Coins From Around the World'16 Panda,'17 Kruggerand'16 Am Eagle'17 Canadian

  

Why is this lot AuSOME Coins from around the world so AuSOME? Let us begin on this AMAZING quest and dive into the rich history of each coin. Our journey begins in the Far East, where we encounter the captivating 2016 Chinese Silver Panda Moon Festival coin. This remarkable 1 oz High Relief Silver Panda Proof Medal holds special significance as it commemorates the Moon Festival.

999 fine Silver at the esteemed China Mint, these proofs were struck to perfection at the Shenzhen Guobao Mint. Each coin is minted on specially prepared 1oz. 999 pure Silver planchets using highly polished dies.

Notably, these medals bear no face value. The Chinese Moon Festival, akin to Thanksgiving in the United States, is a holiday that fosters family gatherings and expressions of gratitude. Ancient civilizations relied on the moon as a precise timekeeping tool, lending further cultural depth to this coin. We then voyage across the Pacific to South Africa, where we discover the 50th anniversary Silver Krugerrand.

Originating on July 3, 1967, the Krugerrand was initially minted to promote South African gold. Produced by Rand Refinery and the South African Mint, its name is a fusion of Paul Kruger, the former President of the South African Republic (depicted on the obverse), and "rand, " the national currency. The reverse side showcases a springbok, South Africa's national animal, captured in a pronking pose. While gold Krugerrand coins lack a face value, they possess legal tender status in South Africa as per the South African Reserve Bank Act (SARBA) of 1989. In 2017, the Rand Refinery introduced silver versions, featuring the same design as their gold counterparts. Our journey continues as we traverse the Atlantic Ocean, arriving in the United States, home to one of the world's most widely collected coins-the American Silver Eagle. Introduced on November 24, 1986, by the United States Mint, the American Silver Eagle holds the distinction of being the official silver bullion coin of the United States. Weighing precisely one troy ounce and containing 99.9% pure silver, it carries a nominal face value of one dollar. Its legitimacy and specifications are established by Title II of Public Law 99-61, known as the Liberty Coin Act, approved on July 9, 1985. In addition to the bullion version, the United States Mint also produces proof and uncirculated versions for numismatic enthusiasts. The Silver Eagle is struck at three mints: the Philadelphia Mint, the San Francisco Mint, and the West Point Mint. Notably, the American Silver Eagle bullion coin is eligible for Individual Retirement Account (IRA) investments. For over 500 years, select European mints have issued double-thickness "piedfort" coins exclusively for nobility, dignitaries, and esteemed collectors. With a limited mintage of just 7,000, this pure silver coin is exempt from HST/GST. The term "piedfort, " derived from the French language, originally meant "strong foot" and historically signified a coin of greater thickness. In the modern context, "piedfort" refers to a coin that exceeds typical thickness. The reverse design, created by Canadian artist Pierre Leduc, holds profound significance on Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation. It pays tribute to the nation's evolving history through its primary national icons.

A transition divides the center field, with classic depictions on the left representing the nation's past (1867), while contemporary versions on the right symbolize the present (2017) and the future. Both icons, resplendent with selective gold plating, are prominently displayed. The beaver, symbolizing Canada's sovereignty, showcases highly detailed textural elements on its tail and back half, transitioning into a stylized silhouette for a modern interpretation.

Behind the beaver lies the iconic maple leaf, with its serrated edges and deeply veined lobes, symbolizing strength and widely recognized throughout the design. The left portion captures a natural and lifelike appearance reminiscent of the reverse of the beloved Silver Maple Leaf (SML) coin, while the right portion emphasizes symmetry and exudes strength.

The reverse side also features the engraved date "2017, " the word "CANADA, " and the denomination 25 Dollars. On the obverse, Susanna Blunt's effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II takes center stage, accompanied by selective gold plating. These remarkable coins from various corners of the world serve as testaments to the artistry, cultural significance, and numismatic heritage they represent.