Commemorative coins of Turkey : 04

It took a while since my previous post on Turkish commemorative coins, but thanks to my good friend, I'm able to continue this series of articles on the - amazing - commemorative coins of Turkey.

Each year (starting in 2009), Turkey has issued 2 commemorative coins on (endangered) animals living in Turkey.

older articles can be found under : http://rainbowstampsandcoins.blogspot.com/search/label/bimetallic coin

The two coins of the 2012 set are the Anatolian Leopard and the Red Deer.
Both coins share the same front side - showing the year 2012.

2012 front of the Turkish Commemorate coins

The Anatolian Leopard

The Anatolian Leopard, is certainly an endagered animal, and for a while it was even unsure if the rare leopard was still actually living in the anatolian/asian part of Turkey.
In the last 3 decades, only few animals were spotted, and unfortunately also captured and killed.
The latest report of a leopard dates from 2013 in the Trabzon area, and a captured animal in the same year is considered to be a Persian leopard
Also in the neighbouring country Syria, the last (Anatolian) leopard was spotted, and killed in 1963.
Leopard found further on, Galilee, Golan Heights and Judean Dessert, are Arabian Leopards.

This makes that the last official registered Anatolian Leopard in Turkey, dates from 1974 already.

Anatolian Leopard

Commemorative coin Turkey '12 - Anatolian Leopard

The coin :

• Country : Turkey
• Face Value : 1 Lira
• Year : 2012
• Mintage : 15 000
• Weight (g) : 8,30
• Diameter (mm) : 26,15
• Alloy : Bimetal (CuNiZn)
• Issue Date : October 23, 2012

The Red Deer

This animal is quite common and can be found all over Europe, from the Heigh North, till the Meditteranean Area, from Portugal to Minor Asia.

Red Deer

The Red Deer - and all of its 18 subspecies - is the fourth largest group of  deer species, behind moose, elk and sambar deer. Female species can weight up to 150 kilograms, and their male equivalents varie between 240, and even 500 kg (!) in the Carphatian Mountains... my dear ...

The coin :

Commemorative coin Turkey '12 - Red Deer

• Face Value : 1 Lira
• Year : 2012
• Mintage : 15 000
• Weight (g) : 8,30
• Diameter (mm) : 26,15
• Alloy : Bimetal (CuNiZn)
• Issue Date : October 23, 2012

to be continued ...

Currency today : the Netherlands 02

In several European countries, recently princes have enherited the thrones of their fathers.
Moneywise, lost of coins therefore, have new designs, with the new monarch depicted.

In The Netherlands, Queen Beatrix has abdicated in favour of her son King Willem-Alexander.
As I wrote earlier, when a king/queen is depicted facing the left, his ancestor and his successor will be depicted facing the left.
see : http://rainbowstampsandcoins.blogspot.com/2013/03/currency-today-netherlands-01_6734.html

Queen Beatrix appears on all coins looking to the left, so King Willem-Alexander is looking the opposite way.

The first new coin that was issued, is the regular circulation coin.

On the left we see Queen Beatrix, facing the left, on the right, King Willem-Alexander is facing right.
The design of the king's head is also a more modern design.

Queen Beatrix (left) - King Willem-Alexander (right)

Two commemorative coins were also emitted, both with the two monarchs.
On the left coin, (the Beatrix-coin) we see the Queen in the front (facing left as usual) en behind her
the former prince Willem-Alexander.

The second coin (thed Willem-Alexander-coin), shows King Willem-Alexander in the front (facing right as usual) en behind him, former Queen, now Princess Beatrix.

Queen Beatrix (left) - King Willem-Alexander (right)

It's a nice tribute to the countrywide respected Queen Beatrix, and a nice way to express the change of power in the Netherlands.

Thai coins : 01 g - 10 baht commemorative coins

The next episode in the (almost) never ending story of commemorative coins of Thailand.

Y # 402

In 2005 (BE 2548) a coin was emitted to honour the Treasury Department.
This department, is part of the Thai Ministry of Finance.

King Rama IX - Y 402 front

seal Treasury Dept. - Y 402 back

The seal is rather small depicted on the coin.
It shows a dragon with wings - phoenix with tail.

Seal Treasury Department

Y # 411

Earlier issued, but with a higher number in the catalogue, is the next coin.
Again, a commemorative coin, to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Royal Scolar Board.
The foundation of this institued in 1934, took place under King Rama VII (King Prajadhipok).

On the coin, both kings, King Rama VII and King Rama IX are depicted.

King Rama VII and King Rama IX

The back of the coin shows teh Royal Scolar Board's seal.

Royal Scolar Board's Seal

Y # 412

Another 70th anniversary that was commemorated in 2004, is the Queen's 70th anniversary.
Queen Sirikit can be found on the front of the coin; the royal seal on the back of the coin.

Queen Sirikit - Y 412 front

Royal seal - Y 412 back

Queen Sirikit of Thailand

Y # 413

The last coin for today, is not for an anniversary, but was issued at the occasion of the World IUCN Conservation Congress, that was held in Thailand in 2004.
IUCN is the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Again the front of the coins shows the bust of King Rama IX, the back of the coin shows the logo of the IUCN.

