Category Archives: Japanese Coins

japan_clay

How World War II Created Strange and Unusual Coins

 

World War 2's impact on coinage was felt around the world. Image: CoinWeek.
World War 2’s impact on coinage was felt around the world. Image: CoinWeek.

By Lianna Spurrier for CoinWeek …..
World War II affected coins almost everywhere around the world.

In the United States, the most dramatic effect that the war had on our coinage was the steel penny. The composition of our nickels changed as well, but that wasn’t an immediately noticeable change in the appearance of the coin. Both changes are well-known by collectors today.

But in other countries, the coinage was changed in much stranger and farther reaching ways than steel cents and partially-silver nickels. This article presents a sampling of the fascinating coin experiments conducted abroad.

The World War II Clay and Cardboard Coins of Japan

Japan got very creative with alternative materials, both at home and in some of the occupied territories.

The composition of the Japanese 1 sen coin began to change in 1938. Previously produced in brass, the copper percentage was reduced to create a bronze coin. Later the same year, they released a significantly smaller and lighter 1 sen coin struck in aluminum. This composition stuck and was used through 1943, though the size was reduced again in 1941. Between 1938 and 1941, the denomination shrunk from 23mm to 16mm, and from 3.75g to 0.65g.

World War II clay coins of Japan
World War II clay coins of Japan

The most dramatic change, however, occurred in 1945. As the end of WWII approached, Japan was suffering from a serious shortage of metals – wasting them on coins was not an option. Instead, they tested making experimental 1 sen coins from baked clay. They appeared red, and were produced by private companies for the mint.

Some patterns were made for other denominations, but the 1 sen clay coins are the only ones that may have circulated. According to Krause’s Standard Catalog of World Coins, they circulated for just a few days before the war ended and were quickly withdrawn. No other English-language source has been found that claims they were ever put into circulation, but it is known that significantly more 1 sen clay coins were made than any other of the test denominations. If the war had continued, they would have circulated.

Japan also minted coins for many external territories, and some of these were affected as well. The region known as Manchukuo (Manchuria), which now makes up the northeast section of China, was controlled by Japan from 1931 to 1945.

The Japanese Empire had been minting coins for the territory since 1932, but when metals became scarce, Manchukuo’s coins were an early casualty. In 1944, Japan began producing the territory’s 1 fen and 5 fen coins in a reddish fiber that resembled corrugated cardboard. These experimental coins did circulate, and while mintage numbers aren’t known, they’re not overly expensive to purchase today.

Together, these instances are some of the very few non-metallic coins that have circulated in the modern world, though none seems as though it would hold up very well.

The Wartime Tombac Coins of Canada

Like the United States, Canada also had to adjust the composition of their nickels, but their change wasn’t nearly as subtle. In late 1942, Canada switched to a brass alloy called tombac, which was a copper-gold color. Hoping to make them easier to distinguish from pennies, they made the nickels 12-sided instead of round.

World War II tombac nickels of Canada
World War II tombac nickels of Canada

But this wasn’t enough. When not paying attention, people still had too much trouble separating the new nickels from pennies.

In 1943, Canada changed the reverse design from the usual beaver to a large V behind a torch. The V was intended to stand for both the denomination and Victory. In addition, the normal nickels had a beaded border; they changed the shape and size of the beads to spell out “We win when we work willingly” in Morse code.

The same design was used through 1945, but they changed the composition in 1944 to steel, plated first in nickel and then steel. This gave them a slightly blue-tinted silver color that looked similar to nickel. The change was welcomed by the Canadian public, finally putting the complaints about tombac to bed. The Royal Canadian Mint did have some trouble with the chrome-plating process, and a few were accidentally released without chrome. Those with the chrome plating scratch very easily.

After the war, Canada returned to the normal nickel alloy and beaver design, but the coin remained 12-sided until 1964.

The World War II Zinc and Steel Coins of Belgium

Belgian steel 2 Fr. coin.
Belgian steel 2 Fr. coin.

Belgium was occupied by Germany from 1940 until 1944, when it was liberated by Allied forces. During the occupation, their previously silver coins were withdrawn from circulation and replaced with zinc variations.

