The year 2008 brings to Austria and Switzerland the greatest football feast ever experienced in these two countries. After the Olympic summer games and the Football World Cup, the European championship is the world’s third-largest sporting event. The 2008 European champion will be determined in 31 matches, 16 in Austria and 15 in Switzerland. The opening match will be played in Basel on June 7, the final on June 29 at Vienna’s Ernst Happel stadium. More than a million spectators will experience the matches in the stadiums. Millions of spectators on all five continents will watch the matches on television.

As a symbol for the bi-national hosting of the European championship, the two 5 Euro pieces complement each other for a view into the stadium. With dynamic scenes both coins express the emotional side of the sport. One of the coin shows players dribbling, while the other coin shows a striker fighting for the ball. The background features fans waving a banner. The two 5 Euro pieces depict all eight venues of the 2008 finals, starting with the respective capital. The nine-sided shape of the coins in “special uncirculated” quality is symbolic of Austria’s nine provinces whose coats-of arms are shown on the value side of the coins.

]]> http://www.coinweb.com/football-2008/feed/ 0 http://www.coinweb.com/coins-released-for-centenary-of-rugby-league-2/ http://www.coinweb.com/coins-released-for-centenary-of-rugby-league-2/#comments Fri, 12 Jun 2009 03:29:18 +0000 coin-news http://www.coinweb.com/?p=7616 The 2008 NRL Telstra Premiership season kicked off last night in Sydney. The Royal Australian Mint has joined in the celebrations by releasing an exciting range of official licensed Rugby League centenary collector coins.

“Rugby League holds an important place in the Australian and international sporting history.” said Ms Janine Murphy, Chief Executive Officer Royal Australian Mint.

“Whether you are a player, or a spectator, Rugby League is one of Australia’s favourite sports and we are thrilled to mark this centenary through the release of specially designed coins” said Ms Murphy.

The Centenary of Rugby League coin series includes:

• 2008 $10 Gold Proof Coin, which salutes the past featuring the historical letter ‘A’ as worn on players’ jerseys during the first decade of the code;
• 2008 $5 Fine Silver Proof coin, which celebrates the present, featuring an image of a dynamic cover tackle; and
• 2008 $1 Uncirculated Coin which inspires the future, featuring the Centenary of Rugby League logo.

“We anticipate that these official collector coins will be very popular with our customers and will become valued keep-sakes for the Australian and international rugby league community” said Ms Murphy.

You can purchase these coins by visiting www.ramint.gov.au, calling 1300 652 020 or visiting the Mint premises in Deakin ACT. Most Australia Post outlets also stock these official coins.

“The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to pay tribute to compelling symbols of Canadian identity which speak to Canada’s heritage, culture and values through collector coins which routinely stand out as among the world’s best,” said Ian E. Bennett, President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. “The newest collector coins of 2009 continue to express the Mint’s passion for quality and innovation which attract coin collectors from across Canada and around the world”.
The following are descriptions of the new products being introduced.

2009 50-CENT TRIANGLE COIN – SIX STRING NATION GUITAR
The dreams of Canadian broadcaster Jowi Taylor are reborn in the Mint’s newest triangular 50-cent coin honouring the all-Canadian Six String Nation Guitar. This coin’s intriguing resemblance to a guitar pick makes it an ideal backdrop against which the story of this unique Canadian symbol can be shared and preserved from coast to coast. Mr. Taylor’s vision took shape in 1995 when he undertook to build an object made from pieces of artefacts collected from all over Canada. He settled on the idea of making a guitar after a chance meeting with luthier George Rizsanyi.

After 10 years of collecting rare objects such as pieces of Maurice Richard’s Stanley Cup Ring, Pierre Trudeau’s canoe paddle and the deck of the Bluenose II, this unique creation made its debut in Ottawa on Canada Day 2006, where it was played by several acclaimed Canadian artists performing at the Parliament Hill celebrations.

The reverse of the nickel-plated steel coin features a hologram insert which vividly depicts the vibrating strings of the Six String Nation Guitar. The coin is enclosed in a folder recounting the intricate tale of one of Canada’s newest national treasures. Limited to a mintage of 30,000, the Six String Nation Guitar coin is available for $34.95 CDN.

2009 DINOSAUR COLLECTION – TYRANNOSAURUS REX
The selectively oxidized Dinosaur Collection four-coin series continues with its third installment: the 2009 $4 Silver Tyrannosaurus Rex Coin. To celebrate Canada’s reputation as a world-class source of dinosaur fossils, the “king” of the dinosaurs is showcased in striking realism on this innovative pure silver coin. Only 20,000 coins, with a suggested retail price of $42.95 CDN, are available world-wide.

