Ancient Coins: Famous Asian Old Coins

Just as the Western part of the world discovered the very first coins in history, China represented the East and made their very own coins. China has been a rich civilization since the ancient times, and the Chinese valued trade and commerce. Because they were actively seeking trade and made contacts with places that required long distance travel, the system of barter wasn’t very efficient for them. This is probably why the idea of coinage came to mind.

 

The Chinese have been using cowry for local trades since the 16th to 11th century BC. It seems they have been using money or currency in some form back 4000 years ago. These forms, however, weren’t officially classified as coinage. It was in the Zhou and Shang Dynasty that they have somehow mastered the manipulation and refining of bronze. This was the start of Chinese coinage.

The first round of coins to ever appear in China were made during the Warring States Period (475 - 221 BC). These coins were more commonly known as the huan qian. These coins were ring shaped, as they had holes in the middle. After the Warring States Period, China was unified and all other forms of currency were abolished by the emperor. Only two tiers of currency remained: the higher tier made of gold called shang bi and the lower tier made of bronze called xia bi.

Probably one of the many famous old coins from China that coin collecting enthusiasts are excited about is the Y31 Dragon Silver Dollar. The silver coin was minted in Tianjin in 1911 with two versions, the shallow strike as well as the deep strike version. Another famous and beautiful Chinese coin is the 1898 Pearl Scales Dragon Coin. Because of the double die error, the coin features a dragon with an unusual scaled body, as if wearing a chainmail. Also famous to coin collectors because of the magnificently bearded dragon is the Kiangnan 1898 Hirsute Dragon coin.

Aside from the Chinese, probably among the most advanced countries in Asia in terms of coinage are the Turkish and Middle Eastern countries under the Ottoman Empire. Coinage in these areas are most inclined to have gold composition, if not pure gold since there is an abundance of the metal in the region. Among these are the 2-Hayriye Mahmud II ornately designed with a circle of flowers and ovals, and the Zari Mahbub- Selim III bearing tughra letterings on both sides.

The famous rectangular gold coins from Japan are also remarkable for coin collectors. The coins were minted in Japan from 1867 to 1869. They are also known as the First Coins of the Meiji Restoration. It was soon after this that Japan opened its gates to Western ideas and adopted the round coin.

Coins all over the world are as unique and as diverse as the cultures and the civilizations that make them. There is a certain cultural and historical imprint on old coins that adds beauty and worth to them.

If ancient coins is something that you would like to focus on, you can check out trusted numismatic shops like Colonial Acres Coins. Colonial Acres Coins is your one-stop shop for all your.. numismatic needs.

What is Coin Roll Hunting and How Is It Done?

Coin collectors seek and find coins in many different ways. Each coin collector chooses the easiest and most accessible for them, and of course those with lesser risks. One of the many ways to get coins is through coin roll hunting. It may sound like a difficult method, but it is actually the contrary.

Coin roll hunting is very simple. It is all about searching and sorting coins through a coin roll which you order from your trusted banks. Many collectors find coin roll hunting a very fun hobby as you never know which coin you can find in any of the rolls. While these coin rolls are from circulation coins, there are still odds that you can find a collector coin amongst them. Most banks allow orders of coin rolls. It is ideal that you give them a span of a week before your pickup of the said order, so they have enough time to arrange the rolls accordingly. One of the coin roll providers is the Royal Canadian Mint.

Because of the element of surprise, most coin collectors who order coin rolls develop an interest and keeps them placing orders regularly. Basically, coin roll hunting works this way:

1.       You decide whether or not coin roll hunting is for you. Coin roll hunting requires you to have some extra money so you can start placing orders for your first rolls. Many have claimed to have earned a lot through coin roll hunting, but it requires a lot of patience and hard work as well.

2.       Determine which kind of coin roll you want. Will it be dimes, pennies or nickels?

3.       Pick up the coin rolls from your bank on the day they said it should be ready.

4.       Sort the coins and search for collectible coins that may be in the roll. Be careful not to throw out the rolls the coins came in, as it is better to keep them for later.

5.       After sorting, re roll the coins with the rolls they came in with. This will make it easier for you and the bank will greatly appreciate the effort and will take the rolls in easily. Some banks will refuse to accept the coins if not rolled.

6.       Bundle the coin rolls in elastic and in groups of ten rolls.

7.       Deliver the coins back to the bank and wait for your next batch of pre ordered coin rolls.

Coin roll hunting appeals in the same way as treasure hunting does. Coin collectors never know what they will find in the stash. The Royal Canadian Mint also releases coin rolls for orders and the coins have a wide variety. Coin collectors who are interested in coin roll hunting can order from the Royal Canadian Mint, and the coin rolls delivered will be in the best shape possible.

Ancient Coins: The Greek Currency

The barter system has been prevalent around the world in ancient times until the discovery and adaptation of coinage. Traders exchanged goods from all over the world; they crossed lands and seas. While barter may have been what our ancestors were most accustomed to, the flipside of carrying huge amounts of materials and resources made the people rethink the system. What other ways were there to exchange and trade without having to carry so much as they traveled from one place to the other?