The interesting change came in 1944, after liberation. The United States used leftover steel planchets, originally intended to produce steel cents in 1944, to strike 2 franc coins to circulate in Free Belgium. The 2 franc denomination had been discontinued and removed from circulation during the German occupation. However, the steel coins were minted only in 1944, after which no 2 franc coins were struck.

It seems as though the Belgians may have disliked the steel coins as much as Americans did.

Altered Wartime Coinage in Europe at Large

Like in Belgium, zinc was used for the coinage in many countries under German control.

In the Netherlands, all coins valued higher than 25 cents were discontinued, and all that remained were redesigned and issued in zinc. Previously, they minted coins in an array of metals, such as bronze and silver. All of these disappeared and were replaced by the dark and dull zinc coins.

With a few exceptions, most of the coins of Denmark were also replaced by zinc, the smaller denominations of which remained through the 1970s. Many of Norway’s coins were issued in zinc, though the smaller denominations appeared in iron. The area was particularly rich in the metal, so it made sense to use it for coinage.

Poland, the invasion of which ignited World War II, stopped officially issuing coins altogether after 1939. That year, however, limited quantities were produced in iron and zinc. Two denominations – the 10 and 20 grosz – were struck using old dies, dated 1923. The original 1923 issues were made in nickel, so the two are easily distinguishable.

France was controlled by a puppet state run by Germany, the Vichy French State, which issued coinage with new designs. On the 1 franc, for example, an artistic portrait was replaced by a labrys, or double-bladed axe. As for composition, the “experimental” coins used both zinc and aluminum.

However, even European countries that weren’t controlled by Germany made drastic changes to their coinage systems in response to the war. In Italy, previously bronze coins were made in aluminum-bronze and higher denominations in stainless steel. The same metals were used in Albania, which was occupied by Italy, though the end of the war. After liberation, Albania switched to zinc.

Iceland remained neutral for most of the war, but nickel shortages led them to stop producing 10 aurar and 25 aurar coins in 1940. In 1942, both denominations were issued in zinc, and then discontinued altogether until 1946. Switzerland, another neutral country, had to replace their bronze coins with zinc, although no modifications were made to silver or nickel denominations.

Compared to many of these places, the changes that took place in America were minor. World War II did not cause our coins to be redesigned entirely; they didn’t change size, and we certainly didn’t have any non-metallic pieces (though experimental glass pennies were cut).

Other countries faced an entire overhaul of their coinage system within a year or two, but a steel penny was far too much trouble for Americans to deal with.

* * *

The post How World War II Created Strange and Unusual Coins appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Finest Certified Meiji Gold Pattern 10 Yen at Heritage Auctions

Featured in the August 25 Platinum Night session of the Heritage Auctions Chicago World and Ancient Coins Signature Auction is an amazing Meiji gold Pattern 10 Yen Year 3 (1870), graded MS66 by NGC and arguably one of the finest representatives within the entire Japanese series. Indescribable in just a few words, this coin represents […]

The post Finest Certified Meiji Gold Pattern 10 Yen at Heritage Auctions appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

New Coin Commemorates 150th Anniversary of Railways in Japan

By The Japan Mint …… The Japanese Ministry of Finance has decided to issue a one-ounce silver coin with a face value of 1,000 yen to commemorate the 150th anniversary of railways in Japan. On October 14, 1872, a railway connecting Shimbashi Station in Tokyo to the city of Yokohama a few miles south of […]

The post New Coin Commemorates 150th Anniversary of Railways in Japan appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

World Coin Treasures in August 25-28 Heritage Platinum Session

Summer is in full swing, highlighted by many numismatic activities–from conventions and shows to high-profile auctions and seminars. This includes the ANA World and Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction from Heritage Auctions that takes place August 25-28. The coins in this auction cross the globe and span the millennia, with numerous unique and […]

The post World Coin Treasures in August 25-28 Heritage Platinum Session appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

One Ounce Gold Oban Ingots Offered in Stack’s Bowers Precious Metals Auctions

In April 2021, Stack’s Bowers Galleries sold an incredibly rare Tenshō-era ca. 1588 Japanese Oban for $1.9 million USD, more than doubling the pre-sale high estimate. Offered as part of the $19.2 million Pinnacle Collection in the firm’s April Hong Kong Auction, this Oban set a world record for the most valuable Japanese coin ever […]

