Monday Minting News from around the Globe, 1 Jul 2024
Various mints worldwide, including those in the Czech Republic, South Africa, Korea, and Australia, have released new commemorative coins and medals celebrating milestones, culture, and achievements.
From the Czech Republic …
The Czech Mint lets us know about some of the partnerships they have established in support of good causes. The Czech Mint minted the prize medals for the prestigious Slovak Woman of the Year awards, in which nine incredible women were recognised for their contributions to society. They also minted gold, silver and bronze Gold Crowns, which were presented to the category winners and placegetters for the best financial products on the Czech financial market
News | Czech Mint (ceskamincovna.cz)
From South Africa …
The South African Mint highlighted the fourth decimal coin series via a LinkedIn post. The focus of this series is deep ecology, celebrating the interconnectedness of living organisms as an integral part of the environment. As is the case with the new banknotes, these coins that were released in 2023 also feature enhanced security features. Learn more about these coins and banknotes from the South African Reserve Bank SARB Currency Booklet.pdf (resbank.co.za)
From Croatia …
BIG news about a very little coin from the Croatian Mint! Congratulations must go to our friends from Croatia for minting the world’s smallest coin – an incredible accomplishment. How do we know it is the smallest coin ever minted you might ask? Because Victor Fenes, an official adjudicator of the Guiness World Records, says so! Learn more about the story of Hum – the world’s smallest coin minted in honour of the smallest town in the world Gold coin “Hum” breaks Guinness World Record for the smallest coin in the World | Croatian Mint
From Korea …
Congratulations to Mr Sung Chang-hoon, the President of Korea Mint Corporation, for releasing two new striking and distinguished bullion medals named Chiu Heavenly King and Jishin Draco (Dragon) on 25 June. These limited quantity medals will help raise awareness of precious metals as an asset class and a safe-haven for investors in the Republic of Korea Press Release < Newsroom < Korea Mint (komsco.com)
From the USA …
The US Mint announced the release of the 2024 Silver Proof set from 27 June, which includes the third series of five coins in the American Women Quarters Program. The set also includes one Native American $1 coin celebrating the centennial of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924. 2024 United States Mint Silver Proof Set | U.S. Mint (usmint.gov) Earlier in June, the US Mint hit the road and attended the Northeast Oklahoma Coin Show, providing a great opportunity to educate young collectors and connect with established customers U.S. Mint Attends Northeast Oklahoma Coin Show | U.S. Mint (usmint.gov)
From Portugal …
INCM recently celebrated the centenary of the Portuguese Numismatic Museum on June 25th, with a free concert at the Biblioteca da Imprensa Nacional is Lisbon. They also got behind the national football team – that are one of the tournament favourites – by releasing a commemorative UEFA Euro 2024 €5.00 coin beautifully presented in a case Currency: UEFA Euro 2024 (Gold Proof) | INCM
From Japan …
On June 25, the Japan Mint announced the release of a new coin set celebrating the 100th anniversary of Hanshin Koshien Stadium. Along with this release, Japan Mint also shared information on 50th Anniversary of the Opening of the State Guest House Alaska Palace Proof set. Mint : Mail Order of Hanshin Koshien Stadium 100th Anniversary Coin Set (June 25, 2024)
From France …
Despite being in the midst of a festival of European football, the 2024 Paris Olympics are almost upon us – what a treat for us sports-lovers out there! Monnaie de Paris have brought two favourite characters to life, with Asterix and Obelix showing us that they can mix it with the best on the world’s biggest sporting stage! Asterix at the Olympic Games (monnaiedeparis.fr). Congrats also to the 50 employees of Monnaie de Paris that recently took part in the Course des Heros, supporting the Sport dans la ville Association, the main association for integration through sport in France.
From Canada …
The Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) take us behind the curtain to look at the most recent commemorative circulating coin which celebrates the creator of the famous novel Anne of Green Gables, literary icon L.M. Montgomery. This stunning coloured circulating is another excellent example by the Canadians of creating widespread excitement and appreciation of the art of minting by bringing a story to life in such a vibrant manner. Behind the Design: L. M. Montgomery Commemorative $1 Circulation Coin | The Royal Canadian Mint
From Spain …
FNMT featured in El Espanol on 18 June, with a great piece focussing on the new 40-euro coin for the 10th anniversary of the reign of Felipe IV. This is Felipe VI’s new 40-euro coin for the tenth anniversary of his reign: it will be a treasure in a few years (elespanol.com)
From the UK …
The Royal Mint share an insightful article on the design, development and minting of the Waterloo Medal. This is a remarkable story full of a protracted 30 year journey full of intrigue and politics, yet ultimately Benedetto Pistrucci manages to deliver a stunning and symbolic design The Making of a Medallic Masterpiece | The Royal Mint. Congrats to the Royal Mint for being awarded the Best Guided Tour in the UK at the Group Leisure & Travel Magazine Awards – well done!
From Australia …
The Royal Australian Mint (RAM) has announced the a number of exciting new releases for July. These include a 50c coloured frosted uncirculated coin celebrating NAIDOC Week, a six-coin fine silver proof coin set for the change of monarch and a $5 1oz fine silver high relief coin featuring the beautiful hourglass dolphin. There is also a highly limited six-coin gold proof set for the change of monarch for the serious collector and investor. RAM will also be in attendance at the Perth Money Expo presented by the Australian Numismatic Dealers Association on 13/14 July. New Release 4-5 July 2024 | Royal Australian Mint (ramint.gov.au)
On the other side of the country, the Perth Mint celebrated its 125th birthday in great style! On 20 June, 1899 the Perth Mint opened its iconic green doors in East Perth, Western Australia and since then has produced more than 19m coins from the heritage premises. The Perth Mint celebrates the significant milestone of 125 years of operation as a gold refiner and producer of high-quality precious metal coins Perth Mint provided an opportunity for collectors, investors and history buffs to join in on the celebrations by releasing a 125th Anniversary Gold Proof Sovereign, featuring a re-imagined design of St George’s victory over a malevolent dragon The Perth Mint’s 125th Anniversary Australia Sovereign 2024 Gold Proof Coin
Other industry news in brief:
- Cash Matters draws attention to a new bill introduced to Parliament in Australia, seeking to protect the availability and acceptance of cash payments across the nation Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia (cashmatters.org).
- In more Australian news, Cash Matters examines some recent RBA data suggesting that ATM withdrawals are at an all-time high and 4 in 10 Australians are concerned about the disappearance of cash How Supporting Cash Can Address Societal Concerns in Australia (cashmatters.org)