2015 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 1oz Silver Bullion Coin

2015 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 1oz Silver Bullion Coin from the Perth Mint

The Perth Mint is delighted to offer investors a new bullion coin featuring this majestic bird which is known to soar to dizzying heights.

The coin’s reverse depicts an impressive Wedge-tailed Eagle in mid-flight as it prepares to land on a tree branch. The design also includes the inscription AUSTRALIAN WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE, the 2015 year-date and The Perth Mint’s ‘P’ mintmark.

Each bullion coin is presented in an acrylic capsule, from an unlimited mintage.

2015 Australian Wedge-Tailed Eagle 1oz Silver Bullion Coin

One of our favourite silver bullion coins of 2014, indeed of modern times, the Wedge-Tailed Eagle coin designed by John Mercanti for the Perth Mint had its debut last year. First released as high-relief silver and gold coins with mintages of 10,000 and 1,000 respectively back in January 2014, they followed up with a standard silver proof and a fantastic five-ounce high relief coin last May. This year will almost certainly see new releases of most, or all of those.

The bullion coin, while not as impressive as the completely sublime High-Relief versions, remains a beautiful piece, and if last years mintage limit is repeated, a relatively rare one by bullion standards.

COIN Specifications

Metal Content (Troy oz)	1.000
Fineness (% purity)	99.90
Minimum Gross Weight (g)	31.135
Monetary Denomination (AUD)	1.00
Maximum Diameter (mm)	40.600
Maximum Thickness (mm)	4.000

About the Wedge-Tailed Eagle

The Wedge-tailed Eagle is Australia’s largest bird of prey and one of the biggest eagles in the world. Found throughout mainland Australia, Tasmania and southern New Guinea, the Wedge-tailed Eagle has a wingspan of up to 2.7 metres, and displays a long, wedge-shaped tail and feathered legs.

Last year, 10% of the 50,000 mintage was sold by Australian dealer Ainslie Bullion but we’re currently unsure when or if they will be the dealer selling them this year. We understand that any Australian issued coin has to have 10% of its mintage sold in Australia, thus explaining why GovMint don’t get all the coins to themselves. This would indicate that the same would be the case this year, but GovMint do not list a mintage for the 2015 release, so how many an Australian dealer would get is unclear at present. We’ll try to find out.

Anzac Circulating Commemorative 50c Coin New Zealand

The Anzac commemorative coin is New Zealand’s first circulating coloured coin, and was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint

Anzac Circulating Commemorative 50c Coin New Zealand

One million Anzac coins have been minted and will be released to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the landing of Anzac troops at Gallipoli. This number represents the size of the New Zealand population in 1914, of which 10 percent served in the First World War. The coin was coloured using a revolutionary high-speed pad printing solution, developed by the Royal Canadian Mint and technology partner TECA.

Capable of producing circulation coins with vibrant, photo-quality images, in multiple varieties and blends of colour, and with superior wear resistance, this unique technology is exclusive to the Royal Canadian Mint. 

The high-resolution design of the coin was made possible by an integrated system incorporating specially developed inks, robotics for speed and precision control, as well as advanced vision inspection for quality assurance. 

The significance of the Anzac coin

The Anzac coin honours the spirit of Anzac that was formed 100 years ago, and continues to live on today.

The Anzac coin was launched in February 2015, by His Excellency Lieutenant General The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand.

It is the first time in New Zealand's history that a coloured circulating coin has been produced. The coin will be in circulation as legal tender and available for collectors.

The Anzac coin design features a New Zealand and Australian soldier standing back to back with their heads bowed in remembrance. The mangopare (hammerhead shark) pattern symbolises strength and determination, and the silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity.

Availability and Distribution

One million Anzac coins have been minted to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli. This number represents the size of the New Zealand population in 1914, of which 10 percent served in the First World War.

The Anzac coin was released into circulation as legal tender on 23 March 2015. It is being sold at its 50 cent face value.

New Zealand Post Group is coordinating the release and distribution of Anzac coins. Coins can be purchased at PostShop or Kiwibank branches, or via NZ Post’s website.

