1999-2000 - Elizabeth II - Millennium Quarter

1999-2000 - Elizabeth II - Millennium Quarter 

In April 1998, the Mint announced the Millennium Coin Design Contest, a contest open to all Canadians to submit designs for twenty-four millennium quarters, one for each month of 1999 and 2000. The 1999 designs were meant to look back on Canada's past, while the 2000 designs looked to the future. While the 1999 coins were labeled with their month of issue, the 2000 coins were labeled with the relevant theme. Obscure Finds Coin collection OFCC has documented this set of coins see below for link or see the entire set by clicking here. 

Canada: 1999-2000 Millennium 25 Cent Series 

Source: typesets.wikidot.com 

To celebrate the new millennium, Canada created a two year circulating commemorative program that would be conducted in two parts (one in 1999 and one in 2000). Each program released 12 quarters per year ( 1 per month) and each featured a unique design. The 1999 plan featured designs representative of Canada's past. In an open design contest called “Create a Centsation” over 33,000 designs were submitted for consideration. The 2000 plan featured designs representative of Canada's dreams for a new millennium. A second design contest was held and over 66,000 designs were submitted for consideration. 

1999 - January - A Country Unfolds - Mintage: 12,181,200 

When put together the four images in this coin form the year 1999 

1999 - February - Etched in Stone - Mintage: 14,469,250 

Design features native petroglyphs that capture the historical heritage & spirituality of Canada 

1999 - March - The Log Drive - Mintage: 15,033,500 

Historical reference of Canadian raftsmen and the significant contribution they made to the growth and prosperity of Canada 

1999 - April - Our Northern Heritage - Mintage: 15,446,000

 Design features Inuit art 1999 - May - The Voyagers - Mintage: 15,566,100 Homage to the explorers & pioneers that mapped the new lands and created the fur trade 

1999 - June - From Coast to Coast - Mintage: 20,432,750 

Celebrates the historic Pacific Railway that connects Canada from coast to coast 

1999 - July - A Nation of People - Mintage: 17,321,000 

One continuous line depicts six people, representing law & order, learning, teaching, the arts, nature, and sports 

1999 - August - The Pioneer Spirit - Mintage: 18,153,700 

Celebrates pioneers who came to Canada from other countries to enjoy prosperity and new beginnings 

1999 - September - Canada Through a Child's Eye - Mintage: 31,539,350 

Three children holding hands representing a united nation 

1999 - October - A Tribute to First Nations - Mintage: 32,136,650 

Symbolic representation of Canada's first inhabitants, the eagle, bear and killer whale represent the air, land, & sea 

1999 - November - The Airplane Opens the North - Mintage: 27,162,800 

Design pays tribute to the bush plane and its contribution to opening access to northern Canada 

1999 - December - This is Canada - Mintage: 43,339,200 

The 13 gear teeth on a wheel represents the 13 provinces, symbol celebrates Canada's rich variety – wheat fields, forests, mountains, native dwellings, and cities 

REF

A glance at David Rittenhouse First Director of the US Mint

David Rittenhouse First Director of the US Mint

IMG REF[2]

David Rittenhouse was treasurer of Pennsylvania from 1777 to 1789, and with these skills and the help of George Washington, he became the first director of the United States Mint. On April 2, 1792, the United States Mint opened its doors, but would not produce coins for almost four months. Rittenhouse believed that the design of the coin made the coin a piece of artwork. The first coins were made from flatware that was provided by Washington himself on the morning of July 30, 1792. The coins were hand-struck by Rittenhouse, to test the new equipment, and were given to Washington as a token of appreciation for his contributions to making the United States Mint a reality. The coin design had not been approved by Congress. Coin production on a large scale did not begin until 1793. Rittenhouse resigned from the Mint on June 30, 1795, due to poor health. In 1871 Congress approved a commemorative medal in his honor.

The US Mint produced coins every year from 1792 to the present.

Source: coins.obscurefinds.com

Half-cent 1792–1857
Cent (Penny) 1793–present
2-cent 1864–1873
3-cent 1851–1889
Half Dime 1792–1873
Five-cent Nickel 1866–present
Dime 1792–present
20-cent 1875–1878
Quarter 1796–present
Half dollar 1794–present
Dollar coin 1794–present
Quarter Eagle ($2.50 gold coin) 1792–1929
Three-dollar piece 1854–1889 (gold coin)
Four-dollar piece 1879–1880 (gold coin)
Half Eagle 1795–1929 ($5 gold coin)
Eagle 1795–1933 ($10 gold coin)
Double Eagle 1850–1933 ($20 gold coin) 

REF

David Rittenhouse Summary
Source: en.wikepedia.org

David Rittenhouse (April 8, 1732 – June 26, 1796) was a renowned American astronomer, inventor, clockmaker, mathematician, surveyor, scientific instrument craftsman and public official. Rittenhouse was a member of the American Philosophical Society and the first director of the United States Mint.

