1900 Peking Silver Restrike Set in 2014 Champion Macau Auction

November 4, 2014, 5:56 am

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In conjunction with the annual Macau Numismatic Society show, Champion Hong Kong Auction will be offering a Legendary Kann Sweeny 1900 Peking Silver Restrike Set in 2014 Champion Macau Auction at the Ponte 16 Sofitel Macau Hotel on Nov. 30.

This set is certified by NGC in the following grades: One Dollar, NGC MS61;50 Cents, NGC MS61; 20 Cents, NGC MS63; 10 Cents, NGCMS61; 5 Cents, NGC MS61. Estimate $250,000-500,000 USD.

The 1900 Peking Dragon Silver Dollar series is famous among collectors of Chinese coins. Eduard Kann published information about the Peking Dollar for the first time in his 1954 catalog. In 1995, The Journal of East Asian Numismatics published James Sweeny’s article on the Peking 1900 coins based on his extensive research of over 20 years. Sweeny estimate of 10-15 sets of the 1900 Peking restrikes appears high; we suspect the correct number is closer to 10 overall sets. In the 2011 book, Top Chinese Coins– Silver, the 1900 Peking series was elected as the number one series of Chinese struck coins.

In Kann’s account of how the dies were bought and sold, it seems that the final sale of the Peking Dragon Dollar dies was to the Shanghai collector, Chen Ren-tao, who moved to Hong Kong in 1947. Four dies for these coins (the 10 Cents die is missing, currently on display at Liaoning Provincial Museum in Shenyang) and Chen’s other collected items were purchased in the early 1950’s from Chen Ren-tao for HKD 900,000 by a directive of the Chinese Premier Chou En Lai to the Chinese Culture Ministry Zheng Zhenduo. The dies are currently on display at the China National Museum (former as National Museum of Chinese History) in Beijing.

This 1900 Peking set was sent with the other Kann specimen of the 1900 Peking dollar to the chief curator of the British Royal Mint, G. Dryer, for metallurgic testing and study in 1981. The coins owned by Kann and sold in the 1971 auction may be the earliest restrikes from the original dies as they are sharper in detail than any other examples we have seen. Sweeny purchased this set and consigned it to Champion’s “Sweeny 1900” collection auction in 1995. The Sweeny 1900 Peking set sold for USD 46,000 to its current owner, who has now consigned this set back to Champion after almost 20 years. This is a great opportunity to own this historic set of Chinese numismatic history.

James Sweeny was also the author of the History of the Birmingham Mint. The Birmingham Mint (Heaton) produced some of the rarest series in Chinese Numismatics such as Hunan, Shensi, Chehkiang, and Kiangnan provinces patterns. Mr. Sweeny, as compensation for writing the book for the mint, was allowed to select duplicates from the mintâ€™s archive collection. Since Mr. Sweeny only collects coins from 1900 he did not select any coins from the Chinese series because they were not of this date. He selected the 1900 pattern proof set of Sarawak (two sets known) and Straits Settlements (three sets known) from the Heaton archive.

Other coins from Champion's Sweeny 1900 collection auction included a 1900 Kiangnan province dollar early strike in superb condition which sold for a record price of USD 8,000. This coin was later graded by PCGS as MS-66+ and auctioned in 2012 in China for a world record price for a Chinese circulating dollar coin for RMB 3,600,000 (USD 550,000). One of the finest known 1900 Kiangnan province 50 cents was also in the collection and set a record price for this series. Both the extremely rare Heaton 1900 Sarawak and the Straits Settlements Proof sets were also part of the sale and also established record prices of USD 5,000 and USD 16,000 respectfully.

Highlights of 2014 Champion Macau Auction:

Lot 225 CHINA-FENGTIEN ND(1897) "Teng-Tien" 10 Cents Brass Pattern, dies from Otto Beh Mint and coins from Louis Schuler, L&M470, KM-Pn2a, NGC AU Details
Lot 285 CHINA-ANHWEI 1898 One Dollar Silver, flat Chinese character "4" in date and small rosette, L&M204, Y45.2, K53a, NGC MS66.
Lot 310 CHINA-KIANGNAN ND(1897) One Dollar Silver, ornamental edge, A-Cross-Strokes very visible, attractive tone, L&M210A, Y145.1, NGC MS62.
Lot 318 CHINA-KWANGTUNG Undated (1889) Half Dollar Silver, Kann 17, PCGS Specimen-64.
Lot 319 CHINA-KWANGTUNG ND(1890-1908) One Dollar Silver, L&M133, Y203, NGC MS65.
Lot 332CHINA-PEKING 1900 Siver Restrike Set (5), all Ex Kann Sweeny Collection, with Kann’s coin envelope:
One Dollar, L&M6A, K233, NGC MS61;
50 Cents, L&M7A, K234, NGC MS61;
20 Cents, L&M8A, K235, NGC MS63;
10 Cents, L&M9A, K236, NGC MS61;
5 Cents, L&M10A, K237, NGC MS61.
Lot 333 CHINA-SHENSI ND(1898) 5 Cents Silver Pattern, Heaton Mint, L&M377, K159, NGC SP63.
Lot 350 CHINA-TAIWAN ND(1838-50) Old Man Dollar Silver, with Chopmark "+", L&M316, NGC AU Details. J.C.Lee Collection
Lot 351 CHINA-TAIWAN ND(1838-50) Old Man Dollar Silver, with Chopmark "+", L&M316, NGC XF Details. J.C.Lee Collection
Lot 352 CHINA-TAIWAN ND(1853) Ju-I Military Ration Dollar Silver, L&M323, NGC XF Details. J.C.Lee Collection
Lot 353 CHINA-TAIWAN ND(1853) Bi Pao Military Ration Dollar Silver, with Chopmark "Ku", L&M325, NGC XF Details. J.C.Lee Collection.
Lot 354 CHINA-TAIWAN ND(1836) Military Ration Dollar Silver, 5 dots, L&M313, NGC F Details. J.C.Lee Collection

The buyer's premium for bids made through liveauctioneers.com is 18%. The buyer's premium for Floor,Mail and Phone is at 15%. If there is any question please feel free to contact Champion Auction at 021-62993235, Email:championghka@gmail.com. You can also visit their website www.cghka.com for more information regarding 2014 Champion Macau Auction.