The congress was held in Bangkok in November 2004, under the titel : "People and Nature, only one world..."

IUCN 2004

Y 413 - front

Y 413 - back IUCN logo

more to follow...

Commemorative coins of Turkey : 03

I reported previously about Turkish commemorative coins depicting endangered animal.
Today's post is about 2 new coins (dated 2011 - issued 2012).

The first coin bares the image of a bear.
The 'Boz Ayı' is better known as the Brown bear (Grizzly Bear) or Ursus Arctos.
Altough the coins are about endangered or (nearly) extinct animals, the Brown bear is quite common.
He can be found from teh northwestern part of Canada, over Alaska, to the north part of Russia and Finland. But also in the Balcan area, and parts of Turkey.

1 Lira coin 2011 - issued 2012 - brown bear

Face Value: 1 Türkish Lira
Metal: CuprıNickel

Diameter: 26,15 mm

Weight: 8,3 gr

Bimetallic with plain edge

Max. Issue: 11.000 in Turkey, 4.000 to export

Design: Nalan Yerlibucak

Released : 02.01.2012

For the second coin, I have a little question:

Does the name "Aslan" rings a bell?
For those who haven't seen 'Narnia' (Narnia, the lion, the witch and the wardrobe), "Aslan" is the son of the Emperor-beyond-the-Sea, and comes from the land or world – its exact nature is unknown – known as Aslan's Country.

Aslan is also a (Turkish) name (derived from Arsaelan, and means 'lion').

You will have discovered now that the second coin in this 2011 set (date on the coin) is about the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) aka Persian -, Indian - or Eurasian Lion. (Other types of Asiatic Lions are the Arabian Lions and the Bengali Lions).
The "asya aslanı" once lived from the Mediterranean to the northeastern parts of the Indian subcontinent. Now it's a highly endangered animal, with about 500 species left in India.

1 Lira coin 2011 - issued 2012 - asiatic lion

Face Value: 1 Türkish Lira

Metal: CuprıNickel

Diameter: 26,15 mm

Weight: 8,3 gr

Bimetallic with plain edge

Max. Issue: 11.000 in Turkey, 4.000 to export

Design: Nalan Yerlibucak

Released : 02.01.2012

Commemorative coins of Turkey : 02

Athough the date on the next coins is 2010, these commemorative coins of Turkey were emitted in January 2011.
It's the second set of coins with endangered or extinguised species of Turkey.

Front side of the commemorative coin

Ankara Cat

Sivas Kangal Dog

Face Value: 1 Türkish Lira

Metal: CuprıNickel

Diameter: 26,15 mm

Weight: 8,3 gr

Bimetallic with plain edge

Max. Issue: 11.000 in Turkey, 4.000 to export

Design: Nalan Yerlibucak

Released : 03.01.2011 (till 03.01.2013)

The first coin (Ankara cat) is better know as the Turkish Angora Cat.

The name 'angora' comes from the Ankara region, historically known as Angora.

Turkish Angora cats are extremely active, intelligent, and involved.
The eyes may be blue, green, or amber, or even odd-eyed (one blue and one amber or green).

green eyes - blue eyes ...

... or one of each ?

The second coin depices the Sivas Shepard Dog that has its origine in the Kangal district in the Sivas province in Turkey.

This dog is not really a herding dog, but as a flock guardian that lives with the flock to actively fend off wolves.

Turkish Kangal Dog

to be continued...

Commemorative coins of Turkey : 01

Turkey has a great tradition of emitting high quality commemorative coins.

Since 2009, 2 coins depicting endangered animals are issued in limited numbers.

The 2 coins of 2009 are not yet in my possession, and they might be very hard to get, as only 5000 copies were made of these commemorative 1 lira coins.
Nevertheless, I'm adding them to this post, as I want to be complete.

front 1 Turkish Lira 2009 (emitted in Jan. 2010)

Elephant - 2009

Turtle - 2009

Face Value: 1 Türk Lirasi (Turkish Lira) 

Metal: CuproNicke

Diameter: 26,15 mm

Weight: 8,3 gr

Bimetallic with plain edge

Max. Issue: 5.000

Design: Nalan Yerlibucak

Released : 04.01.2010 (till 04.01.2012)

On the coin with the elephant, we see a mother elephant with her calf.

Elephants can only be found in zoos in Turkey.
The largest population is int the Izmir Wildlife Park (Izmir)

The second coin, depicting the Caretta Caretta (the Loggerhead Sea Turtle).

It's an oceanic turtle that lives also in the Meditteranean Sea.

One of the last breeding areas in Europe, is located in Daylan (Turkey).

Daylan is known by tourists for the national park that is taking care of the breeding areas of the Caretta-turtles. Between May and August, the beaches are closed for tourists, so that the turtles can take care of their nests and young offspring.

Yearly, about 250 new nests are made. But it's a risky adventure.
The numberous tourists are a threaten to the wildlife. Turtles that smell the suncream of the tourists, leave the area and refuse to lay their eggs. Not to mention the presence of the tourists selves.

