Estimated price: 13,000 EURPtolemaic dynasty. Ptolemy IV, 221-204 BC.
Octodrachm / Mnaieion, Alexandria. Extremely fine.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 9079
Estimated price: 10,000 EURRoman Empire. Nerva, 96-98. Aureus. Extremely fine.Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90187
Estimated price: 5,000 EURRoman Empire. Antoninus Pius, 138-161. Aureus.
From Münzen und Medaillen AG. About mint state.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90208
Estimated price: 1,500 EURMonaco. 2 euros 2007. 25th anniversary of the death of Grace
Kelly. Extremely fine to FDC.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90568
Estimated price: 25,000 EURNassau-Weilburg. Charles Christian, 1753-1788.
Gold medal of 25 ducats, 1782, by A. Schäffer. Extremely rare.
Extremely fine.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 901151
Estimated price: 10,000 EURChina. Hsuan Tung, 1908-1911. 20 cents n.d. (1908).
PCGS MS64. FDC.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90690
Estimated price: 15,000 EURChina. Xinjiang. 1 mace n.d. (1907). PCGS AU55. Extremely fine.Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90733
Estimated price: 16,000 EURBrandenburg-Bayreuth. Christian Ernst, 1655-1712. 1679 taler,
Nuremberg. Extremely rare.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 90994
Estimated price: 13,000 EURGerman Empire. Oldenburg. 10 marks, 1874. Showpiece!
Extremely rare in this quality! PCGS MS63. About FDC.
Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 901993
Estimated price: 5,850 EURGerman East Africa. 15 rupees, 1916, Tabora. About mint state.Heidelberger Münzhandlung Grün: Auction 902246
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Ruthenium on Euro Commemorative Coins: Mints Turn to Innovative Finishes – with the Blessing of Central Banks

By Sebastian Wieschowski

Have you ever heard of ruthenium? For most coin collectors and precious metal investors, this platinum-group metal has likely gone unnoticed – and for good reason. Ruthenium is one of the rarest non-radioactive elements on Earth, found only in minute quantities in the Earth’s crust. Its primary use is as an alloying element with other platinum-group metals. As a result, coins made of pure ruthenium simply do not exist.

Three precious metals on a single coin – Malta honours its first collector coin with contemporary finishing techniques. Photo: Central Bank of Malta.

Three precious metals on a single coin – Malta honours its first collector coin with contemporary finishing techniques. Photo: Central Bank of Malta.

Instead, ruthenium has occasionally been used to enhance modern silver coins, particularly in the context of teleshopping and mail-order sales. These were always private, aftermarket colour applications. However, for the first time, a eurozone country has issued a commemorative coin featuring rare ruthenium galvanisation: Malta has released a €5 flower-shaped coin adorned with ruthenium, yellow gold, and palladium.

In sequential steps, the individual parts of the coin are galvanised. Photo: Central Bank of Malta

In sequential steps, the individual parts of the coin are galvanised. Photo: Central Bank of Malta

This exotic masterpiece carries a deeper meaning: Malta’s coin commemorates its first collector coin from 1977, which depicted the Maltese bee. The design highlights the country’s historical connection to beekeeping and its commitment to preserving natural heritage.

Gilded and antique finish – with the approval of the Croatian Central Bank. Photo: Croatian Mint.

Gilded and antique finish – with the approval of the Croatian Central Bank. Photo: Croatian Mint.

Malta’s new commemorative coin reflects a broader trend in modern numismatics: an increasing number of eurozone countries are adopting innovative finishing techniques, which have traditionally been the hallmark of private mints and distributors. Croatia recently issued its Dragon of Trsat coin with an antique finish and partial gilding – two effects previously more commonly seen on TV or in the glossy catalogues of mail-order companies.

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