Collecting world coins, 1901-present: A comprehensive catalog to circulating coins: soft cover

1155 Pages·2015·223.779 MB·English

by  Čuhaj, George S

The World at Your Fingertips CIRCULATING Collecting
ISSUES
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, Collecting World Coins, 1901-Present WORLD
1901-Present, offers the most comprehensive country-by-country,
fully illustrated catalog on the market for 20th and 21st century
coins used in everyday commerce.
Offering complete coin descriptions and nearly 20,000 actual-
size illustrations to assist in coin identifi cation, the new edition
is a perfect reference for beginner to expert collectors alike, as
well as coin traders and dealers interested in circulating coins WC COINS
found around the world. o 15th
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Edition
Each detailed listing includes: l
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• Dates, mintmarks and mintages
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• Descriptions of coin features
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• Metal content, with weight and diameter in many cases
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• Current market value in relevant grades of preservation n
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With this 15th edition of Collecting World Coins, you will be STANDARD CATALOG OF CIRCULATING COINAGE • 1901-Present
able to value your collection as well as see modern world history
unfold through changes in governments, monetary system reforms, L
infl ationary periods and wars as recorded through international
circulating coinage.
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S George S. Cuhaj has been on the editorial staff of the Standard Catalog of
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World Coins and the Standard Catalog of World Paper Money for 20 years.
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Among his many duties, he catalogs new issues and serves as lead editor
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of the online product NumisMaster, as well as Canadian Coin Digest and
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D Standard Catalog of United States Paper Money. Cuhaj previously served O
E as cataloger for the American Numismatic Society and Stack’s Rare Coins,
both of New York City.
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Thomas Michael has maintained the world coin values in all Krause
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a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and Master of Arts degree in 5
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economics. With a passion for numismatics since childhood, Michael has h
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been intimately involved in the production of more than 100 price and E
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identifi cation guides, many of them award winning.
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US $47.99
T8208 (CAN $53.50)
ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-4460-5
ISBN-10: 1-4402-4460-X Cuhaj • Michael
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George S. Cuhaj, Editor
The World’s Best-Selling Coin Books
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Collecting
WORLD
COINS
15th
Edition
STANDARD CATALOG OF CIRCULATING COINAGE • 1901-Present
George S. Cuhaj, Editor
Thomas Michael, Market Analyst
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ISSN 1532-8104
ISBN-13: 978-1-4402-4460-5
ISBN-10: 1-4402-4460-X
Cover Design by Jana Tappa
Designed by Jana Tappa
Edited by George Cuhaj
Printed in the United States of America
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INTRODUCTION 3
Introduction
Collecting World Coins is designed to offer a focused in most cases, according to the name found on the coins. Thus
approach to world coin collecting. No commemoratives, sets, the coins of the old Belgian Congo are listed under B, and
or special issues are included in this catalog. This reference not under their current geographic country of Zaire. Coins of
is not intended as an enhancement to our other numismatic the German States are listed alphabetically under the group
catalogs – rather a response to a specifi c need. heading of German States. If you have a concern, please check
The scope of this volume embraces issues since 1901 the country index.
circulated by nations around the globe. The presentation of The country listings are arranged in ascending denomination
listings is detailed and comprehensive. The catalog listings and date of issue cataloging style popularly employed in
include comprising issues which were struck for circulation, American coin catalogs. In countries in the Islamic world, coins
dates and mints of issue, along with mintage fi gures where are listed by ruler and then in ascending denomination order.
available and valuations in up to fi ve grades of preservation. Furthermore, divisions are made for monetary reforms, thus
What you will not fi nd listed are those coin issues expressly the coins of France are separated by pre-war and post–war
created for non-monetary purposes, including limited issue monetary reforms, as well as the new euro coinage. Catalog
commemorative coinages. You will fi nd a few gold issues, as numbers accompany each coin cataloged. Prefi xes are those
prior to World War II many were produced to serve circulating that prevail in the marketplace; principally they are the KM#
monetary needs. carried in the Standard Catalog of World Coins.
The objective of this volume, then, is to provide users with Users of this catalog seeking to advance their collecting
accurate, reliable and instructive information on 20th and 21st pursuit are referred to the complete listings offered in the
century monetary issue coins – coins of great historical value, comprehensive Standard Catalog of World Coins, 20th Century
which attribute is drawn from the people, events and symbols edition, an annual volume providing coverage of all countries
emblazoned on them. from 1901 to 2000 or the 21st Century edition covering
This book is keyed to enabling all to easily and quickly 2001-present. Companion 17th, 18th, and 19th editions present
identify coins which require attribution to country or valuation. in fi ve volumes total, world coin issues from 1601 to the present.
