alive, and later in 1844 they were minted in Ecuador. First depiction of Simon Bolivar on the coin in Venezuela  was in  1873 by french engraver Albert D. Barre and the coin was minted in the Royal Canadian Mint.

This coin
is the second coin that is minted in Venezuela for commemorative purposes. The former was the gold piece of ten Bolívares that was put into circulation in 1930 on the occasion of the centenary of the death of the Liberator, this one is the first not circulating silver commemorative.

Mintage was about 2 000 000 pcs and proof coins - 200 pcs. What is also very interesting about this coin is the fact that exist multiple varietes of patterns, trial strikes and also some private issues. NGC says  that are known pieces include a reverse die trial strike on a square lead planchet, a reverse hub impression (uniface strike in silver), a “mule” using two reverse dies to strike a piece in silver, a reverse die strike with “ENSAYO METALOR C.A.” on the reverse in silver, and a 1973 10 Bolivares with an incuse “M” in a circle on the reverse. The "M" stands probably for metal refining company located in Los Angeles - Metalor- that could had the dies and mint own 10 Bolivares coin. 

NGC mention also about  defaced Iranian 200 Rials  cooper coin from 1971 - 2500th anniversary of Persian Empire. The piece was mint with inscription on the edge : CENTENARIO DE LA EFIGIE DEL LIBERTADOR EN LA MONEDA. This is the same inscription as you can find on the Venezuelan 10 Bolivares coin. Both coin were minted at the Royal Canadian Mint. Is this mean that Iran coin (1971) was a trial strike for 10 Bolivares 1973 ? This is a mystery for now. If gain more news, will let you know !


source: wikipedia/ own, monedasdevenezuela.net, www.ngccoin.com

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Venezuela 3,000 Bolívares 2001 - Casa de la Moneda de Maracay

Venezuela 3,000 Bolívares 2001 - Casa de la Moneda de Maracay

Founding of the Casa de la Moneda de Maracay 1999

                     Nominal Value 
  Metal  
 Weight
     Diameter  
Mintage    Year
                   3,000 Bolivares
  Bronze 
32g
  35 mm
    5000      2001  



Since 1890 Venezuelan currencies have been coined abroad, in different countries and different companies.A century later, the Banco Centra de Venezuela returned to the idea of ​​a mint for Venezuela with the aim of improving the country's degree of autonomy in the supply of coins, banknotes and valued species.

The idea of ​​creating a Mint in Venezuela was born in March 1983, when the board of the Central Bank of Venezuela decided to acquire the parcel of land adjacent to the facilities of the issuing institute, then known as Manzana Norte and where the Plaza Juan Pedro López and underground facilities for Treasury purposes and vaults.

   
In 1989 the BCV decided to execute the project outside the urban center of the city of Caracas for strategic reasons. The hacienda La Placera, in Maracay, met the necessary conditions for the project, such as proximity to ports, good communication channels and availability of public services, as well as being located in an urban center of importance to the country. In 1998 the industrial complex of the House of the Currency of Venezuela was practically constructed and in 1999 began to produce the first Venezuelan coins of Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100 and Bs.500 with the logo of the CMV in the obverse. These coins came into circulation in June 2000.


   
In 2001, the Mint of Venezuela coined coins of Bs.10, Bs.20, Bs.50, Bs.100 and Bs.500 and a new note of Bs.10.000, whose characteristic element was to include of the text "Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela". That year the factory of valued species began to establish contacts for the elaboration of stamps and fiscal stamps for various governorates.

The Mint of Venezuela (CMV) is an industrial complex that has the highest technology to coin coins, print bills and produce valued species (stamps and fiscal stamps, sealed paper, guarantee bands, among others).

   
The Venezuelan Mint is made up of three factories interconnected by a corridor for the movement of raw materials and other inputs. It extends on an area of ​​22.5 hectares in lands corresponding to the hacienda La Placera, in Maracay.

   
Its location offers easy and safe access by land, air and sea, as it is an area close to the ports of La Guaira and Puerto Cabello, a fundamental aspect for the transfer of raw material; Also close to Caracas, in addition to having good means of communication and availability of public services.

   
The coin factory, which corresponds to coin legal tender currencies, is located in the center of the complex. It owns seven Schuler brand minting presses, with a capacity to produce 324 million coins a year.




source: www.bcv.org.ve/ own

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Nauru 5 Dollars 2016 - HMS Hermes & HMS Royal Oak a fantasy or NCLT coin?

Nauru 5 Dollars 2016 - HMS Hermes & HMS Royal Oak

                     Nominal Value 
  Metal  
 Weight
  Diameter
Mintage    Year
               5 Dollars   
  Al-Bronze 
16.5g
  35.5 mm
   Unknown   2016   



Couple days ago, I acqiured two coins from Nauru in a set. It was 5 dollars from 2016  ships HMS Hermes and HMS Royal Oak. By Wikipedia I know that HMS Hermes was an aircraft carrier built for the Royal Navy and was the world's first ship to be designed as an aircraft carrier (although the Imperial Japanese Navy's Hōshō was the first to be commissioned and launched ) while HMS Royal Oak was one of five Revenge-class battleships built for the Royal Navy during the First World War. Launched in 1914 and completed in 1916, Royal Oak first saw combat at the Battle of Jutland as part of the Grand Fleet. In peacetime, she served in the Atlantic, Home and Mediterranean fleets, more than once coming under accidental attack. What I don't know, and what is more interesting in these coins and their themes, is if these coins are fantasy ones or non-circulating legal tender. Now let see some facts from Wikipedia. Nauru, officially the Republic of Nauru and formerly known as Pleasant Island, is an island country in Micronesia in the Central Pacific. As for currency they use Australian dollar.

