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Australia's
Perth Mint Issues Coin
Commemorating the Evolution of the Alphabet
The Perth
Mint is now in the middle of its 5-year series of proof 10
oz. pure silver coins featuring designs based on the tools
or instruments that have helped man define his universe through
the ages. The theme in 2001 was the Calendar, in 2002 it was
Time, and for 2003 it is the Alphabet.
The alphabet
originated in the Middle East sometime between the 18th and
16th centuries BC. This coin is inscribed with words in the
following alphabets: Egyptian hieroglyphs, Ancient Greek,
Roman, Modern Hebrew, Cyrillic, Cuneiform, Hindi, Arabic,
Thai, Chinese, etc. The Perth Mint's "P" mintmark
also appears. This coin is considered as part of the Kookaburra
silver coin series, even though no kookaburra is pictured.
Ian Rank-Broadley's portrait of Queen Elizabeth II is featured
on the other side.
Only 1,500
proof 2003 10 oz. pure silver legal tender coins will be issued.
Each coin is magnificently displayed in a black, free-standing
case, and is accompanied by a serial numbered Certificate
of Authenticity. They are available at the new issue price
of $265 from official distributor PandaAmerica, 3460 Torrance
Blvd., Suite 100, Torrance, CA 90503. Credit card orders can
be placed by calling (800) 472-6327 or e-mailing info@pandaamerica.com.
Add $11.50 per order for shipping and insurance. A limited
number of the earlier proof 10 oz. pure silver coins -- the
Calendar (2001) and Time (2002) -- are still available; price
upon request.
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