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1842 small date quarter sold for $282,000

November 5, 2014, 5:28 am

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A rare 1842 small date quarter sold for $282,000 in the installment of The Eugene H. Gardner Collection in New York on Oct. 27, 2014. The The Eugene H. Gardner Collection II brought $13.75 million, combined with Part I of the collection, which sold in June, Gardner's extraordinary coins have realized more than $33 million, with two additional auctions scheduled for 2015. All prices include a 17.5% Buyer's Premium. Rare Seated Liberty coinage made up three of the top four individual results from the auction.

An 1842 small date quarter, graded Proof-65 by PCGS, shared top honors when it sold for $282,000. The 1842 small date is only known as a proof, with seven examples accounted for. This coin is the second finest of five available to collectors. PCGS reports this sole PR65 and none others in any grade. NGC shows one PR66 and one PR64 Cameo.

The 1842 Small Date quarter is one of the greatest of all silver rarities in American numismatics. It has a distinct date logotype, far smaller than the large digits used for business strikes, and is only available in proof format. The roster presents seven examples, of which two reside permanently in museum collections, leaving a maximum of only five coins available for collectors.

Another proof Seated Liberty quarter, the 1839 No Drapery, brought $270,250. This coin is unique in proof format and is one of only two proofs of the No Drapery subtype known. It is graded Proof-65 by NGC. Matching this result at $270,250 was an 1871-CC dime graded MS65. This coin, encapsulated as a Gem by NGC, is unsurpassed in numerical grade at either of the two major grading services and may be the sole finest graded. Probably between four and seven mint state examples of the 1871-CC dime are known.

A 1796 half dollar with 15 stars on the obverse, graded MS62 by NGC, was the only outsider among the Seated coinage in the top four of this auction, matching the top price realized in the auction and selling for $282,000. The 1796 half is under heavy demand from type collectors, date collectors and variety collectors, and brings high prices in any grade. Fewer than 4000 examples of the type were minted.

Source: Heritage Auction

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New portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

November 6, 2014, 3:06 pm

≫ Next: Newly Discovered Silver Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal

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Today, The Royal Mint has announced that the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen used on both circulation and commemorative coins will be replaced by a new effigy from 2015. The current coinage portrait of The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS has been used since 1998.

It is only the fifth definitive coin portrait to have been created during The Queen’s 62 year reign, making it a rare and significant change for the coins we all use every day.

The new portrait will be chosen by a closed competition commissioned by the Royal Mint Advisory Committee (RMAC) where a number of specialist designers are invited to submit designs under anonymous cover, before a winner is selected by the RMAC.

The exciting news means that 2015 will be something of a vintage year for UK coins, and that the first 2015 dated coins to be released, such as the new 2015 Sovereign, will be the last ever coins to feature the current effigy that has become so familiar to us all.

Dating back to the 15th Century, The Sovereign was for many years the primary circulating gold coin not just in the UK but in many countries around the world, and was named The Sovereign because of the handsome portrait of the Monarch engraved on its obverse.

This 2015 Sovereign will be a particularly special issue, as the early editions will feature the current portrait by Ian Rank-Broadley, while those struck in 2015 will be amongst the very first to feature the new effigy.

Adam Lawrence, Chief Executive of The Royal Mint, said, “This change of effigy will make 2015 a vintage year for UK coins, and while it will be hugely exciting for us all to see the new design appear on the coins we use every day, we also believe it is right that The Sovereign, our most famous coin which gets its name from the fact that it carries an image of the monarch on its obverse, be among the first to carry both the current portrait on these new releases, and the new effigy when it is revealed.”

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Newly Discovered Silver Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal

November 7, 2014, 8:45 am

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A newly discovered Silver Benjamin Harrison Indian Peace Medal will be offered at the Stack’s Bowers Galleries New York Americana Showcase and Rarities Night Auction, February 5-6, 2015.

The coin was one of 18 issued to members of the Southern Cheyenne and Arapahoe tribes who were considered helpful in the consummation of the sale of a vast portion of Indian Territory to the United States for $1.5 million in October 1890. This medal was awarded to Buffalo Meat, of the Southern Cheyenne, and later became the property of his contemporary, Three Fingers, a Chief of the same people. Three Fingers’ name is engraved on the reverse in similar style to that seen on three other Benjamin Harrison medals. “It is very rare but a great pleasure to be able to assign an original owner to one of these medals,” stated Pack.

The piece was recently discovered far from its original context. However, it fortunately bears the name of a Native American owner, engraved on the reverse, allowing for identification of the original recipient and the reason it was awarded. “As soon as I saw the images of the medal, I knew it was special and I was eager to research it in the hopes that a great story would unfold, and that it did,” said John Pack, executive director of consignments, who researched and catalogued the medal for sale.

It is believed that there were only 27 of these silver medals struck in 1890 and 1891, and they were the last ones made for official distribution amongst Native Americans. These brought closure to a tradition that began in the United States with President Washington’s administration, though his issuance of such medals was simply a continuation of the tradition established by the Spanish, French and British who issued similar medals on behalf of their kings in the colonial period. This medal is a new discovery and one of only seven known to survive today.

