Coins & Paper Money -> Coins: World -> Europe

Euro coins were first put into circulation in 2002 by the European Union. There are 8 coins: 1, 2 5, 10 and 20 cent coins, as well a the 100 and 200 cent coins, which equal 1 and 2 Euros, respectively. Because these aren’t just coins used as legal tender within one country but rather all of Europe, they have a common side that shows a map of Europe, and the other side of each Euro bears a design that represents the country of its origin.

Though Euro coins weren’t circulated until 2002, some were minted as early as 1999. Earlier versions of the 10, 20 and 50 cent pieces bore a map of Europe that made it appear all the countries were islands, as the borders between them were shown as actual breaks in the landmass. The 1 and 2 Euro coins showed Europe as a cohesive nation while still depicting borders between the countries. Each nation chooses its own reverse design, while the common side with its stars, bars and map of Europe remains the same throughout.

Euros coins are interesting for collectors because of this diversity. Some countries choose their national side to be the same on each coin like Belgium has, or each coin can bear a different design, like Italy’s. Belgian Euros actually draw a great deal on the nation’s previous coin designs while some countries like France use monuments and symbols with very stylized designs on their coins.

Additionally, there are certain rules the national designs must follow. The design must contain 12 stars, the year of issue and the engraver’s initials. The national side also can’t show the denomination of the coin because that’s on the common side, nor can it repeat the word Euro unless it’s written in another alphabet, like it is on the Greek coins.

The national side on Euro coins is also locked in until the end of 2008, with no changes allowed unless a monarch depicted on the coins dies or abdicates the throne. The Vatican coins were allows to change their national side when Pope John Paul II died in 1995. They issued a different coin while the throne was empty, then in 2006 they issued coins featuring the effigy of the new Pope, Pop Benedict XVI.

Commemorative coins are released regularly. In 2007 all countries that produce the Euro created a Treaty of Rome commemorative coin that was almost identical to that of every other country. Euro coins have also been designed to make it easy for blind or sight-impaired individuals to be able to distinguish between the coins. Each has a unique edge design that can be felt to identify the amount of currency, and the sizes go up with the value of the coin.

For coin collectors, Euro coins can be a fascinating part of their hobby with so many different coins featuring so many different designs. Online auctions like eBay are a popular place to acquire the coins, which are graded similarly to any collectible coins.

Photo Credits: Ivan Walsh

Originally posted 2008-10-23 14:00:31. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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Stamps -> United States -> 19th Century Unused

One of the best ways to get interested in stamp collecting is to take a look at some old postage stamps. These are truly unique items and although they may not be as glitzy or as useful as today’s stamps, there are some that are truly unique and very valuable. When you’re looking for collectible old postage stamps, there are a few things to look for to see whether or not you have a truly valuable stamp in front of you.

1. Ink Color

Typically, old postage stamps used either red, brown, green or blue ink. The colors should be a bit faded, especially if the stamp was made in the late 1800’s. During this time more intricate designs were put into circulation but for the most part, the colors stayed the same. There is no real theory behind why these ink colors were used, but it does make it easier to find old postage stamps and authenticate them.

2. Designs

Old postage stamps will typically contain historical events or figures that were popular during that time. Just as we have celebrity stamps today, old postage stamps commemorated special events and people as well. In countries where there was a monarch, that would typically be the person that would adorn the majority of stamp designs. In republics, symbols of freedom were commonly used. Very old stamps will generally be less intricate, but towards the 19th century, design capability improved and many stamps produced during this time period are very ornate.

3. The Adhesive

Stamps that were produced before the late 1800’s typically did not have any form of adhesive. They were usually glued into place by the send of the mail or the post office. However, in the 1880’s, special adhesives were introduced that allowed people to easily attach their stamps to their mail on their own. Old postage stamps will usually have what is referred to as “gum” on the back. This “gum” will typically be brown or yellow in color due to age. If you can find an old postage stamp that still has the “gum” intact, you have a very rare find indeed.

4. The Condition

The condition of old postage stamps will have a large bearing on their value. Collectors usually try to find stamps that were never circulated, and that are still intact and free of rips or tears. While there are few old postage stamps that are incredibly valuable no matter what condition they may be in, it is important to try to find the best possible stamps if you are collecting with an eye of amassing valuable old postage stamps. One or two flaws are generally acceptable, but collectible stamps should be free of any major damage.

5. Demand

There are many old postage stamps that are in high demand and at times, you will see new ones that suddenly come into vogue. If you are trying to save money, you can collect old postage stamps that may not yet be popular. If they are still in good condition, you may just have a future winner on your hands.

Originally posted 2008-09-02 05:00:11. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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