This post will summarize some Christmas, Holiday, or New Year themed coins and medals from various world mints that I have come across. Feel free to share any others within the comments.
From the Perth Mint of Australia is the 2012 Christmas Locket 1 oz. Silver Proof Coin. The reverse of the coin features an abstract design inspired by the shapes of snow crystals and Christmas ornaments. A transparent locket is visible from both sides of the coin that contains an assortment of semi-precious gemstones. The coin is struck in 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver with a diameter of 40.60 mm. The mintage is stated as 5,000 pieces.
Also available from the Perth Mint is an aluminum bronze $1 coin, which is incorporated into the 2012 Christmas Stamp and Coin Cover. The reverse design of the uncirculated $1 coin features Christmas bells tied with a ribbon and surrounded by Christmas tree greenery and stars. The coin is included within an envelope containing an official Australia Post 60c stamp postmarked for the first day of issue. The coin has a weight of 13.80 grams and diameter of 30.60 mm.
The Royal Canadian Mint has the largest number of holiday or Christmas themed coins available. They have an entire section of their website dedicated to the theme, which can be found here.
The first coin shown above features a Magical Reindeer and was offered as part of their “Exchange $20 for $20” program. The coin is struck in 99.99% silver with a weight of 7.96 grams and diameter of 27 mm. The maximum mintage was 250,000 pieces and has sold out. The second coin pictured above features a Winter Scene and is struck in 99.99% silver with a weight of 15.87 grams and diameter of 34 mm. The mintage is limited to 8,000 pieces. The third coin features three costumed children playing the three wise men in a school pageant. A golden shadow Swarovski crystal element is included. Struck in 99.99% silver, the coin has a weight of 28.02 grams, diameter of 40 mm, and mintage of 10,000 pieces.
Two additional coins from the Royal Canadian Mint feature designs of a crystal snowflake and holiday storm with Swarovski crystal elements included. Each coin is struck in 99.99% silver with a weight of 31.39 grams, diameter of 38 mm, and mintage of 10,000 pieces each.
Finally, there are the three base metal coins from the RCM as shown above.
The Hungarian Mint has a Christmas Silver Medal which features the words of a popular Hungarian Christmas song Pásztorok, Pásztorok. The reverse shows a single candle with Christmas bells above and an inscription which translates to “Merry Christmas!” The medal is struck in one ounce of .999 fine silver with a diameter of 42.5 mm.
The Austrian Mint offers a Good Luck Token for 2013. The token is available in bronze or silver and features a chimney sweep, considered to be the harbinger of good luck. A calendar medal is also offered, which features the moon goddess on one side with a functional 2013 calendar on the other. These are available in bronze, silver plated, or gold.
See the Austrian Mint pages for Good Luck Tokens here and Calendar Medals here.
Latvia has issued a circulating 1 lats coin with a Christmas theme. The obverse features the coat of arms of the Republic of Latvia, while the reverse features Christmas bells tied by a ribbon and the denomination. The coins are struck in copper nickel with a weight of 4.80 grams and diameter of 21.75.
The Isle of Man has issued their annual Christmas coin, from a tradition which began in 1980. These coins are struck by the Pobjoy Mint in the UK and are available in 22 karat gold, sterling silver, copper nickel, with the last two versions also available in colorized version.
The British overseas territory of Gibralter also has a Christmas themed coin. This also seems to be an annual tradition of issuing 50 pence coins to mark the holiday of Christmas.
CaptainOverkill says
Thanks for this post, Michael. Given that a few of these are dated 2013 (or undated) they’ll make good gifts for next year.
I think the work on the Hungarian medal is particularly impressive. I know a relative who would probably love it. I also like Perth’s Christmas locket and the Canadian snowflake.
posterhunter says
The must be a lot of coin collectors in Canada!
simon says
My vote would be for the Hungarian coin. I.m thinking of getting a copy. The obverse and the reverse are stellar.