Two features facilitate this purpose; an Instant Identifi er guide Collectors seriously interested in expanding their pursuit of
that focuses on dominant design characteristics, including world coins should consider subscribing to World Coin News,
monograms, which when coupled with a comprehensive another Krause Publications product, the only monthly hobby
Country Index documenting the variable forms of country newspaper devoted exclusively to world numismatic subjects.
names that appear on subject coins, enables the user to quickly In addition to presenting a wide range of news reports covering
attribute any monetary world coin issue to its’ country of origin. various aspects of the world coin collecting realm, each issue
Another feature of the country listings are actual size coin also features World Coin Roundup, a detailed presentation of
illustrations, which allows quick identifi cation, by type, of all timely information on newly released issues from around the
denominations and design changes. Listings are accompanied globe, plus newly discovered varieties unearthed by scholars
by the metal of issue, with the addition of Actual Silver Weight form many countries. More information on these products can
(ASW) and Actual Gold Weight (AGW) fi gures for all listed coins be found at www.shopnumismaster.com.
struck of silver or gold alloys.
From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, the listings are catalogued, —The Editorial Staff
Contents
Country Index .........................................................................................................................................................4
How To Use This Catalog .......................................................................................................................................6
Instant Identifi er ....................................................................................................................................................12
Monograms ..........................................................................................................................................................16
A Guide To International Numerics .......................................................................................................................18
Standard International Numeral Systems .............................................................................................................19
Silver Bullion .........................................................................................................................................................20
Gold Bullion ..........................................................................................................................................................22
Hejira Date Conversion Chart ...............................................................................................................................24
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4 COUNTRY INDEX
Country Index
Afghanistan ..........................................25 China, Republic ..................................210 Ghana .................................................425
Albania .................................................35 Chinese Soviet Republic ....................226 Gibraltar..............................................427
Algeria ..................................................39 Colombia ............................................227 Gough Island ....................................1025
Angola ..................................................43 Comoros .............................................234 Great Britain .......................................432
Anhalt-Dessau ....................................367 Congo Democratic Repblic ................236 Greece ................................................454
Annam ..............................................1125 Congo Free State ...............................235 Greenland...........................................461
Argentina ..............................................45 Congo Republic ..................................236 Grenada .............................................462
Armenia ................................................52 Cook Islands ......................................237 Guadeloupe ........................................462
Aruba ....................................................54 Costa Rica ..........................................240 Guatemala ..........................................463
Australia ...............................................55 Crete ...................................................247 Guernsey ............................................468
Austria ..................................................74 Croatia ................................................248 Guinea ................................................472
Azerbaijan ............................................87 Cuba ...................................................252 Guinea-Bissau. ...................................473
Azores ..................................................88 Curaçao ..............................................257 Guyana ...............................................474
Baden .................................................367 Cyprus ................................................258 Haiti ....................................................476
Bahamas ..............................................89 Czech Republic ..................................264 Hamburg .............................................371
Bahrain .................................................92 Czechoslovakia ..................................266 Hejaz ..................................................478
Bangladesh ..........................................93 Danish West Indies ............................271 Hejaz & Nejd ......................................899
Barbados ..............................................95 Danzig ................................................272 Hesse-Darmstadt ...............................372
Bavaria ...............................................369 Darfur .................................................959 Honan Province ..................................209
Belgian Congo ......................................97 Denmark .............................................273 Honduras ............................................480
Belgium ................................................99 Djibouti ...............................................286 Hong Kong .........................................483
Belize ..................................................114 Dominican Repubic ............................287 Hungary ..............................................488
Bermuda .............................................117 East Africa ..........................................292 Iceland ................................................498
Bhutan ................................................119 East Africa and Uganda India - British ......................................502
Biafra ..................................................122 Protectorates ..................................291 India - Portuguese ..............................501
Bohemia & Moravia ............................122 Eastern Caribbean States ..................295 India - Republic ..................................515
Bolivia .................................................122 East Hopei ..........................................217 Indonesia ............................................534
Bosnia-Herzegovina ...........................126 East Timor ..........................................297 Iran .....................................................537
Botswana ............................................126 Ecuador ..............................................302 Iraq .....................................................553
Brazil ..................................................128 Egypt ..................................................302 Ireland ................................................559
Bremen ...............................................370 El Salvador .........................................316 Irian Barat ...........................................536
British Caribbean Territories ..............297 Equatorial African States ....................319 Irish Free State ...................................559
British Guiana .....................................475 Equatorial Guinea ..............................320 Isle of Man ..........................................563