The medal will be available for lot viewing at upcoming Stack’s Bowers Galleries auctions, at the company’s Irvine, Calif. corporate headquarters (January 19-28, 2015), and its New York City gallery (February 3-6, 2015). For more information or to schedule a lot-viewing appointment, please call 800.458.4646 (West Coast) or 800.566.2580 (East Coast), or email info@stacksbowers.com.

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250th Anniversary of Baccarat 1kg Gold Coin

November 9, 2014, 7:10 am

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Monnaie de Paris is launching a new collection named “French Excellence”, to celebrate its 1150th anniversary. This new series begins with Baccarat who celebrates it’s 250th anniversary in 2014. The €5,000 French Excellency 250th Anniversary of Baccarat 1kg Gold Coin are a limited and Numeroted edition with only 29 Pieces.

Monnaie de Paris and Baccarat teams have worked on a concept mixing metal and crystal, promoting the high level of requirements of craftsmen from those two houses. This one-kilo pure gold coin shows a generous diameter of 85 millimetres and is of Proof Quality.

The intricate pattern of curves on the obverse picks up the motif on the Tsarina’s pedestal table and in its centre is the monogram of the French Republic (RF) as used on the Baccarat service for the French Presidency.

The reverse picks up the elements of the Tsar’s glass, combining the motifs of the scalloped base with diamond points and palm leaves. A glassblower in a contemporary style appears in the foreground and gives shape to a glass. The red crystal cabochon, typical of Baccarat, forms the number zero.

The gold coin slots into a large clear crystal octagon which enhances the detail of the motif thanks to the diffraction of its multiple facets. Published in the “Journal Officiel de la République Française”, the face value of € 5,000 makes this work of art a real coin of the French Republic and therefore legal tender. Furthermore, a decree from the Minister of Finance has limited its production to 29 pieces.

The Baccarat creations perpetuate elegance as much as know-how excellence. It is transmitted through the centuries by a craftsmen elite and reflects an incomparable heritage. It is practiced today by the manufacture’s teams among which there are 22 "Meilleur ouvrier de France". The engraving, the cutting or the blowing techniques are among this know-how and allow Baccarat to transfigure its traditions in creations. Emblem of this manufacture, the red is incarnated in an octagonal tassel that marks every product coming out of the Baccarat workshops. The vermilion red symbolises the know-how where craftsmen are working the material at hot temperatures. Obtained for the first time in 1847, this red is the result of the gradual merging of clear cristal and 24 carat gold at 540 degree. Thanks to diffraction and to the glass artist’s Breath this intense vermilion shade comes true.

This work of art is even more precious in its transport case designed by Goyard. A trunkmaker since 1853, Goyard is a retailer that is known and sought after by some of the world’s most prominent figures. This trunk was produced exclusively for Monnaie de Paris and required 72 hours of work and 60 hours for the presentation cases and trays inside. Made out of poplar, the trunk is covered in Goyard’s famous chevron motif canvas, which has been used by the brand for over 150 years. Inside, it is lined with full-hand calfskin from French tanneries which has been dyed red as a tribute to Baccarat. The trunk’s three wooden trays are also lined with leather. The trunk holds the transparent crystal octagon slotted into is bespoke leather case, the one-kilo coin in its leather coin purse, a magnifying glass, protective gloves and keys to close it. A numbered presentation booklet certifies the authenticity of this exceptional product.

For more information about this coin, please contact 0033-14046-5930.

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NZ Mint Great Barracuda 1 oz Silver Coin

November 10, 2014, 5:35 am

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New Zealand Mint will be shipping their new 'Ocean Predators' coin series, NZ Mint Great Barracuda 1 oz Silver Coin starting from November 11th 2014. Only 2,000 pieces of the .999 fine silver proof coin will be released. The coin is a Niue Island legal tender.

The coin reverse depicts a finely engraved Great Barracuda, set within a porthole-inspired border design. A proof quality background is broken up by dynamic splashes of water, illustrating the speed of this powerful predator.

The coin obverse features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Technical Specifications:
Metal: 999 Fine Silver
Finish: Proof
Diameter: 40mm (nominal)
Edge: Milled
Denomination: $2
Year of Issue: 2015
Mintage: 2,000
Weight: 1 Troy oz.

The Ocean Predators - Great Barracuda 1 oz Silver coin is packaged in a cylindrical shaped water-filled coin case. The colourful and shimmery outer packaging is inspired by the appearance of the Great Barracuda. When opened, the coin and Certificate of Authenticity are displayed.

The Great Barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda, is a predatory, ray-finned species of fish found all around the globe. Though predominantly located in surface water near harbours, estuaries and sheltered reef areas, the Barracuda can also be found in the open sea. A curious and fearsome-looking hunter, Barracudas have a diurnal and solitary nature. They are distinguished by a torpedo-shaped, green-to-blue toned body, that can grow up to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) in length and reach a weight of 23 kg (51 lb). The lower jaw juts out beyond the upper, and is lined with razor sharp teeth. Large eyes are set into the Barracuda’s pointed head, which combined with a strong tail fin gives the fish a streamlined appearance, enabling it to reach speeds in excess of 43 km/h (27 mph).

For more information about NZ Mint Great Barracuda 1 oz Silver Coin, you can visit New Zealand Mint website www.nzmint.com.

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The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Gold Coin

November 10, 2014, 6:58 am

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To commemorate The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies film, New Zealand Post has created official legal tender coins from Middle-earth; The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Premium Gold Coin. The 1oz 0.9999 gold proof coin have a very low worldwide mintage of just 500. The coin is New Zealand legal tender and came with individually numbered certificate.

The coin reverse design features the eponymous Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and the mighty Dragon Smaug, amidst the treasure inside the halls of the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor under the Lonely Mountain. The coin obverse show portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom.

