Israel Releases Tower of David First Gold Bullion Coin

May 2010: The Israeli Coin and Medal Corp has issued the first gold bullion coin to be released from Israel. The coin is the first in a new annual series entitled "Jerusalem of Gold" and is dedicated to various historical landmarks throughout the Holy Land. This inaugural release has been struck to honour the famous Tower of David that overlooks Old Jerusalem.


Israel 2010 20 New Sheqalim Tower of David Gold Brilliant Uncirculated

Since it's release in May 2010, the 20 New Sheqalim Tower of David gold coin has proven to be very popular with collectors across the globe, no doubt eager to own a piece of history. First release bullion coins tend to be like any other "first" on the collector market; whether it's numismatics, comic books, china or artworks - people scramble to own the first of any release as it will always be the most sought-after. The Tower of David gold coin has proven to follow suit, with the majority of it's 3600 mintage already exhausted across the primary market despite the price of 1 ounce of Gold being out of reach for a lot of collectors. Those discerning few who have managed to grab one of this historic issues will no doubt be holding on to them for a good long time.

The Tower of David as we know it these days is located on the site of the original tower of King David, however that tower was completely flattened many hundreds of years before the reconstructed tower was built. Since the reconstruction in the second century BCE, the tower has been destroyed and reconstructed a number of times due to various religious factions engaging in military attacks on the city in order to conquer it. These days the tower is regarded as a famous religious landmark and is visited by millions of people who come to the Holy Land of Jerusalem as tourists or pilgrims.

Each of these superb gold coins is struck from 31.10 grams (1 ounce) of 99.9% fine gold on a 32.00mm flan. The obverse design features the Lion of Megiddo motif, taken from an ancient seal found in the Northern Israeli community of Megiddo. This design will be common to all coins issued in the Jerusalem for Gold coin program. On the reverse is portion of the historic Tower of David as it overlooks Old Jerusalem. In the upper right is the face value of 20 Sheqalim, together with the year of issue (2010) as well as the Hebrew year (5771), with the 6-pointed Star of David below. Around the rim in the upper and right portions of the coin are the inscriptions for the country of issue and the coin specifications.

The coin is then encapsulated and housed within an official presentation case, accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity.

Euro Collections International Celebrates The Festive Season With Christmas Collector Coins!

Yes, it's that time of the year again - the first snowflakes have appeared, decorations are dusted off to be hung around the tree, and if you listen very carefully you just might hear a faint ringing sound...sleigh bells? No, it's the chorus of cash registers chiming as consumers across the globe scramble for gifts to buy and wrap and give to their loved ones!

Yes, Christmas is once again upon us!

It seems to come around faster and faster each year, and advertisers seems to start marketing for Christmas earlier and earlier in the hope of snaffling a customer's buying loyalty before anyone else can. Like any industry numismatics also celebrates the festive season, with countries all over the world producing a range of Christmas-themed products they hope will dazzle collectors, or at least inspire them to buy as a gift for someone else.

Euro Collections International has just released it's Christmas offerings for 2010 and they are an eclectic mix of eye-catching, innovative, and sentimental releases, sure to bring a little cheer no matter what sort of collector you are.


Palau 2010 $5 Merry Christmas Silver Proof

First cab of the rank is this adorable silver coin struck by the authority of the pacific nation of Palau. Focusing on the more traditional, religious part of Christmas (as opposed to the jolly man in the red suit), the coin features a stunning design off the Star of Bethlehem, which is said to have guided the 3 wise men to the place where Jesus was born. This colour-enhanced coin has been struck to high-quality Proof standards and features an eye-catching "glitter effect" on the star itself, giving off a spectacular effect when the light catches the particles of glitter on the surface.


Canada 2010 50c Lenticular Santa & Rudolph BU

Canada are a leader in both colour minting technology, as well as lenticular advancements in coin production. This stunning addition to their stable of innovative coins features beautifully constructed, full-colour designs of Santa Claus and his trusty helper Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Shown as two separate images, the designs can be seen by tilting the Brilliant Uncirculated coin and different angles. Truly a wonderful gift idea for the collector who has everything!


Benin 2010 100Fr Christmas Tree Scent Coloured Silver-Plated Proof

Released as part of the Famous Plants of the World series, but just in time for Christmas, this silver-plated release from Benin pays tribute to the ornamental Christmas Tree, used for decoration each year and a place for Christmas presents to be placed beneath. In many homes a real tree is used for this purpose and this coin uses state-of-the-art technology to provide an extra-sensory dimension, in the form of a "rub & sniff" effect, which provides the fresh aroma of the Christmas pine when the coin is rubbed.


Niue 2010 $2 Twelve Days Of Christmas Silver Proof Collection

One of two collections offered by ECI to celebrate Christmas 2010, this stunning set of silver coins has been released to honour the 12 days of Christmas in style. Beautifully crafted and struck to exact Proof quality, this collection of 12 silver coins celebrates the twelve days of merrymaking from the day after Christmas to the Feast of the Epiphany, on January the 6th. The song that is dedicated to the 12 days is amongst the most popular Christmas songs ever released! The collection is housed in a a lavish timber presentation case, making this a joyous, elegant celebration of a key element of Christmas tradition. Please Note: This product is now Sold Out


Liberia 2010 $2 Christmas 1/2oz Silver Proof Collection

Lastly, but by no means least, comes this uniquely Christmas numismatic celebration from Liberia. Featuring six beautifully struck silver coins, enhanced with vibrant colours, each with a different Festive Season theme. With designs such as the Little Drummer Boy, The Nutcracker, Santa on his Sleigh and the Bells of Christmas, amongst others, the coins are struck to immaculate Proof quality and housed within a stunning Christmas tree case that actually lights up at the press of a button! Superb innovation and eye-catching presentation, this fantastic collection will make a perfect gift for any lover of Christmas and the Festive Season.