The Safari Coin

South Africa 5 rand
Bi-metallic coin with brass center in copper nickel ring
with the reformed National Arm symbol
KM# 281 - Africa Dzonga (in Tsonga Language)
"Ningizimu Afrika - Zulu and Swati Language"
with a Wildebeest

Mozambique 10 meticais
this coin is with the new series that were issued in July 1 2006, being the highest denomination in coin series (1,25,10 meticais)

These coins are from my husband's trip to South Africa and Mozambique early this month. I have specifically asked for the bimetallic one.

Nickel 2006 "Westward"

Westward Journey Nickel Series
2006P Nickel / 5 cents
"The Return of the Monticello"
KM# 381, Copper-Nickel

The "Return to Monticello" is the end of the Westward Journey Nickel Series after four other reverse design in 2004 and 2005 and back to the original Monticello reverse of 2003 and before. Monticello is Thomas Jefferson's home. The 2006 design is more elaborate than the previous one. The likeness of Thomas Jefferson is based on the 1800 painting when he was about 57 years old before he became the 3rd American President. The "Liberty" inscription is again based on the original handwriting of Thomas Jefferson.

Nickel 2005 "Westward"

Westward Journey Nickel Series
KM# 368 "American Bison"
KM# 369 "Pacific Coastline"

The 2005 commemorative nickel is the continuation of the Westward Journey Series that commemorates the 200 anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The obverse design of the 2005 Commemorative Nickel is a new Thomas Jefferson image. The likeness is based in 1789 marble bust sculptor done by a French. The hand written inscription "Liberty" is based on Jefferson's actual hand writing.

2005 Spring Reverse Design
The design on the Spring issue features an American Bison which has a great significance to the American Indian culture during the wildlife encounter of Lewis and Clark expedition.

2005 Fall Reverse Design
The design on the Fall issue features a view of the Pacific Ocean base on the picture taken by Andrew E. Shear of Astoria Oregon. The inscription "Ocean in View! O! the joy" reflects the excited entry on Clark's journal.

Wheat Cent

Wheat Cent 1953 D
KM# 132, Copper-Zinc, 19 mm. 3. 1100 g.
Mintage 700,515,000
- I found this in Kathmandu, I got a little bit excited. This one isn't really that special, just old!

In 1959 the reverse design was changed from "Wheat" to Lincoln Memorial Building as seen in Washington DC

Nickel 2004 "Westward"

The Westward Journey Nickel Series
2004 Jefferson five Cents

Reverse: Bicentennial commemoration of the Luisianna Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Obverse: The likeness of the 3rd American President, Jefferson.

2004 Spring Design: "Peace Medal" (Louisiana Purchase)

The 2004 Spring Design Jefferson nickel featured a rendition of the reverse of the original Indian Peace Medal commissioned for Lewis and Clark's expedition, that were presented to Native American chiefs and other important leaders as tokens of goodwill at treaty signings and other events. The medal rendition on the reverse features two hands clasped in friendship, one with a military uniform cuff, symbolizing the American government, and the other with a silver band adorned with beads and a stylized American eagle, representing the Native American community with whom the United States sought good relations with

2004 Fall Design: "Keelboat"

The 2004 Fall design featured a keel boat the main transportation used in the American river during the expedition times. The design, by United States Mint sculptor/engraver Al Maletsky, shows Captains Lewis and Clark in full uniform in the bow of the keel boat.

Information details from www.usmint.gov

2007 US Quarters

Montana and Washington State

2007 quarters

So who else collect them? I started mine in 2000. It was a staggering collection, being in Asia (Laos) I depended on swapping with fellow collectors and when friends and families came back from a US trip. Then living here in the US gave me a windfall. I have mentioned these several times before, the train station ticket machine (vending machine) has plenty of them. Now, I am keeping two coin folders, one from Whitman and one from the US Mint itself. Since I am located in the east coast, some quarters I sought for that were minted in Denver has eluded my way. I am not really sure what I'd do with the other one coin folder. The coins are not in mint condition because I do prefer circulated ones. It has character on it. Anyway, the quarters above are my change from a Bookstore! I have 70 quarters so far in H.E. Harris folder and about 35 quarters on the Whitman Folder.

The Official US Mint Collector's Album
ISBN# 0-7948-0716-X
H.E. Harris & Co.

Official Whitman Coin Folder
ISBN# 1582380783

Note: I wish I have a better photo editor. I could combine these images together, sitting side by side to prevent the longer page, ah well!

Bhutan 1979 - Ngultrum

1979 One Ngultrum
Copper-nickel clad Steel, KM# 49
Diameter: 2.8cm

Symbols on both sides of the coins are from Buddhist Dharma
Obverse: "Dharmachakra" (Wheel of Law or Wheel of Transformation)
Reverse: "Ashtamangala" or the Eight Auspicious symbols

This coin I got from Kathmandu during my stay there (2 years and a half). Some coin merchants sell them by volume. I got about 10 of them for spares. If you are in Kathmandu and you are interested with coins, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (not Durbar Marg), this is the old palace of the current royal family before they move to Narayanhiti Palace which is Durbar Marg (or Kings Way/Durbar Road). At the far end near the Kasthamandap Temple (southwestern corner of the square) there are about 3 or 4 coin seller. Coins form all over, not just Nepali coins, are spread over a mat. You'd be surprise what treasure you'll find. This is where I found my Wheat Cent and my 1903 Philippine 1 Peso. Inside the palace you'll find the previous King's (the one who was assassinated) coin and banknote collection on display. Some of them are interesting, most you might find you already have.

THAILAND 1996 - 10 baht

Commemorative 10 baht

1996/2539, Y#334
Rama IX King Bhumibol Adulyadej
King Rama IX 50th Reign and F.A.O. World Summit
Diameter: 2.54cm/1in, Brass center in Copper and Nickel Ring

The standard 10-Baht coin is a silver ring with a brass center. The size very similar to 2euros. The coin replace a 10 baht note in the early 1990's but sometime you still run across this bill from time to time. I got mine in 1997 when I first visited Bangkok. Thailand issues several commemorative 10 baht each year, the most so far is in 2004, when they minted at least 7 commemorative coins. The Most of these you don't see in circulation but available in local coin dealer shops, at the international airport and souvenir shops around the country especially in Bangkok. Although, the Kanchanapisek (Golden Jubilee) Version, minted the same year as the above coin which commemorates the kings 50th anniversary of his reign is very common in circulation. To date there are at least 40 coins of 10 baht which commemorates an event.

Something old something new!

This is a 100 Philippine Peso, no longer in circulation!

This is the new current circulating 100 Philippine peso! Printed on 2003.

The image on both notes is of the same person. Former president Manuel A.. Roxas of the Philippines. He was the 1st president of the Republic of the Philippines after it gained independence from United States of America in July 4 1946. He was the 3rd president of the Commonwealth and 5th president of the Philippines.