2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date

505 Pages·2009·82.27 MB·english

by  George S. Cuhaj

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1
WORLD
2010 Standard Catalog of
®
COINS
2001-Date
George Cuhaj Thomas Michael Harry Miller
Editor Market Analyst U.S. Market Analyst

Merna Dudley Deborah McCue Kay Sanders
Coordinating Editor Database Specialist Editorial Assistant

Special Contributors
David Addey
Martin Purdy
Dr. Wolfgang Schuster
Bullion Value (VB) Market Valuations
Valuations for all platinum, gold, palladium and silver coins of the more common, basically bullion types, or those
possessing only modest numismatic premiums are presented in this edition based on the market ranges of:
$1,000 - $1,200 per ounce for platinum $850 - $950 per ounce for gold
$200 - $225 per ounce for palladium $12.50 - $15.00 per ounce for silver
Z2951_001-012.fm Page 2 Monday, May 4, 2009 9:40 AM
2
©2009 Krause Publications, Inc., a subsidiary of F+W Media, Inc.
Published by
Our toll-free number to place an order or obtain
a free catalog is [phone].
All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval
system, without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a
reviewer who may quote brief passages in a critical article or review to
be printed in a magazine or newspaper, or electronically transmitted on
radio, television, or the Internet.
ISSN 1935-4339
ISBN-13: 978-0-89689-815-8
ISBN-10: 0-89689-815-6
Designed by: Stacy Bloch
Edited by: Debbie Bradley
Printed in the United States of America
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction............................................................................. 3
Acknowledgments................................................................... 4
How To Use The DVD............................................................. 5
How To Use This Catalog....................................................... 7
Submitting Electronic Image Guide........................................ 9
Standard International Numeral Systems ............................ 10
Country Index....................................................................... 11
Foreign Exchange ................................................................ 12
INTRODUCTION
Welcome to the new edition of the 21st Century Stan- The accuracy of the data offered in this volume is
dard Catalog of World Coins. This most recent annual assured through the assistance of a vast array of contrib-
version, of our ever changing and evolving series of com- uting coin dealers, collectors and researchers who have
prehensive reference catalogs, is designed to meet the lent their knowledge to the compiling of this new refer-
needs of those whose interest in coins exceeds the ence, providing our staff with information on new coinage
casual jingle in your pants pocket. Perhaps you’ve trav- types, new dates, accurate mintage figures and up to
eled overseas and still have some coins that came home date pricing. To them we offer a heartfelt “Thank you!” for
with you, maybe you read in the news about the newest their generosity and dedication to the advancement of our
Euro coins, or it could be that you are a long term collec- shared field of coin collecting.
tor who wants to wade out into the most current of numis-
matic trends. In all cases, this book is for you. Finally to you, the reader, we extend our wishes that
you may enjoy using this catalog as much as we enjoyed
Arranged in a basic alphabetic fashion by country and its’ production. Look it over, put it to good use and please
with groupings for political structure, coinage type and let us know if you have any comments or questions.
denomination to help better organize the data, this vol-
ume is as easy to use as the phone book. You will find Best Wishes,
photographs of many 21st Century coins, plenty of infor-
mation on metal content, descriptions of types and variet- The Editorial Staff of the
ies, date listings and of course values presented in Standard Catalog of World Coins
multiple grades of preservation. In short, just about all the
information you could want on the most modern coins of
our world.
Marvel at the ingenuity of today’s most inventive world
mints, which are striking coins in a variety of shapes and
sizes, colors and textures. Enjoy the practicality of coins
designed for serious circulation in durable metals. Cele-
brate the advent of coins made of acrylic materials and
those, which house precious stones or display gold over-
lays. All are here in our 21st Century edition.
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4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Many individuals have contributed countless changes, which have been incorporated into the current edition. While all may not be
acknowledged, special appreciation is extended to the following who have exhibited a special enthusiasm for this edition.
