New members

Before sharing the news from around the globe, I would like to welcome two new members to the MDA.

CIT Coin Invest AG is a progressive, innovative company that is constantly questioning the norm. Welcome to CEO Mr Johann Berner and his team to the MDA; we are delighted to have you join as Associate Members.

Based in Korea, Poongsan Corporation is one of the largest blank suppliers in the world and has been an active supporter of industry associations and events for many years. I would like to acknowledge and welcome Chairman and CEO Mr Jin Ryu to the MDA and we are looking forward to working closely with you.

MDA Website update

The MDA has partnered with creative agency Pembleton and digital specialists Supernormal Labs to develop a new contemporary website for the organisation. The vision is to create an industry hub that is a must-visit destination for all industry participants, as well as resource centre housing valuable information for the exclusive use of MDA members. The project is underway and we are aiming to launch the site during Q1 2025.

Upcoming MDA Webinar

I am pleased to announce that the MDA will host the final webinar of 2024 in early December. The topic will relate to optimisation of high-impact launches of high-demand products into the marketplace. The final details of the launch are coming together and will be promoted to MDA members – and then the industry more broadly – in the near future. Stay tuned for further details.

Global Mint Industry News

From Spain …

A recent release from the Spanish Royal Mint reflects on the incredible role that radio has played within Spanish society over the past century. The 10 euro coin features stylised headphones, microphone and an old-school transistor radio taking us back to when life was a little less cluttered and complicated perhaps! The coin was featured in the publication Diario De Navarra This is the perfect new coin to give to radio lovers

From Japan …

In exciting news Japanese collectors, the Japanese Ministry of Finance announced a new series commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the National Park System. Coins celebrating biodiversity and the natural beauty of these unique locations will progressively be released from 2024 to 2031. 造幣局 : 100th Anniversary of the National Park System Special Site

From Czech Republic …

Five years ago, the Czech music star Karel Gott left a huge hole in the hearts of all when he passed. The Czech Mint is celebrating his legacy through a new series of commemorative medals in solver and gold, ensuring that the memory Karel Gott is fresh for all Czech Republic citizens. Karel Gott 85 | Czech Mint

From Portugal …

Thanks to INCM for hosting over 200 delegates from all corners of the world at the 7^th Coin Conference in Lisbon from 28 – 30 October. The MDA was well represented at the conference, with numerous Directors in attendance and Chair Marie Lemay addressing attendees and reinforcing the importance of working collaboratively to progress industry priorities. Congratulations to Bruno Patrao, Innovation Manager at INCM, for presenting upon the UniqueMark technology in relation to authentication of precious metals.  https://www.linkedin.com/posts/incm_incm-casadamoeda-coinconference-activity-7257003569642397697-C7If?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

From the Netherlands …

MNI have developed an exciting new release just in time for Christmas, with the latest in the Masters of Art series due to drop in December. This coin features the famous Lady with a Fan by Gustav Klimt and consists of a whopping 1.5kg of .999 silver, is rectangular and coloured and is limited to only 100 coins. A truly unique offering that will be embraced by collectors and art lovers alike. Modern Numismatics International – Modern Numismatics International

From Korea …

KOMSCO reminds us of the multifaceted nature of many Mints by sharing the exciting news that they will be hosting a Grand Exhibition featuring a collaboration between two talented artists at the Currency Museum. Learn more about this great initiative here: Press Release < Newsroom < Korea Mint

From Austria …

Today the Austrian Mint spices things up with the release of the second coin in The White Gold of Hallstatt series: Salt Trading. We learn all about how the lakeside town of Hallstatt transformed into a vibrant trading hub, a cultural capital and ultimately ended up supplying salt to half of Central Europe during the Bronze Age. 20 Euro Salt Trading Coin Proof

From Switzerland …

With the traditional festival of St. Nicholas fast approaching, Swissmint has released a very special coin to mark the time-honoured tradition. The striking design gives us an up-close look at St. Nicholas on the obverse, with an evocative image of St. Nicholas walking hand-in-hand with a child through a Swiss village. A gorgeous coin indeed. Silver coin «St. Nicholas»