British Guiana and West Indies ..........474 Eritrea .................................................321 Israel ...................................................571
British Honduras.................................139 Estonia ...............................................321 Italian Somaliland ...............................578
British India ........................................502 Ethiopia ..............................................324 Italy .....................................................579
British North Borneo...........................142 Faeroe Islands ....................................326 Jamaica ..............................................590
British Virgin Islands ..........................142 Falkland Islands .................................326 Japan ..................................................596
British West Africa ..............................143 Fengtien Province ..............................208 Jersey .................................................607
Brunei .................................................148 Fiji .......................................................328 Jordan ................................................612
Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel ......................371 Finland ................................................333 Katanga ..............................................616
Bukhara ..............................................185 France ................................................342 Kazakhstan ........................................616
Bulgaria ..............................................150 French Afars & Issas ..........................355 Kelantan .............................................660
Burundi ...............................................156 French Equatorial Africa .....................355 Kenya .................................................618
Cambodia ...........................................157 French Indo-China .............................356 Khiva ..................................................187
Cameroon ...........................................158 French Oceania ..................................359 Khorezm Peoples Soviet Republic .....188
Canada ...............................................159 French Polynesia................................359 Kiangsu-Chingkiang Province ............209
Cape Verde ........................................179 French Somaliland .............................361 Kiau Chau ...........................................621
Cayman Islands..................................181 French West Africa .............................361 Kingdom of the Serbs,
Central African Republic ....................182 Gabon .................................................362 Croats and Slovenes ....................1137
Central African States ........................183 Gambia ...............................................362 Kiribati ................................................621
Central Asia ........................................184 Georgia ...............................................364 Korea ..................................................622
Ceylon ................................................188 German East Africa ............................365 Korea - North ......................................623
Chad ...................................................192 German States ...................................366 Korea - South .....................................625
Chile ...................................................192 Germany - Democratic Republic ........420 Kuwait .................................................628
China, Empire.....................................199 Germany - Empire ..............................384 Kwangsi-Kwangsea Province .............210
China, Japanese Puppet States ........217 Germany - Third Reich .......................394 Kyrgyzstan ..........................................629
China, Peoples Republic ....................222 Germany - Weimar Republic ..............388 Lao .....................................................630
China, Provisional Government .........219 Germnay - Federal Republic ..............397 Latvia ..................................................631
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COUNTRY INDEX 5
Lebanon .............................................634 Papua New Guinea ............................782 Spain ..................................................944
Lesotho ...............................................636 Paraguay ............................................784 Sri Lanka ............................................954
Liberia .................................................638 Peoples Republic of China .................222 Stoltenhoff Island .............................1026
Libya ...................................................640 Peru ....................................................787 Straits Settlements .............................956
Liechtenstein ......................................642 Philippines ..........................................798 Sudan .................................................959
Lippe-Deltmold ...................................372 Pitcairn Islands ...................................806 Suriname ............................................954
Lithuania .............................................643 Poland ................................................806 Swaziland ...........................................966
Lubeck ................................................373 Portugal ..............................................828 Sweden ..............................................968
Luxembourg .......................................645 Portuguese Guinea ............................473 Switzerland .........................................976
Macau .................................................650 Portuguese India ................................501 Syria ...................................................983
Macedonia ..........................................652 Provisional Government of China ......219 Szechuan Province ............................210
Madagascar .......................................653 Prussia ...............................................375 Szechuan Shensi Soviet Republic .....227
Madeira Islands ..................................655 Qatar ..................................................838 Taiwan ................................................219
Malawi ................................................656 Qatar & Dubai.....................................839 Tajikistan ............................................987
Malay Peninsula .................................660 Quati State of Hadramut ..................1135 Tannu Tuva .........................................988
Malaya ................................................658 R.S.F.S.R. ...........................................852 Tanzania .............................................989
Malaya & British Borneo.....................659 Republic of China ...............................210 Thailand. .............................................991
Malaysia .............................................660 Republic of China, Taiwan .................219 Tibet .................................................1009
Maldive Islands ..................................663 Reunion ..............................................839 Timor ................................................1016
Mali .....................................................665 Reuss-Obergreiz ................................377 Timor-Leste ........................................297
Malta ...................................................665 Rhodesia ............................................840 Togo..................................................1017
Manchukuo .........................................217 Rhodesia & Nyasaland.......................841 Tonga................................................1018
Martinique ..........................................669 Riau Archipelago ................................537 Tonkin ...............................................1020
Mauritania ..........................................669 Romania .............................................842 Transnistria .......................................1020
Mauritius .............................................670 Ruanda-Urundi .....................................98 Trengganu ..........................................660
Mecklenburg-Schwerin ......................374 Russia ................................................849 Trinidad & Tobago ............................1021