REF


David Rittenhouse Birth and Death
Source: http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/Biographies/Rittenhouse.html

Born: 8 April 1732 in Paper Mill Run, near Germantown, Pennsylvania, USA

Died: 26 June 1796 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA


REF



Other Notes on David Rittenhouse


Influence on the Flag Act of 1777
Source: en.wikepedia.org

One admirer and colleague of Rittenhouse, Francis Hopkinson, was on the Navy Board that wrote the Flag Act of 1777, which defined the Flag of the United States of America and explained the blue field of stars as a representation of "a new constellation." This is thought by some** to be a direct tribute to Rittenhouse. Biographer Brooke Hindle wrote, "Few admired Rittenhouse more unrestrainedly than Francis Hopkinson."

** Noted on Wikipedia as [who?][citation needed]

REF

1783 Nova Constellatio coin
Source: A Grand Old Flag

The 1783 Nova Constellatio coin was first minted in Philadelphia.
David Rittenhouse was consulted on the design.

Title A Grand Old Flag - linked to Google Books
Authors Kevin P. Keim, Peter Keim
Edition illustrated
Publisher DK Publishing, 2007
ISBN 0756628474, 9780756628475
Length 192 pages

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IMG REF [2] Main image of Rittenhouse Above
"Rittenhouse, David".Photograph. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Web. 04 Aug. 2014.
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/media/140256/David-Rittenhouse-after-a-painting-by-Charles-Wilson-Peale>

OFCC Coins + Pinterest + Foursquare = Interactive Numismatic Map

Utilizing Pinterest/Foursquare 

New Map Feature

Interactive Numismatic Map

Obscure Finds Coins on Pinterest 

Pinterest About our maps and data
Our maps are designed by Stamen Design, served by MapBox and created using data from ©OpenStreetMap contributors. Some geographic data from Geonames.org is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. REF

VIEW NUMISMATIC MAP PICTURED ABOVE 

After playing with the map and options for a few minutes I was pinning away...

Coins from all over the world, marked on a map powered by big names like Pinterest and Foursquare, This could be FUN!

While building my map I placed each coin based on mint location, popular city, or content of the coin if location specific. The map was response and worked well with social plugins across the board. All the coins on this interactive map are back linked to Obscure Finds Numismatic Coin Collection Database, where you can find more specific information about the coin you chose to learn more about...

From the Creative Team At Pinterest

Over the past year, we noticed more and more people were using Pinterest to plan trips and collect their favorite places around the world. We decided we wanted to make that process better through Place Pins, which let you add a map to any of your boards.

To help people learn more about how we work at Pinterest, we wanted to share the story behind Place Pins. Building a location-based product is a huge undertaking that can take many years to get right, and we wanted to make something that was beautiful, useful and different from other products right out of the gate. A small team of engineers and designers set out to figure out how we could accomplish this. We’re still planning to add lots more to the product, but we’re proud of what we’ve done so far.

 — Michael Yamartino, Product Manager @ Pintrest

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2015 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin Designs

United States Mint Announces 2015 America the Beautiful Quarters® Program Coin Designs
Source: usmint.gov

The United States Mint (Mint) today announced the five new reverse (tails side) designs that will appear on the 2015 coins released in the America the Beautiful Quarters Program.

The coin designs honor Homestead National Monument of America (Neb.), Kisatchie National Forest (La.), Blue Ridge Parkway (N.C.), Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge (Del.), and Saratoga National Historical Park (N.Y.).

Homestead National Monument of America This design represents the three fundamentals of survival common to all homesteaders: food, shelter, and water. Inscriptions are HOMESTEAD, NEBRASKA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) artist Ronald D. Sanders and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Jim Licaretz.

Kisatchie National Forest This design features a wild turkey in flight over blue stem grass with long leaf pine in the background. Inscriptions are KISATCHIE, LOUISIANA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by AIP artist Susan Gamble and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

Blue Ridge Parkway This design depicts the grace and curvature of the road hugging the side of a mountain, with the North Carolina state flower in the foreground. Inscriptions are BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY, NORTH CAROLINA, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by AIP artist Frank Morris and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Joseph Menna.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge This design features a great blue heron in the foreground and a great egret in the background. Inscriptions are BOMBAY HOOK, DELAWARE, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by AIP artist Joel Iskowitz and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Phebe Hemphill.

