Austrian Mint Release Charlemagne Silver Coin As Part Of Tales & Legends Series

October 13, 2010: The Austrian Mint have announced the next silver coin to be issued in their popular series, "Tales and Legends of Austria", will be devoted to Charlemagne in the Untersberg.


Austria 2010 10€ Charlemagne In The Untersberg Silver Proof

This is the fourth issue in the silver series that has captivated collectors across the globe. As with previous releases in the series, this latest coin will be available in both high quality Proof as well as Brilliant Uncirculated quality. This stunning precious metal issue recalls the legends from the Middle Ages of Charlemagne and his army, sleeping deep beneath a mountain near Salzburg and awaiting the need to be called back into active life.

This tale is a common one from the Middle Ages and familiar in some form or other in most cultural circles. A strong king or hero does not die, but merely sleeps in secret until his people need him. Similar tales were woven around the figure of the British King Arthur, who is supposed to slumber on the Isle of Avalon until he is once again needed to save Britain.

Struck as a 10 euro commemorative from 16 grams of 92.5% sterling silver on a 32mm flan, the Charlemagne coin has a total worldwide mintage of 40,000 for the proof and 30,000 for the BU.

The obverse of the coin depicts a young shepherd sitting in a lush mountain meadow with his flute being spoken to by a magical gnome. In the background one can see several ravens soaring in the sky above the meadow. This side of the coin also has the country of issue “Republik Oesterreich” Republic of Austria as well as the face value. In the top center design field depicted on a scroll is the name “Untersberg” which is the name of the mountain in which this tale occurred.

The reverse of the coin depicts Charlemagne sleeping inside the mountain, along with one of his foot soldiers, depicted in the background, standing asleep in full armour. Beside them are the gnome, or dwarf, and the young shepherd boy. Also in the background of the design are stalactites made of silver and covered with jewels, just above the swooping grand staircase.


Sure to continue the success of the "Tales and Legends" series, which has proved to be very popular on ECI, this latest release is presented in an official case for the proof, or a specifically designed coin card for the brilliant uncirculated edition. Also available is a stunning Tales and Legends Collection Album that has been designed to hold all 6 individual releases within an antique book-style case.

Euro Collections International will begin offering the Charlemagne coin in Proof and BU from it's release date on October 13. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, or sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive notification of when this exciting new silver coin is available.

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Berlin Mint Issues Silver Coins Celebrating 20th Anniversary of German Unity

September 2, 2010: The Berlin Mint, one of Germany's 5 working mints, has released their special commemorative 10 euro silver coins for 2010 - marking the 20th anniversary of the final stages of Germany's Reunification process, known as German Unity.


Germany 2010 10€ 20th Anniversary of German Unity Silver Proof

German reunification was the process in which the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and Berlin, reunited into a single city, joined the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). The start of this process is commonly referred by Germans as die Wende (The Turning Point), while the end of the unification process is officially referred to as the German unity (German: Deutsche Einheit), celebrated on 3 October (German Unity Day).

The East German regime started to falter in May 1989, when removal of Hungary's border fence opened a hole in the Iron Curtain. It caused an exodus of thousands of East Germans fleeing to West Germany and Austria via Hungary. The Peaceful Revolution, a series of protests by East Germans, led to the GDR's first free elections on 18 March 1990, and to the negotiations between the GDR and FRG that culminated in a Unification Treaty, whilst negotiations between the GDR and FRG and the four occupying powers produced the so-called "Two Plus Four Treaty" (Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany) granting full sovereignty to a unified German state, whose two halves had previously still been bound by a number of limitations stemming from their post-WWII status as occupied regions. The united Germany remained a member of the European Community (later the European Union) and of NATO.

This is the fourth silver commemorative released from Germany in 2010, coming after the Composer Robert Schumann (Hamburg), Computer pioneer Konrad Kuse (Karlsruhe) and 300th Anniversary of German Porcelain (Stuttgart) silver coins, and was struck at the Berlin Mint (A). As with the other earlier releases, and in fact all German silver 10 euro commemoratives, each coin is struck from 18.00 grams of 92.5% sterling silver on a 32.50mm flan, either in high proof (200,000 mintage) or brilliant uncirculated (2,300,000 mintage) quality.


Germany 2010 10€ 20th Anniversary of German Unity Silver BU

On the reverse is shown a map of the unified German state with the inscription "WIN SIND EIN VOLK" (We Are The People). Around the rim is the anniversary inscription of "20 Years Germany Unity". The obverse carries the familiar Eagle State Emblem, and as with previous issues it has been stylied to match the reverse design. Around the rim on this side is the year and country of issue, the nominal face value and "A" mintmark denoting the coin was struck at Berlin.

The silver proof coin is encapsulated while the brilliant uncirculated version is supplied in a protective plastic flip.

Polish Mint Issues 90th Anniversary of Battle of Warsaw Silver Coin

August 12, 2010: The Mint of Poland (Mennica Polska) in conjunction with the National Bank of Poland, has issued this eye-catching and poignant commemorative 20 zloty silver coin to mark the 90th anniversary of the famous Battle of Warsaw.


Poland 2010 20Zl Battle Of Warsaw Silver Proof

One of few full colour coins produced by the Mint of Poland, featuring a blazing interpretation of the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, this sensational new 38.61mm 28.28g sterling silver Proof is expected to be one of the hottest European issues of 2010.