Mecklenburg-Strelitz ..........................374 Russian Federation ............................862 Tristan da Cunha ..............................1025
Meng Chiang ......................................219 Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Tunisia ..............................................1026
Mexico ................................................673 Republic ..........................................852 Turkey ...............................................1031
Moldova ..............................................693 Rwanda ..............................................875 Turkmenistan ....................................1046
Monaco ...............................................694 Rwanda-Burundi ................................876 Tuvalu ...............................................1047
Mongolia .............................................697 Saarland .............................................876 U.S.S.R. ..............................................853
Montenegro ........................................700 Saint Helena & Ascension .................877 Uganda .............................................1048
Morocco .............................................701 Saint Pierre & Miquelon .....................878 Ukraine .............................................1050
Mozambique .......................................707 Saint Thomas & Prince ......................878 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics ...853
Muscat & Oman .................................711 Salvador .............................................316 United Arab Emirates .......................1052
Myanmar ............................................712 Samoa ................................................881 United Arab Republic - Egypt .............309
Nagorno-Karabakh .............................714 San Marino .........................................882 United Arab Republic - Syria ..............984
Namibia ..............................................715 Sarawak .............................................897 United States ....................................1055
Nepal ..................................................715 Saudi Arabia .......................................898 Uruguay ............................................1092
Netherlands ........................................732 Saxe-Coburg-Gotha ...........................377 Uzbekistan ........................................1096
Netherlands Antilles ...........................741 Saxe-Meiningen .................................378 Vanuatu ............................................1098
Netherlands East Indies .....................743 Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach .....................379 Vatican City ......................................1098
New Caledonia ...................................745 Saxony-Albertine ................................380 Venezuela ..........................................1119
New Guinea ........................................747 Schaumburg-Lippe .............................381 Viet Nam ...........................................1124
New Hebrides .....................................748 Schwarzburg-Sondershausen ...........382 Viet Nam, North ................................1125
New Zealand ......................................749 Serbia .................................................902 Viet Nam, South ...............................1126
Newfoundland ....................................178 Seychelles ..........................................905 Waldeck-Pyrmont ...............................382
Nicaragua ...........................................758 Siam ...................................................991 West African States ..........................1128
Nigeria ................................................761 Sierra Leone .......................................908 Wurttemberg ......................................383
Niue ....................................................762 Singapore ...........................................910 Yemen ..............................................1129
North Korea ........................................623 Slovakia ..............................................912 Yemen Arab Republic ......................1134
North Viet Nam .................................1125 Slovenia ..............................................915 Yemen East Aden Protectorate ........1135
Norway ...............................................763 Solomon Islands.................................919 Yemen Republic ...............................1136
Oldenburg ..........................................375 Somalia ..............................................921 Yemen, Democratic Republic ...........1136
Oman ..................................................771 Somaliland .........................................923 Yugoslavia ........................................1137
Ottoman Empire - Egypt .....................302 South Africa ........................................924 Zaire .................................................1144
Ottoman Empire - Turkey .................1031 South Arabia ......................................941 Zambia .............................................1144
Pakistan ..............................................772 South Korea .......................................625 Zanzibar ...........................................1146
Palestine .............................................776 South Viet Nam ................................1126 Zimbabwe .........................................1146
Panama ..............................................777 Southern Rhodesia ............................941 Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek .............924
(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:10) (cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:14)
6 HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG
Hot To Use This Catalog
This catalog series is designed to serve the needs of both the Switzerland. Some other examples include:
novice and advanced collectors. It provides a comprehensive
guide to over 100 years of world coinage. It is generally arranged • DEUTSCHES REICH - Germany 1873-1945
so that persons with no more than a basic knowledge of world • BUNDESREPUBLIC DEUTSCHLAND - Federal Republic of
history and a casual acquaintance with coin collecting can Germany.
consult it with confi dence and ease. The following explanations • DEUTSCHE DEMOKRATISCHE REPUBLIK - German
summarize the general practices used in preparing this catalog’s Democratic Republic.
listings. However, because of specialized requirements, which • EMPIRE CHERIFIEN MAROC - Morocco.
may vary by country and era, these must not be considered • ESTADOS UNIDOS MEXICANOS - United Mexican States
ironclad. Where these standards have been set aside, (Mexico).
appropriate notations of the variations are incorporated in that • ETAT DU GRAND LIBAN - State of Great Lebanon
particular listing. (Lebanon).
Thus it can be seen there are instances in which a little
ARRANGEMENT schooling in the rudiments of foreign languages can be most
Countries are arranged alphabetically. Political changes helpful. In general, colonial possessions of countries using the
within a country are arranged chronologically. In countries Western alphabet are similarly identifi able as they often carry
where Rulers are the single most signifi cant political entity portraits of their current rulers, the familiar lettering, sometimes
a chronological arrangement by Ruler has been employed. in combination with a companion designation in the local
Distinctive sub-geographic regions are listed alphabetically language.
following the countries main listings. A few exceptions to these Collectors have the greatest diffi culty with coins that do not
rules may exist. Refer to the Country Index. bear legends or dates in the Western systems. These include
Diverse coinage types relating to fabrication methods, coins bearing Cyrillic lettering, attributable to Bulgaria, Russia,
revaluations, denomination systems, non-circulating categories the Slavic states and Mongolia, the Greek script peculiar to
and such have been identifi ed, separated and arranged in Greece, Crete and the Ionian Islands; The Amharic characters of
logical fashion. Chronological arrangement is employed for Ethiopia, or Hebrew in the case of Israel. Dragons and sunbursts
most circulating coinage, i.e., Hammered coinage will normally along with the distinctive word characters attribute a coin to the
precede Milled coinage, monetary reforms will fl ow in order of Oriental countries of China, Japan, Korea, Tibet, Viet Nam and
their institution. their component parts.