The post One Ounce Gold Oban Ingots Offered in Stack’s Bowers Precious Metals Auctions appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Rare Prooflike Danish West Indies Gold Among Atlas Numismatics World Coins

By Atlas Numismatics …… Atlas Numismatics is pleased to offer our latest selection of coins and medals for your consideration. We hope that you may find something of interest for your collection and look forward to hearing from you if have any questions. Atlas Numismatics remains actively interested in purchasing individual items and whole collections if you […]

The post Rare Prooflike Danish West Indies Gold Among Atlas Numismatics World Coins appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Offer Nearly 10,000 Lots of Asian Numismatics in May Hong Kong Auction

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is pleased to present a large and varied selection of Asian and Asia-related coins and paper money in their biannual Hong Kong Showcase Auction. The sale comprises eight live sessions and 10 internet sessions spanning 13 days, beginning at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, May 3 Hong Kong Time (Monday, May 2, 7:00 […]

The post Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Offer Nearly 10,000 Lots of Asian Numismatics in May Hong Kong Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Trade Dollars Featured in May 2022 Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction

By Nicholas Fritz – Numismatist, World and Ancient Coins, Stack’s Bowers Galleries ……   Western interest and trade within China is relatively recent, only beginning in earnest at the end of the 19th century. Industrialized powers were interested in China for the many goods they produced that were demanded by Western markets. The problem for […]

The post Trade Dollars Featured in May 2022 Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Decoplata: The History of .720 Silver in World Coinage

By Austin Jepsky ….. Sometimes referred to as “Mexican Silver”, coins of a .720 silver fineness at one time or another could be found in circulation on five of the seven continents. Despite this widespread use, precious little has been written about this silver alloy, henceforward to be referred to as Decoplata. The purpose of […]

The post Decoplata: The History of .720 Silver in World Coinage appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Sedwick Treasure Auction Hits $4.20 Million

Prices realized for numismatic rarities in Daniel Frank Sedwick’s November 4-5 Treasure Auction 30 surpassed $4.20 million, the third consecutive record-breaking auction for the company. The sale was held both online and in-person in Winter Park, Florida. The top lot in the sale was a very rare gold 4 excelentes struck in Segovia, Spain during […]

The post Sedwick Treasure Auction Hits $4.20 Million appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Hold Firm’s Largest Hong Kong Auction

In what has already been a banner year for the venerable auction house, Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is excited to announce their fall Hong Kong sale–always the market-maker and trendsetter within Chinese numismatics and beyond. Comprising 8,064 lots of coins, medals, tokens, currency, and other forms of exonumia, the Fall 2021 Auction will be the […]

The post Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Hold Firm’s Largest Hong Kong Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Budget Coin Collecting – Ten Attractive and Inexpensive World Coins

By Al Doyle for CoinWeek …..   The current economic slump has forced many collectors to cut spending to the bone. Even with their allure, coins can’t compete with buying groceries and paying the mortgage or rent. So what can the cash-strapped numismatist do to stay involved in his favorite pastime? Perhaps it’s time for […]

The post Budget Coin Collecting – Ten Attractive and Inexpensive World Coins appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Napoleon I Essai, Basel “Glückhennentaler” in Gold Among World Coins at Atlas Numismatics

By Atlas Numismatics …… Dear Clients, We hope everyone is doing well and that you may have some nice summer plans in store. This month we have brought together quite an interesting selection of coins and medals for your consideration. If you see something of interest, we look forward to hearing from you. Atlas Numismatics remains actively […]

The post Napoleon I Essai, Basel “Glückhennentaler” in Gold Among World Coins at Atlas Numismatics appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Stack’s Bowers Ponterio Hammers Highest-Grossing Auction Hosted Outside United States

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio’s biannual Hong Kong-based auctions continue to attract tremendous enthusiasm and participation, as illustrated by their April 2021 event. Featuring over 5,100 lots of coins, tokens, medals, and currency, this monumental sale broke numerous records on its way to realizing a total of over $35.55 million, with 96% of the lots selling. […]

The post Stack’s Bowers Ponterio Hammers Highest-Grossing Auction Hosted Outside United States appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Rare Asian Coins Break Records at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction

