Numismatics Catalog

Germany

2019

This commemorative coin issued by Germany marks the 100th anniversary of the Bauhaus movement, one of the most influential schools of modern art, design, and architecture of the 20th century. The design features a stylized geometric composition inspired by Bauhaus principles—clarity, functionality, and harmony between art and technology. Architectural elements and linear forms reference iconic Bauhaus buildings and typography, while the minimalist aesthetic reflects the movement’s rejection of ornament in favor of rational design. The coin honors Bauhaus’s lasting impact on architecture, industrial design, graphic design, and modern visual culture worldwide.

Austria

2020

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Austrian Mint to mark the 100th anniversary of the Salzburg Festival, first held in 1920. The design features stylized theatrical masks and musical motifs, symbolizing opera, drama, and classical music—the core elements of the festival. The inscriptions reference Salzburg’s rich cultural heritage and its global reputation as one of the world’s most important centers for performing arts. The coin honors Austria’s long-standing tradition in music and theater, closely associated with composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

China

2023

This silver commemorative coin issued by the People’s Bank of China celebrates Peking Opera (Beijing Opera), one of China’s most important traditional performing arts. The design features stylized opera characters in elaborate costumes and headgear, highlighting the distinctive facial makeup, expressive eyes, and symbolic colors that define the art form. Peking Opera combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics and has been recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The coin reflects China’s dedication to preserving and honoring its classical cultural traditions through modern numismatics.

Canada

2023

This commemorative silver coin issued by the Royal Canadian Mint features the Allegory of Peace, depicted as a winged female figure rendered in three-dimensional form and highlighted with selective gold plating. The allegorical figure symbolizes peace, harmony, and hope, drawing on classical artistic traditions. The design is presented within an innovative open-core structure, allowing a full view of the sculptural centerpiece. Surrounding the core is a silver ring bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II and the denomination. The coin reflects Canada’s tradition of combining advanced minting technology with symbolic, classical themes in modern numismatics.

United States

circa late 20th century (exact issue year varies)

This artistic medal is associated with Brookgreen Gardens, a renowned sculpture garden and wildlife preserve located in South Carolina, United States. The medal features finely sculpted bird imagery rendered in a high-relief, bronze-like finish. One side depicts a perched bird illuminated by a circular background element, while the reverse shows a bird in motion accompanied by the inscription “Brookgreen Gardens, South Carolina.” The piece reflects Brookgreen Gardens’ long-standing tradition of celebrating American figurative art, wildlife, and nature through sculpture and medallic design.

Palau

2020

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Republic of Palau in 2020 as part of the “Great Micromosaic Passion” art series. The design reproduces a detailed mosaic interpretation of Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece The Birth of Venus, using finely textured tesserae to mimic ancient and Renaissance mosaic techniques. The reverse bears the national coat of arms of Palau along with the denomination of 20 dollars. The coin merges classical art history with modern numismatic craftsmanship, celebrating one of the most iconic images of Western art through an innovative mosaic-style design.

Austria

2017

This commemorative silver coin was issued by the Austrian Mint in 2017 to mark the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1842. One side features portraits of key figures associated with the orchestra’s early history, symbolizing its artistic leadership and legacy. The reverse depicts members of the orchestra performing with string instruments, capturing the tradition, discipline, and excellence of one of the world’s most renowned classical ensembles. Struck in fine silver with a denomination of 20 Euro, the coin honors Austria’s enduring contribution to classical music and cultural heritage.

China

2019

This commemorative gold coin was issued by the People’s Republic of China in 2019 as part of a series celebrating the art and cultural heritage of Chinese calligraphy. The design features stylized ancient script characters inspired by traditional seal and clerical calligraphy styles, emphasizing balance, structure, and historical continuity. The reverse incorporates classical text panels and engraved textures referencing historical manuscripts, with the denomination of 100 Yuan. The coin highlights calligraphy as one of China’s most revered art forms, reflecting its role in literature, philosophy, and statecraft over centuries.

France

2012

This commemorative silver coin was issued by Monnaie de Paris in 2012 to honor French artist Yves Klein, a leading figure of postwar European art and a pioneer of conceptual and performance art. The reverse features a portrait of Klein alongside a vivid blue handprint, referencing his iconic use of International Klein Blue (IKB) and his famous anthropometry works. The obverse displays a textured field inspired by Klein’s artistic surfaces, with the denomination of 10 Euro. The coin reflects Klein’s influence on modern art, experimentation, and the relationship between color, gesture, and form.

Tokelau

2021

This commemorative silver coin was issued by Tokelau in 2021 and features a modern artistic interpretation of the theme of love and human connection. The obverse presents two stylized human profiles in an intimate composition, rendered in contrasting silver and selective gold plating, symbolizing emotional duality, reflection, and unity. The reverse displays a square inset bearing the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II, along with the denomination of 22 New Zealand Dollars and metal specifications. The coin is distinguished by its innovative shape, contemporary sculptural design, and polished modern aesthetic.