Within a coinage type coins will be listed by denomination, The most diffi cult coins to identify are those bearing only
from smallest to largest. Numbered types within a denomination Persian or Arabic script and its derivatives, found on the issues
will be ordered by their fi rst date of issue. of nations stretching in a wide swath across North Africa
and East Asia, from Morocco to Indonesia, and the Indian
IDENTIFICATION subcontinent coinages which surely are more confusing in their
The most important step in the identifi cation of a coin is the vast array of Nagari, Sanskrit, Ahom, Assamese and other local
determination of the nation of origin. This is generally easily dialects found on the local issues of the Indian Princely States.
accomplished where English-speaking lands are concerned, Although the task of identifi cation on the more modern issues
however, use of the country index is sometimes required. The of these lands is often eased by the added presence of Western
coins of Great Britain provide an interesting challenge. For alphabet legends, a feature sometimes adopted as early as the
hundreds of years the only indication of the country of origin late 19th Century, for the earlier pieces it is often necessary for
was in the abbreviated Latin legends. In recent times there the uninitiated to laboriously seek and fi nd.
have been occasions when there has been no indication of Except for the cruder issues, however, it will be found that
origin. Only through the familiarity of the monarchical portraits, certain characteristics and symbols featured in addition to the
symbols and legends or indication of currency system are they predominant legends are typical on coins from a given country
identifi able. or group of countries. The toughra monogram, for instance,
The coins of many countries beyond the English-language occurs on some of the coins of Afghanistan, Egypt, the Sudan,
realm, such as those of French, Italian or Spanish heritage, are Pakistan, Turkey and other areas of the late Ottoman Empire. A
also quite easy to identify through reference to their legends, predominant design feature on the coins of Nepal is the trident;
which appear in the national languages based on Western while neighboring Tibet features a lotus blossom or lion on many
alphabets. In many instances the name is spelled exactly the of their issues.
same in English as in the national language, such as France; To assist in identifi cation of the more diffi cult coins, we
while in other cases it varies only slightly, like Italia for Italy, have assembled the Instant Identifi er and Monogram sections
Belgique or Belgie for Belgium, Brasil for Brazil and Danmark presented on the following pages. They are designed to provide
for Denmark. a point of beginning for collectors by allowing them to compare
This is not always the case, however, as in Norge for unidentifi ed coins with photographic details from typical issues.
Norway, Espana for Spain, Sverige for Sweden and Helvetia for We also suggest reference to the Index of Coin Denominations
(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:10)(cid:10) (cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:10)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:11)(cid:11)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:13)(cid:13)
HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG 7
presented here and also the comprehensive Country Index, The following table indicates the year dating for the various
where the inscription will be found listed just as it appears on eras, which correspond to 2006 in Christian calendar reckoning,
the coin for nations using the Western alphabet. but it must be remembered that there are overlaps between the
eras in some instances.
DATING Christian era (AD) - 2010
Coin dating is the fi nal basic attribution consideration. Here, Muslim era (AH) - AH1431
the problem can be more diffi cult because the reading of a coin Solar year (SH) - SH1388
date is subject not only to the vagaries of numeric styling, but Monarchic Solar era (MS) - MS2569
to calendar variations caused by the observance of various Vikrama Samvat (VS) - VS2067
religious eras or regal periods from country to country, or even Saka era (SE) - SE1932
within a country. Here again with the exception of the sphere Buddhist era (BE) - BE2553
from North Africa through the Orient, it will be found that most Bangkok era (RS) - RS229
countries rely on Western date numerals and Christian (AD) era Chula-Sakarat era (CS) - CS1372
reckoning, although in a few instances, coin dating has been tied Ethiopian era (EE) - EE2003
to the year of a reign or government. The Vatican, for example Korean era - 4343
dates its coinage according to the year of reign of the current Javanese Aji Saka era (AS) - AS1943
pope, in addition to the Christian-era date. Fasli era (FE) - FE1420
Countries in the Arabic sphere generally date their coins to the Jewish era (JE) - JE5770
Muslim era (AH), which commenced on July 16, 622 AD (Julian Roman - MMX
calendar), when the prophet Mohammed fl ed from Mecca to
Medina. As their calendar is reckoned by the lunar year of 354 Coins of Asian origin - principally Japan, Korea, China,
days, which is about three percent (precisely 2.98%) shorter than Turkestan and Tibet and some modern gold issues of
the Christian year, a formula is required to convert AH dating to its Turkey - are generally dated to the year of the government,
Western equivalent. To convert an AH date to the approximate AD dynasty, reign or cyclic eras, with the dates indicated in Asian
date, subtract three percent of the AH date (round to the closest characters which usually read from right to left. In recent years,
whole number) from the AH date and add 622. A chart converting however, some dating has been according to the Christian
all AH years from 1010 (July 2, 1601) to 1421 (May 25, 2028) is calendar and in Western numerals. In Japan, Asian character
presented as the Heijra Chart on page 35. dating was reversed to read from left to right in Showa year 23
The Muslim calendar is not always based on the lunar (1948 AD).