Several Significant Rarities from the Pinnacle Collection and Graded by PCGS Cross the Block at April Hong Kong Auction   Some of the rarest coins from Asia and beyond crossed the auction block in Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) holders during the April Hong Kong Auction held by Stack’s Bowers Galleries. Many of the coins […]

The post Rare Asian Coins Break Records at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Stack’s Bowers Offers Pinnacle Collection Samurai-Era Gold Plate Money From Feudal Japan

By Jeremy Bostwick – Senior Numismatist & Cataloger, Stack’s Bowers …… Within the incredible Pinnacle Collection, a featured cabinet in the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio April 2021 Hong Kong auction, a group of massive gold Obans and Kobans certainly stands out. Quite large in size, these fit within the aspect of “odd and curious” money, […]

The post Stack’s Bowers Offers Pinnacle Collection Samurai-Era Gold Plate Money From Feudal Japan appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Tyler Rossi: Ten Coins I’d Love to Own

By Tyler Rossi for CoinWeek ….. As an avid numismatist, I tend to be attracted to coins that tell a story. While I of course appreciate the sheer elegance and beauty many coins display, I also seek out individual pieces that bear witness to history. For this article, I used the same criteria for selecting […]

The post Tyler Rossi: Ten Coins I’d Love to Own appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Tyler Rossi: Ten Coins I’d Love to Own

By Tyler Rossi for CoinWeek …..   As an avid numismatist, I tend to be attracted to coins that tell a story. While I of course appreciate the sheer elegance and beauty many coins display, I also seek out individual pieces that bear witness to history. For this article, I used the same criteria for […]

The post Tyler Rossi: Ten Coins I’d Love to Own appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Offer 5,000+ Lots in Most Valuable Hong Kong Auction to Date

The rare coin market remains incredibly robust, with Chinese numismatics among the clear trend-setters. Within this environment of intense interest, venerable auction house Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio has assembled their largest—and sure-to-be their most valuable—Hong Kong auction to date, offering over 5,000 lots of coins, medals, tokens, and currency, with higher-end estimates surpassing $16.5 million. […]

The post Stack’s Bowers Ponterio to Offer 5,000+ Lots in Most Valuable Hong Kong Auction to Date appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Rare Meiji Year 3 Japanese Coin Pattern Set Offered at Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction

The April Hong Kong auction being presented by rare coin firm Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio features countless highlights from the Pinnacle Collection, with a majestic Year 3 (1870) Pattern Set from Japan standing as quite possibly the most impressive. Containing eight denominations ranging from the gold 10 Yen all the way down to the copper-nickel […]

The post Rare Meiji Year 3 Japanese Coin Pattern Set Offered at Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

A Gift of Admiration and Adoration: Stack’s Bowers to Offer Japanese Gold Oban in Jan. Auction

Japanese Gold Oban by Kyle Ponterio – Senior Numismatist and Cataloger, Stack’s Bowers Galleries …… There are countless reasons for the act of gifting, including friendship, love, peace, or simply respect. Gifts can come in all shapes, sizes, and forms, based completely upon the individuals involved and their relationship. Whether a physical object or a […]

The post A Gift of Admiration and Adoration: Stack’s Bowers to Offer Japanese Gold Oban in Jan. Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Numismatics in Videogames – Yakuza: Like a Dragon

Numismatics remains ever-present in pop culture   By Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker for CoinWeek ….. Several years ago, we took a look at the depiction of money in video games, with a focus on how virtual coins and currencies are used as major gameplay elements. It was our contention that it’s a good thing […]

The post Numismatics in Videogames – Yakuza: Like a Dragon appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

The Coinage of Manchukuo and the Last Emperor of China

By Jay Turner for PCGS …… The Last Emperor On March 1, 1932, a man by the name of Puyi became the Datong, or chief executive, of Manchukuo. It was just six days earlier that Puyi had accepted the offer with a drunken party to celebrate this event. This celebration included a wide variety of […]

The post The Coinage of Manchukuo and the Last Emperor of China appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Japanese Oban Among New World Coins at Atlas Numismatics

