May e-newsletter

Welcome to the May e-newsletter and with only one month before the arrival of Winter, it begs the question just where does the time go?
 
I’d like to begin by wishing all mothers and mothers to be a Happy Mother’s Day! I hope you all get to enjoy a special moment with your family on Sunday 9 May. Of course, it’s never too late to order mum a wonderful gift for any occasion so why not check out the great range of gift ideas we have in our e-shop today.

On 1 April 2010 we released the second coin in our Australia Remembers series, a 20c coin design that honours the service and sacrifices shown by the men who fought in the Battle of Fromelles. This coin has been developed in partnership with the Australian Fromelles Project Group and acknowledges that these lost soldiers will finally be laid to rest with full military honours on July 19 2010.

In May we also pay tribute to 100 years of Girl Guiding with a $1 coin which will be released into general circulation later in 2010. The Girls Guides has influenced many outstanding women leaders since its establishment in 1910 and collectors can join in the celebration by purchasing the $1 circulating rolled coin product.

In May, we also see the release of the 2010 Fine Silver Year Set, which again features the familiar designs of the six circulating coins from our Australian currency. These coins are beautifully housed in a solid timber case and crafted to a stunning proof finish. In 2009 this set was very popular with collectors and with only a limited amount of sets remaining it looks like the 09 set will sell out very soon. Make sure you keep the 2010 set on your radar.

Last but not least, the 2010 Made to Order Coin further celebrates the centenary of Australian Coinage. This is a must have for all, so make sure you keep an eye out for your special order form.

The obverse of this year’s coin features the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the original 1910 effigy of King Edward VII designed by George W. de Saules, which appeared on official Australian Coinage. This particular effigy of King Edward VII is different to what appeared on coins produced in Great Britain at the same time. His untimely death in 1910 meant that the effigy only appeared on Australian coinage, making any coins of that year an instant collectible.

The Made to Order Coin replaces the Subscription Coin in name only and we hope this reduces some of the customer confusion that this product has created in the past. We only make coins that have been ordered and paid for by you, the customer.  In years past this has resulted in some very low mintages. For example, in 2009 the mintage was only 5,928.

I have been fortunate enough to view the trial strikes of this coin as it has progressed through each stage of the pre-production schedule, and I must say the coin is both beautiful and stunning. I must stress that you only have until 4.00 pm on Friday 28 May 2010 to get your completed order form back to the Mint. Separate Order forms will be included with the May Mint Issue, which should be in letter boxes soon.

Yours in collecting,
Ben Harvey
Sales and service Manager