Technical specification:
Denomination: Ten New Zealand dollars
Finish: Proof
Composition: 0.9999 gold
Weight: 1 troy oz
Diameter: 38.94mm
Edge treatment: Milled
Shape: Round
Coin designed by: Stamps and Collectables Business, New Zealand Post, Wellington, New Zealand
Obverse design: Portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II by Ian Rank-Broadley, United Kingdom
Reverse design: Bilbo and Smaug
Mint: Royal Australian Mint
Worldwide mintage limit: 500

This limited edition coin is beautifully presented in a wooden case with the official The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies logo intricately engraved on the lid. Inside you’ll find an individually numbered certificate of authenticity, adding to the value of this collectable coin.

You can visit New Zealand Post website nzpost.co.nz for more information about The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Premium Gold Coin.

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2015 Coin of The Year Category winners

November 15, 2014, 8:08 pm

≫ Next: Islamic State coins, will you collect them?

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Krause Publications has released the category winner list for the 2015 Coin of The Year Awards. Austria leads in first round of Coin of the Year voting with three Austrian coins came out on top during the first round of World Coin News' Coin of the Year Award voting by an international panel of judges that concluded.

The 94 coins nominated for 2015 coin of the year's awards were released in 2013, and represent the highest achievement in theme, design and marketing from mints and central banks from around the world. Judges will now select the Coin of the Year from this field of 10 category winners. Judging will conclude Dec. 6 and the results will be published in the January issue of World Coin News. The 2015 Coin of the year awards will be presented during a ceremony Jan. 31, 2015, at the World Money Fair in Berlin, Germany.

2015 Coin of The Year Category winners:

The Most Artistic Coin

A 100-euro gold coin, KM-3225, issued in the Austrian Wildlife series and depicting a Red Deer.

The Best Bi-Metallic Coin

Tunneling themed 25-euro silver and niobium coin, KM-321.

The Best Gold Coin

50-euro coin issued in the Klimt and His Women series called The Expectation, KM-3218.

The Most Historically Significant

The Netherlands 5-euro silver coin marking the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht that ended the War of the Spanish Succession, KM-326.

The Best Contemporary Event

a copper-nickel ruble, KM-436, issued by Belarus to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the founding of BPS-Sberbank.

The Best Silver Coin

Latvia's 1 lats coin marking the 200th anniversary of the birth of composer Richard Wagner, KM-140.

The Best Crown winner

Ireland's silver 10 euro commemorating author James Joyce, KM-80.2.

The Best Circulating Coin

The United States Mount Rushmore, copper-nickel piece and is part of the America the Beautiful series of 25-cent pieces, KM-546.

The Most Innovative Coin

A gilded silver coin showing a howling wolf, which is actually a cutout, issued by Mongolia, 500-tugrik denomination, KM-328.

The Most Inspirational Coin

a Canada silver $3 showing Grandfather and Grandson Fishing, KM-1485.

PS: Crowns are coins with a diameter of 37 millimeters to 45 mm. The Contemporary Event category honors historically important events that occurred less than 100 years ago.

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Islamic State coins, will you collect them?

November 15, 2014, 9:47 pm

≫ Next: 1907 double eagle gold coin realized $64,625

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The Islamic State has announced that they will start minting gold, silver and copper coins for its own currency.

The New Islamic State currency based on the original dinar coins used during the Caliphate of Uthman in 634 CE, will include seven minted coins: two gold, three silver and two copper.

A website related to the group has posted an order by the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi instructed his followers to mint the coins to "change the tyrannical monetary system" modelled on Western economies that "enslaved Muslims."

The order was approved by the Islamic State group's Shura Council, an advisory board, according to the website.

We are not sure if the news is real or fake but the website has been used for the group posting before.

A prototype designs for the coins has also been released with the same design for the coin obverse with inscription "The Islamic State / A Caliphate Based on the Doctrine of the Prophet."

On one of the gold coins with be a symbol of seven wheat stalks and on the other a world map.

The silver coin had three different denominations: one symbolised with a spear and shield, another with a white minaret of Damascus and a third with the al-Aqsa mosque.

For the copper currency, one coin has a crescent while another more valuable coin has a palm tree.

There is no information about the coin technical specifications so far. The gold will have 1 and 5 dinars denomination. The silver coins, 1, 5 and 10 Dirhams. The copper coins, 10 fils and 20 fils. The exchange rate will be US$159 for 1 Dinar, US$1 for 1 Dirham and 6 cents for 10 fils.

Will you keep the Islamic State coins in your collection if they successfully mint them?

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1907 double eagle gold coin realized $64,625

November 17, 2014, 3:08 pm

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A 1907 High Relief Flat Rim double eagle coin, MS66 NGC realized $64,625 as the top lot in Heritage Auctions' $10+ million Nov. 6-10 U.S. Coins Signature® Auction. The Ultra High Relief twenties were an intermediate (and impractical) design that bridged the striding Victory from the Sherman Memorial and the slightly more practical High Relief twenties.

"This is a coin that is on the wantlist of many collectors," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, "simply because it's often considered the most beautiful coin produced by the US Mint. Two varieties of this coin exist: the Wire Rim, with a 'fin' around the rim, and the Flat Rim, a not entirely successful attempt to remove the extra metal and make the coins stackable. The Flat Rim is scarcer and more desirable, which lent to the final price realized."

A particularly high-end proof gold coin offered in Beverly Hills was a 1900 quarter eagle, PR68 Deep Cameo by PCGS, which sold for $64,625. PCGS has only certified one example finer, at Proof-68+ Deep Cameo.

"Gold proofs do not enjoy the wide-ranging demand of coins like the 1895 dollar or High Relief double eagle," said Rohan, "but their beauty and exceptional rarity ensure that they will bring high prices whenever they are offered."

