WBCC Newsmail 70, Vol. 2, December 13, 1997 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Composed with help of several members of the Worldwide Bi-metallic Collectors Club and published by Martin Peeters, The Netherlands, Focal Point of the WBCC, martinp@concepts.nl -------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear WBCC members, This week's WBCC Newsmail is really great. Very much interesting, nice and fine news about Bi-metallics. So as every week I hope you enjoy it !! 1. New WBCC members........by Martin Peeters, WBCC Focal Point We have 3 new members. Let me introduce them to you all: Name: Ray Heuer, USA (WBCC member#15) E-mail: RayHeuer1@aol.com Age: 44 Profession: Accountant (Disabled) Hobby: US Nickels and World Ringed Bi-metallic Against: Non-Circulating Legal Tender (except bullion) Goal: To become Mint Director for the Unified World Government. Name: Wadim Nensberg, Russia (WBCC member #76) E-mail: nensberg@mega.ru Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/TimesSquare/Lair/5493/ (not yet ready) Age: 48 Profession: Computer specialist Hobby: Internet friends, games, collecting Bi-metallic coins & banknotes Against: Collectibles & items from Russia. Goal: Have small business in Russia (coins & banknotes) Name: George Parks, USA (WBCC member #77) E-mail: coinguy@primenet.com Homepage: http://www.primenet.com/~coinguy Age: 43 Profession: Autom. Management Officer for a large Government Health Center. Hobby: Collecting and trading world coins. Against: Liars, cheats, and thieves that would rob us of our freedom. Goal: Long Term - To obtain a sample of every coin minted in the 20th Century. Short Term - To complete a set of Bi-metallic and Tri-metallic coins of the world. 2. My E-mail address.......by Michael Doran, USA My E-mail address is now: Michael Doran, blu-dolphin@colint.com 3. New Bi-metallic Dutch MTT.........by Frans Dubois, Netherlands Some more information about the Bi-metallic MTT (Municipal Trade Tokens) of the Dutch city Dalen. It was issued in May this year for the summer-market in that month and to commemorate the fuse of several municipality's in one. There are made 3.000 pieces for circulation. Thickness 1.95 mm and diameter 30 mm. It is a very nice piece with the Arms of Dalen on the observe and the value and year at the reverse. Value in the period of use was 5 Dutch Guilders. Interested members who want to obtain a FDC issue can contact me: duboisf@wxs.nl 4. New Bi-metallic Dutch Token............by Frans Dubois, Netherlands On Tuesday, November 9, Showbizcity (amusementpark) in the Dutch city Aalsmeer was opened. In their automations are used Bi-metallic Showbiz-dollars. I will try to get some but at the moment I have no more info. If I have some I'll let you know. 5. Italian Bi-metallic 1000 Lire 1997 (1)...by Joel Anderson, USA The story behind the Bi-metallic 1000 Lire 1997 is that the designer took a few liberties on the map of Europe which appears on the reverse of the coin. Italy includes a fair portion of Slovenia. Germany includes all of Denmark and about half of Belgium (the rest of Belgium is included as part of The Netherlands ). However most of the former East Germany was left out of Germany. Naturally this brought some diplomatic protests. Italy stopped producing the coin (I heard the estimated mintage was about 30 Million out of a planned mintage of 180 million, so it is by no means rare). A new version with a corrected map is being released soon. This is why he has the two varities. The speculators and promoters are having a lot of fun with this one and they are selling the coins at crazy prices as "investments". 6. Italian Bi-metallic 1000 Lire 1997 (2)...by John Bucek, Switserland There are 2 differet types 1000 Lire 1997 which went into circulation. None of them is considered scare. a) with the map of Germany before unification, error issue which was replaced by b) with the map of Germany after unification. Having the b) and looking at it, it shows Germany bigger than it is and map claims parts of Poland as German territory. It is obvious, that this issued will be replaced by a third and correct issue. Please consider this as my personal opinion. Anyhow, how the European states are shown on this coin seens to be the work of an elementary school pupil. 