US Silver Half Dollar Coins: Design and Value (1/2 dollar)
Illustrated Specimen Details: 1/2 Dollar (USA) Example Specimen: 1/2 dollar, 1964 (USA) Design & Heraldry: This silver 1/2 dollar coin, known among numismatists as the "Kennedy Half Dollar," was issued to commemor…
Grano Coin: Etymology, Neapolitan Monetary System
Illustrated Specimen Details: 1 Grano (Kingdom of Naples) Example Specimen: 1 grano, 1789 (Kingdom of Naples) Authority & Heraldry: This copper 1 grano coin was minted under Ferdinand IV (Ferdinando di Borbone-Due Sicilie),…
Cedi Coin: From Cowrie Shells to Modern Ghana Money
Illustrated Specimen Details: 500 Cedis (Republic of Ghana) Example Specimen: 500 cedis, 1996 (Republic of Ghana) Design & Heraldry: The obverse of this coin features the shield from the national coat of arms of Ghana, nota…
Poltura: From Silver to Copper Hungarian Coins
Illustrated Specimen Details: Poltura (Kingdom of Hungary) Example Specimen: Poltura, 1765 (Kingdom of Hungary) Authority & Heraldry: This beautiful copper poltura was minted during the reign of Maria Theresa, ruler of the …
Baisa: From Dhofari Rial to the Modern Omani System
Illustrated Specimen Details: 100 Baisa (Muscat and Oman) Example Specimen: 100 baisa, 1970 (Sultanate of Muscat and Oman) Historical Context & Authority: This beautiful coin is dated 1970, marking the final year of existen…
Decime Coin: France's First Decimal Currency System
Illustrated Specimen Details: 1 Decime (French Republic) Example Specimen: 1 decime, 1796 (French First Republic) Authority & Heraldry: This historic copper coin was struck during the era of the French First Republic. The o…
Kyat: From Ancient Burmese Weight to Modern Coins
Illustrated Specimen Details: 100 Kyats (Myanmar) Example Specimen: 100 kyats, 1999 (Republic of the Union of Myanmar) Authority & Heraldry: This copper-nickel coin was issued by the Central Bank of Myanmar in 1999. The leg…
Ruble: Silver Content, Mintage, and Linguistic Origins
Illustrated Specimen Details: 1 Ruble (Soviet Union) Example Specimen: 1 ruble, 1924 (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) Authority & Heraldry: This iconic silver coin was minted during the early era of the Union of Soviet…
Loti: The National Currency of Lesotho Explained
Illustrated Specimen Details: 5 Maloti (Lesotho) Example Specimen: 5 maloti, 1998 (Kingdom of Lesotho) Authority & Heraldry: This coin was struck under the authority of Letsie III, King of Lesotho (1990-1995 and 1996-presen…
Collecting Ancient Indian Coins: Thick Copper Takka
Illustrated Specimen Details: Copper Takka Example Specimen: Takka, 1843-1873 (Jodhpur State, India) Authority & Heraldry: This extremely thick copper coin was struck under the authority of Takht Singh, the Maharaja of Jodh…