year (AH), however, causing some confusion, particularly in More detailed guides to less prevalent coin dating systems,
Afghanistan and Iran, where a calendar based on the solar year which are strictly local in nature, are presented with the
(SH) was introduced around 1920. These dates can be converted appropriate listings.
to AD by simply adding 621. In 1976 the government of Iran Some coins carry dates according to both locally observed
implemented a new solar calendar based on the foundation of and Christian eras. This is particularly true in the Arabic world,
the Iranian monarchy in 559 BC. The fi rst year observed on the where the Hejira date may be indicated in Arabic numerals and
new calendar was 2535 (MS), which commenced March 20, the Christian date in Western numerals, or both dates in either
1976. A reversion to the traditional SH dating standard occurred form.
a few years later. The date actually carried on a given coin is generally
Several different eras of reckoning, including Christian cataloged here in the fi rst column (Date) to the right of the
and Muslim (AH), have been used to date coins of the Indian catalog number. If this date is by a non-Christian dating system,
subcontinent. The two basic systems are the Vikrama Samvat such as ‘AH’(Muslim), the Christian equivalent date will appear
(VS), which dates from Oct. 18, 58 BC, and the Saka era, in parentheses(), for example AH1336(1917). Dates listed alone
the origin of which is reckoned from March 3, 78 AD. Dating in the date column which do not actually appear on a given
according to both eras appears on various coins of the area. coin, or dates which are known, but do not appear on the coin,
Coins of Thailand (Siam) are found dated by three different are generally enclosed by parentheses with ‘ND’ at the left, for
eras. The most predominant is the Buddhist era (BE), which example ND (1926).
originated in 543 BC. Next is the Bangkok or Ratanakosindsok Timing differentials between some era of reckoning,
(RS) era, dating from 1781 AD; followed by the Chula-Sakarat particularly the 354-day Mohammedan and 365-day Christian
(CS) era, dating from 638 AD. The latter era originated in Burma years, cause situations whereby coins which carry dates for both
and is used on that country’s coins. eras exist bearing two year dates from one calendar combined
Other calendars include that of the Ethiopian era (EE), which with a single date from another.
commenced seven years, eight months after AD dating; and Countermarked Coinage is presented with both ‘Countermark
that of the Jewish people, which commenced on Oct. 7, 3761 Date’ and ‘Host Coin’ date for each type. Actual date
BC. Korea claims a legendary dating from 2333 BC, which is representation follows the rules outlined above.
acknowledged in some of its coin dating. Some coin issues of
the Indonesian area carry dates determined by the Javanese NUMBERING SYSTEM
Aji Saka era (AS), a calendar of 354 days (100 Javanese years Some catalog numbers assigned in this volume are based
equal 97 Christian or Gregorian calendar years), which can be on established references. This practice has been observed for
matched to AD dating by comparing it to AH dating. two reasons: First, when world coins are listed chronologically
(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:11) (cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:10)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:14)
8 HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG
they are basically self-cataloging; second, there was no need MINTAGES
to confuse collectors with totally new numeric designations Quantities minted of each date are indicated where that
where appropriate systems already existed. As time progressed information is available, generally stated in millions, and usually
we found many of these established systems incomplete rounded off to the nearest 10,000 pieces. On quantities of a few
and inadequate and have now replaced many with new KM thousand or less, actual mintages are generally indicated. For
numbers. When numbers change appropriate cross-referencing combined mintage fi gures the abbreviation “Inc. Above” means
has been provided. Included Above, while “Inc. Below” means Included Below. “Est.”