David Addey Andrzej Fischer Alex Lazarovici Tony Raymond
Esko Ahlroth Daniil Fishteyn Lee Shin Song William M. Rosenblum
Raul Aries Thomas Fitzgerald Richard Lobel Egon Conti Rossini
Adrian Ataman Eugene Freeman Rudi Lotter Pabrita K. Saha
Antonio Alessandrini Arthur Friedburg Ma Tak Wo Remy Said
Paul Baker Tom Galway Miguel Angel Pratt Mayans Leon Saryan
Oksana Bandrivska David R. Gotkin Juozas Minikevicius Erwin Schäffer
Yuri Barshay Marcel Häberling Robert Mish Gerhard Schön
Albert Beck Edward Hackney Dr. Richard Montrey George Schumacher
Richard Benson J. Halfpenny Paul Montz Dr. Wolfgang Schuster
Allen G. Berman Liliana N. Hanganu Edward Moschetti Alexander Shapiro
Joseph Boling Flemming Lyngbeck Hansen Arkady Nakhimovsky Ladislav Sin
K.N. Boon David Harrison Michael G. Nielsen Ole Sjoelund
Al Boulanger Martin Rodney Hayter Gus Pappas Benjamin Swagerty
Colin R. Bruce II Istvan Hegedus Janusz Parchimowicz Steven Tan
Mahdi Bseiso F. Hellendall Dick Parker Mehmet Tolga Taner
Chris Budesa Serge Huard Frank Passic Tonin Thaci
John T. Bucek Armen Hovsepian Marc Pelletier Anthony Tumonis
Doru Calin Nelva G. Icaza Kirsten F. Petersen J. J. Van Grover
Luis V. Costa Ton Jacobs Jens Pilegaard Erik J. Van Loon
Raymond E. Czahor A.K. Jain Gastone Polacco Carmen Viciedo
Howard A. Daniel III Hector Carlos Janson Elena Pop R.W. Walter
Konstantinos Dellios Børge R. Juul Michel Prier Paul Welz
Yossi Dotan Alex Kaglyan Martin Purdy Stewart Westdal
James R. Douglas Melvyn Kassenoff Luis R. Ponte Puigbo J. Brix Westergaard
Dr. Jan M. Dyroff George Katsikis Frank Putrow J. Hugh Witherow
Stephen Eccles Craig Keplinger Yahya Qureshi Joseph Zaffern
Esko Ekman Matti Kuronen Mircea Raicopol
Dr. Iorio Fabio Samson Kin Chiu Lai Dr. Dennis G. Rainey
AUCTION HOUSES
Dix-Noonan-Webb Thomas Høiland Møntauktion Münzenhandlung Harald Möller, Stack’s
Heritage World Coin Auctions Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH UBS, AG
Hess-Divo Ltd. Leu Numismatik AG Noble Numismatics, Pty. Ltd. World Wide Coins of California
Gerhard Hirsch Ponterio & Associates
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETIES AND INSTITUTIONS
American Numismatic American Numismatic Society Numismatics International
Association British Museum Smithsonian Institution
WORLD MINTS, CENTRAL BANKS AND DISTRIBUTORS
Austrian Mint Israel Coins & Medals Corp. Moscow Mint Servei D’Emissions Principat
Banco de Mexico Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca National Bank of the Republic D’Andorra
Banque Centrale Du dello Stato I.p.A. of Belarus Singapore Mint
Luxembourg Jablonex Group - Division of National Bank of Ukraine South African Mint
Casa de la Moneda de Cuba Czech Mint New Zealand Mint Staatliche Munze Berlin
Central Bank of D.P.R. Korea - Japan Mint New Zealnad Post Staatliche Munze Baden-
Kumbyol Trading Corp. Kazakhstan Mint Numiscom Wurttemberg
Central Bank of the Russian KOMSCO - South Korea Numistrade Gmbh & Co. kg. Talisman Coins
Federation Latvijas Banka Omni Trading B.V. Thailand Treasury Department
CIT Lietuvos Bankas Perth Mint Ufficio Filatelico e Numismatico
Czech National Bank Lithuanian Mint Pobjoy Mint - Vatican
Educational Coin Company Magyar Penzvero Zrt. Real Casa de la Moneda - Spain United States Mint
Faude & Huguenin MDM Royal Mint
Global Coins & Medals Ltd. - Mennica Polska Royal Australian Mint
Official Sales Company of Mincovna Kremnica Royal Belgian Mint
the Bulgarian Mint Mint of Finland, Ltd. Royal Canadian Mint
Imprensa Nacional - Casa da Mint of Norway Royal Dutch Mint
Moeda, S.A. Monnaie de Paris Royal Thai Mint
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HOW TO USE THE DVD 5
HOW TO USE THE DVD
HOW TO USE THE CD
WW2010 StaOOndardRR CataloLLg of®DDCD INCLUDED
CCOOIINNSS
This DVD is PC and Macintosh® compatible when used with Adobe Acrobat

Reader®version 6.0 or later. A step-by-step free download of Adobe Acrobat
Reader® 8 is available at www.adobe.com. Adobe Reader® 8 was used in 2001-Date 4th Edition
creating the instructions that follow. GEORGE S. CUHAJ, EDITOR • THOMAS MICHAEL, MARKET ANALYST
To help you successfully navigate through the PDF document, several types of
searches are available.
