Posts by Change Checker
A work of art – Latvia’s innovative ‘Earth’ Coin
Latvia has issued an innovative new coin. So unique in fact, it is considered a work of art.
Not only is the design beautiful, from a technological point of view, it is hard to fault; mainly because the coin is translucent.
The ‘Earth’ coin has been made from translucent perlucor, a ceramic material that is used in laser, military and medical equipment engineering among other things.
The symbolic ‘jewel-like’ Earth at the centre of the coin is enclosed by a transparent veil that represents the Universe. The planet earth is floating in the middle and the perlucor is enclosed by an outer silver ring which holds everything in place.
Designed by architect M. Kalninš, his original idea of a translucent coin came out as top winner at the Latvian Bank’s competition of innovative euro coins in 2015. Struck by the Lithuanian Mint, the coin is enjoying high demand from the numismatic community for its unique design which is viewed as a work of art.
However, if you want one, they are only available to purchase at the Bank of Latvia Cashier’s Office for 85 Euros. The number of coins available has been limited to a maximum of 5,000 so you ought to be quick.
Who was King Canute and why is he on the new UK £5?
Today marks 1,000 years since the coronation of King Canute and to mark the anniversary, The Royal Mint have issued a brand new UK £5 coin. But who was King Canute?
The Royal Mint have issued this brand new UK £5 coin to celebrate the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of King Canute
Hailed the ‘king of all England’
50 years before the Norman Invasion of 1066, Canute crossed the North Sea and won the throne of England.
Recognised as one of the most prominent kings of the Anglo-Saxon era, Canute is widely remembered for conquering kingdoms across northern Europe including England, Denmark, Norway, and areas of Sweden.
Born in Denmark, King Canute’s exact birth year is unknown, although it is thought to be between 985–995 AD. Canute grew up at a time when the crown of England was being ferociously fought over by the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings.
Canute became the undisputed successor to the English throne in 1016 after months of warfare between Canute and Edmund Ironside (son of Æthelred ‘The Unready’) and his coronation took place on the 6th January 1017 at the Old St Paul’s cathedral.
Canute or Cnut the Great?
Canute was originally known as Knútr (which means ‘Knot’) in Old Norse and in Denmark he is still known as Knud den Store (‘Cnut the Great’).
Anglo-Saxons rarely used the letter K and the letter combination ‘CN’ was quite normal in Old English, so his name was spelt CNUT in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and, importantly, on coins issued in his name in England and Denmark.
Later medieval writers turned this into ‘Canutus’ which became the spelling ‘Canute’, often seen in modern English as a more familiar modern day spelling.
A historical coin
King Canute’s achievements and influence paved the way for the nation we recognise today. He strengthened the currency, initiating a series of coins of equal weight to those being used in Denmark, so it’s only fitting that the design of this brand new £5 coin has been inspired by the original currency of King Canute.
This is the first time ever The Royal Mint has commemorated a 1,000-year anniversary on a coin – an occasion of real significance.
Own Britain’s new £5 coin – the first release of 2017
Today you can own the brand new 2017 UK £5 coin issued to mark the 1,000th anniversary of the coronation of King Canute – an anniversary never before celebrated on a UK coin.
The New 12-sided £1 Coin: All the facts
It has been confirmed that the new 12-sided £1 coin will enter circulation in less than 12 weeks time.
28th March 2017 is sure to become a historic day as we welcome the new coin which has been billed to become the most secure circulating coin in the world.
This will be the first specification change to our £1 coin in more than 3 decades, since the pound was first introduced in 1983.
What’s new?
Formally named ‘The Nations of the Crown 2017 UK £1‘ the coin was designed by 15-year-old David Pearce following a public competition in 2015. The new design is made up of the English rose, the Welsh leek, the Scottish thistle and the Northern Irish shamrock emerging from one stem within a royal coronet to represent the four constituent countries of the United Kingdom.
Important dates:
28th March 2017: The new 12-sided £1 coin will enter circulation. It may take a little while for people to start seeing it in their change as it gradually filters into general use.
28th March – 15th October 2017: During these six months the co-circulation period will take place. You will be able to use both coins as normal in this time in preparation for demonetisation.
16th October 2017: The Round £1 will cease to be legal tender from this day onwards.
We’re really looking forward to finding them in our change when they’re released in 83 days time. And remember, pound coins with the 2017 date are likely to be more sought after – especially in good condition or uncirculated.
Be one of the FIRST people to own the new £1 Coin.
Today you can own all 13 of the United Kingdom’s 2017 coins including the brand new ‘Nations of the Crown’ 12-sided £1 within the latest annual coin pack.