Saturday, August 30, 2014

2015 Chinese Panda Silver and Gold Coins No Longer Display Weight



Commencing from 2015, according to the People’s Republic of China national’s “Measurement Law” and the People’s Bank of China’s requirement, the gold and silver coins will be issued under the legal measurement of Metric System, i.e. grams, Kilogram and etc. 

The issuance of the gold and silver coins under the measurement of the Imperial System “Ounce” will be discontinued. Furthermore, from 2015 onward, the weight of the Chinese Panda Gold coins will no longer be stated on the coins. 

This has made the 2014 Chinese Panda Gold Coins with “Ounce” to be even more significant for collection.

Since Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad’s announcement for the pre-booking on 21 May 2014, the Chinese Panda Gold Coins was overwhelmed by the market, registration has been increased rapidly. 

In order to fulfill customers’ needs, Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad has made a soft launching on 6 June 2014 for the registered customers. And now, the Bank is proud to announce the official launch for the 2014 Chinese Panda Gold Coins to the public. 

 

The Chinese Panda Gold Coin is a legal tender Coin issued by the People’s Bank of China for 33 years continuously. It has the investment and memorable value, and potentially high collectible value. 

Being very unique in the coins mintage world, it has been awarded both locally and overseas recurrently and appreciated by the collectors from all the countries. The theme of the Chinese Panda Gold Coins is the national treasure of the People’s Republic of China, setting the bamboo as the background well demonstrated the harmonious and happy life.

2015 Panda Changes - Summary:

2015 Gold / Silver Pandas will no longer have the weight stamped on the reverse. It will be Panda motive as it is currently but without stating its weight.

The China Mint will be marketing the Panda Bullion Coins in grams and kilos (Kilograms) instead of ounces. 

At this stage it is unknown if they will introduce new sizes such as 25/50/100/1000 gram or stay with the current 3.1, 31.1g, 155.5g, 311g 

In order to better reveal the lively and playful character and the black and white colour of the panda, designers using the white and black effects that generated from the glossy and dark appearance of the gold refraction and reflection to invent the intaglio refraction method, at the same time using the drum opposite sandblasting technology to make the black and white colour of the panda become more three-dimensional.

Welcome all to visit any of Bank of China (Malaysia) Berhad branches to place your order.

You Can't Have Solar Without Silver

You Can't Have Solar Without Silver

With a history that dates back more than 5,000 years, silver has been an incredibly valuable metal through the ages. It was once used as a trading currency along the Asian spice routes and was even the standard for U.S. currency for a while.



However, the precious metal holds far more value than just as a currency. In fact, more than half of the world's silver is actually used for industrial purposes as it is used in X-rays, low-e windows, and even solar panels. As it turns out, even solar energy wouldn't work the same way if it wasn't for silver.

Making Solar Shine

Silver is a unique metal. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, and it's the most reflective. These physical properties make it a highly valued industrial metal, especially when used in solar cells.

Silver is actually a primary ingredient in photovoltaic cells, and 90% of crystalline silicon photovoltaic cells, which are the most common solar cell, use a silver paste. What happens is that when sunlight hits the silicon cell it generates electrons. 

The silver used in the cell works as a conductor to collect these electrons in order to form a useful electric current. The silver then transports the electricity out of the cell so it can be used. Further, the conductive nature of silver enhances the reflection of the sunlight to improve the energy that's collected. Therefore, if it wasn't for silver solar wouldn't be as efficient in turning sunlight into energy.

Shining a Light on Silver in Solar

The average solar panel actually uses about two-thirds of an ounce of silver, which is about 20 grams. That might not sound like a lot, but at around $20 an ounce it contributes more to the cost of solar than it does to the other industrial products that use silver. For example, a laptop only contains 750 milligrams to 1.25 grams of silver while a cell phone contains just 200-300 milligrams of silver, so silver is a tiny fraction of the cost of those devices.