The answer was a coin. Since precious metals like silver and gold were abundant, they were molded and shaped into coins that signified a certain amount of value. Numismatists argue that the first coins ever minted were from Aegina.

Greek states like Aegina, Miletus, and Samos were known to mint coins for the Egyptians. While this may be true, there are still debates that the first coins (which were made from electrum-- an alloy of gold and silver) were made from Lydia.

Nonetheless, the Greeks were considered advocates of using coinage and they spread the influence to the many parts of the world, starting from Asia Minor. The Greek capital, Athens, used a currency called drachma. The drachmas were silver coins, as the Greeks minted mainly silver over gold coins. Because of the developed and wide trade networks of Athens, the drachmas were widely used as a currency. Even since ancient times, coin values were dictated by the power and stability of one country’s economy, which gave Greeks an advantage.

Drachmas earned everyday varied depending on occupation. Doctors and sculptors averaged within 6 drachmas a day, while non-skilled workers earn half a drachma. Obol was considered a value of one-sixth of a drachma, and one obol could get you a loaf of bread during ancient times.

Some of the most famous drachmas in history are the following:

1. The Athenian Tetradrachm
It was the most widely used coin by Greeks before the era of Alexander the Great. The coin featured the profile bust of the goddess, Athena, on the obverse and an owl on the reverse. This coin was also known as four drachmae.

2. The Greek Drachma (Chelones) of Aegina
These silver coins were minted dating from 550 - 700 B.C. The older ones often featured turtles.

3. The Silver Drachma of Delos
These coins were minted sometime 550 B.C as well, and they featured a lyre on the reverse, which represented the god Apollo.

Ancient coins are valued highly for their historical value. If you are a collector and are wanting to have your very own ancient Greek coin added to your collection, then look no further than Colonial Acres Coins. They have ancient coins including both Roman and Greek coins. Make your coin collection an even more wonderful set with your very own Greek coin.

What are Bank Tokens?

Over the course of history, there have been numerous succession of banks to be the sole issuers of the country’s official coins. Because of the merging of different places into independent states, the authorities or the government of each have decided to choose primary banks which were allowed to release their official coin denominations.

Examples of these events in Canada trace way back in 1841, when Upper and Lower Canada merged to form what is now the Country of Canada. The Bank of Montreal was then chosen to be the only one to issue copper tokens as it was the bank that held government accounts. It was a short-lived privilege, as the riots forced the rights off Montreal to Toronto. The Upper Bank of Canada in Toronto was then given permission to mint coins. This resulted in half penny and penny copper tokens.

Banks also released tokens to encourage people to invest in them and for patronage. In the U.S., there were copper tokens given in the 1920s for those who opened accounts in banks. This gave their clients some sort of exclusivity and special appreciation. Because of this, bank tokens were considered also as tokens of appreciation from the bank to their clients. In some other times, bank tokens also generated profit to provide for needs or causes of the bank.

Bank tokens have been collected by many collectors as they are also considered medallic strikes because of the beauty of their obverse and reverse designs. Some examples of Canadian bank tokens come way back from the Bank of Montreal even before the Upper and Lower Canada were united. There are the 1837 one and half- pennies, The 1838 1 sou, 1838 one and half-pennies.

Pre-confederation bank tokens were also struck in various mints, including The Royal Mint, Boulton & Watt, Ralph Heaton & Co., Thomas Halliday, William Mossop, Wright & Bale, Belleville Mint (New Jersey), Jean Marie Arnault, and various Blacksmith Mints. Some of these pre-confederation tokens are the 1812 Lower Canada Half Penny Token and 1816 Wellington Half Penny Token. Coin values for these coins depend greatly on supply and demand.

Bank tokens as old as these have become very rare and are most sought after by collectors who have taken interest in bank tokens. Coin collecting covers bank tokens as well, and more coin collectors develop a certain liking to these limited bank tokens. Colonial Acres Coins offers bank tokens and medallions for the collectors who seek them. Their categories include Upper and Lower Canada bank tokens, as well as coins from the old New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Novia Scotia. If bank tokens are your thing, then look no further than Colonial Acres Coins.

It’s the thought that counts: unique gift ideas

Gifts are always a good thing to get, and if you are thinking of getting someone something, you want it to be special. There are many occasions varying from one person to another that is celebrated with gift giving. While there are so many options to choose from, once in a while, someone may want something that's unique and has a value measured by a lot of factors. If your friend or special someone happens to be into coin-collecting, then you know for sure what kind of gift would bring that light in their eyes.

There are a lot of coins out there, and you can choose from a wide array of them differing in size, beauty, bullion value, date and era, and place of mintage. Coin collectors may prioritize a collection, and you should put this in mind when looking for the ideal gift coins. Know the kinds the recipient likes to collect, and is constantly in the hunt for. Coins aren't always thought of first when thinking of gifts, and this will make yours a special one.

The one you're planning to give gifts to does not necessarily have to be a coin collector for you to choose coins to give. There are many beautiful coins out there that are sure to make non-collectors appreciate them just as much. Ornate old coins are always a good pick, since these kinds seem to carry sentimental value with them. These coins also show elegance to the artistic eye, since the designs and inscriptions are intricately decorated.