By Atlas Numismatics …… We hope that everyone is doing well and finding pleasant ways to enjoy the summer. As a reminder, if you have any coins that you would like to offer to us, Atlas Numismatics is actively seeking to purchase individual items and whole collections and can assist with shipping and insurance should items merit […]

The post Japanese Oban Among New World Coins at Atlas Numismatics appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Japanese Oban Among New World Coins at Atlas Numismatics

By Atlas Numismatics ……   We hope that everyone is doing well and finding pleasant ways to enjoy the summer. As a reminder, if you have any coins that you would like to offer to us, Atlas Numismatics is actively seeking to purchase individual items and whole collections and can assist with shipping and insurance should items […]

The post Japanese Oban Among New World Coins at Atlas Numismatics appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

japan-2020-proof-set-medal-pair-header

Japan: Annual Proof and mint sets unveiled

The Mint of Japan has unveiled its 2020 collection of Proof and mint sets which include presentation folders for special occasions. The 2020-dated sets include the denotation of the second year of Reiwa, named after Emperor Naruhito’s regnal era, which began in May 2019

Continue reading on Coin Update News

japan-2020-1000-yen-olympics-wrestling-header

Japan: Fourth and final series of gold and silver 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic coins revealed

The Finance Ministry of Japan has unveiled (29th November) the fourth and final series of Olympic coinage which is scheduled for release later in 2020. The precious metal coins in the 4th series comprise one gold design and two silver designs which continue to highlight the various sports which will feature during the games of the XXXII Olympiad — commonly known as “Tokyo 2020

Continue reading on Coin Update News

japan-2020-500-yen-Olympics-preliminary

Japan: Designs for Olympic-themed 500-yen commemorative coins unveiled

The Japanese Finance Ministry has unveiled (29th July) the first two commemorative coin designs which will be issued in 2020 to celebrate the XXXII Olympiad that will be hosted by the City of Tokyo. The next Olympic Games will be held in the capital city of Tokyo from the 24th July to the 9th August and will be the second time Japan has hosted the Summer Games

Continue reading on Coin Update News

East India Company Presents Latest Coins in Tribute to World’s Trade Dollars

By East India Company Bullion Ltd …… The East India Company Bullion Ltd, a subsidiary of The East India Company and in partnership with the Treasury of the Government of the Island of Niue announce the release of the fourth coin in their current innovative collector coin series entitled “The Trade Dollar Collection”. The series […]

The post East India Company Presents Latest Coins in Tribute to World’s Trade Dollars appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

CoinWeek IQ: Japanese Bar Money

By Lianna Spurrier for CoinWeek ….. Information about early Japanese coinage can be difficult to find. It’s not a highly studied area among American numismatists, but some of the coinage is very unique and raises many questions. Take bar money, for example. Mainly minted in the 1800s, these thick and sharply cornered rectangular coins are […]

The post CoinWeek IQ: Japanese Bar Money appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

japan-2019-500-yen-reiwa-enthronement-a

Japan: Gold coins celebrating the accession of Emperor Naruhito announced by the Ministry of Finance

The Japanese Finance Ministry announced (11th May) that new gold coins will be issued in celebration of the accession of the country’s new Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the imperial throne on the 1st May.
The new coins mark the occasion which saw the official investiture of 59-year-old Crown Prince Naruhito on the day after the abdication of his father, 85-year-old Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who stepped down as emperor, citing his age and health concerns

Continue reading on Coin Update News

Niels Bohr Nobel Prize Medal Highlights Heritage Central States Auction

It is an exciting time for numismatics, as the many spectacular coins that the hobby offers are increasingly made accessible to collectors across the globe. Heritage is proud to present our first World and Ancient Coin auction to be associated with the Central States Numismatic Society Convention on April 25-29, bringing some of the most […]

The post Niels Bohr Nobel Prize Medal Highlights Heritage Central States Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Clay, Cardboard, and Zinc: Altered Coinage of World War II

By Lianna Spurrier for CoinWeek ….. In the United States, the most dramatic effect that World War II had on our coinage was the steel penny. The composition of our nickels changed as well, but that wasn’t an immediately noticeable change in the appearance of the coin. Both changes are well-known by collectors today, but […]

The post Clay, Cardboard, and Zinc: Altered Coinage of World War II appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Heritage: Coins of Asia Offered in December Hong Kong Auction

