Today the United States Mint made their official announcement for the release of 2008 American Eagle Platinum Proof coins.

This year’s coins mark the last"Judicial Branch" design within the three-year platinum coin series entitled “The Foundations of American Democracy.” Starting in 2006, each year celebrated one of the three branches of government.

Along with pricing and design descriptions, which has already been discussed in last week’s CoinNews article entitled "2008 American Eagle Platinum Proof Coins and Pricing," the Mint also listed the mintage and product limits for the one-ounce, one-half ounce, one-quarter ounce, one-tenth ounce and four-coin platinum set.

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Billy G. Crawford’s latest bi-monthly issue of Die Variety News magazine is now available online and for free.

The magazine’s May/June issue #13 sports, as its title suggests, a variety of interesting coin topics that are sure to please the collector. The numerous descriptive photos within the magazine are great in teaching new collectors about various coin die varieties while keeping experienced collectors well informed.

The magazine has started its third successful year in publication. This latest issue continues its tradition of top die variety news, including subjects on:

• An analysis of the 2004-D Roosevelt Dime
  The cover story discusses an apparent double die resulting in "distinct and raised remnants" by Roosevelt’s ear.

• 1988 Lincoln Cent Transitional Varieties
  1988 Philadelphia Lincoln cents mated with reverse designs of 1989 cents.

• Wyoming State Quarter Double Die Reverse Varieties
  Several interesting photograph examples are included that show the doubling found toward the center of some Wyoming quarters.

• Continuation of the Ocean-In-View (OIV) Reverse Doubled Die Nickel Series
  A continuation from the Die Variety News Mar/Apr 2008 issue showing additional coin photos highlighting several doublings discovered in some 2005-P nickels.

• 2006 Lincoln Cent Strange Reverse Specimens
  Specimen examples of raised remnants in the Memorial bay area of the reverse of 2006 Lincoln cents.

• Presidential Varieties & Heavy Abrading
  2007-P George Washington Presidential $1 coin examples highlighting "heavily abraded remnants" in the shoulder area of Liberty. Also, a 2008-P James Monroe dollar specimen.

In addition to the main article topics, the magazine includes its popular sections, “This & That” section, “World Varieties,” “Mint Error Showcase” and the “Variety Spotlight.“

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City of Quebec, Quebec - As it marks a century of gold craftsmanship in 2008, the Royal Canadian Mint (RCM) is pleased to unveil a wealth of gold creations and artifacts as a proud participant in the Gold in the Americas exhibit of the City of Quebec’s Musée de la civilisation.

The RCM is sponsoring this spectacular exhibition, which runs from April 30, 2008 to January 11, 2009. Its chief contribution and the “pièce de résistance” of the exhibit is the Mint’s dazzling 100-kg, 99.999% pure gold bullion coin with a $1 million face value.

This masterpiece was recently recognized by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest gold coin.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is proud to showcase the skill and artistry which have made it one of the world’s premier refiners and producers of gold bullion products and collector coins,” said Ian E. Bennett, RCM President and CEO.

“By sponsoring this exhibit, the Mint, which is celebrating its own centennial in 2008, wishes to bequeath an unforgettable memory to the City of Quebec as it marks its 400th anniversary.”

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