A PCGS-graded PR64 Cameo Mint 1895 Morgan Dollar, a coin much in-demand from legions of Morgan dollar collectors looking to complete their date/mintmark sets, was the subject of spirited bidding and a final price realized of $58,750. Philadelphia Mint records state that 12,000 such dollars were struck for circulation, but none of these are accounted for. Numismatists differ as to whether the coins were melted or simply never struck with the 1895 date. The Proof 1895 dollar, therefore, is immensely sought after and examples sell for prices commensurate with their exceptional demand.

Source: Heritage Auction

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50,000 bitcoins will be auction by US government

November 18, 2014, 5:55 am

≫ Next: 1794 Silver dollar realized $470,000 in Newman V Auction

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The US Marshals Service (USMS) has announced on Monday that it will auction 50,000 bitcoins (BTC) belong to accused Silk Road, an Internet black-market bazaar where authorities say illegal drugs and other goods could be bought. An online auction for the bitcoin valued at nearly $19.8 million is scheduled for 4th December 2014.

This will be the second bitcoins auction held by the US agency, following the sale of 30,000 BTC in July.

You need to register with the USMS to bid and initial deposits for the two rounds of $100,000 and $150,000.

You can start to register for the online auction starting today until December 01, 2014.

According to the US Marshals Service, this sealed bid auction is for a portion of the bitcoins contained in wallet files that resided on certain computer hardware belonging to Ross William Ulbricht, that were seized on or about October 24, 2013.

USMS get the authority to sell these bitcoins after the United States District Court for the District of New York entered a Stipulation and Order for Interlocutory Sale of Bitcoins on January 27, 2014. In this order, both the United States and Ross William Ulbricht agreed that “the United States, in its sole discretion, may sell any portion or all of these bitcoins, on a date or dates and in a manner to be determined by the Government.”

The winner of the auction will be notified on 5th December if their bid has been selected and the winner need to make payment on 8th December.

Source: US Marshals Service

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1794 Silver dollar realized $470,000 in Newman V Auction

November 22, 2014, 6:45 am

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A 1794 Silver dollar bringing $470,000 in the Eric P. Newman Collection Part V Auction at Heritage Auctions Nov. 14-15 at the Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Avenue, Duke of Windsor Suite. The Eric P. Newman's outstanding 1794 silver dollar AU50 NGC. Ex: "Col" E.H.R. Green was the undisputed star of the outstanding offerings in the $10.4+ million fifth installment of the Newman Collection to lead the 100% sold out offerings.

"This latest installment of the epic Newman Collection proved important not only for the spectacular prices realized on the amazing coins," said Greg Rohan, President of Heritage Auctions, "but also because it represents, once again, another auction where every single coin found a new home. This is as much about the rarity of the coins as it is about Mr. Newman's acclaimed scholarship and stellar reputation."

A close second in the final bidding, with a price realized of $440,625, was Newman's 1776 Continental Dollar MS62 NGC, in brass, while his 1776 Continental Dollar, CURRENCEY, Pewter MS63 NGC Plain Edge, the finest of four known and the only one that survives in Mint State, proved highly sought-after by collectors, bringing $381,785.

One of the auction’s most followed coins was Newman's 1785 Inimica Tyrannis America/Confederatio, Large Circle Cent Original MS63 Brown NGC, the finest known, which did not disappoint when it came across the auction block, realizing $352,500.

Further highlights include, but are not limited to:

1776 $1 Continental Dollar, E.G. FECIT, Pewter MS66 NGC: Realized $305,500.

1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURENCY, Dotted Rings, Brass AU50 NGC: Realized $282,000.

1867 $20 MS66 NGC: Realized $258,500.

1796 $2 1/2 Stars AU58 NGC: Realized $223,250.

1776 $1 Continental Dollar, CURRENCY, Pewter MS64 NGC: Realized $199,750.

1879 $4 Flowing Hair PR65 NGC: Realized $182,125.

Source: Heritage Auction

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Swedish Plate Money offered at Stack’s Bowers Auction

November 23, 2014, 6:15 am

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A collection of nearly 90 pieces of Swedish Plate Money will highlight the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the New York International Numismatic Convention, January 9-10, 2015, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. The Stanley Aberdeen Collection of Swedish Plate Money was carefully assembled and features an incredible sample of large and impressive copper “coins,” ranging from 1/2 Daler to 4 Daler sizes.

The plate money was issued as a replacement for silver and gold coinage, as specie in these metals were scarce, but copper was readily available in massive quantities. These large “coins” were issued from 1644-1776 in denominations from 1/3 Daler to 8 Daler. The copper came not just from mines but also from cannon barrels that were repurposed and used to produce these coins (similar to Irish “Gun Money” of 1689-1690). Many known examples of Swedish Plate Money came from the wreck of the Nicobar, and that find provided a good cross section of this interesting area of numismatics. The analysis of the varieties and types recovered from this wreck has offered a wealth of information about this specialty.

Stanley Aberdeen began collecting these pieces when Ponterio & Associates sold the plates recovered from the wreck of the Nicobar. As his interest in the series grew, Mr. Aberdeen’s search widened to include Europe, and he worked with several agents as certain rarities appeared at auction. With such great sources of material, he was able to acquire better quality examples than usually seen. As a result of his keen eye and good sense of historical context, Mr. Aberdeen’s assemblage contains not only “regular issues” but also a number of very rare siege pieces.

Highlights abound and include:

2 Daler Plate Money, 1716. Stockholm Mint. Very Fine. Struck from metal recovered from recycled cannons. Extremely rare, only 19 examples known. Very Fine.

2 Daler Plate Money, 1674. Type with a star between two lilies, denoting copper source as Garpenberg. Extremely rare, only 6 known examples. Very Fine. Ex: Cavalli Homberg Sale 103 (1913) lot 11.

4 Daler Plate Money, 1718. Rare, 30 examples known (including 7 that were on the Nicobar). Extremely Fine. Reportedly found in a well, ca. 1834.

