Retrospective — Collecting world coins during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, part 2 

1960s Two primary modern chapters of Britain’s numismatic history were reflected in both colonial and national coinage. As Britain’s Empire was winding down during the 1950s and ’60s, many territories were gaining independence as Republics, which meant the Queen’s likeness was omitted from many new countries’ coins, banknotes, and stamps. Another significant event occurred with […]

The coins and banknotes of Queen Elizabeth II — an insight into changeover plans for King Charles III 

On the afternoon of the 8th September, an official protocol entitled Operation London Bridge was put into motion which was a plan of events agreed to by various departments of the British government some years ago to be enacted in the event of the death of the sovereign. Sadly, the day most of us dreaded, […]

United Kingdom: Buckingham Palace has announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 1926–2022 

It was officially announced today by Buckingham Palace that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has died peacefully at her residence in Balmoral, Scotland, at the age of ninety-six. It is understood Her Majesty passed away in the early afternoon, and according to protocol, heads of government in fourteen realms the Queen was Head of State […]

Australia: New gold and silver coins in popular “Australia Zoo” series features African and Sumatran elephants 

The Royal Australian Mint has released new gold and silver one-ounce Brilliant Uncirculated-quality investment coins in partnership with Australia Zoo. These are the third coins in the series following the Sumatran tiger (2020) and the cheetah (2021). The Royal Australian Mint and Australia Zoo work closely with conservation organisations in Africa to help protect these […]

Australia: New domed gold and silver Proof coins pay homage to the Great Barrier Reef

The Royal Australian Mint has released new gold and silver Proof coins struck with a domed effect that pays homage to one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Great Barrier Reef is a collection of coral reefs, shoals, and […]

Australia: Honey bee buzzes onto new commemorative $2 colour coin, highlighting honey industry

The Royal Australian Mint, in collaboration with the Australian Honey Bee Industry Council, have released new $2 colour coins which honour the small yet mighty honey bee and Australia’s honey bee industry. 2022 marks the bicentenary of the establishment of the industry when in 1822 the European honey bee was successfully introduced and adapted to […]

Australia: Bicentenary anniversary of Royal Agricultural Societies celebrated on new silver Proof coins

The Royal Australian Mint has released new silver Proof collector coins in honour of the bicentenary anniversary of Australia’s first agricultural show and the foundation of Royal Agricultural Societies. Originally founded as The Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales on the 5th July 1822, its primary purpose was as a non-profit organisation committed to […]

Australia: Impressions of Australia features kangaroos on latest gold and silver collector coins 

The Royal Australian Mint has released their latest Kangaroo collector coin series produced in both gold and silver. Immortalised on silver bullion coinage since 1993, Australia’s most iconic animal features as the primary design on their ongoing Kangaroo silver ounce series, now in its 29th year. The kangaroo was first recognised as an official symbol […]

Australia: New silver dollar Proof coins feature “Footprints in Time” and the oldest preserved footprint in the world

The Royal Australian Mint has released new silver Proof one-dollar and Brilliant Uncirculated 20-cent coins featuring the image of perhaps one of the world’s oldest examples of man’s existence on the Australian continent.  Designed by Royal Australian Mint artisan Aaron Baggio, the reverse side of the coins’ design is dominated by an incused representation of […]

Australia: Third gold and silver coins released in popular series entitled “Australia’s Most Dangerous” featuring Desert Scorpion 

The Royal Australian Mint has released the third pair of gold and silver coins in their popular series entitled “Australia’s Most Dangerous,” which features some of the country’s more deadly, exotic, fierce, but unique and intriguing members of Australian wildlife. Following on from the Redback Spider (2020) and Great White Shark (2021), the third coin […]