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The Australian Silver Kookaburra should captivate both the coin collector and numismatist alike. Collectors who number birds as their theme specialty will be happy to realize that this silver coin bears the image of the local Australian bird kookaburra etched in relief.

This bird is a land-based member of kingfisher family which is classified under the genus Dacelo. This large kingfisher is most peculiar for its loud bird call akin to good-natured human laughter. This pleasant disposition of the bird plus the fact that it is found only in Australia are perhaps the main reasons why the Perth Mint in Australia decided to honor the Kookaburra in a silver coin.

The Australian Silver Kookaburra first came out of the Perth Mint at Western Australia in 1990. An introduction which many numismatists must have already taken careful note of as this coin is already nearing its 20th year continuous mintage. The Kookaburra is minted in four sizes with its 32.5 oz. (1-kilo) version consider as one of the largest government-issued silver bullion coins in the world. This coin, which also comes in sizes of 10 oz., 2 oz. and 1 oz., is legal tender, with the 1-kilo size having a face value of 30 Australian dollars.

The Australian Silver Kookaburra has 32.151 troy ounces of silver of 99.99% purity, making it a prized addition to coin collections. Characteristic of Australian bullion coins, the image of Queen Elizabeth graces the head of the Silver Kookaburra. The design of the Kookaburra featured on the reverse side changes every year of minting, a subtle theme variation that should whet the interest of many coin collectors. The 2007 Silver Kookaburra, for instance, has already won the affection of many avid numismatists.

This one features the amiable kookaburra hovering over a twig half-sunken in water, one artistic rendering that should enhance the coins value year after year.

No coin collection can be complete without a fine set of Mexican gold coins, most specifically the Mexican 50 Peso gold coin. An affordable coin made of 90% gold alloy and 10% copper alloy, this specimen is a great investment for those collecting gold bullion coins, and is one of the most durable in the Western Hemisphere.

The Mexican 50 Peso gold coin was issued in 1921 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain. It is the first ever such gold coin issued and therefore is also known as the Centenario.

The coin is a beautifully rendered specimen that displays an image commonly known as “Winged Victory” carrying a laurel wreath in her right hand and a segment of broken chains in her left hand. Behind the image of Winged Victory can be seen two of Mexico’s most well known volcanoes. The date 1821 on one side of the coin indicates the commemorative year, while the data on the right will designate the year the coin was minted.

Roughly 4 million specimens of this particular coin were minted between 1949 and 1972, and are referred to as restrikes. However, 50 Peso denominations of Mexican gold coins that were minted before 1949 are considered the favorites, as well as those minted in 1921 in 1931. The reverse side of the coin displays the Mexican coat of arms, and an eagle delicately balanced on a cactus holding a serpent in its beak.

The Mexican 50 Peso gold coin contains a fineness of .900 and contains 37.5 g troy ounce. For a taste of independence and a piece of history, investors and collectors accumulating Mexican gold coins should make room in their portfolio for this very special Mexican 50 Peso gold coin specimen.

Study of coins in known as Numismatics and this ancillary discipline is of great significance for studying about any human society even our own. Over the past couple of centuries the study of coins has become for many people an end itself. Hobbyists have actually made many contributions of lasting import to the academic discipline itself, which remains relatively small as it occupies a niche in the academic world. Because a coin has two sides it makes it a very interesting study.

Initially, their worth (in the past as well as present) as currency. Roman coinage had definite gold in them which made those stable for centuries;but Roman economic power had a fall when in the Third Century Ad the Roman coinage was devalued.

Coins that were comprised of any gold or silver have been ‘clipped’, meaning tiny bits of the coin have been shaved off by a dishonest person in order to melt it down and make a profit.

The value of money can be associated with its history; for example Maria Theresa’s coins were well know due to their stability and quality, as well as the fact that they were beautifully artistic. Jand the obverse as well, but they tend to remain constant),and here is the second fascination. In the case of Athens it was mainly silver,the ancient Greek cities each issued their own coinage.

Some of these coins are works of art in themselves, especially the golden coins from Sicily. Roman coins are a bit more practical, as are most coins minted in Europe in the middle ages and later. Especially those from the early twentieth century before paper,still many fine busts of rulers appear on coins from all over Europe, as indeed on American coins. fiat money became too common. The American coins tend to be constant in subject, unlike the coins from Europe, though the Roosevelt dime is an obvious exception This does not, however, detract from the beauty of many early American coins which are highly prized by collectors and professionals.

Many silver dollars are great examples of the numismatic art; they are particularly sought after. The Buffalo nickel is also proving difficult to find. At initial level a coin collector can grow interest in coin collecting because of a number of reasons:some marks in the coin where it was minted;issuing date;the subjects that are in the reverse side and the obverse as well, but they tend to remain constant. Starting the hobby is very easy, the thrill of hunting down that last coin that will complete your collection is fun.

Collecting unique Challenge Coins such as the Coast Guard Challenge Coin is fast rising in popularity nowadays. Both men and women alike take the challenge and the chance of having a free soda or beer. The military has totally started a tradition that proves their soft side, which is satisfied by just having a bottle of beer. There are still a lot of people who don’t know the Challenge Coin Rules very well, despite the fact that this is one easy challenge, If you’re in the dark about the rules of the Challenge, the following will help to enlighten you.

The first rule in the challenge requires you to know the kind of coin used in the game.

A Challenge Coin is not just an ordinary coin that can be found in a key chain, a belt bucket, or attached to a paperweight. It is something that represents a unit organization or a group, and that the coin is safely placed in one’s pocket or safe box. However, there is one exception to the Challenge Coin rules. Coins that are placed in a clasp or a holder and then worn like a necklace are an exception to the rule, since these are considered valuable coins - and considered as Challenge Coins.

The challenge begins with either a visual or verbal check.

The visual coin check is done by simply placing your Challenge Coin on a plain surface in a force-sufficient manner. This will alarm everyone that you are putting up a coin challenge. The verbal coin check is done by holding up your coin in the air and expressing your intention to challenge. You have to state it in a loud manner so that everyone in the crowd would know that you are initiating a coin challenge. This is true for the challenger.

If you are the one being challenged, the right response according to the Challenge Coin rules is to simply produce your coin and then present it to the challenger.

Remember, the coin is not just an ordinary coin. It should be an acceptable coin. If you happen to present a coin from a different unit you will take the consequence.

If you did not respond properly to the challenge, you will have to buy the challenger a drink of his choice and all the members who participated in the challenge.

In the reverse side, if all the members responded correctly to the challenge, the challenger will be the one to buy the drinks. If you fail or refuse to buy a drink, you may be subjected to a despicable crime, and you will be required to turn over your coin to the agency where it was issued. There is no right place and right time to initiate the challenge. You can do it anytime you want, wherever you want. You can even do it right in the middle of a long walk.

Now that you know the Challenge Coin Rules, be sure to carry your coin at all times if you do not want to spend a couple of bucks to buy drinks. But, just in case you’re not sure about your coin, it’s also a good idea to carry some money in your pocket!