3 Daler Plate Money, 1718. Extremely Rare, only 13 examples known. Revalued to 3 Dalers on a 2 Dalar, 1711 of Avestra. Very Fine.

Wismar. 8 Schilling Plate Money, 1715. Extremely Rare necessity coinage made from repurposed guns at the siege of Wismar during the Great Northern War. Extremely Fine. Ex: Gustaf Cavali; General Konsul Axison Johnson; Avestra Mynt Museum; Jim Karlson; Upssala Collections.

“A collection of such wide range will not likely be offered in the near term, so we suggest that interested numismatists review the descriptions of these wonderful items, and contemplate their place in the annals of numismatic history,” said Richard Ponterio, executive vice president of Stack’s Bowers Galleries.

Aside from The Stanley Aberdeen Collection, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the NYINC includes many other important collections, including The Ray Czahor Collection of Philippine Countermarked Coinage, The Rockaway Collection of German Crowns and Talers, The John Adams Collection of Spanish Colonial Proclamation Medals, The Ancient Coins From The Richard Aghababian Collection, and further selections from The Demarete Collection. Other important properties include a fine selection of Spanish and American Administration Philippines coins, gold coins of Brazil, a wide range of coins from Russia, and a specialized collection of Judean coins.

For more information on this sale, or to request a catalog, You can visit Stack’s Bowers Galleries website www.stacksbowers.com.

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50 years of Sir Winston Churchill £5 Coin

November 26, 2014, 3:59 am

≫ Next: $1 Lion Dance 2015 Silver Proof Coin

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On 25 Nov 2014, The Royal Mint has announced a special two-coin set which commemorates the life and marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Winston Churchill. The Winston Churchill 2015 Brilliant Uncirculated £5 coin paired with an original Winston Churchill 1965 Memorial Crown in a special edition set, which has a limited edition of 5,000 and is priced at just £20.

Designer of the 2015 £5 coin, Mark Richards FRBS says: “I wanted to capture something of Winston Churchill’s intensity, to create an active portrait, a sense of the man that you may have come away with had you met him. I thought the portrait created for the memorial coin in 1965 by Oscar Nemon couldn't be bettered, so though I much admired it, I wanted to start afresh. I decided to create an image that is larger than the field of the coin – because this was a larger than life man, there was so much more to him than can ever be captured in one portrait”.

1965 Winston Churchill Memorial Crown

The designer of the 1965 Winston Churchill Memorial Crown, Oscar Nemon, was born in Croatia and moved to London in 1938. He worked from a studio outside Oxford, and sculpted many recognized figures including Her Majesty The Queen. His statue of Sir Winston Churchill stands in the Members Lobby of the House of Commons, its foot now burnished bright by many years of being touched ‘for luck’. Oscar Nemon created the crown struck in memory of the former Prime Minister in 1965.

50th Anniversary of the Death of Sir Winston Churchill £5 coin

Mark Richards FRBS, designer of the 2015 £5 coin, is a figure and portrait sculptor based in Shropshire. He read History of Art at Manchester University and trained in sculpture and drawing at The City and Guilds of London Art School. Mark worked for a number of sculpture companies before establishing himself as an independent sculptor in 1992. The designer created last year’s Queen Anne memorial coin and the £5 coin struck for the 90th birthday of the Duke of Edinburgh.

The anniversary of the birth of Sir Winston Churchill approaches (30th November 1874), he died on January 24, 1965. Sir Winston Churchill was twice Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1940 to 1945 and again from 1951 to 1955. As a writer Churchill was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was a Knight of the Garter, Companion to The Queen, and the first honorary citizen of the United States by Act of Congress.

Sir Winston Churchill is the only Britain’s statesman ever to be commemorated on two UK coins created in his honor. The portrait of Churchill is instantly recognizable on the new coin, a man who was larger than life, almost impossible to capture in the usual confines of coin design.

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$1 Lion Dance 2015 Silver Proof Coin

November 27, 2014, 5:28 am

≫ Next: 2014 75 Years of Batman™ Proof Coins

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Perth Mint has released a Chinese Lion Dance 2015 1oz Silver Proof Coin commemorating a traditional dance in Chinese culture dating back to the Han Dynasty (205 BCE to 220 CE) in China, Chinese lion dance. Each coin is meticulously struck from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver and to the highest possible quality (Proof), only 5,000 pieces will be minted for the Australia legal tender coin.

The coin reverse features a coloured representation of the Chinese lion dance, with a firecracker and two lanterns in the background. The design also features the Chinese character for ‘prosperity’ and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Issued as legal tender under the Australian Currency Act 1965, the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2015 year-date, and the monetary denomination are shown on the coin’s obverse.

Technical Specifications:
Silver Content (Troy oz): 1.00
Monetary Denomination (AUD): 1
Fineness (% purity): 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g): 31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm): 40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm): 4.00
Maximum Mintage: 5,000
Designer: Natasha Muhl

Each coin is packaged in a special illustrated card displaying both the coin’s reverse and obverse.

The Chinese lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture dating back to the Han Dynasty (205 BCE to 220 CE) in China. The dance is performed during Chinese New Year and other traditional, cultural and religious festivals, and is thought to bring good luck and fortune.

You can order your Chinese Lion Dance 2015 1oz Silver Proof Coin via Perth Mint website www.perthmint.com.au.

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2014 75 Years of Batman™ Proof Coins

November 29, 2014, 7:44 am

≫ Next: Rio 2016 Olympic Games Commemorative Coins

≪ Previous: $1 Lion Dance 2015 Silver Proof Coin

Apmex the exclusive dealer of the new 2014 75 Years of Batman™ Proof Coins has released two different strikes for the coins; a 1/4 oz Gold piece with a face value of $25 and a 2 oz Silver coin with a face value of $5. Mintages are limited to 7,500 for the Silver coin and 750 for the Gold coin, positioning the series for a high collector value.