5,500
Actual-Size
Th e World’s Best-Selling Coin Books Illustrations
USING BOOKMARKS
Click on the Bookmarks icon
to open the Bookmarks window.
Use these links to go to specifi c
points of interest. To scroll through
pages in each section, use the
arrows at the top of the screen (see
next page for instructions to fi nd
page navigators).
USING THE FIND BOX
Locate the fi nd box in the tool bar and enter
the word(s) you are searching for.
To navigate through the
results of your search,
use the Find Next icon.
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6 HOW TO USE THE DVD
HOW TO USE THE DVD
USING THE SEARCH OPTION
Locate the Search button
by choosing Customize
Toolbars in the Tools pull-
down menu. Check Search
(binocular icon) to have the
Search option available in
the toolbar.
Click on the Search icon
to open the Search dialog box.
In the Search dialog
box, enter the word(s)
you are searching for
and click on the Search
button.
The list of results will
appear in the dialog
box. Click on the listings
to view each page that
contains your searched
word(s).
To begin a new word
search, click on the
New Search button.
USING PAGE NAVIGATORS
Activate the Page Navigator
Toolbar by choosing Customize
Toolbars in the Tools pull-down
menu. Check each tool as shown
at right. You are now able to
page through the PDF document
by using the arrows at the top of
the screen or by entering a page
number you wish to view.
The Table of Contents is on
page 3, the Country Index is on
page 6.
You may also enlarge the images of the
coins up to 400% for easy viewing
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HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG 7
HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG
This catalog is designed to serve the needs of both the novice and Javanese Aji Saka era (AS) -AS1942
advanced collectors. It is generally arranged so that persons with no Fasli era (FE) -FE1419
more than a basic knowledge of world history and a casual acquaintance Jewish era (JE) -JE5769
with coin collecting can consult it with confidence and ease. The follow-
More detailed guides to less prevalent coin dating systems, which are
ing explanations summarize the general practices used in preparing this
strictly local in nature, are presented with the appropriate listings.
catalog's listings.
Some coins carry dates according to both locally observed and Chris-
ARRANGEMENT tian eras. This is particularly true in the Arabic world, where the Hejira date
Countries are arranged alphabetically. Political changes within a coun- may be indicated in Arabic numerals and the Christian date in Western
try are arranged chronologically. In countries where Rulers are the single numerals, or both dates in either form.
most significant political entity, a chronological arrangement by Ruler has
HEJIRA DATE
been employed. Distinctive sub-geographic regions are listed alphabetically
CONVERSION CHART
following the country’s main listings.
HEJIRA (Hijira, Hegira), the name of the Muslim era (A.H. = Anno Hegirae) dates back
Diverse coinage types relating to fabrication methods, revaluations, to the Christian year 622 when Mohammed “fled” from Mecca, escaping to Medina to
denomination systems, non-circulating categories and such have been avoid persecution from the Koreish tribemen. Based on a lunar year the Muslim year is
11 days shorter.
