Antique Way

Coins Introduce

Pope John Paul II Coins Priced as Low as $9.95

The world has lost one of its greatest leaders, and countless people are searching for appropriate remembrances of Pope John Paul II. Among the most handsome commemoratives are coins* that picture the ¡°People¡¯s Pope¡± along with Saint Peters in Rome, where over a million people viewed the Pontiff¡¯s body. These are available in two versions: Brilliant Uncirculated 39mm (1 1/2¡± diameter) copper-nickel, $10 face value, for only $9.95; and Gem Proof 30mm. (1 1/8¡± diameter), 1/2 oz. pure silver, $20 face value, for $29.

There is only a small supply on hand, so fast action is highly recommended. There is a strict limit of 10 coins per order. You can order these Pope John Paul II coins using your credit card by calling the official distributor PandaAmerica at (800) 472-6327, or click here to order on the web . Add $5.50 per order for shipping and insurance. California residents add 8.25% sales tax. Please request payment methods and shipping charges for overseas delivery.

*Issued in 2001 by the Republic of Liberia. The Pope had appealed to ¡°everyone to commit themselves so that these beloved African peoples may find peace and security once again, and so that they are not denied their future to which they have a right. In addition, I express my closeness to the local Churches, as their work and people have been seriously affected, and I encourage pastors and all the faithful to be strong and steadfast in hope. May Divine Mercy grant this through our insistent prayer!"

We also have a very small quantity of the beautiful 2500 Piso Gold Proof coin issued by the Philippines in 1995 to commemorate the historic visit by Pope John Paul II. These rare pieces are gem proof quality, containing 7.98 gm. of 917 fine gold. They are priced at $330 each now, but we wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the price rises in the coming weeks or months due to the great popularity of Pope John Paul II. You can place an order using your credit card by calling (800) 472-6327 or on our web site by clicking here. Add $16 per gold coin order for shipping and insurance. California residents add 8.25% sales tax only on orders over $1000. Please request payment methods and shipping charges for overseas delivery.

Australia Issues First Coins Commemorating Chinese "Year of the Rooster"

Here¡¯s your chance to be one of the first to own Australia¡¯s new 2005-dated coins commemorating the Chinese ¡°Year of the Rooster¡± -- that will start on February 9, 2005. This is the tenth issue in the Lunar-Zodiac series launched by the Perth Mint in 1996. The Chinese believe that the animal ruling the year in which a person is born has a profound influence on their personality. Those born in the Year of the Rooster (2005, 1993, 1981, 1969, 1957, 1945, etc.) are said to be honest, hardworking and talented; they are also not afraid to speak their minds, are independent and tenacious ¨C such as Confucius, Verdi, Wagner, and Katherine Hepburn.

Australia¡¯s Perth Mint issues brilliant uncirculated pure silver coins ranging from ½ oz. to 1 kilogram (over 32 oz.). Each coin is struck from the purest (9999 fine) silver, and comes in a protective clear acrylic capsule. Since Australia is a member of the British Commonwealth, a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is featured on the obverse. The reverse pictures a rooster with the rising sun on the left and a camellia on the right; the date appears in English and Chinese.

One of the denominations is quite unusual -- $8 face value for the 5 oz. coin. These are expected to be particularly popular since ¡°8¡± is considered as a lucky number in Asia.

Hunt for new effigy

The search is on for the first circulating coin showing the new effigy of Queen Elizabeth II.

The Royal Canadian Mint first unveiled the design, by Canadian artist Susanna Blunt, earlier this summer.

While the new coins are now being produced, they are not expected to enter circulation until sometime next month.

Here at Canadian Coin News, we have decided to offer a free one-year subscription to the first confirmed report of a circulating coin featuring the new design.

The report can be by fax, e-mail, or regular mail, preferably with images included. The date the communication is received at Canadian Coin News will used to determine the winner.

The new design should be easy to spot. It shows the Queen without a crown or tiara. Instead, she is bareheaded, wearing a necklace.

The new effigy made its first appearance on the 2003-dated Coronation Proof silver dollar, launched in June.

It was also quickly implemented on commemorative non-circulating legal tender coin sets.

One denomination not likely to see circulation with the new design this year is the 50-cent piece. The RCM has already announced that they do not expect to make any further 50-cent coins this year, so none of the circulating versions will have the new effigy.