The island of Niue has authorized the 2014 75 Years of Batman™ Proof Coins as a legal tender currency. The coin obverse show right-facing profile of Queen Elizabeth II with "Niue," 2014 and face value. The coin reverse show an image of the Caped Crusader crouched in front of the Batman logo, with "75 Years of Batman" and "2014" to the right. Two small Batman logos are also shown.

“APMEX is proud to be the exclusive dealer of these coins featuring such an iconic superhero,” APMEX Vice President of Merchandising Andrew Martineau said. “We’re committed to giving our customers variety and options they can’t get anywhere else and these coins are just one example.”

2014 75 Years of Batman™ 1/4 oz Gold Proof Coins
Specifications
Year: 2014
Grade: Proof
Grade Service: None
Denomination: $25
Mint Mark: None
Metal Content: 0.25 troy oz
Purity: .9999
Manufacturer: Sunshine
Thickness: N/A mm
Diameter: 22 mm

2014 75 Years of Batman™ 2 oz Silver Proof Coins
Specifications
Year: 2014
Grade: Proof
Grade Service: None
Denomination: $2 (NZD)
Mint Mark: None
Metal Content: 2 troy oz
Purity: .999
Manufacturer: Sunshine
Thickness: na mm
Diameter: 50.8 mm

Each coin comes complete with limited edition Batman utility belt packaging and a lineup of one-of-a-kind bonus features designed to wow even the casual Batman fan. The first special bonus is a 3-D, augmented reality experience. For the first time ever, users with an Apple or Android tablet or mobile phone can launch an incredible 3-D image of Batman alongside the legal tender coin.

The 3-D experience is launched through a free 75 YEARS of BATMAN™ application available from the iTunes App Store or Google Play. After downloading the app, a user can hold their device’s camera over the coin as it nests inside a specially created game board (included free with each coin and also available as a free download alongside the app). Within moments, the Caped Crusader appears right before your eyes, ready to fight crime. There is also an amazing “selfie” mode where purchasers and their friends can snap a close-up picture standing alongside the Dark Knight.

The app uses “augmented reality,” a technology that supplements the view of a real world object with computer-generated graphics and sound when viewed through a digital device. In this case, the results are nothing short of amazing.

The next bonus is a numbered, die-cut, stainless steel Certificate of Authenticity featuring a copy of the autograph of none other than noted cartoonist, filmmaker and creator of The Dark Knight Returns, Frank Miller. Also included in the set is a limited edition 75 YEARS of BATMAN™ lapel pin.

You can order your 2014 75 Years of Batman™ Proof Coins via Apmex website www.apmex.com.

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Rio 2016 Olympic Games Commemorative Coins

November 30, 2014, 3:00 am

≫ Next: 1898 Hunan Silver Dollar shown in Macau

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Central Bank of Brasil - Banco Central do Brasil has launched the first nine commemorative coins of the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games numismatic programme: one gold, four silver and four circulation coins. The programme will comprise a total of 36 coins, which will be released by 2016.

The gold coin honors, in addition to Christ the Redeemer, the 100 meters, one of the sports that represent the Olympic motto "Citius, Altius, Fortius" (faster, higher, stronger).

The silver coins celebrate Rio de Janeiro: the obverse, with known landscapes where cariocas, the inhabitants of Rio, play sports such as rowing, running, cycling and beach volleyball; the reverse, with aspects of the culture and nature of the city and Brazil. Franciscana Dolphin, Bromeliad, Arches of Lapa and Bossa Nova inaugurate the four thematic series: Fauna, Flora, Architecture and Music, respectively.

The Olympic and Paralympic sports are the highlight of the circulation coins. In the first release, Athletics and Swimming represent two of the sports in which Brazil won more medals in Olympic Games; Golf and Paratriathlon, the two that will become part of the 2016 Games. The R$1 coins will be put into circulation by the banking network. A part of it will be sold in special blister packs for collection.

Coins characteristics & designs:

Gold coin:
Face value: 10 reais
Fineness: gold 900/1000
Diameter: 16mm
Weight: 4.4g
Edge: serrated
Finishing: proof
Mintage limit: 5,000
Price: R$1,180.00

Silver coins:
Face value: 5 reais
Fineness: silver 925/1000
Diameter: 40mm
Weight: 27g
Edge: serrated
Finishing: proof
Mintage limit: 25,000
Price: R$195.00

Circulation coins:
Face value: 1 real
Fineness: stainless steel (inner part) and brass plated steel (outer part)
Diameter: 27mm
Weight: 7g
Edge: serrated
Finishing: ordinary
Mintage limit: 20 million (maximum of 200 in blister packs) Price (blister packs): R$13.00

After the release, the coins may be purchased in Brazil at the Banco do Brasil (BB) website through a bank payment slip or, in the case of BB account holders, direct debit. The coins will also be on sale at the BB agencies. There, payment will be only in cash.

All projects were developed by the Banco Central do Brasil and Casa da Moeda (the Brazilian mint) teams, with the technical support of the Rio 2016 Organizing Committee.

In 2015, on a date to be announced, two sets - one with the first four silver coins and another with the four circulation coins - will be available.

The second release of the Olympic Programme will take place in the first half of 2015.

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1898 Hunan Silver Dollar shown in Macau

November 30, 2014, 7:13 am

≫ Next: 1907 Ultra High Relief $20 in Bonhams Auction

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A NGC certified China 1898 Hunan Pattern Silver Dollar has been display during the Macau Numismatic Society show, held November 28-30 at the Kam Pek Community Centre. Michael Chou, of Champion Auctions, and a client jointly purchased this extraordinary coin in a private sale earlier this year for a price that exceeded US $1 million after the coin was graded by NGC.

