Collecting coins has been popular throughout the world and history. Some people collect coins as an investment others such as myself collect coins as a hobby and I started collecting coins many years ago. My interest was more in the coins itself and not so much as to the grade of the coins, though I always looked for the best grade possible within my budget. For people who collect anything; coins, stamps, art work or even rocks for a hobby, one thing that makes the hobby worth while, other than the ownership of the object, is to be able to display and show them to others.
The two-cent piece was designed by James B. Longacre and was minted in the U.S. from 1864 to 1873. The obverse shows a shield with a ribbon above, with the motto “In God We Trust” and was the first coin of the U.S. to bear this motto. Behind the shield are two arrows. The reverse has a wreath surrounding “2 Cents” and is circled by the words “United States of America”. This coin is made of 95% copper with 5% tin and zinc.
These 2008 first year issue Silver Philharmonic Coins are minted in one troy ounce of .999 pure Silver. The obverse of each Silver coin has the caption “1 Unze Feinsilber,” meaning “1 ounce pure silver,” positioned beneath the “Great Pipe Organ” of Vienna’s Golden Concert Hall, home of the Philharmonic. Republic of Austria, “Republik Oesterreich,” the year, 2008 and face value of €1.5 Euros are also shown.
The reverse shows the bouquet of Philharmonic instruments with the word “Silber” above.
The Silver Kookaburra bullions are minted at the Australian Perth Mint. The obverse features Queen Elizabeth II. The reverse is a Kookaburra, which is the name of four species of birds living in Australia. The design of the Kookaburra is changed every year. These coins are .999 fine silver and are one Troy ounce.