Overall, the solar industry uses about 5% of the world's annual silver supply, or an estimated 52.4 million ounces. However, as demand for solar increases, especially in China, the demand for silver used in solar could double. Because of this it is estimated that by next year the solar industry will use 100 million ounces of silver.

Because of the volatility in the price of solar, panel makers are working on using less of it on each panel. Still, the overall increase in demand for new solar panels is what's driving the demand silver used by the solar industry. 

This increased demand for silver could have a real impact on the solar marketplace in the years to come as solar could push up the price of silver. So, should silver prices surge it could have an impact on the production costs of solar panels, which would then impact the economics of the solar industry.

Final Thoughts

Silver is a precious metal to the solar industry. Because of this any future spike in the price of silver could hold back the growth of the industry. 

It's a trend to keep an eye on as surging silver prices could dim the prospects of the solar industry in the future because it's becoming such a large consumer of the precious metal.

2015 Canadian Maple Leaf Redesigned with Advanced Security Features

Canadian Maple Leaf Redesigned with Advanced Security Features 


All One Ounce (1oz) 99.99% pure Canadian Maple Leaf Bullion coins produced for 2014 and beyond will have two new and unique features for enhanced security. 
The new finish is formed of complex radial lines and a micro-engraved laser mark. The radial lines have been precisely machined to within microns on the master tooling to ensure consistent die production and coin striking. 
The specific width and pitch of the lines radiating from the coin’s central maple leaf design create a light-diffracting pattern which is unique to the Mint’s “next generation” SML and unmatched by both competing bullion products and, we would assume, counterfeiters.
With the addition of a laser-produced micro-engraving of a textured maple leaf incorporating the numeral “14” to denote the coin’s year of issue – a technology also found on the Mint’s Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin and its award-winning 2012 $1 and $2 circulation coins
First hitting the market in 1988, the Royal Canadian Mint's iconic Silver Maple Leaf 10z bullion coin has been a huge hit with equally huge sales, second only the the American Silver Eagle. In it’s first 25 years of being on sale, the design has remained the same, except for the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse which is on it’s third incarnation. 

The Canadian Maple Leaf is minted with one troy ounce (31.11 grams) of 9999 fine silver, and has a face value of $5, the highest face value on the market for any comparable silver bullion coin. Now, they’ve totally redesigned the reverse with added security features and it’s a huge improvement in our opinion.

Visit the Royal Canadian Mint

Monday, August 25, 2014

Donald Duck 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin – Disney Mickey & Friends

The loveable show-off known for his short temper, Donald Fauntleroy Duck, is one of Disney’s most beloved characters and features on this iconic silver release.

disney-mickey-and-friends-donald-1oz-silver-proof-coin-2014-perth-mint-australia-silver-perspex-newdisney-mickey-and-friends-donald-1oz-silver-proof-coin-2014-perth-mint-australia-silver-box

PROOF QUALITY 99.9% PURE SILVER

Each coin is meticulously struck by The Perth Mint from 1oz of 99.9% pure silver in proof quality.

ICONIC DONALD DUCK REVERSE DESIGN

The coin’s reverse portrays a contemporary colour image of Donald Duck wearing his signature blue sailor suit with a bow tie, set against a film reel background. The design includes the inscription DONALD DUCK.

NIUE LEGAL TENDER

Issued as legal tender under the Pacific isle of Niue, the obverse of the coin features the Ian Rank-Broadley effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the monetary denomination, and the 2014 year-date.

OFFICIAL LICENSED PRODUCT

Under official license of Disney, the Mickey & Friends – Donald Duck 1oz Silver Proof Coin is issued by New Zealand Mint.

LIMITED MINTAGE

No more than 10,000 of the Mickey & Friends – Donald Duck 1oz Silver Proof Coin will be released.

NUMBERED CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

Each coin is accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.

NOVEL PRESENTATION PACKAGING

The coin is housed in a modern perspex case allowing 360 degree presentation. The coin case is surrounded by film-themed outer packaging illustrating the history of Donald Duck.

