IYA2009 Commemorative coins

[Dingo]

I saw these at the post office today

http://www.perthmint.com.au/catalogue/international-of-astronomy-2009-proof-coin-set.aspx

[Blue Skies]

They're actually from the Royal Australian Mint - the Perth Mint is just a reseller for these.

There is a 50c with an IYA theme coming out in July to complement the exisiting sets.

[dannat]

I bought a set last year - they are slightly more expensive now ..though

[Gargoyle_Steve]

I've got both the 2 coin and 6 coin sets in Proof version - they do look stunning, but I think they're overpriced to be honest. The 2 sets cost well over $100 together, and really you only get $1.20 of actual "IYA" coins, apart from the $1 and 20c all of the others are standard designs (although all in Proof version, which again yes does look brilliant).

[bones]

I thought the Perth Mint looked a bit steep on the price too. I was looking around on the web some weeks ago for other countries that could have IYA astronomy mintage.

The best value for money on I saw would probalaby be from the Austrian Mint. They have a 25euro coin for 44.95 euro. But then you'd have to factor in conversion and shipping of course. They're uncirculated and only 65,000 being made. I didn't buy one though.

[Allan_L]

AUSTRIAN would be good. You could claim it was a mis-spelling ! :)

But isn't it illegal to send a countries coinage out of the country?
(especially for commercial gain)

[Blue Skies]

Nah, these are special collector's coins, not really common-usage currency. They're sold way above their face value, and usually slabbed (encased in a polycarbonate plastic case so you can't get them dirty and they dont tarnish). I think I've ordered that Austrian one from a coin dealer (hopefully its on its way to me at the moment).

[matt]

This one looks pretty nice, too:

http://www.perthmint.com.au/catalogue/international-year-of-astronomy-2009-1oz-silver-proof-coin.aspx

[rogerg]

Thanks for the link Matt, I don't have that one :)

[seanliddelow]

I have the coin set. I like the 1 dollar coin with the radio telescope picture on it.

[Screwdriverone]

My wife bought me the proof set for my birthday!

Surprised the hell out of me as I was eyeing these myself and never thought in a million years she would find them and buy them for me.

Very nice commemorative set.

Cheers

Chris

[citivolus]

Ah, but have you seen:

http://mintissue.ramint.gov.au/mintissue/product.asp?code=801373

[Peter Ward]

Sure have! (Should look nice next to my 2.7kg Mundrabilla Meteorite)

Ordered a set last week :)

[Blue Skies]

In addition to the silver proof with the meteorite bits in the middle there is a 50c coin with an Apollo lunar lander on it just been released too.