Downies Top 20 Coins for 2011

Over the past twelve months, mints across the world have combined innovation, precision and absolute excellence delivering you ground breaking releases, sure to compliment every collection. As 2011 closes and 2012 begins, we are proud to announce our top 20 releases that made international success for craftsmanship, design and popularity.

Over the coming weeks join us as we announce the top twenty coins, declaring ‘Downies most popular issues for 2011’. A range that is undefinable in quality and prestige, stay tuned to see who takes out number one!

Number 11: Niue 2011 $100 Last Tasmanian Tiger Lenticular Gold Proof

A spectacular tribute to the last known Tasmanian Tiger, this innovative, 8-part, moving lenticular Gold Proof received instant success across the globe. Highly sought after for its incredible mintage of just 75 coins, each tribute is crafted from an entire ounce of .9999 fine gold.

Number 12: GB 2011£5 Royal Wedding Gold Proof

An official Royal Wedding issue, this massive 39.94g Gold Proof was the only British Royal Mint release to hit our top twenty! Celebrating the wedding that stopped the globe, this prestigious and extremely exclusive Gold Proof was limited to a miniscule mintage of just 3,000 coins.

Number 13: 2011 Discover Australia Dreaming 1oz Silver Proof Collection

A fine collection of Aboriginal Art and an exceptional Australian legal tender presentation, this 2011 Silver Proof Collection forms a diverse tribute to the iconic wildlife found across the nation. Comprised of five full-colour, 1oz silver Proof coins, this 2011 Collection is the final release in the 2008-2011 Discover Australia Dreaming series.

Number 14: 2011 $1 100 Years Royal Australian Navy 1oz Silver Proof & Badge Set

Celebrating the Perth Mint’s first release of 2011, this eye-catching tribute to the centenary of the Royal Australian Navy was by far one of the most popular Military releases of the year. Headlined by a crown-sized silver Proof each set featured an authentic, full-colour Royal Australian Navy badge replica.

Number 15: Cook Islands 2011 $5 Koala and Eucalyptus Leaves Silver BU

The first distinctly Australian themed ‘rub & sniff’ coin, each innovative legal tender issue releases the fragrance of an Australian Eucalyptus Tree. Eye-catching, vibrant and underpinned by a strong Australian theme, this silver BU was one of the more innovative coins of 2011.

Number 16: 2011 $1 Rams Head C Mintmark Silver Proof

Reviving one of Australia’s most admired coin designs originally issued on Australia’s Predecimal Shilling, the $1 Rams head silver Proof was the 2011 addition to a sought after annual series that began in 1992!

Number 17: 2011 Two Coin Unc Set

Historic, affordable and exclusive, the 2011 Two Coin Unc Set houses both the $1 and 20c coins adorned with iconic wheat designs. Issued as part of the RAM’s annual coin release, the 2011 Unc Set was one of our most popular issues of 2011!

Number 18: 2011 50c 60th Anniversary Of National Service Cu-Ni Unc

A unique addition to Australia’s highly sought after commemorative 50c series, this Military themed tribute pays homage to the 60th anniversary of Australian National Service. A distinctive and highly affordable Royal Australian Mint issue – we celebrate those who have fought for the nation in a variety of global and regional conflicts.

Number 19: 2011 $1 Great Australian Battles – Gallipoli 1oz Silver Proof

Devoured by global collectors due to the first release status, the 2011 Gallipoli 1oz Silver Proof is an outstanding tribute to Australia’s Baptism of Fire in World War I. Boasting a mintage of just 5,000 coins, each Silver Proof is housed in Perth Mint presentation and completed with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

Number 20: Niue $33 Sistine Chapel Silver Proof Collection (33)

Highly sought after for the sheer size, the 2011 $33 Sistine Chapel Silver Proof is the largest ever legal tender commemorative issue! Devised from thirty-three interlocking, full colour coins each release is struck to Proof quality from an entire kilo of silver.