7. Pobjoy's 1990 Bi-metallic...by Richard Giedroyc, Coin World USA Regarding item No. 5 on last week's WBCC Newsmail 69, I have one of the Pobjoy Mint 1990 award ringed Bi-metallic tokens. These were given out by the Pobjoy Mint at no charge to colleagues and friends. If you need more details contact Pobjoy Mint Ltd. at phone + 44-181 641-0370. The Fax number is + 44-181 644-1028. E-mail address: enquiries@pobjoy.com or charles@pobjoy.com 8. San Marino Bi-metallic 1000 Lire 1997.....by Martin Peeters, Netherlands The following article I have read in San Marino's Numismatic Bulletin, November/December 1997. --Quote New 2 metal 1000 Lire coins The roar of the three feathers This is the first time that a lion, albeit a heraldic lion has appeared waving a Sammarinese flag and carrving a shield picturing the three feathers and the word Libertas. It is a pleasing innovation that brings a touch of modernity, to the symbols of the oldest republic in the world. It is also the first time that a twometal 1000 lire coin has been stuck. With this denomination the coinage of Italy and San Marino move into the world of the money now circulating, both within and outside Europe. It is to go down the road first trod with success by the 500 lire. Like that this coin is produced from two metals but in this instance with the golden part on the outside to distingüish between them. The diameter is also slightly increased, from 25.8 mm to 28 mm. And this is the first time that a divisional coin has been issued for collectors in its own presentation case, along the lines of the annual special mintings. On the cover, against the blue damasked background, is the silhouette of the government palace and statue of Liberty, which also appear on the recto of the coins, enclosed within the arms of the eight castelli which crown the eight castelli of San Marino. However, it is also the first time that, consequent upon production delays and dihìculties, an incorrect date will appear on the presentation box (which has been printed on September), that date being the one originally intended, while, at the moment of going to press, it is still not possible to state the exact date of issue. Of all the firsts, the most important is that this is the first time that San Marino will officially give its money away. All deposit account subscribers to the numismatic service, and all subscribers to our service who have already acquired the 1997 divisional coins, will be sent the new coin, in its elegant presentation case, absolutely free, and in the numbers corresponding to their previous orders. This is our special Christmas gift to our numismatic friends. Expected date of issue: December 1997 Design by Antonella Napolione Minted by the IPZS in Rome Materials: cupronickel and Bronzital Weight: 8.8 gr. --Unquote When you want to see a picture of it look into the WBCC Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/7513/wbcc/wbcc.html The address of the San Marino Mint is: Azienda Autonoma di Stato Numismatica Cassella Postale 1 47890 Repubblica di San Marino Phone + 378-882370 Fax + 378-882363 9. Dutch Mint promotionset with Bi-metallic medal..by Martin Peeters The Dutch Mint has made a promotionset for the Dutch province "Overijssel". In this set are the usual Dutc 1997 coins and also a Bi-metallic medal with the logo of the province "Overijssel'. This set, 1000 made, is not for sale according the Dutch Coinpaper "Muntkoerier". 10. Russian Bi-metallic coins.......by Wadim Nensberg, Russia Let me describe all russians BM-coins: 10 Roubles 1991 (L) 10 Roubles 1991 (M) 10 Roubles 1992 (L) error - instead of 1991 - is minted 1992 50 Roubles 1992 (L) 50 Roubles 1992 (M) 50 Roubles 1993 (L) error - instead of 1992 - is minted 1993, very rare 100 Roubles 1992 (L) 100 Roubles 1992 (M) Cool errors 50 Roubles 1992 (L), (M) Bronze inset from 50 Roubles, Reverse mint stamp from 100 Roubles, i.e. 50 - by numbers, 100 - by letters 100 Roubles 1992 (M) Nickel inset from 100 Roubles, Reverse mint stamp from 50 Roubles, i.e. 100 - by numbers, 50 - by letters I can send any coins abroad only with permission of russian custom. I can receive permission for up to 10 total commomerative coins enclosed in one parcel. Any quantity of parcels allowed. But I can't send any coins listed as "in regular circulation" even if the real buying ability is "full zero". 11. UK 2 Pound Philatelic Numismatic Cover...by Martin Peeters In the the UK Royal Mint Coin Club Bulletin, Winter Edition 1997, I saw the following article: --Quote The 1997 £2 Philatelic Numismatic Cover brings together on the one hand five stamps featuring some of the most illustrious aircraft designers and on the other Britain's new circulating £2 (*Bi-metallic) coin embracing the theme of innovative design and ground-breaking metal technology. Featured on the commemorative stamps are R J Mitchell, Roy Chadwick, R E Bishop, George Carter and Sir Sydney Camm, designers of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk IIA, the Avro Lancaster Mk I, the de Havilland Mosquito B. Mk XVI, the Gloster Meteor F. Mk8 and the Hawker Hunter FGA Mk9 respectively. The Brilliant Uncirculated £2 coin bears a reverse design by Bruce Rushin and portrays mankind's evolutionary