identified, separated and arranged in logical fashion. Chronological
*=Leap Year (Christian Calendar)
arrangement is employed for most circulating coinage. Monetary reforms
will flow in order of their institution. Non-circulating types such as Essais, AH Hejira AD Christian Date
Pieforts, Patterns, Trial Strikes, Mint and Proof sets will follow the main 1420 1999, April 17
listings. 1421 2000, April 6*
Within a coinage type coins will be listed by denomination, from smallest 1422 2001, March 26
1423 2002, March 15
to largest. Numbered types within a denomination will be ordered by their
1424 2003, March 5
first date of issue. 1425 2004, February 22*
IDENTIFICATION 1426 2005, February 10
1427 2006, January 31
The most important step in the identification of a coin is the determina- 1428 2007, January 20
tion of the nation of origin. This is generally easily accomplished where 1429 2008, January 10*
1430 2008, December 29
English-speaking lands are concerned, however, use of the country index
1431 2009, December 18
is sometimes required. 1432 2010, December 8
The coins of many countries beyond the English-language realm, such 1433 2011, November 27*
as those of French, Italian or Spanish heritage, are also quite easy to iden- 1434 2012, November 15
tify through reference to their legends, which appear in the national lan- 1435 2013, November 5
1436 2014, October 25
guages based on Western alphabets. In many instances the name is
1437 2015, October 15*
spelled exactly the same in English as in the national language, such as 1438 2016, October 3
France; while in other cases it varies only slightly, like Italia for Italy, Bel- 1439 2017, September 22
gique or Belgie for Belgium, Brasil for Brazil and Danmark for Denmark. 1440 2018, September 12
This is not always the case, however, as in Norge for Norway, Espana for 1441 2019, September 11*
1442 2020, August 20
Spain, Sverige for Sweden and Helvetia for Switzerland. Coins bearing Cyril-
1443 2021, August 10
lic lettering are attributable to Bulgaria, Russia, the Slavic states and Mongo- 1444 2022, July 30
lia; the Greek script peculiar to Greece, Crete and the Ionian Islands; the 1445 2023, July 19*
Amharic characters of Ethiopia; or Hebrew in the case of Israel. 1446 2024, July 8
1447 2025, June 27
The toughra monogram, occurs on some of the coins of Afghanistan,
1448 2026, June 17
Egypt, Sudan, Pakistan, and Turkey. A predominant design feature on the
1449 2027, June 6*
coins of Nepal is the trident; while neighboring Tibet features a lotus blos- 1450 2028, May25
som or lion on many of their issues.
The date actually carried on a given coin is generally cataloged here in
DATING the first column (Date) to the right of the catalog number. If this date is by a
Coin dating is the final basic attribution consideration. Here, the problem non-Christian dating system, such as 'AH' (Muslim), the Christian equiva-
can be more difficult because the reading of a coin date is subject not only lent date will appear in parentheses(), for example AH1336(1917). Dates
to the vagaries of numeric styling, but to calendar variations caused by the listed alone in the date column which do not actually appear on a given
observance of various religious eras or regal periods from country to coun- coin, or dates which are known, but do not appear on the coin, are gener-
try, or even within a country. Here again, with the exception of the sphere ally enclosed by parentheses with 'ND' at the left, for example ND(2001).
from North Africa through the Orient, it will be found that most countries rely Timing differentials between some era of reckoning, particularly the
on Western date numerals and Christian (AD) era reckoning, although in a 354-day Mohammedan and 365-day Christian years, cause situations
few instances, coin dating has been tied to the year of a reign or govern- whereby coins which carry dates for both eras exist bearing two year dates
ment. The Vatican, for example dates its coinage according to the year of from one calendar combined with a single date from another.
reign of the current pope, in addition to the Christian-era date. Countermarked Coinage is presented with both ‘Countermark Date’ and
Countries in the Arabic sphere generally date their coins to the Muslim ‘Host Coin’ date for each type. Actual date representation follows the rules
era (AH). outlined above.
The following table indicates the year dating for the various eras, which DENOMINATIONS
correspond to 2009 in Christian calendar reckoning, but it must be remem-
The second basic consideration to be met in the attribution of a coin is
bered that there are overlaps between the eras in some instances.
the determination of denomination. Since denominations are usually
Christian era (AD) -2009 expressed in numeric rather than word form on a coin, this is usually quite
Muslim era (AH) -AH1430 easily accomplished on coins from nations which use Western numerals,
Solar year (SH) -SH1387 except in those instances where issues are devoid of any mention of face
Monarchic Solar era (MS) -MS2568 value, and denomination must be attributed by size, metallic composition or
Vikrama Samvat (VS) -VS2066 weight. Coins listed in this volume are generally illustrated in actual size.