2011 Discover Australia Dreaming 1oz Silver Proof Collection

2012 Coin of the Year awards! And the nominees are…

Perhaps one of the most prestigious award ceremonies for numismatics, the American Numismatic Association in accordance with Krause Publications, has just announced the nominations for the 2012 Coin of the Year awards.

With categories ranging from most historically significant and best contemporary events to most inspirational, innovative and artistic releases seen throughout 2010 comes an array of designs that undoubtedly enticed the global.

Amongst the most popular coins nominated – judged on commercial sales, international appeal, artistic calibre and the indefinable qualities of ‘popularity’ – included Canada’s Poppy, United Kingdom’s Countdown to London Olympics (2011  and 2012  issues still available)  and Tuvalu’s Deadly and Dangerous Eastern Brown Snake (2009 Saltwater Crocodile still available ).

A collection of diversity and intrigue, head on over to Coinweek.com to view the full list of nominations.

Benin Strikes Back! 2011 100 Francs Lily of the Valley Scent Colour Silver Plated BU

With innovation driving the future of numismatics, Benin has broken the mould, releasing their fourth issue in the state of the art, ‘rub & sniff’ collection – the 2011 100 Francs Lily of the Valley Scent Colour Silver Plated BU.

Featuring the Convallaria Majalis, commonly known as the ‘Lily of the Valley’, this official legal tender, silver plated Proof is a fine testament to the modern minting skills seen throughout this diverse industry. Releasing the fragrant aromas of the Lily of the Valley when the reverse is rubbed, each coin is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity attesting to the 2,500 coin mintage.

Set to take the collector market by storm – be sure to head on over to Downies.com to secure yours today!

The verdict is in… 2011 Series of the Year

Undeniably a captivating series, the Gothic Cathedrals collection has been awarded second prize in the Fifth International Commemorative Coins Contest – the 2011 Coin Constellation.

Held September 28 2011 in the Marble palace of St Petersburg, Russia, more than 200 coins from 25 countries lined up to be judged on concept, artistic solution, original technology, design and series development.

Renowned for its unique oval shape and the spectacular obverse and reverse designs, the Niue $1 Gothic Cathedrals Cologne Cathedral Silver Proof truly lives up to its winning title. Combining state-of-the-art minting capabilities with the innovative inclusion of a genuine stained glass window – this captivating issue recreates the beauty of one of the world’s favourite landmarks.

With what’s left of the 5,000 coin mintage sure to be snapped up by eager collectors and investors alike, head on over to Downies.com to secure 2011’s Series of the Year!

Downies has you covered this festive season…

With days rapidly counting down to secure your perfect gifts  – Downies is your one-stop-shop this festive season! With celebratory commemoratives to entice even the newest of collectors – give your loved ones a gift to remember. From classic gold and silver Proofs to innovative scented Uncirculated coins, Downies is the leading distributor of world coins and banknotes.

Offering half-price shipping throughout Australia for the month of December – just $4.00 for orders under $100 and $5.50 for orders over $100 – avoid the queues and head on over to downies.com!

The way of the future…

Following in the footsteps of 18 other countries, Canada has just announced their first release in a new line of Polymer Banknotes – the new $100 bill. Developed from a single sheet of polymer plastic, this iconic new series has been developed in a bid to win the battle against counterfeit currency.

The latest in a long line of new polymer banknotes that can be traced back, at least in part, to the very first Australian polymer banknote, the 1988 $10 Bicentennial note, Canada will join Australia, New Zealand, Romania and Vietnam to be the next country to fully convert to polymer.

Enhanced with an abundance of security features, the new $100 note is expected to be issued into circulation by the end of the month. With an aim to have the fifties, twenties, tens and fives circulating by the end of 2013, the new currency is expected to last twice as long as the existing notes and can be recycled upon destruction.