Saratoga National Historical Park This design is a close-up of the moment General John Burgoyne surrendered his sword to General Horatio Gates, a pivotal moment many believe marked the 'beginning of the end of the American Revolutionary War.' Inscriptions are BRITISH SURRENDER 1777, SARATOGA, NEW YORK, 2015, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The reverse was designed by AIP artist Barbara Fox and will be sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor-Engraver Renata Gordon.

The obverse (heads side) of the coins will continue to feature the familiar 1932 portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. Required inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR.

The United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program is authorized by the America's Beautiful National Parks Quarter Dollar Coin Act of 2008 (Act) (Public Law 110-456). The Act directs the bureau to design, mint, and issue quarter-dollar coins emblematic of a national park or other national site in each state, the District of Columbia, and the five U.S. territories. In accordance with the Act, the Mint is issuing the new quarters at the rate of five per year until 2020 in the order in which each honored site was first established as a national site. The final coin will be released in 2021.

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2014 P ATB - Shenandoah National Park 5oz Silver Coin

On Obscure Finds:   http://coins.obscurefinds.com

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A look at the word Numismatic

Obscure Finds Coin Collection 
Source: coins.obscurefinds.com

Obscure Finds Coin Collection (OFCC) has created a new way to look at coins on the internet including a responsive design that helps user that are on the ever growing popular mobile devices.

The OFCC has approached this project with some simple ideas.
- document with trusted sources coins that was in our collection
- learn more about coin collecting and numismatics

During the process the OFCC has created the website located at http://coin.obscurefinds.com.
Sometime between the design process and schema creation a side project was created and segregated. This project is known as the Numismatic Coin Collection Database (NCCD) more information about the intentions of this project will come in the next few months.

Below we look at the word Numismatic


Numismatics

Source: en.wikipedia.org

Numismatics is the study or collection of currency, including coins, tokens, paper money, and related objects. While numismatists are often characterized as students or collectors of coins, the discipline also includes the broader study of money and other payment media used to resolve debts and the exchange of goods. Early money used by people is referred to as "Odd and Curious", but the use of other goods in barter exchange is excluded, even where used as a circulating currency (e.g., cigarettes in prison). The Kyrgyz people used horses as the principal currency unit and gave small change in lambskins;[1] the lambskins may be suitable for numismatic study, but the horse is not. Many objects have been used for centuries, such as cowry shells, precious metals, and gems.

Today, most transactions take place by a form of payment with either inherent, standardized, or credit value. Numismatic value may be used to refer to the value in excess of the monetary value conferred by law, which is known as the "collector value."

Economic and historical studies of money's use and development are an integral part of the numismatists' study of money's physical embodiment.

Modern numismatics

Modern numismatics is the study of the coins of the mid-17th century onward, the period of machine struck coins. Their study serves more the need of collectors than historians and it is more often successfully pursued by amateur aficionados than by professional scholars. The focus of modern numismatics lies frequently in the research of production and use of money in historical contexts using mint or other records in order to determine the relative rarity of the coins they study. Varieties, mint-made errors, the results of progressive die wear, mintage figures and even the sociopolitical context of coin mintings are also matters of interest.

REF

Numismatic Definition
Source:  merriam-webster.com

Definition of NUMISMATIC

1

:  of or relating to numismatics

2

:  of or relating to currency :  monetary

Origin of NUMISMATIC

French numismatique, from Latin nomismat-, nomisma coin, from Greek, current coin, from nomizein to use, from nomoscustom, law — more at nimble

First Known Use: 1792

REF

1913 Canadian Arctic Expedition

Canadian Arctic Expedition

Royal Canadian Mint President Ian Bennett, at left, and Dr. David Gray, a Research Associate at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa,unveil a model of one of two new quarters at the Nellie McClung branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library on Cedar Hill Road. The quarters celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the first official Canadian Arctic expedition and life in the Canadian North. The expedition departed from Esquimalt harbour. Dr. David Gray, a Research Associate at the Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa, is an expert on the Arctic expedition and a native of Esquimalt.— Image Credit: Don Denton/News Staff

New coins celebrate Victoria's role in Arctic expedition

by Don Denton - Victoria News

posted Nov 22, 2013 at 12:00 PM— updated Nov 22, 2013 at 5:13 PM
The president of the Royal Canadian Mint, Ian Bennett, was on hand Friday morning to help unveil Canada's latest quarter coins at the Nellie McClung branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library.