Once the eggs are layed, the sun takes care of them and after 30 days, the young baby turtles go to the sea.
After 4 years, they are old enough to cross the Altlantic.

Nest protection made by researchers

baby turtles, out of their eggs

fully grown Loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta Caretta)

If all goes well, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle has a lifespan of 47 to 67 years.

to be continued ...

Currency Today : Euro Common Design 01 d

The last set of TOR - coins only have few interesting marks, or even none at all.

Portugal and Spain

TOR Portugal 2007

Both countries have the logo of their national mint mark on the coin.
For Portugal it's :  INCM  "Imprensa Nacional – Casa de Moeda" (National Currency – Mint House) abbrev.

For Spain it's : "Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre (National Factory of Currency and Stamps)" logo
 

TOR Spain 2007

The last 3 coins don't have any mint mark at all


Austria, Ireland and Slovenia

TOR Austria 2007

TOR Ireland 2007

TOR Slovenia 2007

Currency Today : Euro Common Design 01 c

Let me continue with the TOR coins.

13 countries participated in the first common design.
All together emitting 17 coins, as Germany has 5 different coins.

The countries are :
Belgium, The Netherlands, Luxemburg, Germany (5) : see previous post

and Finland, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain.

Finland (Suomi)

Finlands coins are more rare then most other coins in this set. As Finland has no countries next to them that are using Euro coins as well, the finnish coins don't get spread that easily.

TOR Finland 2007

1. the finnish mint mark can be found in the outer circle of the coin.
  is the mint mark of the finnish mint


France

Together with german coins, french coins get spread widly all over Europe.
The french coin has two mint marks too?

TOR France 2007

1.  The cornucopia can also be seen on some coins of Luxemburg, but it's a french mint mark.

2. The hunting horn and waves is the master mint mark of H. Larivière.



Greece

Not all greek coins are made in Greece.
Some of them are minted in Spain, Finland or France.
In that case they bare the letter E (Spain), S(uomi - Finland) or F (France) in one of the stars.

TOR Greece 2007

1. the accantus leaf is the symbol of the Athens Mint

Italy

The last coin for now is the italian TOR coin.
Italy doesn't put 'treaty' of Rome, but 'treaties' of Rome, as there was more then one agreement that was signed on this event on March 25, 1957.

TOR Italy 2007

1. treaties of Rome
2. "R" mint mark of Rome

Currency Today : Euro Common Design 01 b

After a long introduction, finally the TOR-coins.
TOR stands for Treaty of Rome and eurocollectors often refer to TOR-emmision to indicate this special issue of the 2 euro coins in 2007.

Each participating country can issue one commemorative 2 euro coin per year.
Until now all coins have a mutual design for the value.
The 2 euro on the european map is uniform for all countries.
The front side is different for all countries.
One special issue is allowed per year.
But next to that special issue, there is the possibility to have one common issue for all countries.

In 2007 the first 'common design' was issued.
This in remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome in 1957.


The design shows an open book, (with the treaty), the text "Treaty of Rome" in all individual languages, the year 2007 and the name of the issuing country.

TOR Belgium

The first coin is the most interesting one : Belgium


1. Because of all national languages in Belgium, Europe is "EuropA" in Dutch and German and "EuropE" in French. To avoid language problems, EUROP A/E is on the belgian coins.

2. As it was impossible to print 'treaty of Rome' in the 3 national languages, an original solution was found... "Pactrum Romananum Qvuinquagenarium" (the latin translation) can be found on the coin.

3. However the country's name again is in French, Dutch and German again

4. Scale : mint master mark of Romain Coenen (from 2008 on all belgian coins)

5. Head of Archangel St Michael, patron saint of Brussels

Another unique coin is the coin from Luxemburg

Luxemburg has a law that says that the head of state (i.e. Grand Duke Henri of Luxemburg) should always be present on the coins. This is a problem with a 'common design' for all european countries. But the luxemburgians (or Lëtzebuergians) found an elegant solution to that problem.

A small circle was added with the Grand Duke's face.

1. The Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg appears on the coins facing to the left. He was not featured on the Luxembourgish franc as he only became Grand Duke in 2000 following the abdication of his father, Jean. Jean's portrait on the francs showed him facing to the right and it is common in a number of countries for successive monarchs to alternate the direction they faced on coins. Other euro coins issued by member states which are monarchies show their monarchs facing to the left, in common with the effigy on their legacy currencies.

2. Lëtzebuerg is the name of Luxemburg in the national language.

3.    the cornucopia, a French mintmark, since all luxemburgian coins of 2007 and 2008 were minted in France

4. Also a mint master mark : hunting horn with waves : from the french mint master : H. Larivière




Third coin : the Netherlands

Few special marks on the Dutch coin

1. Sailboat, master mint mark of Maarten Brouwer.
Since 2003 on the dutch coins

2.  Mercury's wand : mint mark of the royal dutch mint


last coin for this post .... are 5 coins : Germany

Next to the year 2007 : 5 different letters can be found on german coins :
They refer to the state and city they are minted. In fact we're talking about 5 different coins.

A: Berlin
D: Munich
F: Stuttgart
G: Karlsruhe
J: Hamburg


to be continued...