Saka era (SE) -SE1931 The sphere of countries stretching from North Africa through the Orient,
Buddhist era (BE) -BE2552 on which numeric symbols generally unfamiliar to Westerners are
Bangkok era (RS) -RS228 employed, often provide the collector with a much greater challenge. This is
Chula-Sakarat era (CS) -CS1371 particularly true on nearly all pre-20th Century issues. On some of the more
Ethiopian era (EE) -EE2002 modern issues and increasingly so as the years progress, Western-style
Korean era -4342
Z2951_001-012.fm Page 8 Monday, May 4, 2009 9:40 AM
8 HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG
numerals usually presented in combination with the local numeric system trade on the basis of their intrinsic metallic content rather than numismatic
are becoming more commonplace on these coins. value - are concerned. In many instances, such issues have become worth
The included table of Standard International Numeral Systems presents more in bullion form than their nominal collector values or denominations
charts of the basic numeric designations found on coins of non-Western ori- indicate.
gin. Although denomination numerals are generally prominently displayed
BULLION VALUE
on coins, it must be remembered that these are general representations of
characters, which individual coin engravers may have rendered in widely The simplest method for determining the bullion value of a precious
varying styles. Where numeric or script denominations designation forms metal coin is to multiply the actual precious metal weight by the current spot
peculiar to a given coin or country apply, such as the script used on some price for that metal. A silver coin with a .6822 actual silver weight (ASW)
Persian (Iranian) issues. They are so indicated or illustrated in conjunction would have an intrinsic value of $8.70 when the spot price of silver is
with the appropriate listings. $12.75. If the spot price of silver rose to $17.95 that same coins intrinsic
value would rise to $12.25.
MINTAGES
PHOTOGRAPHS
Quantities minted of each date are indicated where that information is
available, generally stated in millions or rounded off to the nearest 10,000 To assist the reader in coin identification, every effort has been made to
pieces when more exact figures are not available. On quantities of a few present actual size photographs of every coinage type listed. Obverse and
thousand or less, actual mintages are generally indicated. For combined reverse are illustrated, except when a change in design is restricted to one
mintage figures the abbreviation “Inc. Above” means Included Above, side, and the coin has a diameter of 39mm or larger, in which case only the
while “Inc. Below” means Included Below. “Est.” beside a mintage figure side required for identification of the type is generally illustrated. All coins up
indicates the number given is an estimate or mintage limit. to 60mm are illustrated actual size, to the nearest 1/2mm up to 25mm, and
to the nearest 1mm thereafter. Coins larger than 60mm diameter are illus-
METALS
trated in reduced size, with the actual size noted in the descriptive text
Each numbered type listing will contain a description of the coins metal- block. Where slight change in size is important to coin type identification,
lic content. The traditional coinage metals and their symbolic chemical actual millimeter measurements are stated.
abbreviations sometimes used in this catalog are:
VALUATIONS
Platinum - (PT) Copper - (Cu)
Gold - (Au) Brass - Values quoted in this catalog represent the current market and are com-
Silver - (Ag) Copper-nickel- (CN) piled from recommendations provided and verified through various source
Billion - Lead - (Pb) documents and specialized consultants. It should be stressed, however, that
Nickel - (Ni) Steel - this book is intended to serve only as an aid for evaluating coins, actual mar-
Zinc - (Zn) Tin - (Sn) ket conditions are constantly changing and additional influences, such as
Bronze - (Ae) Aluminum - (Al) particularly strong local demand for certain coin series, fluctuation of interna-
Modern commemorative coins have employed still more unusual meth- tional exchange rates, changes in spot price of precious metals and world-
ods such as bimetallic coins, color applications and precious metal or gem wide collection patterns must also be considered. Publication of this catalog
inlays. is not intended as a solicitation by the publisher, editors or contributors to
buy or sell the coins listed at the prices indicated.
PRECIOUS METAL WEIGHTS
All valuations are stated in U.S. dollars, based on careful assessment of
Listings of weight, fineness and actual silver (ASW), gold (AGW), plati- the varied international collector market. Valuations for coins priced below
num or palladium (APW) content of most machine-struck silver, gold, plati- $100.00 are generally stated in full amounts - i.e. 37.50 or 95.00 - while val-
num and palladium coins are provided in this edition. This information will uations at or above that figure are rounded off in even dollars - i.e. $125.00
be found incorporated in each separate type listing, along with other data is expressed 125. A comma is added to indicate thousands of dollars in
related to the coin. value.