From the UK …

The Royal Mint go (extremely) large with a new release exploring three extraordinary creatures that roamed the UK and North America during the Ice Age. The Steppe Mammoth, Woolly Rhinoceros and the Giant Deer take centre-stage on 50p coins in both BU and Proof finishes, across base metal, silver and gold. https://www.royalmint.com/stories/commemorate/when-giants-roamed-the-earth/

Arrandene MFG CEO Simon Billingham presented at the recent Coin Conference in Lisbon, sharing insights as to how Central Banks and Mints can balance their environmental obligations and optimisation of financial outcomes relating to metal recycling. Home – Arrandene MFG

From South Africa …

The iconic Krugerrand gets an exciting update in 2024, with the South African Mint announcing that, for the first time, the famous design is now available in a reverse proof finish. This new treatment sees the Springbok virtually leaping off the coin and shines a new light on this classic motif. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/samint_for-the-first-time-in-2024-a-reverse-proof-activity-7251547261266972672-xb9m?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

From Australia …

In October, the Royal Australian Mint rocked a colourful new release by celebrating 50 Years of Countdown – the most iconic pop/rock television program in Australian history. The 50c uncirculated coin nails the look and feel of Countdown and will certainly resonate with music lovers and collectors alike! Colourful new coin celebrates 50 years of Countdown | Royal Australian Mint

In a very busy month of October, the Perth Mint welcomed a very diverse range of visitors to their iconic premises in their 125^th year. CEO Paul Graham went from welcoming the Telethon mascot Fat Cat, to build upon the great charitable work that Telethon has undertaken since 1968. Fat Cat Strikes Gold at The Perth Mint. With a slightly different tone, Paul then hosted the King of Bhutan who enjoyed a tour of the facility and learned all about the activities of the organisation. The King Of Bhutan welcomed to The Perth Mint

From Liechtenstein …

CIT released their Autumn catalogue and it is always intriguing to see what new projects this innovative organisation has been working on! Whilst there are too many themes to list here, I particularly enjoyed learning about the Underlook series (check it out!) and the stunning Legends series. https://www.cit.li/en/launch/41/autumn-launch-2024

From the USA …

On their new and improved website, the US Mint shares the highlights of two great events held with key partners to celebrate the Celia Cruz quarter, the 14^th coin in the American Women Quarters program. The calibre of presenters were extraordinary – including actress Whoopi Goldberg – and provided incredible insights into Celia Cruz’s impact on US culture. Congratulations to Director Gibson and her team on such a successful and poignant release. Azucar Historic Change Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Celia Cruz

From France …

Monnaie de Paris brings the famous characters of The Lion King to life on gold and silver coins, celebrating the 30^th anniversary of this timeless tale. Simba, Timon and Pumbaa – amongst others – remind us of the most memorable moments from Disney’s greatest masterpieces. Hakuna Matata! The Lion King – 30th anniversary

From Canada …

A poignant new release from the RCM celebrates Inuit Nunangat – the Inuit homeland in Canada – on a coloured commemorative circulating coin no less! RCM staff collaborated with Inuit Tapitiit Kanatami to design a breathtaking coin that has the power to educate and raise awareness of the rich culture and heritage of Inuit Nunangat. Behind the Design: Celebrating Inuit Nunangat Commemorative $2 Circulation Coin | The Royal Canadian Mint

Other industry news in brief:

• In addition to presenting at the Coin Conference, the Royal Canadian Mint did well in the IACA Coin Awards winning the category of Best New Coin Product, Process or Manufacturing Innovation and being the manufacturer for the Central Bank of The Bahamas who won the Best New Commemorative / Limited Circulation Coin. Congrats to the RCM! Awards | The Coin Conference
• Cash Essentials shared some conference news with The Future of Cash Conference: Shaping The Cash Cycle of Tomorrow being announced for 3-5 November 2025 in Warsaw, Poland. Check it out here: The Future of Cash Conference: Shaping the Cash Cycle of Tomorrow – Cash Essentials
• Cash Matters summarises an article coming out of Australia, citing CEO of fintech company Stripe acknowledging that cash is unlikely to disappear. Less Cash Maybe, But Not Cashless