Perth Mint Giant Panda 1oz Silver Proof Coin

Perth Mint has released a Giant Panda 1oz Silver Proof Coin in their 2011 Wildlife in Need series. The Giant Panda is the first release in this exciting new series. Forthcoming releases will be Orangutan, Polar Bear, Black Rhinoceros & Siberian Tiger The Perth Mint Giant Panda 1oz Silver Proof Coin is in 99.9% pure silver Proof quality with an extremely limited mintage of 5,000 pieces. The coin is struck by The Perth Mint on behalf of Coin Club Australia. By purchasing this coin, Coin Club Australia will make a donation of $1.99 to The WWF Australia on your behalf. The coin is issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu.

The coin’s reverse features an adult Giant Panda and cub in colour, against a backdrop of a bamboo forest and a mountain. The lower reverse comprises a struck design showing a pair of supporting hands with a bamboo motif. The inscription WILDLIFE IN NEED – GIANT PANDA is incorporated into the design. Issued as legal tender under the authority of the Government of Tuvalu, the coin’s obverse depicts the Raphael Maklouf effigy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the 2011 year-date.

Technical Specifications:


Silver Content: (Troy oz) 1
Monetary Denomination: (TVD) 1
Fineness: (% purity) 99.9
Minimum Gross Weight: (g) 31.135
Maximum Diameter: (mm) 40.60
Maximum Thickness: (mm) 4.00
Designer: Karen Hull

No more than 5,000 of these coins will be released and this coin is issued with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity. Each coin is housed in a display case with illustrated shipper. You can go to Perth Mint Website to buy your coin today.

This peaceful, bamboo-eating member of the bear family is native to China. It is easily recognised by the large, distinctive black patches around the eyes, over the ears, and across its round body. Known for its solitary nature, the Giant Panda has an acute sense of smell and can grow up to five feet in height. The lifespan of this bear in the wild has not been confirmed but the oldest captive animal lived to 37 years of age. The Giant Panda is listed as endangered and although estimations vary, it is thought that there are as few as 1,500 of these amazing creatures left in the wild.

Object of the Day: A Delicate Antique Silver Napkin Ring

One of the predominant styles of the mid-Victorian era was a resurgence of Rococo ideals, focusing on asymmetrical nature-inspired designs and curving lines. This antique silver napkin ring from England shows how the Rococo Revival developed into a distinctly French-inspired style which showcased florid edges against the polished surfaces of oblong silhouettes.


While we pull out the napkin rings on special occasions, they previously enjoyed a more active life of daily use in middle and upper class households where adhering to basic formalities was part of the family pride.

Using a set of napkin rings and cloth napkins is a great way to elevate even the simplest meal and make you feel special on the most mundane of days.

Stolen Viking silver treasure coin trial

Last Wednesday marked the first day in a groundbreaking trial against five men charged with aggravated crime against relics following the theft of over 1,000 silver coins and artefacts from the Viking age on the Baltic island of Gotland. The stolen Viking silver treasure coin trial will reconvene on six occasions and it is the first time in Sweden that anyone is charged with aggravated crime against relics.

“That’s why this trial is important for the whole of Sweden”, said Majvor Östergren, archaeological administrator of Gotland's county administrative board, to local paper Gotlandstidningen.

In November last year the police recovered a silver treasure dating back to the 11th century stolen from a field in Gandarve, Alva on Gotland in 2009. The treasure comprised over 2,000 silver coins from Germany, England and the Arab world and its value has been estimated at 1.2 million kronor ($198,181).

The County Administrative Board (Länsstyrelsen) had discovered the unauthorized dig comprising 250 pits in a field in October 2009. After a preliminary investigation silver coins and part of an 11th century crucifix was found in the ground near the looters’ dig.

“That’s when we realized that this was a completed crime against relics. And in this case you really must say that lady luck was with us,” the prosecutor said at the opening of trial.

Since traces of looters are usually rained or cleared away, it is often very difficult to both detect and solve these kinds of crimes. The suspects were linked to the crime scene by the remarkable discovery of the broken crucifix. Several days after finding the dig, an email was discovered by chance with a photo of a part of a crucifix up for sale. It was sold to a man from southern Sweden and was later discovered in his home. The trail led Police back to a well-known coin dealer in Stockholm. During a raid on his property on Gotland, investigators came across muddy clothes, metal detectors, shovels, backpacks and a car especially equipped with night vision. After examining computers and GPS equipment, police also found links between the defendants and two other places where looters had struck on Gotland.

Wednesday's trial is important because it is the first time since the laws on relics were made more strict in the 1990’s that one of these cases have been brought to trial.

“We have seen many investigations over the past few years that have had to be dropped due to lack of evidence,“ said local police officer Mikael Åslund to daily Dagens Nyheter (DN)

In 2009 there were 18 reports of unauthorized digging on Gotland, three of which are part of the prosecution’s evidence in the ongoing trial against the five men. But since the police apprehended the looters in November 2009, there have been no more reports.

“It is our feeling that looters have gone under ground, “ Östergren told DN.

Landowners in Sweden that discover ancient artefacts are awarded a finders fee in reward for turning them in to authorities. According to Östergren this is very important.

“Scientists from all over the world come to Gotland to study our findings, “ Östergren told DN.

The charges the defendants face include preparation of aggravated crime against relics and aggravated crime against relics, which carries a penalty of up to four years in prison. The defendants have denied the charges.

Source: The Local

I wish this kind of trial will be happening in Malaysia. I can see many people searching for old treasure without any action by the authority. Its truly "finder keeper" in Malaysia. Even though

what they found should be related to Malaysia history.