2012 Lunar Dragons Coloured

With every commemorative for 2012’s Year of the Dragon receiving an abundance of interest throughout the global market, the Royal Australian Mint has just announced the addition of two releases that no one anticipated to be issued into their product portfolio – comes a 1oz Silver Proof and a 1/10oz Gold Proof.

Celebrating the world’s favourite lunar sign, each pad printed coin depicts the RAM’s signature dragon upon a vivid coloured background. Struck to the highest of Proof quality from .999 fine silver, the 40.00mm Silver Proof is restricted to a global mintage of just 18,000 coins. A highly exclusive, matching, 17.53mm Gold issue, crafted also to Proof quality from .9999 fine gold – this exquisite coin is limited to a mintage of just 8,000 coins.

Issued as official Australian Legal tender, and struck specifically for an international corporate order – only a minuscule number of each the 1oz Silver Proof and 1/10oz Gold Proof will be available on the market – immediate action is needed to secure what is sure to be one of the most popular RAM releases yet!

2011 Beijing International Coin Exposition East Meets West 1/2 oz Two-Coin Set

2 days and over 2,000 sets – the 2011 Beijing International Coin Exposition East Meets West 1/2oz Two-Coin Set is undoubtedly one of the most highly pursued 2-coin sets this year. With over two thirds of the mintage selling out at the Beijing Show – after a lengthy search we have finally been able to secure a small allocation to offer to our most avid of collectors.

A release that combines the cultural elements of both countries – the East Meets West 1/2oz Coin Set features the Perth Mint’s renowned Year of the Dragon coin together with an iconic Australian Koala asleep in a eucalyptus tree. Struck as official Australian Legal Tender both coins are housed within an illustrated presentation card.

With only a small allocation secured from the mint – immediate action is obvious! Head on over to Downies.com to secure yours!

The Guide that the Dealers Use – 2012 Greg McDonald Pocket Guide 19th Edition Soft-Cover

Set to ship from the printers in the first week of December, be one of the first to receive the guide that the dealers use!Undoubtedly the most comprehensive coin and banknote handbook used in Australian Numismatics – the 2012 McDonald’s Guide to Australian Coins & Banknotes 19^th Edition is a vital text for every collector. Providing an accurate and informative overview on every coin and banknote issued in Australia from 1787 – 2012, the 2012 McDonald Pocket Book is a complete, full-colour guide providing distinguished and up-to-date valuations for all your collecting needs.

With over 450 pages detailing the magnitude of numismatics throughout Australia – head on over to Downies.com to secure one of the easiest and most affordable ways to value your collection!

Obama Down Under

In celebration of the 60^th anniversary of the signing of the ANZUS Defence Alliance, today Mr Barack Obama will touch down in Australia for the first time as being President. After three set-backs, President Obama’s Australian visit has been a long awaited one, and, as the strongest ally and greatest friend of the Australian nation, will be welcomed with open arms.

With 2011 also marking the 10^th Anniversary of the devastation witnessed by the American nation on September 11 2001, President Obama’s visit to the land down under is sure to tighten the already secure ties between Australia and the United States. With Mr Obama’s itinerary still under wraps, it has however, been announced that he will address the Australian Parliament on November 17 2011.

Driven by trying to achieve freedom, justice and equality throughout the United States, Noble Prize winner and icon of the American nation, President Obama is one of the most influential political figures across the globe. Issued in celebration of powerful American legends – the 2010 $5 Obama & King Antique Silver BU Pair is still available at Downies. With each legal tender issue brilliantly designed and flawlessly struck to pay homage to two of the greatest instigators for change in the history of the United States – President Obama and civil rights activist Martin Luther King – head on over to Downies.com for your piece of great American history.

In the wake of perhaps America’s greatest triumph in bringing the leader of al-Qaeda, Osama Bin Laden to justice, a decade after the merciless attacks that saw 2,974 people from over 90 countries lose their lives –the 2011 September 11 Silver Proof Commemorative Medal is also still available at Downies. With all proceeds donated to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, each commemorative medal is an official tribute to the immense loss that occurred on that fateful day.