2009 $350 PURE GOLD COIN – PITCHER PLANT
The 12th in a series started in 1998, Newfoundland and Labrador’s official flower, the Pitcher Plant, is the subject of the Mint’s 2009 $350 pure gold coin. This newest edition to Canadian floral emblems is honoured in the finest numismatic gold coin in the world, made of 99.999% pure gold. The reverse of this exquisite coin was designed by Newfoundland resident and renowned botanical artist Julie Wilson.  Limited to a worldwide mintage of 1,400, this coin retails for $2,149.95 CDN.

2009 VIGNETTES OF ROYALTY COIN SERIES – $15 STERLING SILVER KING GEORGE VI
The continuation of the Royal Canadian Mint’s ultra-high relief “double effigy” silver coins features King George VI, Canada’s sovereign from 1936 to 1952. The next and final issue from this five-coin series will showcase Queen Elizabeth II. This design, as well as all others appearing in this series was approved by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Bearing a $15 denomination, this visually impressive, frosted effigy is set against a proof field. These coins were struck four times and hand polished in order to achieve their dramatic appearance.  Limited to a world-wide mintage of 10,000, this coin retails for $104.95 CDN.

2009 $15 PLAYING CARD MONEY SERIES – TEN of Spades
A new card has been cut from the deck as the third issue of the Royal Canadian Mint’s new Playing Card Money silver coin series features the $15 Ten of Spades. This rectangular-shaped coin evokes an unusual period in early Canadian history when the Governor of New France resolved a shortage of hard currency by seizing all playing cards in the colony and re-issuing all cards bearing his signature as currency. This unique form of currency is revived in a beautifully painted sterling silver coin designed from artwork preserved by Library and Archives Canada and featuring a selectively gold-plated rim.

Appealing to coin collectors and avid card players alike, only 25,000 of these finely crafted coins are available world-wide, each retailing for $94.95 CDN.

2009 1/25 OZ GOLD COIN – RED MAPLE
The smallest gold coin ever produced by the Mint is also the most affordable to be purely made of this increasingly precious metal. For 2009, the 1/25 oz 99.99% pure gold coin is dedicated to the Red Maple, the most abundant and widespread tree in eastern Canada, ranging from southern Newfoundland to south eastern Manitoba. This coin is limited to a world-wide mintage of 15,000 and retails for $99.95 CDN.

2009 25-CENT COIN – NOTRE-DAME-DU-SAGUENAY
In 2009, the 35 mm-diameter 25-cent nickel-plated steel coin shifts to a striking landmark perched on the dramatic cliffs overlooking Quebec’s world-famous Saguenay Fjord. The 10.5-metre, three-ton statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay, designed by Louis Jobin, was erected in 1881 and has since become a regional emblem, watching over sailors and ship’s passengers for more than 125 years. This coin is available for $14.95 CDN, while supplies last.

Two other popular issues are making their return in 2009: the 25-cent coloured Canada Day coin and the 2009 edition of the 50-cent piece in a commemorative paper wrap roll. Retailing for $ 14.95 CDN, the Canada Day coin features Churchill the Polar Bear with his loon, beaver and caribou friends in a package including a postcard and magnetic picture frame. The 2009 50-cent coin roll is limited to 6,000 rolls and retails for $19.95 CDN.

All of the Mint’s products are available directly from the Mint at 1-800-267-1871 in Canada, 1-800-268-6468 in the US, or on the Internet at www.mint.ca. The coins are also available at the Royal Canadian Mint’s global network of dealers and distributors.

About the Royal Canadian Mint
The Royal Canadian Mint is the Crown Corporation responsible for the minting and distribution of Canada’s circulation coins. An ISO 9001-2000 certified company, the Mint is recognized as one of the largest and most versatile mints in the world, offering a wide range of specialized, high quality coinage products and related services on an international scale. The Mint is an Official Supporter of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and has undertaken to produce the most extensive circulation coin program in relation to the Olympic Games ever conceived by any mint worldwide, while also offering limited mintage collector coins and sets.  Visit www.mint.ca/2010 for Vancouver 2010 keepsakes and gifts.

