A while back I saw a coin on a not so well known auction site that is on line. I've been looking at their lots from past auctions and was quite impressed with the quality and price range of them. This company, sort of, specializes in ancient and world coins. I don't know a lot about world coins but I have always admired the Soverign. I  find it a beautifully artistic design. As a reptile lover, I am quite fond of the dragon on  the reverse, even though he is having a bad day. This particular Soveriegn was minted in 1927 in Pretoria, South Africa. The site described the coin as uncirculated. It looked good, even though it has some light scratches? in the fields. I did my due research and put down a bid. I felt it would grade out as a low MS. not bad.

   I just placed my online order for the National Parks gold Commemorative coin from the US Mint. After all the problems and complaints the mint has received in its recent releases I am happy to say this was a "no problem experience". I was in and out in two minutes. I know! Hard to believe but the entire order from sign in to completion, took 2 minutes! I hope they can keep this up. I don't purchase a lot from our mint, but I do some ordering and this was a pleasant surprise. It looks like now is the time to order. Or you can go to eBay and pay about $100 more!!! I should have said I wrote this blog 20 minutes after the Mint made this coin available.

Well, I don't usually buy bullion coins but I couldn't resist this one. It's a 2014 0.5 pure gold Canadian Chipmunk. It's number one in a yearly set. I'm anxiously awaiting the next one, which I already purchased from the Royal Canadian Mint. I'll put it up as soon as it arrives. I was going to put them up together but it hasn't shown up as yet. Anyway, this coin has a mintage of 10,000. It has a diameter of 11 mm. It has a serrated edge and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity.  As stated, it weighs a mighty 0.5 grams, so hold it with both hands. The reverse was designed by Tony Bianco and the obverse of Her Majesty the Queen was done by Susanna Blunt. Probably a silly purchase but I like him!