Numismatics Catalog

China

2018

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the People’s Republic of China in 2018 as part of a nature and wildlife-themed series. The design features two swans with gracefully curved necks forming a heart-like composition, symbolizing harmony, devotion, and elegance. The detailed engraving emphasizes the birds’ plumage and gentle interaction, reflecting traditional Chinese appreciation for balance and natural beauty. The denomination of 20 Yuan appears on the obverse alongside Chinese inscriptions.

Australia

2016

This Australian five-dollar silver coin is dedicated to the Northern Sky constellation Cassiopeia, presented through a vivid colorized depiction of the night sky. The reverse showcases the constellation mapped against a deep blue cosmic background with stars connected in a stylized astronomical grid, evoking both scientific star charts and poetic interpretations of the universe. The obverse features the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, grounding the celestial theme within a contemporary monetary context. The coin bridges astronomy, visual storytelling, and modern minting techniques, transforming scientific observation into an accessible and emotionally engaging artistic object.

Cook Islands

Varies by issue (mid-2010s series)

This innovative silver coin issued for the Cook Islands explores the scientific concept of the space–time continuum, a fundamental principle in modern physics describing the unified nature of space and time. The coin features a square format with a curved (domed) profile, creating a three-dimensional visual effect reminiscent of gravitational distortion. The geometric grid design emphasizes depth and curvature, symbolizing spacetime being warped by mass and energy as described in Einstein’s theory of relativity. The coin exemplifies contemporary numismatic experimentation, combining advanced minting technology with abstract scientific themes.

Austria

2022

This commemorative bi-metallic coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2022 as part of its Silver–Niobium series exploring scientific and cosmic themes. The design is dedicated to the search for extraterrestrial life and humanity’s exploration of the universe. The colored niobium core depicts a stylized cosmic scene with a planet, stars, and a human-like figure symbolizing curiosity and discovery beyond Earth. The silver outer ring features scientific symbols, molecular structures, and references to astronomy and space research. The coin combines advanced minting technology with imaginative design to reflect modern scientific inquiry into life beyond our planet.

Austria

2023

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2023 as part of its science and astronomy series exploring extreme phenomena in the universe. The design is dedicated to neutron stars, the ultra-dense remnants of massive stellar explosions. One side features a vivid, colorized depiction of intense magnetic fields and radiation surrounding a neutron star, with a raised spherical element emphasizing density and gravity. The reverse presents a scientific diagram referencing the Crab Pulsar, illustrating the star’s internal structure, rotation speed, and physical properties. The coin combines scientific accuracy with innovative minting techniques and tactile elements to visualize complex astrophysical concepts.

Austria

2021

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2021 as part of its astronomy-themed collector series. The design presents a detailed map of the Milky Way galaxy, highlighting key astronomical reference points such as the Orion Arm, Cygnus X-1, the Crab Pulsar, and the position of the Sun. Directional markers and textured spiral structures illustrate the scale and structure of the galaxy. The coin combines scientific accuracy with advanced relief engraving, reflecting modern astronomical knowledge and Austria’s tradition of educational numismatic design.

Austria

2022

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2022 as part of its science-themed collector program and is dedicated to the phenomenon of black holes. The design features a dramatic three-dimensional depiction of a black hole with a deep central cavity, surrounded by a swirling, colorized accretion disk and star field. The coin uses advanced minting and coloring techniques to create a strong illusion of depth and cosmic motion. It reflects modern scientific exploration and Austria’s tradition of innovative numismatic design inspired by astronomy and physics.

Australia

2023

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Royal Australian Mint in 2023 and features a colorized depiction of planet Earth viewed from space. The reverse presents a detailed, full-color image of Earth showing continents and oceans, emphasizing the planet’s global interconnectedness and environmental significance. The obverse bears the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II surrounded by a modern abstract orbital design, symbolizing space, science, and exploration beyond Earth. Struck in fine silver with a denomination of 5 dollars, the coin combines traditional portraiture with contemporary space-inspired imagery.

United States

2019

This commemorative silver dollar was issued by the United States Mint in 2019 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. The coin features a distinctive concave–convex curved shape, enhancing its sculptural design. The obverse depicts an astronaut descending a ladder toward the lunar surface, symbolizing humanity’s first steps on the Moon. The reverse shows a detailed imprint of an astronaut’s boot on the Moon, surrounded by the names of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. The coin commemorates a defining moment in space exploration and American history.

United Kingdom

2021

This commemorative 50 pence coin marks the 100th anniversary of the discovery of insulin, a breakthrough that transformed diabetes from a fatal disease into a manageable condition. The design uses a clean, contemporary visual language inspired by molecular structures, with geometric forms symbolizing insulin molecules and biochemical processes. The engraved chemical formula reinforces the scientific foundation of the discovery, while the polygonal coin shape itself emphasizes innovation. Overall, the coin celebrates medical progress, human ingenuity, and the life-saving impact of modern science on global health.