Posts by Ian Glen
A UK First for the 5oz Silver Proof Diamond Jubilee Coin
Just months after its release, the 5oz Silver Coin issued by The Royal Mint to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee has officially sold out. It will now join an impressive list of sell-out coins from around the world struck in celebration of Her Majesty’s sixty year reign.
Snapped up quickly
News of its sell-out may however not come as too much of a surprise to collectors. The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin was issued with a worldwide mintage of just 1,952 – the year of the Queen’s accession – so demand to own one of the coveted coins has been high.
The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin – now officially sold out
Plus, while the 5oz is an established and respected format elsewhere, it’s only the second 5oz silver coin ever minted in the UK. The first UK coin in the 5oz format was also struck by The Royal Mint this year and marked the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Another Diamond Jubilee sell-out
A significant number of Diamond Jubilee coins issued by mints around the world have now completely sold out – several within a very short space of time. The Queen’s popularity and the rarity of the Diamond Jubilee have undoubtedly also added to worldwide demand.
The Diamond Jubilee 5oz Silver Proof Coin boasts a full 5 ounces of 999/1000 silver and an immaculate proof finish. The coin was designed by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS.
Stamps announced from “Middle Earth”
The first Hobbit Stamp to be revealed by New Zealand Post
New Zealand Post has given film buffs and stamp collectors an unexpected treat by revealing one of its new ‘Hobbit’ stamps ahead of the issue’s official 1st November release date.
Featuring Bilbo Baggins, the 70c stamp is part of a larger set issued to coincide with Sir Peter Jackson’s brand new ‘Hobbit’ movies. “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is the first film in the trilogy and is due to hit the big screens in the UK in December.
With interest in the Oscar-winning director’s latest Tolkien adaptation already mounting, this sneak preview has done much to whet the appetite of collectors everywhere – but who’s on the other stamps remains a closely guarded secret.
Following ‘The Lord of the Rings’ success
Of course, this isn’t the first time New Zealand Post has issued Tolkien stamps in conjunction with a movie blockbuster. Between 2001-2003, they produced a range of commemorative stamp issues featuring various ‘Lord of the Rings’ characters including Frodo, Aragorn, Gandalf, Boromir and Legolas. That trilogy was also filmed entirely on location in New Zealand.
Commemorative coins for the new ‘Hobbit’ trilogy will be issued by New Zealand Post at a later date. The second film, “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” will follow in December 2013, with the final film, “The Hobbit: There and Back Again” earmarked for release in July 2014.
Dwarves or elves?
So which other Middle Earth favourites would you like to see on the new stamps?
What would you do with the Gold Sovereign?
We’re just a few weeks away from the Royal Mint releasing the details of the new 2013 Gold Sovereign – but what will they do for 2013 – 60th Anniversary of the Coronation Year?
The 2012 Gold Sovereign featured a new one-year-only St George & the Dragon design to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee.
This year has seen one of the most popular years ever for the Gold Sovereign with the Proof Coin and key sets selling out in little more than a few weeks.
But what was the cause? The fact it was Diamond Jubilee Year? The new one-year-only St George & the Dragon design?
All Change for 2013?
And, more importantly, what should the Royal Mint do this year? Return to the classic Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic St. George & the Dragon or create a new design to celebrate the Coronation Anniversary?
Have your say below…