Whilst headlined by the gripping "3-dimensional" full-colour design, this coin is just as notable for the superb portrait of Polish Commander-in-Chief and Head of State, Józef Pilsudski, younger brother of leading anthropologist Bronislaw Pilsudski. The mastermind behind Poland’s stunning victory in the Battle of Warsaw during the Polish-Soviet War, Pilsudski’s triumph sparked a revival that saved Polish independence – and arguably saved Western Europe from the Bolsheviks.

Sure to be highly sought after worldwide, with the mintage set at 50,000 to accommodate widespread demand, this vivid 90th anniversary tribute to the Battle of Warsaw is a military commemorative of great poignancy and great quality.

Each silver coin is encapsulated and accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Perth Mint September Releases!

September 7, 2010: The Perth Mint has released their September treasure trove of numismatic goodies to an eager collector community. Issued today are a selection of stunning new release silver coins continuing popular series', a sure-to-be highly sought after proof collection and the hotly anticipated 2011 bullion coins in gold and silver.


Tuvalu 2010 Great Warriors Knight 1oz Silver Proof

First cab of the rank is the latest Perth Mint struck issue in the impressive "Great Warriors" silver coin series. Released as a four coin series throughout the year, the "Knight" coin is the 3rd in the series and features a strong image of a Middle Ages Knight decked out in full gear and weaponry. A well-crafted and eye-catching piece that follows the high proof standards of the previous two issues, the Legionary and Viking silver coins. Each coin is struck from 31.10 grams (1 ounce) of 99.9% fine silver on a 40.60mm flan - and is presented in an official Perth Mint jewel case with series-themed outer box, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity confirming the tiny worldwide mintage of just 5000 coins!

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Tuvalu 2010 $1 Great Composers Gustav Mahler 1oz Silver Proof

Also released this month as part of a popular series is the Gustav Mahler silver proof. This coin will be music to the ears of those already enjoying the stylish "Great Composers" precious metal program, with the Perth Mint issuing this 4th coin in the series. Released to mark the 150th anniversary of the death of Mahler, the creator of a number of brilliant compositions, the design of this coin follows that of the previous Felix Mendelssohn, Robert Schumann and Frederic Chopin issues, with a detailed portraiture set against of backdrop of each composer's respective works. Sure to mirror the popularity of it's predecessors, the Gustav Mahler coin is struck from 31.10 grams (1 ounce) of 99.9% fine silver on a 40.60mm flan - and is presented in an official Perth Mint jewel case and outer box, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. A stunning tribute to a renowned composer.

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Sure to get tongues wagging from coin collector and war aficionado alike, the Perth Mint have released this stunning 5-coin set of silver proof issues dedicated to tanks of World War II.


Tuvalu 2010 $1 Tanks of WWII 1oz Silver Proof Collection

Introduced in rudimentary form in World War I, and famously dismissed as having ‘very limited military value’ by Britain’s Lord Kitchener, the role of the tank was crucial to the course of World War II. Hitler’s blitzkrieg of Western Europe at the start of the war awakened the world to the awesome potential of this menacing metallic monolith, and, considered essential for tactical and strategic success, the tank was utilised by many nations during WWII. This collection of silver coins, struck to the highest proof quality by the Perth Mint, is dedicated to the 'Big Guns' of World War II and features the USA's M4 Sherman, Germany's PzKpfw Vi Tiger 1, Russia's T-34, Britain's A22 Churchill and Japan's Type 97 Chi-Ha. Each coin has it's respective tank superbly struck in 99.9% silver on a 40.60mm flan, with a backdrop enhancing the country's symbolic emblem in striking colour.

The entire set of 5 coins is presented in an imaginative, iron-grey presentation case within an army-green camoflag outer box, accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity confirming the worldwide mintage of a poultry 1500 sets!

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Lastly, and certainly not least, the Perth Mint has issued their bullion coinage for 2011! Very exciting for investment collectors and those intrigued by the popular Kookaburra, Kangaroo and Koala series', as well as the Lunar Year precious metal issues. As prices are determined by the daily silver rate we recommend giving ECI a call on our toll-free number (1-877-897-7696) to get the price for the day. Available right now are:

2011 $30 Kookaburra Kilo Silver Specimen
2011 $10 Kookaburra 10oz Silver Specimen
2011 $1 Kookaburra 1oz Silver Specimen

2011 $100 Kangaroo 1oz Gold Specimen
2011 $50 Kangaroo 1/2oz Gold Specimen
2011 $25 Kangaroo 1/4oz Gold Specimen
2011 $15 Kangaroo 1/10oz Gold Specimen

2011 $2 Lunar Rabbit 2oz Silver Specimen
2011 $1 Lunar Rabbit 1oz Silver Specimen
2011 50c Lunar Rabbit 1/2oz Silver Specimen

2011 $100 Lunar Rabbit 1oz Silver Specimen
2011 $25 Lunar Rabbit 1/4oz Gold Specimen
2011 $15 Lunar Rabbit 1/10oz Gold Specimen

The Lunar Rabbit silver coins are also available in high quality proof condition and will be available on the Euro Collections website in a couple of weeks when stocks arrive. Keep an eye out on our newsletter, Twitter or Facebook for announcements of these new releases.