technological development from the Iron Age to the present age of the Internet. Only 40,0001997 £2 PNCs are available for worldwide distribution. --Unquote * = is added by WBCC Focal Point When you want to see a picture of it look into the WBCC Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/RodeoDrive/7513/wbcc/wbcc.html The addres of the UK Royal Mint is: Royal Mint Coin Club P.O. Box 500 Cardiff, CFI IYY Great Britain Order line: + 1443-623322 Fax: + 1443-623330 E-mail: admin@roymint.demon.co.uk 12. Portugal Bi-metallic 100 and 200 Escudos 1997..by Jeff Timmons, USA Portugal has already released into circulation new Bi-metallic coins for 1997. The new 100 escudo depicts a sea lion, while the new 200 escudo depicts dolphins. 13. Syria Bi-metallic 25 Pounds 1996 (1)......by Jeff Timmons, USA I have just learned about another Bi-metallic coin that was issued last year from the nation of Syria. It commemerates their Pariament. On one side, it has the Eagle symbol, like the bi-metallic from 1995. On the other side, however, it has a picture of the Parliament building in Amman, their Capitol city. It replaces the photograph of Assad, their long-time president. I have learned about this coin from Lauren Benson, a coindealer in Iowa. In his latest "New Issues" list (December 1997), he gives the date "1996" for this coin. I have called the coindealer and he has confirmed that the date on the coin IS "1996". He also said that the Arabic date on the coin is "1416". Price is US$4.50 + US$2.00 postage. 14. Syria Bi-metallic 25 Pounds 1996 (2)...by Gerhard Schon, Germany Syria has a great new Bi-metallic coin. Here is the description: Face value: 25 Lira (Pounds) Metal: CuAlNi ring, Ni center Obverse: Coat of arms, dates AH1416/AD1996 below, ornamental border Reverse: Building of the Central Bank of Syria, name of the bank in small letters above, two numerals 25 at sides, circular legend above "al-Jamhuriyat al-Arabiyat as-Suriya" (Arabic Republic of Syria), below "khams wa ishrin lirat suriya" (twenty-five Syrian Pounds) 15. Australian inlay Bi-metallic..........by Joel Anderson, USA Also I noticed on page 91 of the Dec.1 Coin World that Downies Ltd. is offering a Australia Kookaburra 1 oz. silver (struck at the Perth Mint) with a Thomas Edison commemorative gold inlay showing a light bulb (Limited Edition 2500 pieces, price 49 US Dollars). Not sure what Australia and Kookaburras have to do with Edison, but it is a Bi-metallic and another way that promoters try to extract money from collectors. Address is Downie's Ltd. PO Box 23064-CW, Lansing, MI 48909 Phone 1-800-6-DOWNIES or + 517-394-7224 Fax + 571-394-0579 No e-mail address listed. 16. Bi-metallic Inlay Privy Mint...........by Rod Sell, Australia The Inlay Privy Marks of the Perth Mint Silver issues are fairly interesting. The Perth Mint started issuing 1 ounce silver collector coins in 1990 featuring the Kookaburra a well known Australian Bird. They started making special Privy Marks for the coin fairs from July 1992 with limited numbers issued with each privy mark. In 1994 a Gold Inlay privy mark was used and has been used since for each different fair. * Sydney March 26-27 1994 Queen Victoria Portrait * Melbourne July 16-17 1994 Edward VII Portrait * Perth August 20-21 1994 George V Large Head Portrait * Sydney November 19-20 1994 Geroge V Small Head Portrait * Sydney April 1-2 1995 Parliament House as in 1927 Florin * Hobart May 13-14 1995 Federation as in 1951 Florin * Melbourne July 15-16 1995 Melbourne Centenary as in 1935 Florin * Sydney November 25-26 1995 Royal Visit as in 1954 Florin * Sydney March 23-24 1996 Spade Guinea * Adelaide May 4-5 1996 Ducat * Melbourne July 6-7 1996 Johanna * Sydney November 16-17 1996 Star Pagoda The Perth Mint (Goldcorp) have also issued other privy marks not associated with coin fairs. The also have limited issue numbers. European Country Series in 1996 * Germany - Brandenburg Gate * France - Eiffel Tower * Great Britain - Tower Bridge * Greece - Colossus of Rhodes * Belgium - Atomium symbol 17. No doubts anymore ??...by Martin Peeters, WBCC Focal point In WBCC Newsmail 67, item 12, our WBCC member John Bucek, Switserland, had doubts about the excisting of: * 5 Rouble 1992 KM-312 Mintmark Leningrad in oval. * 10 Rouble 1991 KM-295 Mintmark Moscow in oval. * 50 Rouble 1992 KM-315 Mintmark Moscow in oval. * 100 Rouble 1992 KM-1992 Mintmark Moscow in oval. Now our new WBCC member Wadim Nensberg, E-mail: nensberg@mega.ru from Russia mailed me the following: I have in my collection both: * 50 Rouble 1992 KM-315 Mintmark Moscow in oval. * 100 Rouble 1992 KM-1992 Mintmark Moscow in oval. But wish to say that these issues were experemental and are too hard to find even in Russia. If you wish to have these