Helping to unveil the coins were Nanaimo-Alberni MP James Lunney and David Gray, a research associate with the Canadian Museum of Nature. Twenty-five million of the 25 cent commemorative coins will begin to be distributed into circulation today.

The coins celebrate the 100th anniversary of Canada's first official Arctic expedition as well as life in the north. The expedition set out from Victoria, sailing from Esquimalt harbour. The Prime Minister at the time Sir Robert Borden sent the expedition to map the western Arctic and to study the peoples, wildlife and geology.

Gray, who was born in Esquimalt, is an expert on the 1913 expedition and has made several trips to the sites visited by the original explorers.


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Related To: 
Canada - 2013 - Elizabeth II - Canadian Arctic Expedition 
Canada - Twenty-Five Cents
Canada - 

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Canada 2013 Life in The North - Frosted ( C25C )

on Obscure Finds: http://coins.obscurefinds.com

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2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Coins

Coins Honoring Louis Braille

Louis Braille

Louis Braille (4 January 1809 – 6 January 1852) was a French educator and inventor of a system of reading and writing for use by the blind or visually impaired. His system remains known worldwide simply as braille.

Blinded in both eyes as a result of an early childhood accident, Braille mastered his disability while still a boy. He excelled in his education and received scholarship to France's Royal Institute for Blind Youth. While still a student there, he began developing a system of tactile code that could allow blind persons to read and write quickly and efficiently. Inspired by the military cryptography of Charles Barbier, Braille constructed a new method built specifically for the needs of the blind. He presented his work to his peers for the first time in 1824.[1]

2009 Louis Braille Coins


1. Belgian 2-euro commemorative coin

The newest Belgian 2-euro commemorative coin is dedicated to Louis Braille (1809 – 1852) and the 200th anniversary of his birthday.

Louis Braille is the inventor of braille, the world-wide system used by blind and visually impaired people for reading and writing. The inner part of the coin features his portrait between his initials L and B, in the alphabet that he designed.[2]

2. Italy 2-euro commemorative coin

The coin depicts a hand reading an open book by touch. The index finger points at a vertical inscription ‘LOUIS BRAILLE 1809-2009’ and two birds in flight above the hand symbolise freedom of knowledge. The monogram of the Italian Republic, ‘RI’, is at the top right, while the mint mark ‘R’ is at the bottom right. Braille’s name is written under the book in the alphabet that he invented. At the very bottom are the initials ‘MCC’ of the artist Maria Carmela Colaneri. The 12 stars of the European Union are shown on the outer ring.[3]

3. India 2 Rupee Coin

Obverse : The face of coin is divided into three portions with two horizontal lines. The left centre portion shall bear the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar with the legend सत्यमेव जयते inscribed below, and right centre portion denominational value "2" in International Numeral. In the upper portion the word भारत in Hindi and "INDIA" in English and lower portion the word रूपये in Hindi and "Rupees" in English.
Reverse : The face of the coin shall contain the portrait of "LOUIS BRAILLE" in the centre. Left upper periphery the word लुई ब्रेल in Hindi and right upper periphery the word " LOUIS BRAILLE "in English. In centre Left side of the portraits, the year '1809 and right side '2009' in International Numerals. Below the portrait the word "LOUIS BRAILLE" in Braille Language.[4]

4. US Commemorative Silver Dollar

Now, for the first time in history, a United States coin features readable Braille. It is available in both proof and uncirculated versions. The obverse (heads) features a portrait of Louis Braille designed by United States Mint Artistic Infusion Program (AIP) Master Designer Joel Iskowitz and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor/Engraver Phebe Hemphill. It is also inscribed with LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, LOUIS BRAILLE, 1809 and 2009.

The reverse (tails), showing a child reading a book in Braille, was designed by United States Mint AIP Master Designer Susan Gamble and sculpted by United States Mint Sculptor/Engraver Joseph Menna. The word Braille (abbreviated Brl in Braille code) is depicted in the upper field. The word INDEPENDENCE is featured on a bookshelf behind the child, in addition to the inscriptions UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ONE DOLLAR and E PLURIBUS UNUM.[5]

[1] en.wikipedia.org REF
[2] nbbmuseum.be REF
[3] ecb.europa.eu REF
[4] rbi.org.in REF
[5] usmint.gov REF

Related To: 
US - 2009 Louis Braille Bicentennial Silver Dollar 
US - Commemoratives
US - 

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2009 P Louis Braille Silver Dollar

On Obscure Finds:

http://coins.obscurefinds.com

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