Groups representing former and current armed forces, including Returned Services Association members and Defence Force personnel, were given the opportunity to pre-order limited numbers of coins before they were released publicly.

For more information about the Anzac coin and other comemmorative coins available as part of New Zealand Post’s five-year Anzac commemorative stamp and coin programme, see www.nzpost.co.nz.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand does not have Anzac coins available for distribution.

How the Coin is Made

The Anzac commemorative coin is New Zealand’s first circulating coloured coin, and it was minted by the Royal Canadian Mint.

The Anzac circulating coin has the same specifications as the existing 50 cent coin and testing has shown it will be accepted in coin and vending machines.

The coin was coloured using a revolutionary high-speed pad printing solution, developed by the Royal Canadian Mint and technology partner TECA. Capable of producing circulation coins with vibrant, photo-quality images, in multiple varieties and blends of colour, and with superior wear resistance, this unique technology is exclusive to the Royal Canadian Mint.

The high-resolution design of the coin was made possible by an integrated system incorporating specially developed inks, robotics for speed and precision control, as well as advanced vision inspection for quality assurance.

Coin Specifications:

Alloy: Plated steel 

Diameter: 24.75mm 

Weight: 5.00g 

Design: The Anzac coin design features a New Zealand and Australian soldier standing back to back with their heads bowed in remembrance. The mangopare (hammerhead shark) pattern symbolises strength and determination, and the silver fern reflects New Zealand’s national identity. 

Edge thickness: 1.70mm Edge treatment: Unmilled

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has prepared an Anzac Coin Fact Sheet explaining how the coin is made and detailing its specifications.

Yamaguchi Silver 1oz Proof Coloured Coin 2015 - Prefectures of Japan

Yamaguchi Silver 1oz Proof Coloured Coin 2015 - Prefectures of Japan

The Mint of Japan have announced their latest prefecture silver coin which features a well-known landmark or structure as its obverse design. 

This coin features the Kintaikyo Bridge, in the prefecture of Yamaguchi which is a historical wooden structure that consists of a series of five wooden arches and spans the Nishiki River in Iwakuni City. Built in 1673 by Kikkawa Hiroyoshi, the third lord of the Iwakuni domain, this bridge is known as one of the three most beautiful or unique bridges in Japan and was designated as a place of scenic beauty by the national government.

The obverse design includes a depiction of the Kintaikyo Bridge and the Akiyoshidai Plateau, which is the largest area of karst topography in Japan, located almost at the center of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and designated as a Quasi-National Park and a Special Natural Monument.

The common reverse design of 1000 yen silver coin: Snow crystals, moon and cherry blossoms. Latent image technology is applied to the center of the largest snow crystal to show the numerals of “47” representing the number of prefectures in Japan, and “60” representing the 60th Anniversary of Enforcement of the Local Autonomy Law appear alternately when viewed from different angles.

Coin Specifications:

Denomination	Metal	Weight	Diameter	Quality	Mintage
1000 ¥en	.999 silver	31.1 grams	40 mm.	Proof & Colour	100,000

The coin, which is the 39th consecutive issue within the series, will be available to order from now until the 30th June when the coin will officially be issued. A 500 Yen bi-metallic coin intended for circulation with the same design though not colorized is also to be issued at the same instance as the silver coin.

For more information on this and other coins available from the Mint of Japan, please visit their website at:http://www.mint.go.jp/eng/buy-eng/eng_coin_international_index.html 

For international distributors of Mint of Japan coins, please visit: http://www.mint.go.jp/eng/qa-eng/eng_qa_overseasqa_contract.html Information offered in English and Japanese

2015 Agro Junior 1oz Silver $5 Proof Coin

The Mint’s collaboration with Australia Zoo, the sixth coin in the popular Australian Saltwater Crocodiles series features our favourite crocodile of the moment, Agro Junior.

Becoming fearfully lifelike on the newest coin, the meticulous high relief technique has allowed our coin designer to provide much more depth to the design.

Appearing like a scene captured from Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum, Agro Junior lies eagerly in wait on a creek bed. With an extremely low mintage of only 1500 and an unheard-of price for a strictly limited edition product, this stunning coin will not be lurking around for long.