It is with much pride and excitement that we present our December 6-7 2018 Hong Kong Auction of World Coins, an event sure to be the highlight of the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair. Close to 1,000 numismatic delicacies have been meticulously curated for your enjoyment. From Imperial China we have a Kuang-hsu era trio […]

The post Heritage: Coins of Asia Offered in December Hong Kong Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

40 Million Coins Graded: PCGS Achieves Milestone

40 millionth PCGS-certified coin part of historic Japanese set Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) has reached another major milestone with the 40 millionth coin certified for authenticity and grade. That particular coin, a Kano Natsuo 1 Yen graded PCGS SP64 and now with a distinctive certification number of 40000000 on the encapsulation insert label, is […]

The post 40 Million Coins Graded: PCGS Achieves Milestone appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Rare Coins From All Over the World: Sincona Auction Review

In May of 2018 Sincona held its 46th and 47th auction. A so-called “Stirnlocken-Vreneli” was sold at 130,000 CHF, a 10 ducat piece of the city of Berne won the bid at 190,000 CHF and a mohur of the Indian freethinker Akbar found a new home at 140,000 CHF. Auction 46: World Gold Coins Sincona’s […]

The post Rare Coins From All Over the World: Sincona Auction Review appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

World Coins: The Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is pleased to announce details of their upcoming Hong Kong Auction of Chinese and Asian coins and currency, to be held Monday, April 2 through Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is the leading auctioneer […]

The post World Coins: The Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Japan: First coins unveiled for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

The Finance Ministry of Japan have unveiled (22nd February) the first series of Olympic coinage which is scheduled for release later in 2018. The first coins in the series comprise a gold design, two silver designs, and two base metal designs — all highlighting the various sports which will feature during the Games of the XXXII Olympiad — commonly known as “Tokyo 2020

Continue reading on Coin Update News

Stack’s Bowers NYINC Auction of World and Ancient Coins Realizes $9.82 Million

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce the results of their January 2018 International Auction. An excellent array of coins was anchored by the exceptional Eldorado Collection of Colombian and Ecuadorian Coins. In total, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries NYINC auction realized nearly $10 million (all prices reported include the standard buyer’s premium). The first major […]

The post Stack’s Bowers NYINC Auction of World and Ancient Coins Realizes $9.82 Million appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

CoinWeek News Wire for January 19, 2018: HODL or Buy Gold? Coinage Contraband…

By Coinweek Coin News Wire …. Coin News Wire for January 19, 2018 Brain Food 1.) Who Really Designed the American Dime? …[I]t takes a keen eye to see the very subtle “JS” just beneath Franklin D. Roosevelt’s truncated neck. These are the initials of John Sinnock, the U.S. Mint’s Chief Engraver from 1925 to 1947, […]

The post CoinWeek News Wire for January 19, 2018: HODL or Buy Gold? Coinage Contraband… appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

MA-Shops: New Dutch Coin Dealer a Prestigious Name in Numismatics

By MA-Shops.com ……   Jongeling Numismatic Consultancy provides a wide variety of services in the field of numismatics. Both individuals and business clients are welcome. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced collector, a coin dealer or a museum with a numismatic collection, we would be glad to be of service! Contact us free […]

The post MA-Shops: New Dutch Coin Dealer a Prestigious Name in Numismatics appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

NGC-Certified World and Ancient Coins Top Heritage Auctions’ ANA Sale

Coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) stood out in Heritage Auctions’ recent Platinum Night sale, held in conjunction with the American Numismatic Association’s World’s Fair of Money, August 1-5 in Denver. The sale was headlined by a group of nine NGC-certified Japanese Proof coins from the 1870s that sold for a combined $793,125 USD. […]

The post NGC-Certified World and Ancient Coins Top Heritage Auctions’ ANA Sale appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

CoinWeek News Wire for June 23, 2017: Gold Coins, Bitcoin, Crime Alert…

By Coinweek …. CoinWeek News Wire for June 23, 2017 Brain Food 1.) Does Japan’s five-yen coin need a foreigner-friendly redesign? The five-yen coin is the only denomination without its value written in numerals. The only indication of its worth is in the kanji characters 五円, which mean “five yen,” and so foreign visitors who […]