Images and product details of the Mint’s newest collection are available by visiting ftp://communications:RCM2007@ftp.mint.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Alex Reeves
Manager, Communications
Telephone: (613) 949-5777
Mobile: (613) 884-6370
reeves@mint.ca

The joint coin issue between Australia and The Netherlands is a rare release and a pleasing symbol of the historical links between the two countries.

The Australian coins will be minted at Australia’s national mint, the Royal Australian Mint, in Canberra. Following an eighteen month collaborative effort between the Royal Australian Mint and the Royal Dutch Mint.

“Australia is thrilled to have the opportunity to collaborate with The Netherlands on such a symbolic project, especially one of such historical significance that recognises the 400 year relationship between the Netherlands and Australia.” said Mr Costello.

The Hon Dr Balkenende said, “The launch of the coins to mark the arrival of the Duyfken to Australia’s shore is part of is a year of events and celebrations to mark both this occasion and the strong links between the Dutch and Australians. The release of the coins symbolises the association between these two countries and friends.”

The Dutch and Australian coins were both released on March 29th and contain a special addition- the silver Australian coins will carry the prestigious Mint Mark from the Royal Netherlands Mint.

The Royal Australian Mint has produced three collector coins in the program, including a gold coin; a silver coin and general collectable coin. The Royal Netherlands Mint has produced two collector coins in their program, including a gold coin and a silver coin. The sets are packaged in an impressive wooden case with numbered certificate.

The Duyfken was captained by Williem Janszoon and his discovery and mapping of the north west coast of Cape York in 1606, was the first authenticated European discovery of ‘Australia’.

For more information about the Duyfken coin range, or to make a purchase please visit www.ramint.gov.au, or contact our Call Centre on 1300 652 020.

In order to pursue all possible avenues of review in a timely fashion, the Government of Canada requested that the Mint request an RCMP investigation. The Mint has contacted the RCMP and will fully cooperate with authorities.

Please rest assured that the Mint will continue to provide its customers with the same high quality products and services that it has always delivered.

The theme for the popular mintmark series in 2006 is 50 Years of Australian television and the first appearance in the series is the ‘C’ for Canberra mintmark.

The coin dates back to the evening of September 16, 1956, with design references to the original television cameras. But where it all started was with crowds gathered outside department stores and in homes across Australia to witness the moment, TCN Channel Nine flickered to life accompanied by the famous words “Welcome to television.”

It has been 50 years since Bruce Gyngell uttered those words and Australian television appeared. Television linked Australia to the world and brought the country closer to amazing images, like those of Neil Armstrong being the first man to walk on the moon.

“Television has had an amazing impact on Australian society,” said Dr Vivienne Thom, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Australian Mint. “Is now part and parcel of everyday Australian life, but if one takes the time to reflect on what this medium brings to our lives, with news, entertainment and reality shows the impact is enormous.”

The coin will initially be only available from the Royal Australian Mint on the Mint-Your Own Mintmark presses. The $1 ‘C’ Mintmark coin featuring the 50th Anniversary of Australian television will not be released into general circulation.

St Hilliers Contracting Pty Ltd presented the strongest Managing Contractor tender for the refurbishment of the Mint,” Senator  Colbeck said.

“The Royal Australian Mint Refurbishment is a comprehensive project to keep the Mint up to date with occupational health and safety and building code compliance requirements. The Department of Finance and Administration, the Mint and the Federal Safety Commissioner are working together to ensure the project will meet occupational health and safety standards.

“The appointment of St Hilliers Contracting Pty Ltd as the Managing Contractor completes the team for the refurbishment project. St Hillers and Project Manager Connell Wagner Pty Ltd will now work together to refurbish the Mint to ensure the continued economic viability of this landmark building, and compliance with government accommodation standards,” Senator  Colbeck added.

Mr Pearce said the Australian Government committed to fund the refurbishment of the Mint in the 2005-06 Budget.

“The Mint has not had any major upgrade works undertaken since it was built in 1965. As a major tourist destination attracting around 200,000 visitors each year, the refurbishment will provide for a contemporary museum and gallery space, comparable to other national institutions,” Mr Pearce said.

“Consolidation of the Mint’s operations into the Process   Building will provide a unique opportunity to put in place more efficient and secure production processes, along with commercial grade quality office space,” added Mr   Pearce .

The refurbishment works are being managed by Finance. In March 2006 Finance issued a national Request for Tender for the Managing Contractor and as a result St Hilliers Contracting Pty Ltd was selected following this national single-stage tender process.