SIX-COIN PACK NOW AVAILABLE!

The iconic Mickey & Friends characters – Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy and Pluto can now be purchased in a Six-Coin Pack at a special price!
Disney Mickey & Friends – Donald Duck 2014 1oz Silver Proof Coin at The Perth Mint, featuring:
  • Proof Quality 99.9% Pure Silver
  • Iconic Donald Duck Reverse Design
  • Limited Mintage – 10,000
  • Official Licensed Product
  • Modern Perspex Presentation Packaging
  • Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Silver Content (Troy oz)1
Monetary Denomination (NIUE)2
Fineness (% purity)99.9
Minimum Gross Weight (g)31.135
Maximum Diameter (mm)40.60
Maximum Thickness (mm)4.00
Maximum Mintage10,000

Monday, August 11, 2014

NORFED 1999 and 2000 Silver One Ounce 999 Bullion Rounds Ten Liberty Dollar

NORFED 1999 and 2000 Silver 1oz Bullion Rounds Ten Dollar Stated Value







Saturday, August 9, 2014

2013 LUNAR SNAKE SILVER 1oz 999 Gainesville Coins Bullion Round

2013 LUNAR SNAKE SILVER 1oz 999 Gainesville Coins Bullion Round - Brilliant proof like strike






The 2013 1 oz Silver Year of the Snake Round is made of .999 fine silver and is 1 troy oz in weight. The silver Year of the Snake bullion round is one of the many privately minted products we offer here at Gainesville Coins. 


This silver round is Made in the U.S.A. and has a proof-like finish. Although this is not a legal tender coin, it is made of one troy ounce of 99.9% pure silver. Buy silver rounds for their unique design and their low premium over spot compared to nationally minted coins.

This round was created to celebrate the Chinese Zodiac 2013 Year of the Snake, as each year associated with the snake has a different symbol. 

The Years of the Snake include: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013. Those born in the Year of the Snake have a strong sense of morality and wisdom, and are considered exceptionally mysterious.

The obverse of the round depicts the image of a coiled snake amidst a forest of bamboo, as well as the Chinese symbol for "snake." 

The reverse of the coin bears a centered inscription of, "2013 Year of the Snake," along with the weight and fineness of the silver round, "One Troy Ounce, .999 Fine Silver," and once again the Chinese symbol for "snake."

Thursday, August 7, 2014

Royal Canadian Mint Launches New Birds of Prey Silver Bullion Coin Celebrating the Bald Eagle

The Royal Canadian Mint today launched the newest release from its Canadian Birds of Prey 99.99% pure silver bullion coin series with a majestic tribute to the Bald Eagle. 


This iconic ruler of North American skies is dramatically portrayed on a 1oz bullion coin that is sure to appeal to a wide range of customers for both its theme and signature purity. It is now shipping to the Mint's network of official bullion distributors as online dealers begin accepting orders today.

"The Royal Canadian Mint is committed to remaining a leader in the precious metal market by offering investors a continually evolving suite of bullion products crafted with exceptional attention to quality and purity," said Marc Brûlé, Interim President and CEO of the Royal Canadian Mint. "The Birds of Prey - Bald Eagle 99.99% pure silver bullion coin has a theme whose appeal and relevance transcends borders and we expect it will shine a new light on the diversity of our investment products."



The 2014-dated, "Bald Eagle" 99.99% pure silver bullion coin is the second of four coins in the Mint's exciting biannual bullion series featuring Canadian birds of prey. Its reverse design features a captivating illustration by acclaimed Canadian illustrator Emily Damstra of a Bald Eagle in full flight clutching a fish in its powerful talons. 



 This 99.99% pure silver coin is crafted with the Mint's signature bullion finish is limited to only one million coins world-wide. A numismatic version with a proof finish, limited only 7,500 examples, has also been produced and can be ordered on www.mint.ca as of today.

The first coin in this series, featuring the Peregrine Falcon and launched in February 2014, is now approaching a sell-out of its mintage of one million coins.