coins please ask me and I'll try to find. 18. Looking for Bi-metallics............by Michael Doran, USA Dealer from Illinois buying bimetal coins from all countries at wholesale (dealer) prices. All coins must be Uncirculated. Inquires may contact me, Michael Doran, WBCC Member #74, by e-mail at blu-dolphin@colint.com, by regular mail at: Michael Doran P.O. Box 1038 Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914-7038 Phone: (815) 932-0294 19. Coin World article.......by Martin Peeters, Netherlands In the US coinpaper Coin World of November 10th. 1997, I could the following article: --Quote Just Wonder-ing Eight-coin Gibraltar set notes nature Gibraltar, home to one of the natural wonders of the world, has released a set of eight coins honoring not only that natural wonder, but the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Each of the "Wonders of the World" 1-crown coins features a 1-gram gold coin struck within the .925 fine silver crown. Each of the gold inserts reproduces an ancient gold coin from the period commemorated by the particular crown. The eight Gibraltrian coins were struck by the Pobjoy Mint in England. The reverses of the coins honor the Pillars of Hercules (the Rock of Gibraltar is one of the two pillars) and the seven additional man-made wonders. The Pillars of Hercules coin features a figure of Hercules with the Rock of Gibraltar between two pillars. The pillars represent Gibraltar and Ceuta (on the African side), located at the mouth of the Mediterranean Sea where it enters the Atiantic Ocean. The 1-gram gold insert réproduces an ancient Greek gold coin of Macedonian style of about 336 B.C. A second coin depicts the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. The mausoleum was built for Mausolus, ruler of Caria, and was the greatest funerary monument of its day. The gold insert duplicates a coin of Syria of about 281 B.C. A third coin depicts the Pyramids of Egypt. The gold insert reproduces a fantasy gold coin depicting Cleopatra VII of Egypt of about 30 B.C. as she appears on other contemporary coins. A fourth coin marks the Temple of Artemis in the Ionian city of Ephesus. The temple was the first monument of the ancient East recovered by archaeologists from modern Europe. The temple to Artemis represented a cult religion that was situated at the center of the city market. The gold insert depicts a bee similar to that depicted on the coins of ancient Ephesus. A fifth coin marks the Pharos of Alexandria in Egypt. The pharos became the term for a lighthouse or beacon by which mariners are directed as well as for any bright light or lantern. The ancient pharos was on an island. A gold coin of Ptolemy II depicting his wife Arsinoe is the subject of the gold insert. A sixth coin coin depicts the seated statue of Zeus (the Statue of Zeus-Olympia), which was made of ivory and designed by Pheidias about 435 B.C. The statue held a figure of Victory and scepter on which an eagle was perched. The gold insert is modeled after an ancient Greek coin of about 300 B.C. A seventh coin depicts the 110-foot Colossus of Rhodes, designed by Chares. The Colossus eventually fell from the sea walls of the city following an earthquake. The gold insert depicts a rose bud as seen on coins of that Greek city-state of about 400 B.C. An eighth coin commemorates the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. The gold replica reproduces a non-round lion and bull electrum coin of Lydia of about 565 B.C. Lydia is considered the home of the invention of the coin in the Western world. The obverse of each coin depicts the crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right with her name, date and Gibraltar. Each coin is composed of .925 fine silver and contains one gram of gold affixed to the reverse. The coins have a weight of 29.28 grams and diameter of 38.6 millimeters. Mintage is 7,500 pieces per coin. Orders should be sent to: Pobjoy USA PO Box 109 Rosemount, Minn. 55068 USA --Unquote 20. Singapore 1998 Mintset...by Martin Peeters, Netherlands On the Singapore's Hompage (http://www.singaporemint.com.sg/new.htm) I could read the following: --Quote A unique Greeting Gift - The 1998 Hongbao Coin Set A complete set of uncirculated 1998 coins, comprising 1¢, 5¢, 10¢, 20¢, 50¢, $1 coins and a special $5 coin, will be issued in an auspiciously designed hongbao folders. Mintage: Based on demand, Price 14.42 Dollars. --Unquote I was curious to know if the 5 Dollars was, as in earlier Singapore Hongboa sets, is a Bi-metallic. From Lily Choi (sgmint01@cyberway.com.sg) of the Singapore mint I've the conformation, the 5 Dollars 1998 is indeed a Bi-metallic. "See" you next week Martin Peeters, Focal Point of the Worldwide Bi-metallic Collectors Club martinp@concepts.nl