Some of the coins listed in this catalog are identifi ed or beside a mintage fi gure indicates the number given is an estimate
cross-referenced by numbers assigned by R.S. Yeoman (Y#), or mintage limit.
or slight adaptations thereof, in his Modern World Coins, and
Current Coins of the World. For the pre-Yeoman dated issues, MINT AND PRIVY MARKS
the numbers assigned by William D. Craig (C#) in his Coins of The presence of distinctive, but frequently inconspicuously
the World (1750-1850 period), 3rd edition, have generally been placed, mintmarks indicates the mint of issue for many of the
applied. coins listed in this catalog. An appropriate designation in the
In some countries, listings are cross-referenced to Robert date listings notes the presence, if any, of a mint mark on a
Friedberg’s (FR#) Gold Coins of the World or Coins of the British particular coin type by incorporating the letter or letters of the
World. Major Fred Pridmore’s (P#) studies of British colonial mint mark adjoining the date, i.e., 1950D or 1927R.
coinage are also referenced, as are W.H. Valentine’s (V#) The presence of mint and/or mintmaster’s privy marks on a
references on the Modern Copper Coins of the Muhammadan coin in non-letter form is indicated by incorporating the mint
States. Coins issued under the Chinese sphere of infl uence are letter in lower case within parentheses adjoining the date; i.e.
assigned numbers from E. Kann’s (K#) Illustrated Catalog of 1927(a). The corresponding mark is illustrated or identifi ed in the
Chinese Coins and T.K. Hsu’s (Su) work of similar title. In most introduction of the country.
cases, these cross-reference numbers are presented in the In countries such as France and Mexico, where many mints
descriptive text for each type. may be producing like coinage in the same denomination during
the same time period, divisions by mint have been employed.
DENOMINATIONS In these cases the mint mark may appear next to the individual
The second basic consideration to be met in the attribution of a date listings and/or the mint name or mint mark may be listed in
coin is the determination of denomination. Since denominations the Note fi eld of the type description.
are usually expressed in numeric, rather than word form on a Where listings incorporate mintmaster initials, they are always
coin, this is usually quite easily accomplished on coins from presented in capital letters separated from the date by one
nations, which use Western numerals, except in those instances character space; i.e., 1850 MF. The different mintmark and
where issues are devoid of any mention of face value, and mintmaster letters found on the coins of any country, state or
denomination must be attributed by size, metallic composition city of issue are always shown at the beginning of listings.
or weight. Coins listed in this volume are generally illustrated in
actual size. Where size is critical to proper attribution, the coin’s METALS
millimeter size is indicated. Each numbered type listing will contain a description of the
The sphere of countries stretching from North Africa through coins metallic content. The traditional coinage metals and their
the Orient, on which numeric symbols generally unfamiliar to symbolic chemical abbreviations sometimes used in this catalog
Westerners are employed, often provide the collector with a are:
much greater challenge. This is particularly true on nearly all pre- Platinum - (PT) Copper - (Cu)
20th Century issues. On some of the more modern issues and Gold - (Au) Brass -
increasingly so as the years progress, Western-style numerals Silver - (Ag) Copper-nickel - (CN)
usually presented in combination with the local numeric system Billion - Lead - (Pb)
are becoming more commonplace on these coins. Nickel - (Ni) Steel -
Determination of a coin’s currency system can also be valuable Zinc - (Zn) Tin - (Sn)
in attributing the issue to its country of origin. A comprehensive Bronze - (Ae) Aluminum - (Al)
alphabetical index of currency names, applicable to the During the 18th and 19th centuries, most of the world’s coins
countries as cataloged in this volume, with all individual nations were struck of copper or bronze, silver and gold. Commencing
of use for each, is presented in this section. in the early years of the 20th century, however, numerous new
The included table of Standard International Numeral coinage metals, primarily non-precious metal alloys, were
Systems presents charts of the basic numeric designations introduced. Gold has not been widely used for circulation
found on coins of non-Western origin. Although denomination coinages since World War I, although silver remained a popular
numerals are generally prominently displayed on coins, it must coinage metal in most parts of the world until after World War
be remembered that these are general representations of II. With the disappearance of silver for circulation coinage,
characters, which individual coin engravers may have rendered numerous additional compositions were introduced to coinage
in widely varying styles. Where numeric or script denominations applications.