Reading Currency Act 1976 from Republic of  Nauru (new version is in force from 6 November 2012 to date) I know that they issue commemorative coins. There is a list with a complete description of issued coins ( unfortunately lack of mintage ) since 2002 to 2011 and information that "Each commemorative coin described in the Schedule is taken to be, and to always have been, a national coin." So, in my opinion it solves the question of wether they are  fantasy coins or not. Tey are a non circulating legal tender coin ! Still searching information about this two coins, so well keep you updating.

Source: wikipedia/own/ronlaw.gov.nr

Friday, November 11, 2016

Ukraine 5 Hryven 2016 Ukraine Starts With You

Ukraine 5 Hryven 2016  Ukraine Starts With You

                     Nominal Value 
  Metal  
 Weight
  Diameter
Mintage    Year
               5 Hryven
  Nickel-Silver
16.54g
  35 mm
   50 000   2016   




The coin commemorates volunteerism in Ukraine, which grew to unprecedented proportions during the Revolution of Dignity and the start of the military conflict in eastern Ukraine. Volunteerism united Ukrainian society by successfully creating an efficient network of non-government initiatives and unions that dealt with the country`s most urgent and pressing issues. Volunteerism manifests a remarkable ability to unite, social responsibility, humanism and service to people.

Reverse: there is the following symbolic composition: in the center is a silhouette of a Ukrainian soldier with a yellow-blue heart (pad-printed); the soldier is surrounded by conventionalized hands with hearts, which represent care, protection, sacrifice and kindness. 

Obverse: to the left is Ukraine`s small coat of arms and the vertical legend УКРАЇНА (Ukraine); against a smooth background is a conventionalized image of the trident, the sign of the Princely State of Volodymyr the Great, consisting of various-sized conventionalized hearts, which symbolize self-sacrifice and generous deeds; there is also the coin face value 5/ГРИВЕНЬ (5/hryvnias) (vertical, to the right); beneath is the coin issue year 2016 and the mint mark of the NBU Banknote Minting and Printing Works.

source: bank.gov.ua / own

Saturday, November 5, 2016

Poland 5 Złotych 2016 -Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

Poland 5 Złotych  2016 -Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin

Discover Poland series

                     Nominal Value 
  Metal  
 Weight
  Diameter
Mintage    Year
               5 Zlotych   
  Bi-metallic 
6.54g
  24 mm
   1 200 000   2016   



The  Pomeranian  Dukes’  Castle  in  Szczecin  was  the historical residence
 of the House of Griffins who  ruled  Western  Pomerania  for  nearly  500  years. The building, best seen from the bank of the  Oder,  has  undergone  multiple  conversions,  bearing  witness  to  the  complex  and  turbulent  history of the region.  As  early  as  in  the  12th  century,  it  was  home  to  the  duke’s  court.  In  the  following  century,  Barnim I made it the main family residence, while in the 14th century Barnim III built the so-called Stone House and St. Otto’s Chapel. Casimir V added the  so-called  Big  House  and  the  prison  tower,  while at the end of the 15th century Bogislaw X had the castle enlarged significantly. In the 16th century, thanks to Barnim XI, the building gained a   new shape. The south wing was raised, a clock tower and an east wing were built, and traceries (openwork  elements  in  brick  or  stone)  were  added. 

In Johann Friedrich’s time, the castle was significantly remodelled in Renaissance style and – by adding a north and west part – a four-winged structure was created. In the early 17th century, Philip II added a mint wing. It housed an armoury, ducal  library  collections  and  a  kunstkamera  –  a cabinet of curiosities.
 

Following Bogislaw XIV’s death in 1637, the Duchy of  Pomerania  was  split  between 
 Sweden  and  Brandenburg.  In  1720,  the  southern  part  of  Swedish  Pomerania  was  ceded  to  Prussia  and  the  castle  became  the  seat  of  the  Prussian  administration.
 Restoration of the building to its former residential character started in the early 20th  century,  to  be  interrupted  by  World  War  II.  The  reconstruction  of  the  Renaissance  form  of the castle was resumed only in the 1950s, on the basis of historical prints, paintings and drawings. The foundations of older buildings and the Griffins’ crypt  with  family  sarcophagi,  among  others,  were  excavated in the course of the works. 
 

At present the Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle in Szczecin houses  a  local  government  cultural 
 institution  bearing  the  same  name,  the  Opera  in  the  Castle  and  the  Marshal’s  Office  of  the  West  Pomeranian  Voivodeship.  In  2015,  the  antique  polychromy  in  the  prison  tower  was  renovated,  and  in  2014-2015  the north wing was refurbished: ceilings in the Duke Bogislaw X’s room were decorated with Renaissance style  paintings,  fragments  of  the  14th-century  foundations  of  St.  Otto’s  Church  were  displayed,  the  ducal  sarcophagi  were  returned  to  the  crypt  and  the  Stone  House  foundations  were  uncovered  in front of the crypt.

source: nbp.pl / own