The Bank of Greece has issued a new gold coin which focuses on the extraordinary archaeological sites of Tiryns and Mycenae. Today, the Archaeological Sites are imposing ruins of the two greatest cities of the Mycenaean civilization which dominated the eastern Mediterranean world from the 15th to the 12th centuries BC and which played a vital role in the development of the culture of classical Greece. These two cities are indissolubly linked to the Homeric epics the Iliad and the Odyssey, which have influenced European art and literature for more than three millennia.
Tiryns (known as Τίρυνς in ancient Greek) is a Mycenaean archaeological site in the administrative regional unit of Argolis, situated in the Peloponnese, just north of the city of Nauplion — former capital of the Greek Republic from 1821 to 1834. The Acropolis of Mycenae as well as the monuments in its vicinity have maintained their authentic features to the present days.
Tiryns, at one time was a hill fort with urban occupation reaching back seven thousand years, from before the beginning of the Bronze Age. The settlement and city reached its height between 1400 and 1200 BC, when it was recognized as one of the most important centers of the Mycenaean world, in particular in Argolis. Its most notable features were its imposing palace, its cyclopean tunnels and especially its walls, which gave the city its Homeric epithet of «mighty walled Tiryns». In ancient times, the city was linked to the myths surrounding Heracles, with some sources citing it as his birthplace. The architecture and design Mycenae and Tiryns, such as the Lion Gate and the Treasury of Atreus and the walls of Tiryns, have been consistently described as some of the most outstanding examples of human creative genius. The Mycenaean civilization, as exemplified by Mycenae and Tiryns, had a profound effect on the development of classical Greek architecture and urban design, and consequently also on contemporary cultural forms throughout the centuries. Mycenae and Tiryns represent the pinnacle of the Mycenaean civilization, which laid the foundations for the evolution of later European cultures.
Since November 1997 a Program of restoration and conservation has been initiated on the site. Listed a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Mycenae in 1999, the site has continued to fascinate visitors and would-be explorers from its first initial excavations in 1831 to the present day.
The coin, designed by resident artist George Stamatopoulos — designer of the 2014 COTY award winner for the most historical coin, includes elements of the Mycenaean decorative motifs on the obverse which resemble stylized waves in a connected circular format. The text "ΑΡΧΑΙΑ ΤΥΡΙΝΘΑ ΜΥΚΗΝΕΣ" (ancient tyrintha mycenae) surrounds the primary design. The reverse depicts a stylised six-spiked star motif which is recessed on the coins surface. In the middle of the star is the crest of the Hellenic (Greek) Republic along with the text "ΕΛΛΙΝΙΚΗ ΔΗΜΟΚΡΑΤΙΑ" (Hellenic Republic) along with the coin's denomination of «50 ΕΥΡΩ" and the year of issue, 2013, the distinctive mintmark of the Greek State Mint is placed just to the left of the year.
Country: Greece
Data of issue: November 2013
Face value: 50 euro
Metal: Gold .999
Weight: 1 g
Diameter: 14 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 1000 pcs
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San Marino released a new coin to celebrate 100th Anniversary of the Birth of Emilio Greco.
Emilio Greco (October 11, 1913 — April 5, 1995) was an Italian sculptor born in Catania, Sicily. His notable works include Monument to Pinocchio, 1953, at Collodi and Nereid (Crouching Figure No.4), 1973. The drawings for his Pinocchio are in the collection of the Tate Gallery. Throughout his career, his sculptures tended to be refined, with elongated forms in the Italian Mannerist tradition. Laura, 1973, is a typical example of his mature sculpture. Greco's reputation was at its highest in the 1950s and 60s, but has tended to wane since.
Obverse: the coat of arms of San Marino and the inscription 'REPUBLICA DI SAN MARINO'.
Reverse: a female skater (La Pattinatrice) by Emilio Greco Bronze sculpture.
Country: San Marino
Data of issue: November 2013
Face value: 10 euro
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 22 g
Diameter: 34 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 6000 pc
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November 29, National Bank of Moldova began taking orders for Silver Coins dedicated to Trajan's Column. Coin is the second in series 'HISTORICAL EVENTS'.
1900 years ago the Roman Emperor Trajan dedicated a monumental column at the heart of Rome, where it still stands in commemoration of the Emperors conquest of the land of Dacia, known today as Romania. The Romanian Cultural Institute and the V&A are launching Trajan 1900, a programme of events in celebration of the 1900 years from the dedication of the column.
Obverse:
on the central part – the Coat of Arms of the Republic of Moldova;
on the upper part – year of issue '2013';
on the bottom the inscription '100 LEI';
following the coin circumference– the inscription 'REPUBLICA MOLDOVA' is engraved.
Reverse:
on the central part – the image of the Trajan's Column;
following the coin circumference — the inscription '1900 DE ANI DE LA INAUGURAREA COLUMNEI LUI TRAIAN' is engraved.