designation forms peculiar to a given coin or country apply, such Most recent is the development of clad or plated planchets in
as the script used on some Persian (Iranian) issues. They are order to maintain circulation life and extend the life of a set of
so indicated or illustrated in conjunction with the appropriate production dies as used in the production of the copper-nickel
listings. clad copper 50 centesimos of Panama or in the latter case to
(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:2)(cid:2)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:16)(cid:16)(cid:13)(cid:13)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:22)(cid:22)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:14)(cid:14)(cid:17)(cid:17)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:24)(cid:19)(cid:19)(cid:23)(cid:23)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:20)(cid:20)(cid:21)(cid:21)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:18)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:11)(cid:11) (cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:7)(cid:7)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:10)(cid:10)(cid:4)(cid:4)(cid:6)(cid:6)(cid:9)(cid:9)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:12)(cid:12)(cid:5)(cid:5)(cid:8)(cid:8)(cid:1)(cid:1)(cid:15)(cid:15)(cid:14)(cid:14)
HOW TO USE THIS CATALOG 9
reduce production costs of the planchets and yet provide a coin UNIFORM WEIGHTS
quite similar in appearance to its predecessor as in the case of 15.432 Grains = 1 Gram
the copper plated zinc core United States 1983 cent. 0.0648 Gram = 1 Grain
Modern commemorative coins have employed still more
unusual methods such as bimetallic coins, color applications AVOIRDUPOIS STANDARDS
and precious metal or gem inlays. 27-11/32 Grains = 11 Dram
437-1/2 Grains = 1 Ounce
OFF-METAL STRIKES 28.350 Grams = 1 Ounce
Off-metal strikes previously designated by “(OMS)” which also
included the wide range of error coinage struck in other than BULLION VALUE CHARTS
their offi cially authorized compositions have been incorporated The simplest method for determining the bullion value of a
into Pattern listings along with special issues, which were struck precious metal coin is to multiply the actual precious metal
for presentation or other reasons. weight by the current spot price for that metal. Using the
Collectors of Germanic coinage may be familiar with the term example above, a silver coin with a .6800 actual silver weight
“Abschlag” which quickly identifi es similar types of coinage. (ASW) would have an intrinsic value of $18.70 when the spot
price of silver is $27.50. If the spot price of silver rose to $37.00
PRECIOUS METAL WEIGHTS that same coins intrinsic value would rise to $25.16.
Listings of weight, fi neness and actual silver (ASW), gold Valuations for most of the silver, gold, platinum and palladium
(AGW), platinum or palladium (APW) content of most machine- coins listed in this edition are based on assumed market values
struck silver, gold, platinum and palladium coins are provided in of $35 per troy ounce for silver, $1,750 for gold, $1,750 for
this edition. This information will be found incorporated in each platinum, and $750 for palladium. To arrive at accurate current
separate type listing, along with other data related to the coin. market indications for these issues, increase or decrease the
The ASW, AGW and APW fi gures were determined by valuations appropriately based on any variations in these
multiplying the gross weight of a given coin by its known or indicated levels.
tested fi neness and converting the resulting gram or grain The silver bullion chart provides silver values in thousandths
weight to troy ounces, rounded to the nearest ten-thousandth from .001 to .009 troy ounce, and in hundredths from .01 to 1.00
of an ounce. A silver coin with a 24.25-gram weight and .875 in 50¢ value increments from $25.00 to $40.00. The gold bullion
fi neness for example, would have a fi ne weight of approximately chart is similarly arranged in $10 increments from $1,500 to
21.2188 grams, or a .6822 ASW, a factor that can be used to $1,800.
accurately determine the intrinsic value for multiple examples.
The ASW, AGW or APW fi gure can be multiplied by the spot HOMELAND TYPES
price of each precious metal to determine the current intrinsic Homeland types are coins which colonial powers used in a
value of any coin accompanied by these designations. colony, but do not bear that location’s name. In some cases they
Coin weights are indicated in grams (abbreviated “g”) along were legal tender in the homeland, in others not. They are listed
with fi neness where the information is of value in differentiating under the homeland and cross-referenced at the colony listing.
between types. These weights are based on 31.103 grams
per troy (scientifi c) ounce, as opposed to the avoirdupois COUNTERMARKS/COUNTERSTAMPS
(commercial) standard of 28.35 grams. Actual coin weights are
generally shown in hundredths or thousands of a gram; i.e.,
0.500 SILVER 2.9200g.
WEIGHTS AND FINENESSES
As the silver and gold bullion markets have advanced and
declined sharply in recent years, the fi neness and total precious
metal content of coins has become especially signifi cant where
bullion coins - issues which trade on the basis of their intrinsic
metallic content rather than numismatic value - are concerned. There is some confusion among collectors over the terms
In many instances, such issues have become worth more in “countermark” and “counterstamp” when applied to a coin
bullion form than their nominal collector values or denominations bearing an additional mark or change of design and/or
indicate. denomination.
Establishing the weight of a coin can also be valuable for To clarify, a countermark might be considered similar to the
determining its denomination. Actual weight is also necessary “hall mark” applied to a piece of silverware, by which a silversmith
to ascertain the specifi c gravity of the coin’s metallic content, an assured the quality of the piece. In the same way, a countermark
important factor in determining authenticity. assures the quality of the coin on which it is placed, as, for
example, when the royal crown of England was countermarked
TROY WEIGHT STANDARDS (punched into) on segmented Spanish reales, allowing them to
24 Grains = 1 Pennyweight circulate in commerce in the British West Indies. An additional
480 Grains = 1 Ounce countermark indicating the new denomination may also be
31.103 Grams = 1 Ounce encountered on these coins.
Countermarks are generally applied singularly and in most
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