Austrian Railways Fourth Silver Commemorative, "Empress Elisabeth West Railway"
The Austrian Mint has issued the fourth 20 Euro silver commemorative coin within the "Austrian Railways" six silver coin series. The coin is dedicated to the "Empress Elisabeth West Railway" from Vienna to Salzburg, which was constructed between 1856 and 1860. It features locomotive "kkStB 306" steaming across an iron railway bridge and a superbly crafted scene depicting the platform hall of the West Railway Station in Vienna.
In the Austrian Empire the railway lines north to the coalfields and factories of Bohemia or south to the harbour of Trieste and the Adriatic shipping lanes were by far the most important. A railway line from Vienna westwards parallel to the Danube River was of less consequence. However, the Kingdom of Bavaria was very anxious to see such a line between Salzburg and Vienna, which would enable trains from Munich to travel eastwards through Hungary and down to Constantinople. Plans by the government to build such a line were subsequently abandoned in 1856 to a private consortium, the Empress Elisabeth Railway Company.
Motorbikes Five-Coin Silver Proof Set Launched by The Perth Mint of...
The Perth Mint of Australia launched a new proof set of silver coins depicting five classic motorbikes from around world. The set includes five, 1-oz legal tender coins made from 99.9% pure silver with each struck in proof quality.
The five-coin proof set celebrates America's Indian Chief of the 20's, Germany's BMW R12 from 30's and 40's, Britain's BSA Gold Star from the 50's and Norton Commando from the late 60's and early 70's, and finally, Japan's Honda Dream CB750 Four launched in 1969.
On the reverse of each coloured coin is one of these uniquely famous motorcycles, which appears to be racing past a background. Below is the motorcycle's manufacture's logo, and the coins $1 face value.
Gold and Platinum Plummet Nearly 5%, Silver Dives 13%
Daily Numismatic Headlines for October 2, 2008
500-Year Old Portuguese Shipwreck of Gold, Coins and Treasures to be...
Rare Lafayette Dollar Variety in DLRC Auctions this Week
Duvall 4-E Variety is Just the Second Reported Specimen
Virginia Beach, VA. DLRC Auctions is proud to offer this week the second known example of the rare Duvall 4-E variety of the Lafayette dollar. This variety was thought to be unique until the discovery of this coin, which has been graded AU58 Cleaned by Dominion Grading Service (DGS).
According to John Feigenbaum, President of David Lawrence Rare Coins, the coin has "the initial appearance of a mint state coin but the luster is almost too nice and lacks the frosty surfaces of a true mint state.
The coin has virtually no wear and has been very lightly cleaned to show evidence of wipe lines upon close examination in proper lighting. The only significant mark on either side of the coin is a 3 mm scratch on Washington's cheek. Without the mishandling, this coin might have otherwise graded MS63."
Congressional Update on Coin Legislation
2009 Australian Koala and Kookaburra Silver Coins Revealed
The Perth Mint revealed their stunning and newly designed 2009 silver bullion coins this week that include the series of Australian Koala Silver Coins and Australian Kookaburra Silver Coins. Both coin series are legal tender, struck in 99.9% pure silver, include guarantees in weight and purity, and offer intriguing designs with differing sizes.
Other common elements include the obverse or heads side design depicting Ian Rank-Broadley's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In addition, both series have The Perth Mint's traditional "P" mint mark, a 109 year-old symbol "embodying its commitment to minting excellence."
Royal Canadian Mint Releases Latest Coins and Gift Products of 2008
Latest 2008 Royal Canadian Mint offerings include Chinese Lunar Zodiac hologram gold and cameo silver coins, silver and gold Moon Mask coins, Vignettes of Royalty (King George V) silver coins, silver Queen of Spades Playing Card coin, silver Sapphire and Amethsyst Crystal Snowflake coins, Holiday Carolling silver coins, 50 cent Holiday Snowman, and NHL© coins.
Ottawa, Ontario, October 1, 2008 — The Royal Canadian Mint today issued its latest release of collector coins and gift products for 2008—just in time for the holiday season. Examples from this impressive selection include: gold and silver coins celebrating the Year of the Ox; new gold and silver Moon Mask coins; an ultra-high relief King George V Vignettes of Royalty $15 silver coin; a new 99.99% pure silver Holiday Carols coin; as well as innovative keepsakes honouring Canada's beloved NHL© teams, featuring team jerseys, dual image logos and goalie masks. The public can purchase these new products as of today.
"As the Royal Canadian Mint continues to celebrate its centennial year, we are proud to issue new products showcasing the creativity, quality and innovation which have been our hallmarks since 1908," said President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint, Ian E. Bennett.
"Collectors and gift givers alike will find many exciting choices among the collector coins and gift products offered just in time for the holiday and hockey seasons."
Here are the highlights of the Mint's newest selection of products:
Gold Gains as Investors Await Senate Rescue Plan Vote