CANBERRA

3 September 2006

Media Contacts:
Chris Pearce’s Office: Gillian Harvey – (03) 9887 3890 or 0411 567 060
Senator Colbeck’s Office: Aaron Oldaker – (03) 6424 5960 or 0408 826 330

He has trained with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, has gone sky diving with the Canadian Forces and has hit the pool with Olympic silver medalist Alexandre Despatie – and on November 12th, Rick Mercer came to the Mint in Ottawa to tape a segment for his hit TV show “The Rick Mercer Report”.

Rick will interacts with employees while participating in the various stages of production, all in the spirit of providing Canadians with an inside view of what happens at the Mint on a daily basis.

Watch the episode here

Also available on YouTube

SANTA MONICA, CA – Hollywood icon Harrison Ford, proud owner and pilot of a De Havilland Canada DHC2 Beaver, displays his new Royal Canadian Mint 2009 Proof Set, while filming a congratulatory message to the new Canadian Air & Space Museum. The coins commemorate the centennial of powered flight in Canada.

Read more about the celebrations that took place in Baddeck

Get your hands on this beautiful set commemorating 100 years of flight in Canada

5 Euro Silvercoin “Tyrolean Resistancefighters”

Within its theme of “Austria and its People” the Vienna Mint begins a new sub-series of six silver 10 Euro coins called: Tales and Legends in Austria. The first coin is dedicated to a mediaeval legend from Vienna – the Basilisk. It will be issued on Wednesday, 15th April.

The story goes that in the year 1212 a baker’s boy in a shop in the Schönlaterngasse (Lovely Lantern Lane) No. 7 discovered a horrible monster at the bottom of a well. The stench and poisonous fumes of the creature killed all those who inhaled them. The monster was identified as a basilisk, a mutant creature part snake, part toad, part cockerel. To look into its eyes was instant death. A counsellor learned in such matters was fetched to help and to advise. He said that the only way to destroy the monster was to confront it with its own horrid appearance. Someone must go down into the well with a mirror.

No matter what reward was offered as an inducement, there was no one prepared to confront the deadly monster, until the baker’s apprentice raised his voice. He had long been in love with the baker’s beautiful daughter, but that was an alliance that the baker would never accept under normal circumstances. The young man seized his opportunity. He would descend into the well if the baker would consent to give him the daughter’s hand in marriage as his reward. The desperate baker agreed. The apprentice was lowered into the well with a large mirror. As the fearsome basilisk turned to him, it caught sight of itself in the mirror held before the apprentice like a shield. In a fit of rage and revulsion at its own image, the basilisk burst. The apprentice climbed from the well to claim his bride, while the spectators began to fill the well with earth and stones to bury the remains of the monster and its deadly fumes.

The tale has been retold (with minor variations) ever since. Indeed, the Baroque house that stands on the site of the old baker’s shop today has the legend and a fresco depicting the brave apprentice and his mirror on its façade. A stone purporting to be a petrified basilisk hatched from an egg found in the well, also adorns its façade.

The new coin shows the legendary monster as it turns and sees its reflection in the mirror held by the baker’s apprentice, who peeps timidly over the frame. At the top of the well two more frightened faces peer (almost comically) over the stone edge at the scene below. On the other side we see a view of the Schönlaterngasse (Lovely Lantern Lane) in Vienna. At the end is the gateway into Holy Cross Court, belonging to the great Cistercian Holy Cross Abbey in Lower Austria. On the right is the Basilisk House No. 7 as it appears today.

This 10 Euro silver coin is struck in sterling silver (.925 fine) in three qualities: proof (max. 40,000 pieces), special uncirculated (max. 30,000 pieces) and circulation quality (130,000 pieces). The proof version comes in an attractive box with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For the first time a special collection album for all six proof coins is being produced and can be purchased separately. The special uncirculated coin is sold in a colourful and informative blister pack. The circulation pieces are issued at face value through the Austrian banks.

The new series “Tales and Legends in Austria” will continue in October with a coin for the imprisonment of King Richard the Lionheart in the castle of Dürnstein on the Danube and the search for him by his loyal minstrel Blondel.

K.R. J. Tattersall
Marketing Director
Austrian Mint.

“The Basilisk”

Date of issue:        15th April, 2009

Design:            Thomas Pesendorfer

Face value:        € 10.-

Diameter:        32 mm

Fine weight:        16 g Ag

Fineness:        .925 sterling silver

Mintage:        max. 40,000 proof
max. 30,000 special uncirculated
130,000 circulation pieces