Australia – George VI – Florin – 1944 – Uncirculated – KM-40
Austria – 150th Anniversary of National Bank – 50 Schillings – 1966 – Unc – KM2900
Austria – Olympische Winterspiele Innsbruck – 50 Schilling – 1964 – BU – KM-2896
This bimetallic coin issued by Austria honors one of that country’s great composers, Johann Strauss II.
Austria – Maria Theresa Thaler – Official Restrike – 1780 – Silver – – This is an official restrike of “the world’s most famous silver coin,” the 1780 Maria Theresa Taler. In its heyday it was the most widely accepted silver coin in the Middle East and North Africa, becoming almost an unofficial currency in some lands. The 1780 Taler was so established that it remained the most trusted money in North Africa into the 20th century. Thanks to the laws of the Austrian Republic and the decree of 1857, the 1780 Maria Theresa Taler has continued to be struck and remains an official coin of trade in the world to this day. The Maria Theresa Taler belongs in every world coin collection because of its history and significance.
Austria – Theodor Billroth Geb – 2 Schilling – 1929 – Extra Fine – KM-2844
Belgium – King Baudouin – 250 Franks – 1976 – Uncirculated – KM157.1
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – 1 Reale – 1773 JR – Extra Fine – KM52 A Sublime Little Coin
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – Half Reale – 1780 PR – Extra Fine – KM51
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – 1 Reale – 1802 PP – Fine – KM70
Bolivia – Potosi Mint Doubling on Legend and Bust – 1 Reale – 1808 PJ – Very Fine – KM70 Nice Profile Doubling
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – 1 Reale – 1821 PJ – Very Fine – KM87
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – Half Reale – 1821 PJ – Very Fine – KM90
Bolivia – Potosi Mint – Half Reale – 1823 PJ – Fine – KM90
This piece has been graded by NGC as AU 50 and is identified with the serial number 3102411-138.
The European wolf is one of the world’s rarest mammals. Few European countries still have substantial numbers of wolves. European wolves have managed to survive only in the most remote, mountainous, or densely forested regions Wolves (Canis lupus) were the most widespread terrestrial mammal after humans, living throughout most of the northern hemisphere. Although the wolf is a protected species in most European countries, some hunters see no reason to stop killing wolves for sport, and will pay a great deal of money for the privilege. Wolf survival in Europe obviously requires more than simple legislations. A few wolves have started to re-colonize western and northern Europe. They come from remnant populations in Spain, Italy and Eastern Europe which are now recovering because of legal protection. Almost as extinct as the species it depicts, this Legal Tender 500 Dinara Crown from Bosnia-Herzegovina has been almost impossible to find in the secondary market since its release. I was fortunate enough to be able to acquire a small group of these pieces in Europe.
The Arabian horse is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful breeds of horses, with a reputation for intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina. The Arabian is one of the most easily recognized breeds in the world with a fine wedge-shaped head, a broad forehead, large dark eyes and a small muzzle with large nostrils.
The long-standing Chinese horse culture is characterized by its profoundness and extensiveness. With a brilliant and advanced horse culture, China was among the first nations to raise horses. More than 5,000 years ago, Chinese people began using carts pulled by horses. During the Zhou Dynasty (about 1100-221BC), horses were generally divided into six categories: the stud horse, military horse, ceremonial horse, post horse, hunting horse and fatigue horse. A relatively complete horse administration organization had been built up in the Qin and Han dynasties (221BC-AD220). About 300,000 horses were raised in the frontier northwestern regions in the Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220), and at the beginning of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907) the number increased to 700,000, with the administration having been greatly improved. More than 7,000 fine breeds of horses were introduced from remote western regions to improve the quality of military horses. The thriving of horse breeding not only played an important role in national defense, but also propelled cultural communications between China and other nations in the west.
The British refer to a horse used primarily for pleasure rides as a “Hack”, although the horse depicted on this crown seems to be a bit spirited for the term Hack. In any event, this beautiful piece would make a nice addition to any collection.
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