The finest of only six known examples, this important coin has not been seen publicly since it was sold at auction in 1975. The 1898 Hunan Province Pattern Dollar with a dragon design was unknown to numismatists until it was sold in the 1975 Paramount sale of the Heaton Mint archives. At the time, this coin achieved a world record price and became the first Chinese coin to sell for more than US $10,000. It is graded NGC SP 67 as pedigreed to “NC Collection/Champion.”

“NGC-certified Chinese coins sell for higher prices because Chinese buyers have greater confidence in NGC’s grade and guarantee,” says Chou. “My client and I were willing to pay a seven figure sum because of the peace of mind that comes from NGC grading.”

This rarity is the third NGC-certified Chinese coin to break the US $1 million barrier. The first was the 1910 Yunnan Spring Dollar graded NGC AU 55, which sold for US $1,062,000 in August 2010 by Champion Auctions as part of its sale of the Ultima Collection. Champion Auctions will also showcase this NGC-certified 1910 Yunnan Spring Dollar at its Special Numismatic Display in Macau.

A year after it sold the 1910 Yunnan Spring Dollar for more than US $1 million, Champion Auctions sold a 1992 Compass 2,000 Yuan Gold Kilo (Serial #6), graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo, for a world-record price of US $1,298,000. NGC is currently the only third-party coin grading service to have certified Chinese coins that have subsequently sold for more than US $1 million.

“NGC offers the strongest guarantee of grade and authenticity for Chinese coins as well as the most accurate and consistent grading,” says Steven R. Eichenbaum, CEO of NGC. “As a result, NGC-certified vintage and modern Chinese coins achieve record prices at auction and in private treaty sales.”

Source: Champion Auction

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1907 Ultra High Relief $20 in Bonhams Auction

December 2, 2014, 6:09 am

≫ Next: 2015 Sydney New Year's Eve Coin

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An extremely rare 1907 Ultra High Relief $20 Double Eagle gold coin featuring an early production Sans Serif lettered edge will go under the hammer on December 16, 2014 (est. $1,250,000 - $1,500,000) at the Bonhams Coins and Medals auction.

The collar's Sans Serif font that was used on the edge of the earliest Ultra High Reliefs distinguishes this coin as one of the first struck. It is also known as the Type of 1906, and only one other example is known with this edge feature. Another interesting fact about the edge is that the collar impresses the lettering in an inverted fashion. Between February 7th and 14th in 1907, the first four experimental Ultra High Relief $20 coins, including this coin, were struck at the Mint in Philadelphia.

This distinctive Sans Serif font on the edge was first discovered in 1992 by Paul Song, and three years later in 1995, the second example turned up, also discovered by Mr. Song. Another distinctive feature of the edge lettering is that the collar impressed the lettering upside-down, meaning when the obverse is up, the edge lettering is inverted, relative to the obverse.

Augustus Saint-Gaudens died of cancer August 3,1907, just months after the first Ultra High Reliefs were coined in February. He never personally examined one of his "works of art." Hering and Roosevelt refused to the let the project die, and the design was modified to the High Relief coins that were struck in November and December 1907. Mintage estimates indicate between 11,250 and 12,367 pieces were struck, despite Mint Director Barber's sabotage and protests. Soon Barber would win out, and the relief was greatly reduced again in mid-December 1907, and that design continued through 1933 when gold production ceased until more recent times.

Paul Song, director of the Los Angeles based department, states, "This coin is an old friend of sorts. Earlier in my career in 1992, I discovered this coin variety for the first time at an East Coast estate and sold it at auction for $143,000. Almost 25 years later, I am pleased to place it on auction again. Close examination of the edge revealed lettering without serifs—the same style that was used in 1906 to create the Judd-1992 $20 gold pattern. No one had ever thought to look at the edge or the collar of an Ultra High Relief before."

As indicated by the Proof 58 designation by NGC, this piece shows evidence of light wear (rubbing) on the highest points of the design. The light rubbing on the surfaces could easily be the result of this coin being personally examined by Mint officials and even by Theodore Roosevelt himself, just after striking. The coin itself, is concave due to multiple blows of the medal press, with the edges appearing sharp and knife-like. The color is bright yellow-gold throughout with only the slightest breaks in the luster on the aforementioned highpoints. There are no other singular distractions or pedigree identifiers. This will prove to be a truly remarkable opportunity to purchase one of the first two (if not the very first!) Ultra High Relief Saint-Gaudens double eagles produced in early 1907.

Source: Bonhams Auction

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2015 Sydney New Year's Eve Coin

December 3, 2014, 5:40 am

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The second coin in the Royal Australian Mint Sydney New Year’s Eve coin series, 2015 $1 Silver New Year's Eve Coin is now available for collectors. Only 5,000 pieces will be minted for the affordable price 1/2oz silver coin. Incorporate the City of Sydney’s ‘Inspire’ theme for this year’s fireworks which highlights Sydney’s qualities as being a bustling culture of diversity and creativity.

The coin reverse show the 2015 fireworks theme of Inspire, interpreted in colour with inscription "SYDNEY NEW YEAR'S EVE-AUSTRALIA". The Sydney New Year’s Eve coin is Australian legal tender coin.

The coin obverse show the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the 2015 year-date, and the monetary denomination.

Technical Specifications:
Denomination: $1
Metal: Ag
Diameter: 35.89mm
Mass: 1/2oz
Finish: Frosted Uncirculated
Mintage: 5000

Sydney New Year's Eve is an annual multi-tiered event held every New Year's Eve over Sydney Harbour, centring on the Harbour Bridge in Sydney, Australia. Its main features are two pyrotechnic displays, the "9pm Family Fireworks" and the "Midnight Fireworks".

You can start ordering your 2015 $1 Coloured Fine Silver Frosted Uncirculated Sydney New Year's Eve Coin via the Royal Australian Mint website ramint.gov.au.

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