New Coin Issues

World’s Smallest Coin Features World’s Smallest City

As it prepares for the euro changeover next month, the Croatian Mint has created a new world’s smallest coin featuring the world’s smallest city, Hum, with a face value of 1 kuna.

Credit: Branimir Kralj/Croatian Mint.

The coin weighs only 0.05 grams, with a diameter of 1.99mm, and is part of the last commemorative gold coin set issued with the Croatian kuna face value – limited to only 199 pieces.

To create the coin, the Mint worked with sculptor Ana Divković to create the most detailed motif that could feasibly be minted. Engraved using an ACSYS Femto laser and minted on an automated Sack & Kiesselbach press, the coins were produced one by one. The print was controlled in detail using a microscope post minting.

The previous world record for the smallest coin was held by Swissmint for the Albert Einstein ¼ franc with a weight of 0.063g and a diameter of 2.96mm, which was issued in 2020.

New Currency for Curaçao and Sint Maarten

The Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, the successor to the Central Bank of the Netherlands Antilles, is preparing to introduce the new Caribbean guilder following approval from the islands’ governments. The new currency is currently scheduled for introduction in 2024 and will include coins in seven denominations – 5 and 1 guilder, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents.

The Netherlands (or Dutch) Antilles was a collection of Caribbean islands forming part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Along with Curaçao and St Maarten, it also comprised St Bonaire, Saba and St Eustatius but was dissolved in 2010, with the latter three adopting the US dollar. The Caribbean guilder should have been introduced at that point for the two remaining states that formed a currency union but has been postponed several times – due in part to the economic situation and, more recently, the pandemic.

Not only are public finances improving, but stocks of the old notes and coins are now running low. Hence the time is right, says the Ministry of Finance, to introduce the new currency.

A First and Last for The Royal Mint

New coins bearing the effigy of King Charles III have entered circulation, with 4.9 million new coins set to be introduced throughout this month.

The 50 pence coin is the first coin to feature the King’s portrait, designed by British sculptor Martin Jennings, with the reverse of the coin intended to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse design originally appeared on the 1953 Coronation Crown coin and features the four quarters of the Royal Arms depicted within a shield. In between each shield is an emblem of the home nations; a rose, a thistle, a shamrock and a leek.

In the same week, TRM released its final individual 50p collectable coin design of the year, which celebrates the 25th publication anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. The coin marks the last time that Queen Elizabeth II’s effigy will feature on this denomination.

BSP Presents New Generation Currency Series Coins

The BSP recently exhibited the country’s new banknotes and complete set of New Generation Currency (NGC) series coins at a special presentation to Philippines President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the President’s Hall in Malacañan Palace.

The NGC series coins incorporate the new BSP logo and comprise 20, 10 and 5 piso, and 25, 5 and 1 sentimo coins.

The presentation can be viewed here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGc8lNmgwcg.

An Updated Canadian $2 in Memory of QEII

The Royal Canadian Mint has issued a new $2 circulation coin to honour the late Queen Elizabeth II’s service to Canada during her reign. It features the same design elements as the standard $2 coin and has the same metal composition but is distinguished by its black outer ring – reminiscent of a mourning armband – and dated 2022.

The new coin is set to enter circulation this month, with nearly 5 million pieces scheduled to enter the national coin distribution system. RCM has noted that additional volumes may be produced depending on marketplace needs.

Azerbaijan Celebrates National Olympic Committee

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has launched a silver 5 manat commemorative coin into circulation to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the country’s National Olympic Committee.

The coin has been created as part of a presidential decree involving celebrations of the anniversary, and were minted by the Bavarian Mint.

The obverse of the coin features a large stylised ‘30’ in the centre, surrounded by the Olympic torch, rings, and the dates ‘1992-2022’. The reverse of the coin depicts the national emblem of Azerbaijan and the words ‘Republic of Azerbaijan’, with the denomination minted at the bottom of the coin.

Bank of Ghana Upgrades GH₵1 Coin

The Bank of Ghana has upgraded the 1 cedi coin with new security features, which entered circulation this month.

The upgraded coin is bimetallic, with an outer gold ring and inner silver core. It also has a distinct serrated edge, recognisable by touch. The design of the coin is much the same, but the reverse now features a latent image, which changes from a radiating star to the denomination symbol between two stars when tilted.

The bank has said that the existing and new upgraded coins will co-circulate until the existing coin is gradually withdrawn.