The ASW, AGW or APW figure can be multiplied by the spot For the convenience of overseas collectors and for U.S. collectors doing
price of each precious metal to determine the current intrinsic business with overseas dealers, the base exchange rate for the national
value of any coin accompanied by these designations. currencies of approximately 180 countries are presented in the Foreign
As the silver and gold bullion markets have advanced and declined Exchange Table.
sharply over the years, the fineness and total precious metal content of It should be noted that when particularly select uncirculated or proof-like
coins has become especially significant where bullion coins - issues which examples of uncirculated coins become available they can be expected to
Coin Alignment Medal Alignment
COIN vs MEDAL ALIGNMENT
Some coins are struck with obverse and reverse aligned at a rotation of 180 degrees from each other. When a coin is held for vertical
viewing with the obverse design aligned upright and the index finger and thumb at the top and bottom, upon rotation from left to right for
viewing the reverse, the latter will be upside down. Such alignment is called “coin rotation.” Other coins are struck with the obverse and
reverse designs mated on an alignment of zero or 360 degrees. If such an example is held and rotated as described, the reverse will appear
upright. This is the alignment, which is generally observed in the striking of medals, and for that reason coins produced in this manner are
considered struck in “medal rotation”. In some instances, often through error, certain coin issues have been struck to both alignment stan-
dards, creating interesting collectible varieties, which will be found noted in some listings. In addition, some countries are now producing
coins with other designated obverse to reverse alignments which are considered standard for this type.
Z2951_001-012.fm Page 9 Monday, May 4, 2009 9:40 AM
HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG 9
command proportionately high premiums. Such examples in reference to uncirculated values are usually sufficient. Proof issues are indicated by the
choice Germanic Thalers are referred to as “erst schlage” or first strikes. word “Proof” next to the date, with valuation proceeded by the word “value”
following the mintage. For very recent circulating coins and coins of limited
NEW ISSUES value, one, two or three grade values are presented.
There are almost no grading guides for world coins. What follows is
All newly released coins dated up to the year 2006 that have been phys-
an attempt to help bridge that gap until a detailed, illustrated guide
ically observed by our staff or identified by reliable sources and have been
becomes available.
confirmed by press time have been incorporated in this edition. Exceptions
In grading world coins, there are two elements to look for: 1) Overall
exist in some countries where current date coin production lags far behind
wear, and 2) loss of design details, such as strands of hair, feathers on
or information on current issues is less accessible.
eagles, designs on coats of arms, etc.
The age, rarity or type of a coin should not be a consideration in grading.
SETS
Grade each coin by the weaker of the two sides. This method appears
Listings in this catalog for specimen, proof and mint sets are for official, to give results most nearly consistent with conservative American Numis-
government-produced sets. In many instances privately packaged sets also matic Association standards for U.S. coins. Split grades, i.e., F/VF for
exist. obverse and reverse, respectively, are normally no more than one grade
Mint Sets/Fleur de Coin Sets: Specially prepared by worldwide mints apart. If the two sides are more than one grade apart, the series of coins
to provide banks, collectors and government dignitaries with examples of probably wears differently on each side and should then be graded by the
current coinage. Usually subjected to rigorous inspection to insure that top weaker side alone.
quality specimens of selected business strikes are provided. Grade by the amount of overall wear and loss of design detail evident
Specimen Sets: Forerunners of today's proof sets. In most cases the on each side of the coin. On coins with a moderately small design element,
coins were specially struck, perhaps even double struck, to produce a very which is prone to early wear, grade by that design alone. For example, the
soft or matte finish on the effigies and fields, along with high, sharp, “wire” 5-ore (KM#554) of Sweden has a crown above the monogram on which the
rims. The finish is rather dull to the naked eye. beads on the arches show wear most clearly. So, grade by the crown
The original purpose of these sets was to provide VIPs, monarchs and alone.
mintmasters around the world with samples of the highest quality workman- For Brilliant Uncirculated (BU) grades there will be no visible signs of
ship of a particular mint. These were usually housed in elaborate velvet- wear or handling, even under a 30-power microscope. Full mint luster will
lined leather and metal cases. be present. Ideally no bags marks will be evident.
