New Commemorative Coins

A Centenary Since the Discovery of King Tutankhamun

Several mints have released commemorative coins to mark the centennial of the discovery and opening of the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Although the tomb was discovered on 4 November 1922, the opening of the Burial Chamber did not occur until 16 February 1923, and so mints had the choice of two anniversaries to commemorate.

The Royal Mint marked the former with the release of a £5 coin last year that depicts a side profile of Tutankhamun’s iconic gold mask on the reverse. Designed by product designer Laura Clancy, the Mint continues to offer the 2022 coins struck with the effigy of the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Pobjoy Mint also marked the discovery of the tomb with the release of a unique pyramid shaped $1 coin on behalf of Sierra Leone last year. The coin also depicts the mask but from a forward-facing viewpoint in colour. The obverse features the Coat of Arms of Sierra Leone surrounded by hieroglyphics.

Pobjoy issued the second and third commemorative coins in the name of Sierra Leone earlier this month, this time marking the centennial of the tomb opening. Both are silver $1 bullion coins. The first features an image of Tutankhamun’s coffin in the centre with two cartouches either side which spell out the pharaoh’s pre-reigning name (Tutankhamun) and throne name (Nebkheperure) in hieroglyphics. The second depicts the pharaoh’s death mask, similar to the 2022 design, on the reverse. As with the first coin, the obverse of both features the country’s coat of arms.

The Isle of Man Treasury has also chosen to commemorate the centenary of the opening of the tomb by authorising the release of a 5 coin set. Each coin depicts a different artefact found in the tomb, including Tutankhamun’s iconic death mask, a model of the torso of Tutankhamun, the Anubis Shrine, a name pendant, and a corselet (jewellery worn during state ceremonies). These coins were the first release of coinage to feature King Charles III’s effigy on the Isle of Man.

Kings of Georgia Series Continues with George the Brilliant

The Lithuanian Mint has minted two new collectible coins depicting King George the Brilliant, in collaboration with the National Bank of Georgia. The new coins continue the Bank’s ‘Kings of Georgia’ series, with previous pieces minted by either the Lithuanian Mint or the Royal Dutch Mint.

Both coins have a denomination of 5 lari, with the gold and silver coins limited to mintages of 1,200 and 6,500 pieces respectively.

The obverse design of the coins feature a half body image George V (‘the Brilliant’) of Georgia, who reigned between 1299–1346. The portrait is shown holding a scale in one hand and a scroll of text in the other – both serving as symbols of his legal reforms. On the silver coin, the scale is gilded.

The reverse design of the coins depict the King‘s crown, which features details of the royal crown of the country’s Bagrationi Dynasty as well as miniatures of the Georgian manuscript of a 15th century psalm.

Celebrating the Centenary of Legacy

First established in 1923, the Australian veteran service organisation Legacy is celebrating its centenary this year. The charitable organisation provides care and support to the families of Australian veterans. To mark the occasion, Legacy has partnered with the Royal Australian Mint (RAM) to release a commemorative $1 coin.

RAM CEO Leigh Gordon noted that ‘Legacy has made an enormous difference to thousands of veterans’ families. It is an honour to be part of Legacy’s centenary celebrations, a time in which we can remember the past and look forward to the future.’ The reverse of the coin features a sculpted interpretation of the Legacy logo, a burning torch, with a pair of hands cupped below it. The text ‘Centenary of Legacy – 100 Years of Service’ encircles the design around the edge of the coin. Mintage of the coin has been limited to 30,000 pieces.

Croatia Issues First Euro Numismatic Coins

The Croatian National Bank and Croatian Mint have jointly issued two new numismatic euro pieces – the first of their type since the country officially adopted the euro as its currency on 1 January 2023. Mintage is limited to 500 specimens per coin, one of which is a 2oz silver €6 denominated piece and the other a 1oz gold €100 piece. The new set pays homage to a traditional Croatian item of clothing, the cravat.

© Croatian Mint.

The ‘Contour Necktie’ edition consists of two coins of different shapes, with the gold coin struck in the shape of a necktie which can then be placed in the middle of the silver coin; this has a specific cut-out to enable the two pieces to form a complete product when placed together.

The reverse of the silver coin depicts Croatian soldiers who fought under the French flag in the Thirty Years’ War during the 17th century. Around the soldiers’ necks is a scarf, better known today as a cravat, which was subsequently adopted by the French ‘à la croate’ (in the Croatian way). ‘À la croate’ is inscribed at the top of the coin, with Republika Hrvatska and the denomination and year of issue at the bottom. The reverse of the gold coin features a chequer-like scarf pattern.

Together, the obverse of both coins depict a more modern tie and jacket image, with the gold coin design featuring a tie with diagonal stripes which alternate between polished and frosted surfaces. The stripes feature similar wording to that on the reverse of the silver coins, Republika Hrvatska, the denomination and year of issue.