Country: Moldova
Data of issue: November 29, 2013
Face value: 100 lei
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,1 g
Diameter: 37 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2000 pcs
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Dec. 2, 2013, the United States Mint began taking orders for Helen Taft First Spouse Gold Coins. Shown on the obverse and reverse are designs celebrating Helen Taft, wife of the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft.
These coins are struck from 1/2 ounce of .9999 fine gold and are available in proof and uncirculated qualities. They are issued as the third 2013-dated release from the Mint’s First Spouse Gold Coin Program. There are five coins this year with designs honoring:
Strikes of the series are typically released in longer intervals throughout the year. However, a production issue known as «finning» delayed the series this year and forced a much tighter release schedule. The U.S. Mint looks to be getting a quicker start on the 2014 First Spouse Gold Coins. Already revealed are next year’s design candidates.
The spousal program debuted in 2007 and honors the spouses of the former Presidents of the United States in the order in which they served. It will continue until at least 2016.
Designs of Helen Taft First Spouse Gold Coins
Obverses of the new coins offer a portrait of Helen Taft by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Designer William C. Burgard. Sculpting of the effigy was completed by U.S. Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.
Inscriptions surrounding the portrait include HELEN TAFT, IN GOD WE TRUST, LIBERTY and 27TH with 1909–1913 representing her years of service. A ‘W’ mint mark is present to denote each coin’s production at the West Point Mint. Also, the initials of both the designer and sculptor are included.
Coins of the series feature reverse designs emblematic of the life of the honored individual. For Helen Taft First Spouse Gold Coins, a Japanese cherry blossom branch is shown representing Helen’s role in bringing the cherry trees to Washington, D.C. The reverse was designed by AIP Master Designer Richard Masters with sculpting completed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Charles Vickers.
Inscriptions include UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, E PLURIBUS UNUM, $10 and 1/2 OZ. 9999 FINE GOLD. Additionally, the initials of the designer and sculptor are included.
Prices for the new issues is $815.00 for the proof coin and $795.00 for the uncirculated coin. This pricing is subject to change, however, as the Mint utilizes a pricing matrix tying the coins to fluctuations in the gold market. Earlier releases this year debuted $25 higher until moving to the present prices. The Mint most recently reduced prices on Wednesday, Nov. 27. Current prices are based on a weekly gold average of between $1,200 and $1,249.99 an ounce.
Maximum mintage for the gold coins is capped at 10,000. This same mintage applies to all 2013-dated releases but it represents a 3,000 drop from last year’s strikes.
These coins are encapsulated, presented in a lacquered hardwood display case and accompanied by United States Mint Certificate of Authenticity.
Helen Taft Bronze Medals
Bronze medal replicas of the Helen Taft First Spouse Gold Coins are also produced by the United States Mint. They will be released as part of the William Howard Taft $1 Coin & Helen Taft First Spouse Medal Set. This set is due to launch tomorrow, Dec. 3, and will be offered for $9.95. The coin and medal are presented together on a durable plastic card.
In addition, bronze medal replicas of all five of the 2013-dated First Spouse Gold Coins will be released together in the 2013 First Spouse Bronze Medal Set. This set is due for release on Dec. 16 and will sell for $16.95.
About Helen Taft
Helen Taft was born with the surname of Herron on June 2, 1861 in Cincinnati, Ohio. She was the daughter of Judge John Williamson Herron, a law partner of Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th U.S. President.
Her relationship to the Oval Office would not end there, however, as she married William Howard Taft who would become the 27th President. Two months after his assuming the office, she suffered a stroke and never fully recovered. This did not stop her from being instrumental in the planting of 3,020 Japanese cherry trees in Washington. The trees have become an annual pilgrimage for many during the blossom season.
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First time ever partly antique finish on a silver PROOF coins. Low mintage do not miss this out! The Hall of Mirrors is the central gallery of the Palace of Versailles and is renowned as being one of the most famous rooms in the world.
Hall of Mirrors
The Hall of Mirrors (French:Grande Galerie or Galerie des Glaces) is the central gallery of the Palace of Versailles and is renowned as being one of the most famous rooms in the world.
The principal feature of this famous hall is the seventeen mirror-clad arches that reflect the seventeen arcaded windows that overlook the gardens. Each arch contains twenty-one mirrors with a total complement of 357 used in the decoration of the galerie des glaces.
Country: Palau
Data of issue: December 03, 2013
Face value: 10 Dollars
Metal: Silver .925
Weight: 50 g
Diameter: 42х42 mm
Quality: Antique & Proof
Mintage: 999 pcs
The coin reverse depict a colored and beautiful image of Hall of Mirrors. On the obverse a monochromatic representation of the room with antique finish quality.
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New silver coin «The Caribou» has been minted by Canada in Novemder 2013.
The woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) is the only member of the deer family in which females also grow antlers. Biologists believe it may be due to the intense competition caribou face digging for lichen and other plants. Antlers are grown and shed annually, but pregnant females will lose their antlers later than males, possibly to gain an added reservoir of calcium for their gestating calves.