Proof-like Sets are relatively new to the field of numismatics. During For Uncirculated (Unc. or MS-60) grades there will be no visible signs
the mid 1950s the Royal Canadian Mint furnished the hobby with specially of wear or handling, even under a 30-power microscope. Bag marks may
selected early business strike coins that exhibited some qualities similar to be present.
proof coinage. However, the “proof-like” fields are generally flawed and the For Almost Uncirculated (AU or AU-50), all detail will be visible. There
edges are rounded. These pieces are not double struck. These are com- will be wear only on the highest point of the coin. There will often be half or
monly encountered in cardboard holders, later in soft plastic or pliofilm more of the original mint luster present.
packaging. Of late, the Royal Canadian Mint packages such sets in rigid On the Extremely Fine (EF or XF or XF-40) coin, there will be about 95%
plastic cases. of the original detail visible. Or, on a coin with a design with no inner detail to
Many worldwide officially issued proof sets would in reality fall into this wear down, there will be a light wear over nearly all the coin. If a small design
category upon careful examination of the quality of the coin's finish. is used as the grading area, about 90% of the original detail will be visible.
Another term encountered in this category is “Special Select,” used to This latter rule stems from the logic that a smaller amount of detail needs to
describe the crowns of the Union of South Africa and 100-schilling coins be present because a small area is being used to grade the whole coin.
produced for collectors in the late 1970s by the Austrian Mint. The Very Fine (VF or VF-20) coin will have about 75% of the original
Proof Sets: This is undoubtedly among the most misused terms in detail visible. Or, on a coin with no inner detail, there will be moderate wear
the hobby, not only by collectors and dealers, but also by many of the over the entire coin. Corners of letters and numbers may be weak. A small
world mints. grading area will have about 66% of the original detail.
A true proof set must be at least double-struck on specially prepared For Fine (F or F-12), there will be about 50% of the original detail visi-
polished planchets and struck using dies (often themselves polished) of the ble. Or, on a coin with no inner detail, there will be fairly heavy wear over all
highest quality. of the coin. Sides of letters will be weak. A typically uncleaned coin will
Modern-day proof quality consists of frosted effigies surrounded by often appear as dirty or dull. A small grading area will have just under 50%
absolute mirror-like fields. of the original detail.
Listings for proof sets in this catalog are for officially issued proof sets so On the Very Good (VG or VG-8) coin, there will be about 25% of the
designated by the issuing authority, and may or may not possess what are original detail visible. There will be heavy wear on all of the coin.
considered modern proof quality standards. The Good (G or G-4) coin's design will be clearly outlined but with sub-
It is necessary for collectors to acquire the knowledge to allow them to stantial wear. Some of the larger detail may be visible. The rim may have a
differentiate true proof sets from would-be proof sets and proof-like sets few weak spots of wear.
which may be encountered. On the About Good (AG) coin, there will typically be only a silhouette of
a large design. The rim will be worn down into the letters if any.
CONDITIONS/GRADING Strong or weak strikes, partially weak strikes, damage, corrosion, attrac-
tive or unattractive toning, dipping or cleaning should be described along
Wherever possible, coin valuations are given in four or five grades of
with the above grades. These factors affect the quality of the coin just as do
preservation. For modern commemoratives, which do not circulate, only wear and loss of detail, but are easier to describe.
SENDING SCANNED IMAGES BY EMAIL
We have been receiving an ever-increasing flow of scanned images from sources worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these scans could
not be used due to the type of scan, or simple incompatability with our systems. We appreciate the effort it takes to produce these images
and accuracy they add to the catalog listings.
Here are a few simple instructions to follow when producing these scans. We encourage you to continue sending new images or
upgrades to those currently illustrated and please do not hesitate to ask questions about this process.
• Scan all images within a resolution range of 200 dpi to 300 dpi
• Size setting should be at 100%
• Scan in true 4-color
• Save images as ‘jpeg’ or ‘tif’ and name in such a way,
which clearly identifies the country of origin and diameter size of coin in millimeters (mm)
• Please email with a request to confirm receipt of the attachment
• Please send images to [email protected]