Looking through the inherited hoard and I notice that many different countries sure do mint beautiful coins. I know that currency minted in all countries is meant to reflect pride, history and patriotism. But, it sure seems that some countries have gone above and beyond with detail and just flat out beauty. I have been in 8 different countries and 3 Continents (The US is in the count obviously) and the common currency in all at the time were pretty mundane. I didn't see anything special about the Franc's or the Solis. Europe wasn't the EU when I was there. But, seeing coins from all over the world that are decades old sure does open my eyes. Singapore has some fancy coins, for example. I do wonder how much money was spent by various countries to have so many different coins depicting things like the Olympics, World Cup or even just fisheries? How much money did some of these less than booming economies waste on special coins? Were they trying to make them rare to boost value? Collectible? Rabbit hole getting deeper...
To a lot of small countries, special and commemorative coins were a good source of income, as they sold to collectors for many times more than the cost of minting. And for countries without their own mint, other countries minted their coins for them or they got a good deal from independent mints such as the franklin mint. And I agree, there is some outstanding engravers artwork on a lot of world coin pieces
Good mention on minting from outside the country. I have a Jamaican minted by the Franklin Mint in an unc proof. Columbus.
Most members here will agree with that, and most will have their favorites. What are some of yours among the inherited hoard?
Yes those are nice coins. Big, Sterling Silver Proofs with relatively low mintages Here is some info on your coin https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces28542.html I have that one and two other seafarers
I will try to get pics up when I can. For some reason I am fascinated with the shiny ones with tons of detail. Tonga for example. To me, these coins represent some lesser counties that don't have a big play in the world economy but are loud and proud.
Great question, Maxfli! I mentioned the Singapore and Tonga ones. Empire of Iran comes to mind. Isle of Man. Wait, I see what you are doing. Getting my mind into the coin world of which I am trying to escape before I go into the world's deepest rabbit hole labyrinth... Play nice. But, I see the shiny fancy things in my sleep. LOL
In many cases, coins from Caribbean and South Pacific island nations are disproportionately interesting relative to the nations' standing on the world stage. In this hobby, pleasant surprises sometimes come from the most unexpected places.
Stop it. I don't even want to delve into that world. I have a life. I have a family. I work, yet my kitchen table is abreast with coins from all over. Please help me get out of this. Not just you, but everyone. Forget me, do it for the children. Please. Seriously. I am not kidding. Jeebus!
I have to think a lot of those countries with less than booming economies make a nice profit selling their pretty coins to collectors. It is amazing how many issuing countries issue more coinage than there local banks and merchants need or could even find space for.