There are many coin shops out there as well as private collections from coin collectors. If you have decided to go for coins as a gift, then it is wise to visit reputed and trusted shops. Colonial Acres Coins is one of these shops, and the vast array of coins and friendly staff will assist you in picking just the right coins for your friends and family. We do not just sell coins, but also storage packs and materials to help for easier and safer packaging--- ones that will prevent your chosen gift coins from tarnishing and getting scratches.

Colonial Acres also features gift sets that may appeal to you. So if you have coins in mind, just drop by the Colonial Acres Shop. You are sure to find something valuable you'd want to share with that special friend. Stop and shop at Colonial Acres Coins, and you're guaranteed to have a fun and fulfilling time.

Interesting facts about Canadian decimal coins

Canadian Decimal Coins have been manufactured and minted for a long time. It has a history of its own, and every story has some interesting facts to share. Here are some interesting things about the Canadian Decimal Coins you should know:

• Canadian Decimal Coins started in 1858, and then soon after the Canadian Confederation was given authority in terms of coinage by the British Parliament. Before 1858, Canada adopted the British pound system.
• Also in 1858, Canada (which was still then a province) issued 20-cent coins. In 1867 the British Parliament declared the Dominion of Canada and after this the 1858 20-cent coins were recalled and melted. This happened because it was decided that the official denomination to be used will be the 25-cent.
• In 1871, the Uniform Currency Act dictated that the decimal currency is the official system to be used throughout Canada. It was also by this time that the first Canadian coins struck in the Royal Mint were made.
• From 1870 to 1923, 25-cent bank notes were made in Canada and were known as "shinplasters".
• In 1949, Newfoundland joined the Canadian Confederation. During this time, the first ever $2 22K gold coins struck in 1865 for Newfoundland only, became legal tender.
• In 1954, there were conflicts regarding the early printings of the Bank of Canada issues. These early printings showed a malicious image (devil's head) in the Queen's portrait. The image was seen through the highlights in the queen's tresses. This was a controversy and it led to total redesign of the Queen's portrait. The highlights were darkened and thus the image was removed.
• In 1968, coins minted were in base metal composition. 
• In 1979, the Gold Maple leaf coin was released and had a purity of .999. This was raised to .9999 in 1982 and became the purest of gold bullion coins.
• In 2007, Canadian Five Nines Pure Gold Maple Coins were created. These million dollar worth coins had a mass of 100kg, and only 5 were officially struck as of May 2007.

These are just some facts in the history of Canadian Decimal coins. The Canadian currency system had a rich history, and collectors appreciate this kind of value. Many collectors opt for their very own set of Canadian Decimal coins.

If you are interested in starting your own, you need to have dedication to do a lot of research about the coins you are collecting. Shops like Colonial Acres Coins can help you with their vast numismatic resources. More than that, Colonial Acres features a wide range of Canadian Decimal coins from 1858 one cents to present day $2 coins. Start your journey in coin collection with this set, and let Colonial Acres be the shop that guides and provides you the best of coins.

Canadian Decimal Coins: Where You Can Find Them

Canadian decimal coins known as the Canadian nickels, dimes and quarters are some of the rare coins in history. One- and two-dollar coins are also categorized under Canadian decimal coins. Some of these decimal coins are very rare because of minting quantity limitations and historical events that their value has skyrocketed like the 1936 dot cents. These dot cents were sold in auctions for as much as hundred thousand dollars. The 1936 quarter may not be as rare as the nickel and dime, but it is still very difficult to find.

There are a lot of Canadian decimal coins, varying in design and composition every minting year or era they were made. Many of the Canadian decimal coins have marked history. In fact, there are so many Canadian coins that have made their own names because of certain highlights in history. These coins mark special dates and represent major changes in economy or society. Some of these coins have become so rare that every collector wanted his/her own hands on them.

Coins have long started even before the forming of the Canadian Confederation back in 1858. But in 1867, the Dominion of Canada was formed by the British Parliament, thus officially starting the era of Canadian Decimal Coins.

Coin designs varied each reigning era and almost every coin featured the king or queen in ruling. Starting with Queen Victoria coinage, to King Edward VII, King George V and VI, to Queen Elizabeth II, the coin's obverse designs featured monarchs to commemorate their reign and to present authority and grace. As it has been from 1953, the Queen Elizabeth II bust is featured in today's coins as well. Special coins falling under the Canadian decimals are the 1936 dot coinage, the 1947 Maple Leaf coinage.

There are many coin shops and collectors that have these coins among their collections. Colonial Acres Coins, for example, has numerous categories for the Canadian decimal coins ranging from 1858 one cents to present day two-dollar coins. If you are looking for a shop which offers these coins then you should stop by Colonial Acres Coins. Their wide collection of Canadian decimal coins will surely give you what you're looking for, and while they may not have thousand dollar worth pieces, they are all in good condition. If you want to start coin collecting and are into these kinds of coins, then Colonial Acres Coins is the shop you're looking for.