2015 Agro Junior Silver $5 Proof Coin

Product Information:

• Issue Mint: The Royal Australian Mint
• Legal Tender: Australian $5
• Mintage: 1,500
• Material: 99.9% Silver
• Condition: Brand New in original issue condition.
• Issue Price: $100.00 AUD

HISTORY AND SIGNIFICANCE:

Whether you call it the saltwater crocodile, the estuarine crocodile or crocodylus porosus, it is the largest reptile roaming the earth today. Lurking in dark and murky waters around the northern areas of Australia, they can surprise and terrify a wide range of prey. Anything that flies, swims or roams in its watery region is fair game for this formidable creature.

Since 1988, 37 year-old Agro has lived in the comfort of Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum. This 15 foot wonder was captured from the wild to protect him from the hunters who were stalking his Cattle Creek home. Not only did he find a new home, but he found love with Cookie, a ten-foot lady crocodile who is the calmest and gentlest of crocs in the enclosure.

Agro and Cookie raised a son, Agro Junior, the star of this new collectable coin.

FEATURES AND DESIGN:

• A new coin in the Australian Saltwater Crocodile series, continuing a proud collaboration with Australia Zoo
• High relief coin captures Agro Junior in stunning detail, to the Royal Australian Mint’s exacting proof standards
• Strictly limited edition of 1500
• The coin and packaging features images of one of Australia Zoo’s beloved crocodiles, Agro Junior
• Minted in precious silver
• Packaged in an attractive presentation case with outer box
• numbered certificate of authenticity
• Obverse features Queen Elizabeth II effigy sculpted by Ian Rank-Broadley
• Australian legal tender

Coin Specifications:

• Denomination: $5
• Metal : 999 Fine Silver
• Diameter: 32.00 mm
• Mass: 1 oz
• Finish: Proof
• Mintage: 1500

Houston – Perth Sister Cities Silver 1/2oz Bullion Coin

This stunning coin pays homage to the special relationship shared by Houston, Texas and Perth, Australia.

The energy-themed coin originated with the founding of the Houston-Perth Sister City Association (HSPCA) in 1984, which was based on historical naval ties in WWII and the strong synergies between the two cities’ energy sectors.

Today, Houston and Perth are two of the largest energy hubs in the world, and recently celebrated 30 years of partnership.

The ties between Houston and Perth can initially be traced to the World War II battle of Sunda Strait, where both the USS Houston and HMAS Perth attacked a superior force of Japanese ships in an attempt to stall their advance towards Australia.

Both ships were lost along with many men, but their sacrifice allowed the American and Australian navies to halt the Japanese advance and helped forge the relationship now shared by Houston and Perth. The bond between the two cities was further strengthened during John Glenn’s 1962 spaceflight, when the citizens of Perth turned on all their lights, allowing the astronaut to view the city from orbit.

In the 1980s, when Houston sought to expand its global ties, Perth was an ideal partner for cultural, historical, and economic reasons.

This remarkable Sister Cities coin has been exclusively minted by Perth for Texas Precious Metals. Production will be limited to 500,000 coins.

QUALITY
The Perth Mint’s unbeatable minting experience and its use of advanced manufacturing technology contribute to the coins reputation of being the highest quality in the world.

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE
Struck by the historic Perth Mint from 99.9% pure silver, each coin’s Australian legal tender status guarantees its weight and purity.

AFFORDABLE
Perth Mint bullion coins are universally recognised as the most affordable means of purchasing silver bullion in the secure form of official, legal tender coins.

BEAUTIFUL
Perth Mint bullion coins are tangible assets that are beautiful to behold. Featuring stunning new artistry each year, they are admired worldwide and are highly collectable.

NUMISMATIC APPRECIATION
As well as annual design changes, the coins’ restricted mintages create the potential for even greater investment return in the form of a numismatic premium.

COIN SPECIFICS:
Year:	2014
Condition:	Brilliant Uncirculated
Weight (Au, Ag, Pt):	1/2 ozt
Minted by:	Perth Mint
Mintage:	500,000
Face Value:	AUD$0.50
IRA:	Approved
Packaging:	Plastic Tube
Coins Per Tube:	25