New York platinum continued its free fall Thursday while gold stopped bleeding to close just slightly lower. Crude-oil gained $1.05 to end at $125.49 a barrel, but a firm US dollar kept gold in check.

Car demand fear was cited for platinum’s loss, as the metal is used in catalytic converters. The metal is near a six month low.

Silver dropped 16 cents to $17.30 an ounce.

Platinum continued its losing streak, falling sharply to $1,713.80 an ounce for a daily drop of $47.

Gold lost just 50 cents, closing to $922.50.

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A new elegant Britannia design adorns freshly minted 2008 United Kingdom silver and gold collector coins launched by The Royal Mint. The bullion proof coins bear a standing portrait of Britannia, incorporating the motifs of the lighthouse, the trident, the shield and the helmet, as waves crash in the background.

"She [Britannia] almost appears to form part of the sea that surrounds and protects the British Isles."

The new design rendered by John Bergdahl is the latest depiction of Britannia, and the seventh in the series since it was introduced in 1987. It’s featured on the reverse or tails side of the silver proof £2, £1, 50p and 20p coins as well as the gold proof £100, £50, £25 and £10 coins.

The obverse or heads side of each bullion coin bears the portrait of Her Majesty The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.

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The American Numismatic Association announced Philadelphia artist Jim Licaretz is the 2008 recipient of the ANA’s Numismatic Art Award for Excellence in Medallic Sculpture (NAAEMS). Today, the United States Mint let the public know and praised Licaretz for receiving the award.

“We are pleased the panel of judges recognized Jim’s body of work,” said United States Mint Director Ed Moy.  “Jim’s artistry is helping the United States Mint achieve a new level of design excellence.”

Licaretz was a United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver from 1986 to 1989, and returned to the U.S. Mint in 2006 as a Medallic Sculpture. Recent bodies of work include the Mint’s 2008 Bald Eagle Proof silver dollar coin and the Andrew Jackson Presidential $1 obverse.

"To be honored with the American Numismatic Association’s award is quite a welcome surprise," said Licaretz. "There is a great responsibility in giving form to one’s experience of life. Medallic sculpture is a unique way of recording and sharing these experiences."

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