• Internationally recognised as one of the world’s numismatics companies • Exclusive collection of limited-mintage coins and medallions • Extensive research and development • Advanced minting technology • Legendary skills of its Mint Masters
• Coin collecting developed into pieces of art • Limited edition masterpieces commemorating historical events, iconic figures, architectural monuments and religions of the world
Coins & Medallions
Coin A piece of metal intended for use as legal tender and stamped with inscriptions and exact monetary value. Issued by an authority, i.e. central bank, national bank, monetary authority, etc that guarantees its weight and purity.
Medallion A medallion is a piece of metal, usually carved or engraved; circular (like a coin) and large, that is used as a work of art, souvenir, medal, or worn on the body as a special symbol. It is struck both by government and private mints to honour historic events, anniversaries or other special occasions. A medallion does not have monetary value.
Coin/Medallion Diagram Coat of Arms
Reverse
Obverse
Relief Removable Inlay Denomination
Field
Edge
Rim
• Reverse – usually refers to the head side of a coin • Obverse – the other side of the Reverse side • Field – the flat area of the coin that has not been raised off of the coin during minting • Relief - the portion of the design that has been raised off the coin
• Rim – the upraised part of the coin that runs all the way around the edge of the coin on both sides
• Edge – the plain, unadorned surface. It is the actual side of the coin, and should not be confused with the rim • Denomination • Coat of Arms • Removable Inlay
Coin: What to look at? • Authenticity
Coins, issued by an issuing authority, commemorating an event and in addition being endorsed by a national or international institution have a high degree of authenticity and are therefore highly numismatic.
• Rarity & Limited Mintage The lower the mintage the higher the possibility that the value of the coin will increase since demand is higher than supply.
• Policy and Image
The more conservative, strict and stringent the issuing policy of the respective authority, the better the potential the value of a coin will increase.
Type of Coins • Numismatic Coins - Coins issued by the government to celebrate and honour important events, anniversaries, etc - Can be both precious and non-precious metal - Often minted in proof finish, with limited mintage and face value
• Bullion - Coin with little numismatic value sold for its precious metal content and traded at the current bullion price - Gold or silver coins, bars or ingots - Often struck in prooflike finish or Brilliant Uncirculated (BU)
• Circulation Coins: - Coins that were minted for commercial use and never become a numismatic coin therefore suffers wear and tear; a used coin
Commemorative Coin/Medallion Finishing • Proof coins - Coin minted from highly polished planchets and dies resulting in a well-struck coin with highly reflective fields - The mirror-like finish derives from high pressure strike in the minting process
• Antique
• Matte
• High Relief A coin with deep concave fields due to highly raised designs. High relief coins require extra pressure to be fully struck and are difficult to stack.
Coin/Medallion Edge Plain Edge Milled Edge Lettered Edge Decorated Edge
For the purpose of authenticity and as a barrier for copying
Special Techniques
• Gold Inlay
• Partial Gold Plating
• Removable Inlay
• Decorative
Coin and Medallion Care • Tip 1: Housing Keep your coin in the provided presentation box. • Tip 2: Removing Before removing a coin from its capsule, consider whether it's really necessary. • Tip 3: Holding Never touch an uncirculated or Proof coin anywhere but the edge. Wearing clean surgical gloves is advised. •Tip 4: Storage Keep the coin in a dry environment with minimal changes in average temperature.
Coin and Medallion Care • Tip 5: Avoid close contact Avoid holding numismatic items in front of your mouth. Small particles of moisture may eventually cause spots.
• Tip 6: Dragging Do not drag coins across any surface. You can never be too careful. • Tip 7: Don’t polish Polishing with the softest tissue or cloth will scratch the coin’ s surface.