Livonian Order. Gotthard Kettler, 1559-1561.
2 1/2 Ducats n. d., mint probably Riga.
Extremely rare.
Almost extremely fine.
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
Sovereign n. d., (1584-1586), London.
Very rare.
Slightly bent, almost extremely fine.
Mustafa III, 1757-1774.
2 Zeri Mahbub 1757/1758 (= 1171 AH), Misr (Kairo)
Ziynet pattern.
Very rare.
Holed, almost extremely fine.
Carlos III, 1759-1788.
8 Escudos 1764, NR-JV,
Santa Fe de Nuevo Reino (Bogota).
NGC AU58.
Rare. Extremely fine.
Bankportugalöser in the weight of 10 Ducats 1689,
by J. Reteke, on the major European banking cities of
Amsterdam, Hamburg, Nuremberg, and Venice.
NGC MS63 PL. Very rare.
Extremely fine-uncirculated.
Penny 1919.
Copper-nickel pattern of the “Kookaburra Penny”
by C. D. Richardson for Stokes & Sons. Extremely rare.
PCGS SP 61.
Tiny edge faults, extremely fine.
Vereenigde Amsterdamsche Compagnie.
1/2 Daalder in the weight of 4 Reales 1601, Dordrecht.
Extremely rare. Fine patina,
very fine-extremely fine.
5 Gulden type 1846.
Highest rarity (RRRR).
PMG Choice Very Fine 35.
1000 Gulden type 1860.
Highest rarity (RRRR).
PMG Extremely Fine 40.
Pinholes. Pressed.
Leonhard von Keutschach, 1495-1519.
3 Ducats 1513. Extremely rare.
Attractive piece with nice golden toning, min. bent,
extremely fine.
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.
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
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.
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.