Caribou live in Canada’s most isolated regions beyond the 49th parallel. They are categorized into three ecotypes based on specific behaviours and adaptations they have developed by living in different habitats. The tundra ecotype reigns as the farthest-travelling land migrant on earth, spending winter in the boreal forest and moving to the tundra north of the 55th parallel in summer to calve—an astounding roundtrip of 6,000 km per year that perfectly illustrates the vastness that is Canada.
Special features:
• Your coin is an exquisite portrait of one of Canada’s most intriguing wilderness residents.
• Your coin features colour over engraving in warm, natural tones. The valley and mountains in the background are depicted in natural, shining fine silver.
• Expertly depicted by wildlife artist Trevor Tennant.
Design:
Your coin was designed by Canadian artist Trevor Tennant and features a full colour caribou set in an engraved mountain landscape.
Face value: 20 dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 10 000 pcs
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New coins have been minted by Republic of Kazakhstan. Coins were issued in the series Oriental Calendar.
Obverse: in the center mythological symbols of constellations of celestial map, «Ag 925 31,1 g.» means metal, standard of coinage and weight, wide mat edging along the edge with indication of face value «500 ТЕҢГЕ» and inscription in Kazakh «ҚАЗАҚСТАН РЕСПУБЛИКАСЫ» and in English «REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN», conventionalized image of the sun.
Reverse: in the center image of the horse as the symbol of year 2014 of Oriental calendar, trade mark of Kazakhstan Mint, wide mat edging along the edge with indication of the year of coinage «2014» and inscription in Kazakh «ШЫҒЫС КҮНТІЗБЕСІ», in Russian «ВОСТОЧНЫЙ КАЛЕНДАРЬ», and in English «ORIENTAL CALENDAR», small image of other eleven symbols of Oriental calendar years.
The coin has dodecahedron shape. Lateral surface is smooth without corrugation and inscriptions.
Face value: 500 tenge
Date of issue: December 03, 2013
Metal: Silver .925
Weight: 31,1 g
Diameter: 38,61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 5000 pcs
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Fashioned from just about any material—but most often from regional plants, seeds, berries, fruit, and leaves—wreaths are an important decorative holiday tradition for Canadians. Canadians place them on their front doors, on light standards along their town's main boulevard, above their home's hearth, and just about anywhere where the circlet of festive joy will help boost spirits in winter's darkest months. A wreath on the door of a Canadian home during the holiday season offers a sign of welcome and warm wishes to visitors.
Celebrate a rich holiday tradition with this sparkling crystal-encrusted coin.
Special features:
• Your coin is an exquisite holiday gift whose value and beauty will last for many seasons to come.
• Your coin is a winter holiday icon that is a beautiful addition to any holiday-themed or Swarovski-embellished coin collection.
• Your coin features five Swarovski elements in two colours: 3 blue and 2 gold coloured
Face value: 20 dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,39 g
Diameter: 38 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 10 000 pcs
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The Mint of Poland presents a one-of-a-kind ”Christmas tree” coin, designed to capture and bring back delightful Christmas memories.
This elegant gift is a real collector’s item, which celebrates the joy and wonder of the most beautiful holy days of the year. The coin will ooze charm of Christmas days all year round. Its quaint tree shape will entrance the most demanding coin collectors. The added value of the coin is its jewel-like decoration made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.
Reverse: In the centre – an image of a boy and two girls dressed in Christmas outfits. On the left and on the right – a couple of sparkling stars of various shapes and dimensions. In the background – winter ornaments.
Obverse: In the centre — an effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and inscriptions: ELIZABETH II, 2 DOLLARS (the face value), Niue Island (the issuer), 2014 (the year of issue). Above – a snowflake ornament. Around – snowflakes and stars. Below in the background – a winter city landscape. On the left — the hallmark (Ag 999) and the weight of 1 oz (1 ounce). On the right – a mint mark M/W.
Country: New Zealand
Year: November 2013
Face value: 2 Dollars
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 28,34 g
Size: 45,50x53,30 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: up to 2 999 pcs
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Numismatic issue: a mint set including two silver coins dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Doctor Gheorghe Marinescu and Doctor Ioan Cantacuzino.
Obverse: a partial depiction of the building of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Bucharest, a composition illustrating medical research in Neurology and Microbiology, the face value “10 LEI”, the coat of arms of Romania, the year of issue “2013” and “ROMANIA” inscribed in an arc.
Reverse #1: the portrait and name of Doctor Gheorghe Marinescu, founding father of the Romanian school of Neurology, and “150 DE ANI DE LA NASTERE” inscribed in an arc.
Reverse #2: the portrait and name of Doctor Ioan Cantacuzino, founding father of the Romanian school of Microbiology and “150 DE ANI DE LA NASTERE” inscribed in an arc.
Country: Română
Year: 25 November 2013
Face value: 10 lei
Metal: Silver .999
Weight: 31,103 g
Size: 37 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage:up to 500 pcs
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