The post CoinWeek News Wire for June 23, 2017: Gold Coins, Bitcoin, Crime Alert… appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

CoinWeek Submits a New Box of World Coins to WINGS + Results

At the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Expo, CoinWeek Editor Charles Morgan sat down with WINGS’ President Lance Tchor to review a box of twenty new coins from Charles’ collection. Most of these coins, Charles purchased raw and submitted for grading. Lance reviews all twenty, awards WINGS stickers a number of them, and has a real […]

The post CoinWeek Submits a New Box of World Coins to WINGS + Results appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

CoinWeek News Wire for May 5, 2017

By Coinweek …. CoinWeek News Wire for May 5, 2017 Brain Food 1.) The Krugerrand: Half a century as a store of value The renowned Krugerrand – dubbed the world’s first, most successful and widely-traded gold bullion coin – this year celebrates 50 years since its first minting. It was mainly created to add value […]

The post CoinWeek News Wire for May 5, 2017 appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

New Additions to Atlas Numismatics Inventory of Ancient, World Coins – April

By Atlas Numismatics ……   Tokyo Bound We will be attending the Tokyo International Coin Convention (TICC). 来週、T.I.C.C.に東京お楽しみに会います。Please note that we will only be able to carry a portion of the inventory available on our website; if you would like us to include any specific items for your examination at the shows please contact us […]

The post New Additions to Atlas Numismatics Inventory of Ancient, World Coins – April appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Archives International Auctions Sale 40 – Chinese, US & World Banknotes, Coins & Scripophily

By Archives International Auctions …… Archives International Auctions (AIA) is about to hold a Public Auction of Chinese, U.S. and Worldwide Banknotes, Coins and Scripophily in 2 sessions on April 11, 2017: SESSION 1 (Lots 1 to 688): Chinese & Worldwide Banknotes & Coins – Beginning at 10:30 A.M. SESSION 2 (Lots 689 to 994): […]

The post Archives International Auctions Sale 40 – Chinese, US & World Banknotes, Coins & Scripophily appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Highlights from the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio April Hong Kong Showcase Auction

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is pleased to announce details of their upcoming Hong Kong Auction of Chinese and Asian coins and currency, to be held Monday April 3 through Wednesday April 5 at The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Session B will commence at 11:00 AM Hong Kong […]

The post Highlights from the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio April Hong Kong Showcase Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Numismatics’ Worldly Flavor—Big Apple Holds Court To NYINC

NYINC Heritage sales approach $18 Million; Pastor sells coins to dig for more! By Jim Bisognani for Numismatic Guaranty Corporation …… The international flavor of our hobby has always been one of the most exciting and yet often overlooked areas in numismatics; at least for most of the coindexters in the USA. For the most […]

The post Numismatics’ Worldly Flavor—Big Apple Holds Court To NYINC appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Heritage Auctions: $15.6 Million Sales in World Coins Caps Near $67 Million Week

A stunningly rare Japanese Proof set, sold as individual pieces, took center stage as Heritage’s January 8 – 9 World Coins Signature Auction was completed at the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC). Overall, this auction was a huge success, with sales exceeding $15.6 million USD. Other Heritage auctions taking place during the week of […]

The post Heritage Auctions: $15.6 Million Sales in World Coins Caps Near $67 Million Week appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

NGC Certified 42 of the Top 50 Coins in Heritage Auctions’ NYINC Sale

Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) certified 42 of the 50 highest grossing coins in Heritage Auctions’ recently concluded New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) sale. The extraordinary showing, which represents a diverse group of countries and eras, reaffirms NGC’s position as the most trusted grading service for world coins. The strong preference that world coin collectors […]

The post NGC Certified 42 of the Top 50 Coins in Heritage Auctions’ NYINC Sale appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Krause Names 10 Coin of the Year Award Winners

Finland and the United States were the top winners in the first round of judging in the Coin of the Year competition. Each nation won two of the 10 categories. While Italy, Japan, Great Britain, Austria, Canada and the Cook Islands each won in a single category. The COTY Awards are sponsored by World Coin […]

The post Krause Names 10 Coin of the Year Award Winners appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Heritage NYINC World, Ancient Coin Auctions Now Open for Bidding

Heritage’s January NYINC auctions are now open for bidding! Going by the pre-sale estimate, this could very well be the highest-grossing World and Ancient Coin auction that Heritage has ever presented. In total, between the January 8-9 Signature Floor Auction and January 17-18 Internet Sessions, we have over 6,000 lots on offer. With so many […]

The post Heritage NYINC World, Ancient Coin Auctions Now Open for Bidding appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Heritage NYINC World, Ancient Coin Auctions Now Open for Bidding

Heritage’s January NYINC auctions are now open for bidding! Going by the pre-sale estimate, this could very well be the highest-grossing World and Ancient Coin auction that Heritage has ever presented. In total, between the January 8-9 Signature Floor Auction and January 17-18 Internet Sessions, we have over 6,000 lots on offer. With so many […]

The post Heritage NYINC World, Ancient Coin Auctions Now Open for Bidding appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Krause Announces 2017 Coin of the Year Award Nominees

Australia and Canada have the most nominations in the annual Coin of the Year Award competition By Krause Publications ….. The first round of voting for the Coin of the Year by an international panel of judges must work through a list of 10 categories in which 98 nominated coins must be considered. All of […]

The post Krause Announces 2017 Coin of the Year Award Nominees appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Heritage: Hong Kong Auction Open for Bidding

Our third semi-annual Hong Kong World Coins Signature Auction, scheduled for December 8-9, is open for bidding at HA.com! It has been only one year since we held our first auction in Hong Kong, and yet we have already made great strides in building our presence in the Chinese and East Asian Market. This current […]

The post Heritage: Hong Kong Auction Open for Bidding appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

The Coin Analyst: 2016 World Coin Collector Sets Provide Jet-Setting Fun for Adventuresome Collectors

By Joshua McMorrow-Hernandez for CoinWeek.com …… Collecting world coin sets is a refreshing numismatic objective for hobbyists who enjoy pursuing coins with diverse themes from myriad geographic regions. The world coin sets of 2016 offer plenty of wonderful opportunities for collectors to get their hands on fascinating coins covering interesting topics with rich designs. While […]

The post The Coin Analyst: 2016 World Coin Collector Sets Provide Jet-Setting Fun for Adventuresome Collectors appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

A World of Gold Coins – The Japanese Gold Oban

The  Japanese Gold Oban is a large oval gold plate coin, minted in Japan as part of the Tokugawa coinage system. The Oban was the largest denomination coin, valued at 10 Ryos or 10 Koban plate coins. The Tensho Oban was the first type of Oban minted, foreshadowing the full implementation of Tokugawa coinage in […]

The post A World of Gold Coins – The Japanese Gold Oban appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Preview of Stack’s Bowers Ponterio August Hong Kong Showcase Auction

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is pleased to announce details of their upcoming Hong Kong Auction of Chinese and Asian coins and currency, to be held Monday August 15 through Wednesday April 17 at The Mira Hong Kong, 118 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is the leading auctioneer of […]

The post Preview of Stack’s Bowers Ponterio August Hong Kong Showcase Auction appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Japan 2016 Fukushima 47 Prefectures 1000 Yen Silver Coin

Description: The Japan Mint is honoring the 47 Prefectures of Japan with a colorful 1,000-yen silver coin series. The history and beauty of each prefecture is captured in full color on the coin’s obverse, while each coin’s reverse features a beautifully engraved design emblematic of the 47 prefectures. The Japan Mint allocates up to 10% […]

The post Japan 2016 Fukushima 47 Prefectures 1000 Yen Silver Coin appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek

Japan 2015 Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project (3rd Series) 10,000 Yen Gold Coin – Origami Crane

Description: The Great East Japan earthquake happened on March 11, 2011. The epicenter was located in the Pacific Ocean over 40 miles east of the Tōhoku region on Honshu, the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. Besides being the most powerful earthquake ever to strike Japan, it produced a 133-foot tsunami that also contributed to […]

The post Japan 2015 Great East Japan Earthquake Reconstruction Project (3rd Series) 10,000 Yen Gold Coin – Origami Crane appeared first on CoinWeek.

Continue Reading on CoinWeek